Taurus (manufacturer)
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Taurus is a firearms manufacturer founded in Porto Alegre, Brazil around 1940. They produced their first revolver in 1941. Today they are well known for making cheaper copies – often including many improvements – of handguns produced by other firearms manufacturers.
One of their most successful handguns has been their PT92, a model similar to Beretta's model 92 line, but with the addition of an ambidextrous frame safety, rather than the Beretta's slide-mounted safety (see article on Beretta 92 for a list of differences). Taurus also manufactures the famous Raging Bull revolver. Taurus' most recent addition to their pistol lineup is a copy of the Colt 1911 .45ACP pistol, the PT1911. This slightly redesigned 1911 features an ambidexterous slide safety as well as a key lock safety system to prevent unauthorized usage. Initial sales of the PT1911 have been very successful, with many dealers being unable to keep the item in stock.
Forjas Taurus S/A originally was a tool/cutlery factory. It is currently one of the most important Brazilian tool manufacturers. [citation needed]
Taurus started to manufacture revolvers and later bought the Beretta plant in Brazil, starting to produce Beretta-style pistols in assorted calibers: small .22 Long Rifle and .25 ACP pocket pistols, .380 ACP, and "export only" calibers (like the 9mm, not allowed in Brazil for civilian use).
Current product line includes steel-frame pistols, polymer-frame pistols (Millennium, PT 24/7, others), revolvers and law enforcement weapons (submachine guns and rifles), the latter intended for the domestic market. The PT92 pistol is the handgun of choice for many Brazilian police agents.
Its American subsidiary is Taurus USA.
[edit] Other Brazilian firearms
(external links in Portuguese)
IMBEL (Indústria de Material Bélico) - Produces weaponry, ammunition and assorted equipment to the Brazilian Army
Rossi - Manufactures shotguns, short rifles and revolvers
CBC (Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos) - Originally an ammunition factory, nowadays manufactures shotguns, small-caliber, short rifles and pneumatic guns.
