Taurus Spectrum vs Ruger LCP II vs TCP 

Sorry, one mistake in the details. The TCP does have a last round hold-open.

i bought a Spectrum in September which was built in June 2021 and could not be more pleased. I put 100 rounds of various grain .380 ammo thru it including Hornady defensive hollow points. I did not have any failure to feed, light strikes or ejection issues. It was surprisingly accurate and easy to shoot.

I just bought a Spectrum & fired it a bit today. Call me super impressed with it. I'm an old lady who struggled to fully load the mag but the trigger wasn't an issue for me at all. It's a pocket gun so I wasn't expecting it to be very accurate but it surprised me. At 20ft. I as able to get a 4in pattern on the very first 7 shots thru the gun. I'm sure the more I fire this little jewel the better I'll like it. Also, for the ladies out there, it's light enough to carry in the pocket of pants with an elastic waistband. If you drop it in the pocket of a jacket or sweater you won't look like your hauling rocks around in there. I wanted something that would allow me to conceal carry without having to radically alter my wardrobe & this little gun will do the trick nicely.

I love my Taurus TCP. I have no regrets buying this firearm.

The trigger pull on the spectrum is excellent, it's a double action, which is what makes the gun safe. I really like striker fired pistols but ever since people started doing reviews on RU-vid, most of the handguns are striker fired, most people are used to striker fired triggers and without realizing ( or maybe they do) are comparing double action triggers to striker fired triggers. I promise you, if someone ever needs to use their firearm in a real self defense situation ( I hope you never need to) , how the trigger feels wont even cross your mind

Table top aside once you get to the range the Spectrum shoots softer and the ergonomics blow the other out of the water. My trigger after 600 rounds has leveled off at 6 pounds and is now smooth as butter. I used a spring loaded punch to put a little intention on the sight blades and then added a drop of sight paint on each blade. I can’t tell you what an improvement that made to the accuracy. The only trouble I have had with Spectrum was getting used to the long trigger. I wasn’t always returning the trigger to full reset and if you don’t you get a dead trigger. I’m now used to it and I really enjoy shooting this gun. Who says that about a sub compact anyway? Spectrum isn’t bad guys, give it a try.

I bought the original Ruger LCP in 2010 and I love it. Well made to last forever. Accurate, dependable and easy to take apart to clean. Zero problem from the box since then.

Taurus has earned the right to be treated without bias, My PT111 G2 has been outstanding and 100% reliable, Three plus years of shooting and carrying as my EDC A Spectrum is on my buy it soon list for summertime pocket carry. I will also purchase a pocket holster that will cover the trigger while in the pocket.

Taurus has excellent customer service. I had to send a g2 back for a trigger safety and it was back in my hands in 2 weeks

The Taurus spectrum is a great shooting gun. I have a lcp and Taurus shoots a lot smoother. Shot one yesterday and I plan to buy one.

I own the TCP. Its actually a great little firearm. People are quick to bash it, but so far mine has held up.

Good review. I have a TCP and love it! Very easy to conceal and very reliable.

I put 100 rounds through the spectrum this week very accurate No hang ups what so ever nice quality pistol quality u can feel.

I love how fast you talk. No nonsense and it doesn't waist our time. If you were slower I would have clicked out of your video. I love this video. Thank you so much!!

I love my Spectrum in 2022. I think the long trigger pull is a safety feature that may keep you out of jail if you point it and realize you may shoot someone you don’t wanna shoot or have to shoot. I love my Spectrum

Your video is the most informational one I have seen on this subject. Thanks for the post and I am now a subscriber. Looking forward to purchasing my Spectrum. Have heard nothing but positive remarks so far. Thanks, again!

Everytime I have bought a gun, 3 times now, I compare all the specs I'm looking for as broadly as possible, including price, I have ended up going with Taurus. Things like capacity over size and weight. The G2C for example is an amazing gun and I'd rather have that than the most expensive guns out there. You're right, they are pushing the envelope, forward looking and innovative. Calling them gimmicky is an awfully strange way to characterize a company willing to take risks. The fact is, they are leaders, not followers, in the hand gun world. They are progressive. And their sales are demonstrating that the public is responding to their leadership. When they were a young company they made some trash. But they ploughed ahead. Due to taking risks and learning from their mistakes they may make some blunders, like maybe the Spectrum will totally fail, but I guarantee their reputation and status is only going to grow from here on out. Btw, I don't work for them, I just happen to end up buying from them everytime I do some thorough research. In fact I'll probably end up buying the Spectrum.

Love the TCP. I have had several and got rid of them only to buy another. Best trigger and very reliable.

Anyone with a problem pulling a heavy trigger would not want the spectrum. However it is a safe gun to carry with one in the chamber. It also does not keep pressure on a hammer spring being in a cocked position like some guns that can actually weaken the hammer spring in time. This little pistol has more plusses than minuses. I will be purchasing one. Taurus does repair things under warranty if something is wrong. It does take time to get it back though. Why because they are the largest gun manufacturer in the world and sell more guns than anyone else on the planet. Therefore they have more warranty work to do than anyone else and depending on volume of guns sent back for repair it can take upwards to 10 weeks to get a repair done. It was wrong to say you may never get your gun back. It is correct to say if you send it in for a repair it might be some time before you get it back. When my friend sent a 44 mag revolver in it took 6 weeks to get it back at the time they told him it might take 10 weeks. But it came back repaired and hasn't had a problem since. In fact I ended up trading guns with him for it later. BTW .380's can be ammo finicky so don't blame a pistol if it doesn't like what you feed it.

I now on both of the Taurus is that you addressed in this video. Your explanations and demonstrations were invaluable. And spot on. My subscription to you is one of my most valued. Informative conciseAnd to the point. You are the best

Wow really hard on the Spectrum...trigger pull is fine for self defense..pull is the safety..love the no pre-load feature...would not carry a striker fire chambered and un-chambered is useless as self defense....Taurus checking alot of boxes for me with Spectrum

You can actually turn the take down lock on the Spectrum with the rim of a (spent) .380 cartridge.

I just bought a new Spectrum stainless for $189. Love it

I had a terrible first range test on the Spectrum but...Update: I'm happy. I gave it another range test and it ran flawlessly, no FTF, no jams, didn't need 2nd strike either. I just cleaned the inside with a brass brush and lubed it more, especially the slide racks. Amazing, 100+ rounds with different ammo: American Eagle FMJ, Blazer brass FMJ, Hornady American Gunner XTP, Winchester White box 95 Gr JHP (I thought I grabbed the FMJ, no wonder it was expensive, lol). I just need a third test but I really think it'll be my pocket carry for the summer.

$119.99 at Rural King for the Spectrum!! started today

Got tired of waiting for the Spectrum to come out and bought a LCP II. The choice came down to a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard and the LCP II. Decided to go with the LCP II. The only issue is the fact that it beats up my hands a bit. These types of guns are so light that after a couple of magazines my hands get sore. Unfortunately, I have a touch of arthritis and it really comes out shooting the LCP II. My 9 MM is a bit heavier and has less recoil. Good review!

Great comparison! LCP2 is the way to go. Also, had a bad experience with Taurus.

The Spectrum's heavy trigger does not make it "the worst." The trigger is similar to a revolver. It does make it safer certainly for pocket carry.

Love my Spectrum, switched to the flush mag for everyday carry.

I've dealt with Taurus customor service twice on two separate issues and NEVER had anything but a pleasant experience. The first issue was a problem with the captive recoil spring where the edge of the spring had jumped over the retaining post (something that actually I caused to happen). I called and asked if they could send me another captive recoil assembly and I got it the very next day for free. I do live in Florida so perhaps that Taurus is also in Florida had something to do with the rapid service. Now, the second issue was more serious - the set screw that you turn to lock the slide fell out on the first and only time I tried it (I may have turned it too far) and the slide was permanently locked necessitating sending in the entire gun. The customer service lady was really nice and apologetic when she told me it would take up to twelve weeks (3 months) to get the gun back. I think they tell all customers that maximum time frame so they won't keep calling and asking when they are getting their gun back. It's been a month so far and if it take another month, I won't be thrilled but at least I won't be pissed, either. Some companies won't even tell you when you're getting your gun back. Maybe Taurus needs to hire more service techs to meet the demand or triage the problems better. The good news is that Taurus did away with the problematic TSS (Taurus Safety System) that was also lightly hitting the trigger bar.

Spectrum is my every day carry, got a LCP II too, like them both. My buddy carries and swears by the TCP. Good review, it's all personal preference.

Just ordered a Spectrum to replace my LCP II which was suppose to be my carry gun but I could never carry it. I just couldn't get over the fact that it was under tension with only a secondary sear for a hammer catch. I know Ruger had to cut the first sear to test the hammer catch which says a lot about the durability of the first sear but when it's in my pocket, I'm sitting down, and my 3 year old son is running around in front of me, I just can't do it. I like the idea of a resting striker, which also has a drop safety block on it that he forgot to point out. I won't think twice about carrying this in my pocket.

The Spectrum has yet to prove itself, but I'll stick to my TCP for now. It's been a great gun and I'm pretty happy with it ☺

Great review. I think the benefit of the horrible spectrum trigger is that if you are defending yourself and get a light primer strike, you just keep pulling the trigger. 90+% of rounds go off on the 2nd strike and you don't want to have to chamber another round while fighting for your life.

Great review. I do think the TCP with Crimson Trace Laserguard is ideal for concealed carry. I've put thousands of rounds through it and never had a problem.

I didn't expect a Taurus bashing video but that is what it is. I have both the TCP and Spectrum ($119.99 at Rural King). It is very accurate for a little bitty gun and the trigger is not an issue at all to me. I am more comfortable carrying it than the TCP because I feel it is safer and it disassembles easily without pulling the trigger.

The Spectrum's firing pin was done that way so you can remove the slide without having to pull the trigger.

I own the tcp and carry it every day for 6 years . It has 1 major flaw ! I'm a const. worker , and when pocket carrying the hammer is exposed and lint and debris can fall into it and clog the hammer. I took it to the range one day and deciided to try it after a week of carrying at work everyday . It jammed and wouldnt fire because of a little bit of debris that got down in my pocket while working . Now I keep a piece of clear scotch tape over the hole , so nothing falls down in their while I'm working. Ive never had a problem shooting it with the tape over the end of the slide covering the hole. The new Spectrum does'nt have that problem as the hammer is concealed. Nice video !

I have a Spectrum and so far it is good and the extra effort required on the trigger is ok for me because I like having no preset pressure for safety in a carry pistol and it allows for re strike. I had an LCP II but the magazine would intermittently pop out when firing the gun, sent it back to Rugger and after it came back it still would have the magazine pop out and also had failure to extract so I sold it.

TCP first pocket 380 with a hold open last round. Best trigger in the group period.

Excellent detailed overview of these guns, thanks! No, Glocks don't detonate themselves, but they are susceptible to something snagging the trigger, and NDs from trigger fingers happen often enough that they have a name, "Glock leg." I do see the heavier DAO triggers as a safety feature especially in a pocket gun. The M&P Bodyguard has that, too. (I like my little BG380.) I don't own a Taurus but on the gun forums their customer service gets good reviews more recently.

This was an EXCELLENT review of these firearms, and as soon as you confirmed that the Spectrum had the worst trigger--closer to the high end of the suggested range of 7-9lbs--that nailed it for me as my next choice. However I disagree with your perception of "safety." The scissors thing on the trigger of most pre-cocked striker pistols is a safety in one aspect only--it will not fire if dropped. But any foreign object in one's pocket, holster, handbag can certainly snag that scissors with a short pull, pre-cocked, 5 lb trigger. I perceive carrying a Glock or similar to be like carrying in condition zero--cocked and not locked. If anything, it is those guns, like the LCP2, that should have a manual safety. And yes, if you research, you'll read stories of "Glock leg"--people who have had accidental misfires--far more so than firearms with long, heavy triggers. I have the TCP, and while it's a fine handgun, the hammer is partially cocked and the trigger is too light for my taste--it still concerns me. The whole point of a long, heavy true DAO trigger is precisely safety. This is not a gimmick--it a design that's been used on guns going back to revolvers. For pistols, the Kel-Tec P11, Sig P250, Beretta Pico, S&W Bodyguard, and others are designed exactly this way. The only difference is they are hammer fired while the Spectrum is striker. The mechanism is insignificant--what's important is that no energy is applied until you pull the trigger. The likelihood of something snagging on a 9 lb trigger and then pulling back so far is extremely remote. And even if your finger accidentally enters the trigger guard, again, it's unlikely that you'll squeeze that trigger all the way back accidentally. That is why no manual safety is required. Reviews now on YT are not confirming your expectations. The Spectrum is emerging as a huge hit--precisely because it encompasses all of the most desired and best features of a CC. Also your bias against Taurus is unfounded these days. Selling less expensive firearms, companies like Kel-Tec and Taurus sell far more and statistically rack up more negative feedback. But I see videos all the time of higher end mfr guns with plenty of issues. It hard to believe that a company like today's Taurus that puts so much thought into the design of a carry pistol would then throw it all away with lousy quality control. Like the ad used to go, this isn't your father's Taurus.

I own a Spectrum and have had zero issues with it except one. for me the wide trigger causes a blister on the finger after a couple hundred rounds. It may be the heavy trigger pull that causes this though.

Taurus give this guy's gun back. You shouldn't hold a gun more than a month without compensation.

I had a ruger first and liked it a lot but I got a spectrum that Ive carried in my pocket for about 4 years and Im very happy with it and I paid only half as much for the spectrum before those I had a keltec 380 and it would be my favorite of the 380 pocket pistols

Thanks for this, I’ve been looking at all 3 and narrowed it down to these options so it’s very helpful.

Chris, This was a great video. Without any range time, you still explain more about how guns work, and how different brands work. I love 380s, my first pistol was the Bersa Thunder, the only gun I ever parted with, it was stolen. I have the Thunder Plus 380, and a S&W Bodyguard 380, and just ordered the Spectrum. The Spectrum is probably the cheapest gun I've ever bought, $135, but I actually have high hopes for it. Sure, not a highlight of my collection, but I don't see why it won't go bang when I pull the trigger. I think it will be OK. The Spectrum has some really wild color combinations, which could be really fun, but I went with SS/Grey/Black. Thanks again for the video, even though it makes me want more guns...

The spectrum is more accurate and it shots quicker striker fire Trigger is deliberate its the safety.

I don't have my TCP anymore, but that was one of the only little 380s I could hit what I was aiming at.

I own a TCP and have fired an LCP II and a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard as rentals. The purpose of these guns is pocket carry, or if you a slim woman, very thin IWB carry. They have to small enough to meet the concealment need and large enough that the shooter can handle them. I bought the TCP because the original LCP felt too squirmy in my hand. The Bodyguard had a lot of recoil and a really bad trigger. At the time (2014) the TCP was the best in terms of how it felt in my hand. I upgraded the TCP with a Galloway set up including a wide trigger, steel guide rod and replacement spring, and very soft hammer spring. I added NiteSiter sight dots which, if you are careful, are an inexpensive must-have for any of these little guns. I now have a miniscule gun with visible 3 dot sights. In other words, an LCP Custom, which was not made at the time. I also added a Pearce grip extension to one of the mags and a Hogue wraparound rubber grip sleeve, which made the TCP a lot like the Spectrum. The TCP still is snappy when fired, but is very accurate at the 7 - 10 yard expected use distance. The LCP II that I fired as a rental was impressive. It felt good in the hand and had less recoil that I would have expected for its light weight. If I were buying today, it would be a tough choice between it and an LCP Custom. If you look at any of these guns, however, consider whether it will fit in your pocket. The advantage of the older guns like the TCP and original LCP is that with the short, flat magazines, inside a pocket holster, they really will fit anywhere. Back wallet pocket. Breast wallet pocket of a sport coat or suit. The TCP disappears. The newer models like the Spectrum and LCP II are just as light in weight, but are materially larger. An extended magazine lengthens the grip for comfort, but markedly reduces pocket-ability except in cargo pockets. Finally, your hand and fingers need to fit the gun. I have smaller hands so the TCP fits and points well. But the original LCP felt too small. If you have large hands, these guns might not be for you at all. Lastly, they all have a good bit of recoil. Rent at least one of them first. I would say the brand does not matter as much as the weight. Make sure to rent a 10 oz gun and see if the recoil bothers you. If it does, and you can go a little larger and heavier, and you can stomach the price, try the Sig P238. Expensive, not quite pocketable, but no recoil at all.I have one as well as the TCP for different clothing choices, and the Sig is fun as a range gun as well. Final thought. Never use steel case ammo in any of these guns. Bad FTE problem in the TCP and I never attempted to use steel in the Sig.

IMHO, I have aTauPT92, Spectrum, and a PT111G2 All work beautifully shoot all ammo. Had a TCP. While firing it at the range, the slide came off along with spring and rod. I sent it into Taurus. after about 2 months, they emailed back saying it was not fixable and sent me a new TCP. How that for service. ! I think they quality guns. The Pt 111 is my carry gun with over 1200 rounds very accurate dependable, no hiccups. I know experiences differ. Mine has been good. Great video.

Spectrum is a DAO restrike. Hence a long trigger. GREAT gun, I used mine a rental at store I work at. I carry it at my day job every day. Solid gun. DO NOT use german/browning 380 ammo, primers are too hard and may take several pulls to get round to fire.

The one thing I would definitely change on the Spectrum is give it a captive recoil spring

My wife has arthritis in her hands and fingers and can pull the Taurus trigger with ease. It is a little stiff but not really that bad. As a NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, I have used revolvers and pistols that have a much worse trigger than the Taurus Spectrum.

I am the owner of a Taurus Spectrum that I bought pre-pandemic for 120 bucks new. You may have noticed from the video but he didn't emphasize was on the Spectrum The Recoil spring is not captive to the guide rod, and he also didn't show that it is a bear to get that thing back together once you disassemble it. My advice is if you do have or purchase a spectrum you can buy a captive guide rod assembly online for a reasonable price. It is definitely worth the upgrade, also on the Spectrum, if you put the magazine to capacity, You will occasionally have a jam as you're trying to load the first round into a chamber, which is a huge issue for me because I pocket carry and do not keep around chambered for safety reasons. The way I found overcome this is by having one less round in the magazine. And the spectrum is also know for light primer strikes. If you're thinking about a small pocket carry gun I would take the LCP all day long over the spectrum... much more reliable. He also did not cover the Glock 42 in this comparison but it is comparable, I am a fan of Glocks but I would take an LCP over a Glock 42.

A cartridge rim works very well for removing the take down pin without marring the slide of the LCP2..

The TCP is real slim, real light, but has a steep feed ramp and certain brands of ammo have trouble feeding in the TCP, it's mostly with JHP's but if you have a reliable brand of ammunition and have tested your gun the TCP should still be a good buy. The Spectrum has a lot of rounded edges so it's not as likely to snag on clothing when drawing or reholstering, the problem with it being so smooth might be that it could be real slick if wet and etc. But nothing some grip tape wouldnt solve. The Spectrum as a whole seems to be an improved TCP design in most every way, including feeding reliability and etc. The LCP 2 is typically the most expensive of the 3 from what I've seen, it's the widest, the trigger isnt as clean breaking to me as the Spectrum or TCP from personal experience handling them but it's still quite usable and one shouldnt have any problem with it. As far as overall reliability it does seem to work quite well. Out of the 3, I'd go with the Spectrum, it is more optimized for CCW and has plenty of ammo. The trigger while it's long and heavy, it feels smooth and frankly in a self defense scenario where your adrenaline gets pumping you dont want a light trigger pull because I PROMISE you will fire off more rounds than you think in rapid succession and may find yourself empty and say "I only shot 3 times". Heavy pulls are not bad for a gun with no manual safety(I dont consider the lock a viable safety) but as mentioned, when the adrenaline gets flowing it really helps. Having had trigger time behind all 3, while heavy pulls can sometimes pull your gun off target, this is mostly because people jerk the trigger. Like I said, it's heavy but it's smooth to me. The TCP is the least comfortable for long term shooting at the range, and while I know some of you may say "Guns like these arent meant for the range" and while I'd agree in theory, putting your skills into action in the form of training is always a good idea to help you stay familiar with your firearm and that means range time. So the more time you can spend shooting the better. The LCP is about as comfortable as the Spectrum to me and as a whole neither are the most comfortable for long term shooting but you could definitely get more time behind both of those guns. In terms of accuracy... I feel all 3 are quite capable. Likely more capable than half the people behind the guns if I'm honest. They're all acceptable at typical self defense ranges out to about 30 meters, but I doubt you'll be firing it at such ranges so it's just an exorcise in mechanics at that point. Sights on all 3 are pretty rough but usable. I'd suggest using some sight paint as it may help when shooting in low light scenarios. All in all, any of the 3 will do the job if you need them to I believe personally but if you're looking at a potential first purchase, the Spectrum would be high up on my list. Btw, the whole striker thing with the Spectrum... it essentially keeps all spring tension off the striker. And while Glocks as far as I know have not just gone off in somebody's pocket without the trigger being pulled somehow, long term in CCW, the constant cocking and decocking of the striker will eventually wear the spring out which can result in accidental discharges, light primer strikes, etc. So essentially the striker spring doesnt get worn out as quickly when the gun is cocked and ready to go or if it doesnt have a round in the chamber as the striker is only engaged when firing. For the most part, it's not a huge concern to many but there is some validity in favor of the design. Whether or not you really need it or not can be debated.

Wait. You need a tool to field strip the Spectrum? No you don't. LOL 😆 You just have to have a round of 380acp. The base of the cartridge works perfectly. And you know what? If you don't have a 380 cartridge handy, then field stripping your pistol isn't going to help! Nice video though! Thanks for posting.

The TCP reset you show here is the "false" reset, because there's another about as far as completely letting your finger off the trigger. It takes some getting used to. If you try to shoot using the first reset, you'll have to pull the slide, extracting the unexploded round and fitting a new round in the chamber. Once you get used to it, I've found it generally reliable and accurate. I did have one that had an internal piece break, but haven't sent it to Taurus to fix. Instead, I just bought a replacement -- very cheap.

Last year, I came across a Taurus TCP that wouldn't fully eject about every three rounds. Took it to a dealer to send it to Taurus. Dealer warned me that Taurus service, in his experience, could take up to a year. After several months and two phone calls to Taurus, I got it back, supposedly fixed. I test fired it, and it again jammed in the first magazine. I sent it back to Taurus again and they did some mods. A few weeks later, it came back. Around that time, I had mis-assembled a Ruger (trigger spring mechanism), and I returned it to Ruger to fix. Within 10 days, I got it back, fixed. I learned a lesson about Taurus and Ruger, product and service, and within days, bought my wife a Ruger. There are other opinions; mine are based on what I know from the above experiences.

My B I L just bought a Spectrum from Classic for $127. It was great fun to shoot and the trigger was a non issue for me. He likes it better than his LCP he says. Can beat the value for sure and I could get a good grip on it. Virtually no recoil either ! I'm looking at them now !

Looking at the Spectrum for a stow and go carry gun for summertime conceal carry. Have a Kahr CW380 now that is unreliable.

You can use the lip on the back of a spent or live casing as a takedown tool on all of these. No "tool" needed and brass will not mar the finish of the slides.

the spectrum is a up close and personal pistol. when the time comes god forbid, trigger pull is not going to be a factor.

At 7:25 that is a false reset, it delivers a light primer strike. You need to release the trigger to the second click to pull the hammer all the way back.

Fantastic review, it was well thought out and complete. Now if you'll forgive me some constructive criticism. It's a belly gun with no external saftey, it should have a delebrate trigger pull. If you find it too long and or heavy get yourself a set of those hand excizers and work on your grip and finger strength. In addition you don't need a tool or coin to break down the spectrum, just use your finger nails.

I have the black on black spectrum also. It’s not the best by far, but it runs, train train

Like my TCP. Minor interactions but have had good luck with Taurus. Nice review.

I wish that reviewers would also comment on the degree of difficulty in racking the slides on guns that they do head-to-head comparisons. The difficulty in racking the slide is the #1 reason why I have never bought a Ruger semiauto in any size of any caliber (except for a Mark II .22LR). I don't see a reason why Ruger could not have come up with an easier system that what they've used.

I'm the owner of a Ruger LCP II and it has served me well. I am outraged at the hostility shown by this reviewer to Taurus. When I have needed to call, their support has been exemplary. Later in the review the reviewer admitted his bias against Taurus but by that time his admission was unnecessary.

Kickass review! I loved the comparison, I think I'll stick with the TCP it's cheap but not as cute as the spectrum

Bud's was blowing out the Spectrum for $130.

I wasn't much of a fan, of that rubber in my spectrum's stainless slide, so I removed it... and instantly realized that looked pretty stupid! So, I found a pretty good looking fix. I shaped a piece of stainless sheet to fit, had a friend knurl/checker it, then I bonded it in with some Lord Fusor (dumb name, awesome stuff )110B adhesive... It's a faster version of the adhesive we use, for bonding some of the body panels on newer cars, so it won't be falling out on it's own!

You do a nice review, but as others have said before, it would be nice to see you fire it or a counterpart for their opinion on your reviews. These type of guns fire a mag, do a change and crack off a couple more. You could cover the mag release button at that point. JMHO.

Current 4/2022 Spectrum MSRP is $224... I bagged mine on sale for $130, New, around 2018-19 from Bud's online.... Love it... won't sell it unless maybe if I need a kidney... LOL

I just bought the spectrum today at my local gun shop for 149.99. I hope it's as good as everyone's in the comments!

I also had a Spectrum and I have to admit, it was a great little pistol. (even though Taurus did not honor my rebate claiming I did not send them the receipt, which I did. I know 2 others whose rebates were not honored) i never had any feeding or extraction problems even after about 1200 rounds. My local gun shop bought it from me for 100 bucks as a down payment on Sig Legion 938. But even though my Spectrum was a great pistol, I refuse to spend another penny at Taurus. I had another Taurus pistol that needed repair and its been almost a year now and I still have not got my pistol back. They gave me the run around for almost a year and I finally gave up and cut my losses.

Nice review. Unlike some that comment, I agree with you about the trigger. I have not purchased a .380 since I haven't found one that DOES NOT have such a long travel. Also, unlike others, I can't stand heavy trigger pulls. I want one to use with a pocket or ankle holster, so I don't want the extra "safety" of prevention of a round going off by just dropping it into a pocket. To me, that is not a proper way to carry.

4 Years later & now the Glock 42 & Sig P365 380 have spoiled a lot of us as far as the .380 market goes.

I have both the Ruger LCP (2cd generation) and the LCPII. I shoot better with the LCPII due to the improved trigger and the slightly larger sights. A stiff trigger on a small, lightweight pistol will pull your aim off just enough to cause you to miss center mass even at 20 feet. Don't forget that all these small guns have a small sight radius. Pocket carry is my preferred method of concealed carry and either LCP fits any pocket I have, and the pocket holster keeps the pistol from printing and in the right position. When I practice at the range, I practice drawing from my pocket holster. It hasn't been mentioned, but one huge advantage of the LCPII over the LCP is that the trigger is excellent for double taps. Two .380 holes in a bad guy may be even better than one 45acp hole. If you like the idea of a quick double tap on a bad guy, you'll have to actually fire each gun to see which one works best for you. The regular LCP had a trigger that was too stiff for quick double taps. I don't think the length of time or tools needed for a takedown is a serious issue. No one takes down a firearm and cleans it in the gravest extreme. They do it in the peace and quiet of home.

If you have had that much trouble with Taurus then you must have come across to them as an arrogant, demanding prick. Treat them with respect and they'll go out of their way to help you.

A lot of people made the mistake of thinking the TCP had a short reset, but out of these 3, it has, by far, the longest reset. That first click wasn't the reset.

Great video, bub! Wayyy more thorough than my review of the Spectrum. I watched your video and kept thinking, "Dangit! Why didn't I cover that?! And that!? And that?!" haha. From what I've read regarding the rubber grip panels on the Spectrum, they should hold up pretty well. They're supposedly "fused" in and I doubt many of us will put enough rounds through it to wear those down. But, you're right, time will tell.

Got a spectrum, had some slide issue but after a cleaning it works great. No issues since and love it. I hate the rugers trigger. All the slop before getting tension then a break feels like absolute garbage to me with the ruger and it is not as comfortable to hold as the spectrum.

I totally disagree with you HEAVILY (pun intended :) ) on the Taurus Spectrum's trigger. The reason why people like myself buy carry guns with heavy triggers is not only because most of them tend to be extremely drop-safe, (especially the Spectrum), but because I am far less likely to have a negligent discharge due to being nervous in a self-defense situation and having my finger on the trigger prematurely due to and overly tight grip and nerves, or due to a sympathetic trigger squeeze while grabbing someone or something with the non-firing hand. Adding a safety DOES NOT replace a heavy trigger. I hate safeties on a carry gun as it's simply too easy to forget to flip the safety off during a self -defense emergency. The only thing you should be focusing on is the potential target, and if need be, pulling that pistol out with a fast draw, getting a sight picture on the target (or instinctive point shooting), and doing fast but smooth trigger pulls. You may feel comfortable with lighter triggers pulls and that's fine. But many of us are not. Each of us knows ourselves the best so we gotta do we what we think is best for ourselves if we know fairly well our own limitations and shortcomings.

All finger on the gun and that it comes wit too mags is dope and I like that you have to really pull the trigger to shoot it so you don't hurt yourself I like it...

Good comparison. The TCP does have last round hold open though. You can currently buy the black spectrum for $228. I'm liking the Spectrum, but I must try that trigger first. You make it sound awful...we'll see.

The Spectrum's DAO (double action only) trigger isn't something new. My Taurus PT145CA had it. It's just like shooting a DAO revolver such as a SW 442. For a pocket carry pistol the DAO makes a LOT of sense.

Great vid. One thing though, just bought the Spectrum and found the guide rod is NOT steel. Maybe an alloy of some sort but the head of the rod had a piece broken off, and the material looks porous or gritty. Magnetic, so if there's aluminum it's alloyed, but definitely not hardened or stainless steel. Now I know why they sell the stainless ones for $20.

Love my tcp 738 carry it every day

I found the comparisons very interesting as I have owned the TCP, and do own currently a Ruger LCP and was curious about the Spectrum. As for the TCP, my biggest complaint was that I encountered a lot of trigger finger slap while shooting it due to my large hands and trigger finger. This became a bit painful after a magazine or two of shooting. that said, the TCP performed OK otherwise and was cheaper than the LCP. After I was able to get my hands on the LCP, I sold the TCP. I also have a Bersa Thunder and that is all the .380's I need. The Spectrum does not seem to offer any pluses over the LCP so I will just stick to what I have.

Good video. Thanks for the comparisons. I disagree with you about the tarus brand but appreciate the review.

The spectrums grip shap makes it look like a pistol/revolver hybrid.

I also owned the TCP and just about Everytime I'd rack the slide to chamber a round it would jam before a round could chamber. I sold that gun as I saw it as a death sentence for myself in a situation, there's no time to be messing with a jammed pistol. I buy Taurus pistols because I see alot of them are very reliable and in my budget. Plan on getting a steel slide spring for it eventually. Maybe upgrade the trigger. I like the lcp 2 and the spectrum. They make a wallet for the spectrum and it locks the trigger so it don't fire in your pocket. I'm considering picking up a spectrum in a few days. G2c is too hard to conceal with my iwb kydex holster. I really like the lil pocket pistols.

Outstanding review! very thorough.

The crosspin of the TCP comes out easily and reinstalls easily when theslide is locked back. It is the preferred field stripping as the manual recommends.

Not quite sure about the trigger pull on the TCP. The one tried was about 4 1/2 pounds and had a crisp break. My neighbor and I were frankly impressed.

Looks to me like the Spectrum is the only one with a true double action. A double action trigger shouldn't need reset. Pull the trigger, the hammer/striker goes back and then falls.

I've shot all three of those guns and I'd rank them - Spectrum #1, LCP II #2 and TCP #3. The thing I don't like about the LCP II besides it beating up your hands when you shoot it, is that the magazine release button is right where you put your thumb. I dropped the magazine three times while I was shooting it. The Spectrum was comfortable to shoot and very accurate. The TCP was garbage.

Spectrum is good when it’s new but the firing pin started to go out or something. I would pull the trigger and nothing it would make the noise that would click but it wouldn’t make the bullet go boom.