Taurus 942 .22 LR Revolver 2-inch 8-Round Matte Stainless
About this product
What is the Taurus 942 .22 LR Revolver 2-inch 8-Round Matte Stainless? It's a compact, stainless-steel revolver chambered in .22 LR with an 8-round capacity and 2-inch barrel designed for low-recoil training and concealed carry. Built with a transfer-bar safety and DA/SA operation, it delivers reliable performance in a 23.6-ounce package. The matte finish and rubber grips provide practical handling for both new shooters and experienced carriers looking for a lightweight option.
What is the Taurus 942 used for?
This revolver is optimized for low-recoil training, concealed carry, and introductory shooting. The 23.6-ounce weight and 2-inch barrel make it easy to handle for extended practice sessions, while the 8-round capacity reduces reload frequency during drills. It's particularly effective for shooters transitioning from semi-automatics to revolver mechanics or those seeking a lightweight backup firearm.
How does the Taurus 942 compare to the Smith & Wesson 43C?
The Taurus 942 holds 8 rounds versus the Smith & Wesson 43C's 6-round capacity, providing 33% more ammunition without reloading. However, the S&W 43C features a more refined trigger pull at 4.5 pounds compared to the Taurus' 5.2-pound double-action break, making the Smith & Wesson better for precision shooting while the Taurus excels in capacity and value. For hunters needing more firepower, consider the Stevens 334 .308 Win bolt-action rifle.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 23.6 ounces with an overall length of 6.60 inches and barrel length of 2.00 inches. The cylinder width measures 1.34 inches, making it suitable for inside-waistband holsters, while the height from grip to sight plane is 4.25 inches. These dimensions create a balanced profile that conceals easily but still provides adequate sight radius for close-range engagements.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for duty use, hunting, or situations requiring high-velocity ammunition. The .22 LR cartridge lacks stopping power for defensive scenarios against determined threats, and the 2-inch barrel reduces velocity by approximately 150 fps compared to 4-inch barrels. Shooters needing more power should consider a Stevens 555 Sporting 12 Gauge shotgun for hunting applications.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 8-round cylinder, and soft rubber grips—no additional accessories or cleaning tools. Taurus ships these with a standard cardboard box and owner's manual, but you'll need to purchase speed loaders and a cleaning kit separately. The entire package weighs 2.1 pounds shipped, with dimensions of 9x6x3 inches for storage.
Is the Taurus 942 worth it at $400.99?
At $400.99, it represents solid value for a stainless-steel revolver with 8-round capacity. Compared to similar offerings from Ruger or Smith & Wesson that start at $550+, the Taurus delivers 78% of the performance at 72% of the cost. The investment justifies itself for trainers and recreational shooters who need high-round-count practice without premium pricing.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 8-round capacity — 2 more rounds than most J-frame .22 revolvers
- 23.6 oz unloaded weight — 4.2 oz lighter than all-steel Charter Arms Pathfinder
- Stainless steel construction — provides corrosion resistance without nickel plating
- Transfer-bar safety — meets modern drop-test standards without manual switches
Trade-offs
- Non-adjustable front sight — limits precision beyond 15 yards without modification
- Matte finish shows holster wear quickly — expect visible scratching after 50 draws
- Rubber grips lack texture — may require replacement for wet conditions or heavy recoil management
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327618560 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-942029 |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 11.1500 |
| model | 942 |
| package height | 6.0 |
| package width | 2.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 2.0 |
| sights | Ramp Front, Adjustable Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Magnum cylinders?
- No, the Taurus 942 is specifically chambered for .22 LR only and cannot accept .22 Magnum cylinders. The frame and cylinder dimensions are engineered exclusively for .22 LR cartridge dimensions. Attempting to modify it for .22 WMR would require custom gunsmithing and void the warranty.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- Yes, it fits most J-frame holsters designed for 2-inch barrel revolvers. The 1.34-inch cylinder width matches Smith & Wesson J-frame dimensions, making it compatible with brands like DeSantis and Galco. Always verify holster specifications as some may require slight adjustment for perfect retention.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for in-stock items via FedEx Ground. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer, who will then conduct the required background check. Processing time adds 1-2 business days before shipment from our warehouse.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We accept returns only for manufacturer defects within 30 days, which must be processed through Taurus warranty service. Always verify fit with your FFL before completing transfer paperwork.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No, the fixed barrel and non-threaded design prevent suppressor attachment. The 2-inch barrel lacks threading and the front sight is integrated into the barrel assembly. For suppressed shooting, consider a pistol with threaded barrel options or a rifle like the <a href="/products/stevens-334-243win-20-3rd-black/">Stevens 334 .243 Win</a> with aftermarket modifications.