Taurus 738 TCP: .380 ACP Pistol Takes Aim at the Ruger LCP

The Taurus TCP was a micro-sized .380 ACP pistol released by Taurus in 2008. Taurus manufactured the gun until about 2014.

Aimed at the same market that was dominated by the Ruger LCP, Taurus’ attempt to woo buyers to the TCP 380 ultimately failed. Low prices are typically the major selling point for Taurus firearms, but the LCP was also very aggressively priced. Most buyers opted for the better regarded Ruger name.

This article examines the Taurus TCP and looks at some of the variants offered by the company.

Introduction of the 738 TCP

Three versions of the Taurus 738 TCP, or Taurus Compact Pistol, were introduced at the 2009 SHOT Show in Orlando. The TCP, also known as the model 738, was a .380 ACP, semi-automatic pistol.

The TCP was a very small, thin and lightweight polymer handgun. It made for a good pocket pistol.

The sights were described by Taurus as “low-profile,” but I would more accurately describe them as almost non-existent. That’s too bad, because this would have been one significant way the gun could have differentiated itself from the original Ruger.

The Taurus TCP has a slide lock, ambidextrous magazine release, and a loaded chamber indicator. A slide stop is not always found on pistols of this size, and an ambidextrous mag release is almost never seen except on larger handguns. These could have been important features for anyone looking to pick up a 738 TCP.

Six rounds was the capacity of the standard magazine. An additional eight-round magazine was sold by Taurus. The extended magazine adds a little length to the grip of the gun, which may make it harder to conceal, but easier to hold onto.

ProMag made 10-round magazines also. These were a bit longer, but gave you a substantial increase in firepower.

The TCP had a 3.3″ barrel and an overall length of 5.19″. That’s pretty small stuff.

I hope you like double action only (DAO) pistols, because that is what you would get with this handgun. The trigger pull was long and moderately heavy. I would have liked it a lot more with a shorter trigger pull with the same weight.

Others may disagree with this assessment since the Taurus 738 TCP is designed to be a pocket gun. But I believe you should always pocket carry with a holster, so that would avoid any problems with a marginally lighter trigger.

The TCP was the lightest gun that Taurus offered at the time, weighing only 10.2 ounces with a blued or stainless steel slide, and a mere nine ounces (!) with a titanium slide.

The titanium slide version was so light, you might actually forget you are carrying it. Those weights are unloaded, by the way. To my knowledge, the TCP with a titanium slide tied the ill-fated Taurus View for the lightest handgun ever made by the company.

The Taurus TCP was manufactured here in the United States. Taurus makes most of their guns in Brazil, but small guns like the 738 TCP are difficult to import. In many ways, it makes sense for the company to invest in manufacturing here in the US. Not all parts have to be made in the USA, and many may be made in Brazil, with the serial numbered part being made in-country.

The Taurus rep on the show floor said pricing would be “around $300” with the titanium model “about $100 more.” Ultimately, street prices are almost always cheaper, and Taurus handguns tend to be very competitive on price. I would expect this to be a sub-$300 gun at the end of the day. Time will tell.

White TCP

Taurus started selling white versions of the TCP pistol in 2014. The new guns retained all of the standard features of the original TCP guns, but with a white frame and either a stainless finished or white slide. Don’t drop it in the snow.

Caliber	.380 ACP
Magazine Capacity	6 rounds
Action	DAO
Weight (unloaded)	10.2 oz
Barrel Length	2.84″
MSRP	not announced

By this time, Taurus already made the TCP with a pink frame, so white makes a third frame color option in the line. Although an MSRP is not listed other models of TCP retail for $355.66. I would expect this gun to be the same. This new model was introduced at the 2014 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

TCP with “Wings”

In 2015, Taurus decided to take a new approach to the TCP and add foldable wings. While the intent was good, the execution was – in my opinion – poor. You can read my full take on the Taurus TCP with Wings here.

Spectrum – The TCP Replacement

By 2017, Taurus was ready to announce a TCP replacement. According to my sources, the 738 TCP was lagging in sales due to the well-priced competition. Combined with the perceptions of poor quality control at Taurus, it seemed the company couldn’t compete.

Enter the Spectrum.

The Spectrum was another micro-380 that offered a lot of features that none of the competition offered. While I had high hopes for the Spectrum (and even bought one at full retail,) it proved to be a dud in my eyes. I strongly recommend reading my Spectrum review if you are considering a purchase.

Updated: April 2, 2022