Taurus grips

Taurus (Forjas Taurus S.A.) is Brazil's largest firearms manufacturer and a global leader in affordable, reliable handguns and rifles

Founded on November 3, 1939, in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, by German immigrant José Albano Ferreira and his sons, the company began as a tool and die shop producing forgings, gauges, and small metal parts during WWII shortages

In 1941, Taurus pivoted to firearms, starting with copies of the Colt 1911 (Model 38101) and Smith & Wesson revolvers. Early success came from licensed production of the Beretta Model 950 and Model 1934 pistols under Italian patents

Key milestone: In 1963, Taurus acquired the bankrupt Bangor Punta division (former Smith & Wesson tooling and designs), gaining blueprints for S&W revolvers. This enabled mass production of high-quality .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers—models like the Model 65, Model 82, and Model 85—at far lower cost than U.S. originals

The breakthrough: 1970s export boom to the U.S. via Interarms and later Taurus International (Miami, est. 1984). The iconic Model 85 (similar to S&W J-frame snub-nose) became America's bestseller in concealed-carry revolvers

In 1995, Taurus launched the revolutionary PT92 (Beretta 92 clone with improvements), followed by the PT99, PT100, PT111 Millennium (2000s polymer striker-fired line), and G2C/G3C series—earning awards for value and reliability

Today, headquartered in São Leopoldo with U.S. facilities in Bainbridge, Georgia, Taurus produces millions of pistols, revolvers, and rifles annually—delivering rugged, budget-friendly firearms trusted by civilians, law enforcement, and military worldwide