Taurus USA announced on its Facebook page that the company is now shipping the Spectrum pistol. (Update: You can read my Taurus Spectrum review here. At the 2019 SHOT Show, I will try to track down someone at Taurus who will be willing to comment on the problems I’ve experienced with the gun.)
Taurus made the announcement on December 22, narrowly beating an “end of the year” deadline that I was told the company was working toward.
The Spectrum was officially announced at the 2017 SHOT Show, though I previously broke the news about the gun last December. The gun was slated for a first quarter release, but was delayed. I spoke with a company representative about the delays and was told that Taurus decided to make some improvements to the pistol prior to shipping. These improvements required additional testing to ensure customers would be happy with the end result.
It was at that time I was told the company was hoping to have them out by year’s end.
It is a .380 ACP pistol that has a number of design elements that may appeal to shooters. This includes a shape based on extensive ergonomic testing and research, the use of soft overmolds and the use of a magazine extension that works with the size of a pinky.
However, the most eye catching feature of these new guns is the wide variety of color options available. When announced the basic colors would cost only $289.
I have been critical of Taurus in the past, but I also judge every gun based on its own merits. I look forward to testing these and hope Taurus has a winner on its hands. Regardless, you will get an honest gun review from me on it.
Update: My local gun shop was able to order me an all black version of the Spectrum. I have it in my safe now, and will be testing it in the coming weeks.
I’m glad to see these are finally shipping. I am curiouys to know what problem they ran into that prevented them from selling them some 8 months ago.
A very good question .. Ed, I’ll be interested in the answer(s) too.
According to what they said in the video I watched today they decided to make some last minute changes based on feedback that they got on it. Good to know that they actually listened and took peoples advice if you ask me.
That’s great only problem is finding someone to sell the different colors offered. I’ve looked high and low.
Taurus has been slow to roll out the various colors they have promised. Of course, if the problems I have had with the gun I purchased are any indication, the company might be working on improving the system before introducing the rest of the color lineup.
-Richard