An Elegant Taurus, For a More Civilized Decade

Published on April 12, 2021
Duration: 5:26

The Taurus PT 908, released in the early 90s, was an attempt by Taurus to move upscale, distinct from its Beretta and S&W clones. It features a single-stack 9mm design with an 8-round capacity and a frame-mounted safety/decocker allowing 'cocked and locked' carry. While mechanically interesting with a Browning-style recoil and Sig-style lockup, this specific used model exhibited extraction failures due to a worn extractor, highlighting potential reliability issues with older firearms.

Quick Summary

The Taurus PT 908, released in the early 90s, was a 9mm single-stack pistol with an 8-round capacity and a frame-mounted safety/decocker for 'cocked and locked' carry. It featured a Browning-style recoil system and Sig-style barrel lockup, distinguishing it from other Taurus models.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Shooting the Taurus PT 908
  2. 00:19Taurus Brand History & 90s Upscale Attempt
  3. 00:48PT 908 Design: Browning & Sig Lockup
  4. 01:11Caliber & Capacity: 9mm Single-Stack
  5. 01:37Mechanical Features: Safety & Decocker
  6. 02:32Reliability Issues: Worn Extractor
  7. 03:04Shooting Impressions & Ergonomics
  8. 04:13The PT 945 & 'U.S. Marshals' Movie
  9. 04:34Pricing & Value: Premium 90s Pistol

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Taurus PT 908 mechanically distinct?

The Taurus PT 908, though visually similar to a PT 92, features a unique Browning-style recoil system and a Sig-style barrel lockup, setting it apart from its Beretta-inspired predecessors and contemporaries.

What was the Taurus PT 908's place in the 1990s firearm market?

In the 1990s, the PT 908 was part of Taurus's effort to move into a more upscale market segment. Its original MSRP of $473 in 1994, equivalent to over $800 today, indicates it was positioned as a premium handgun for its time.

What are the key features of the Taurus PT 908?

The PT 908 is a single-stack 9mm pistol with an 8-round capacity. It includes a frame-mounted safety/decocker, allowing for 'cocked and locked' carry, and utilizes a DA/SA trigger system.

What potential reliability issues were noted with the Taurus PT 908?

During testing, a worn extractor on a used PT 908 model led to failures to extract rounds, especially when the firearm became dirty. This highlights the importance of inspecting wear on critical components in older handguns.

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