Taurus 942 .22 LR 3 in. 8-Round Revolver
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Expert review
About this product
The Taurus 942 is a steel-frame, eight-shot .22 LR revolver with a 3-inch barrel designed for low-recoil training and discreet carry. Built on a small-frame platform with DA/SA operation, it bridges the gap between rimfire plinkers and serious defensive tools. The matte black finish and rubber grips prioritize function over form, delivering reliability where it matters.
What is the Taurus 942 used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a high-round-count training tool or low-profile backup piece. The 8-round capacity and 3-inch barrel balance practical accuracy with manageable size. I consider it ideal for introducing new shooters to double-action triggers without the intimidation of centerfire recoil.
How does the Taurus 942 compare to the Ruger LCRx 3"?
The Taurus holds two more rounds and costs about $100 less than the polymer-frame Ruger. The Ruger's 6-round cylinder and lighter 13.5-ounce weight make it slightly more concealable. For budget-conscious trainers wanting maximum round count, the Taurus wins; for daily carriers prioritizing minimal weight, the LCRx dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 24.5 ounces with an overall length of 7.25 inches. The steel frame adds heft that dampens .22 LR recoil to near-zero levels. These dimensions make it belt-carry viable but noticeably heavier than polymer alternatives.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this if you need absolute minimalist concealment or high-volume competition speed. The exposed hammer can snag on clothing, and the double-action trigger pull measures a heavy 12 pounds. Serious competitors should consider dedicated .22 target pistols with lighter triggers.
What's in the box?
You get the revolver, one 8-round moon clip, and a cable lock. Taurus includes minimal accessories to hit this price point. Plan to budget $25-40 for additional moon clips if you value rapid reloads.
Is the Taurus 942 worth it at $387.99?
At this price, it represents solid value for a steel-frame trainer with above-average capacity. The investment pays off if you burn through 500-round bricks routinely. For occasional plinking, a $250 semi-auto might suffice.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 8-round capacity — 2 more than most J-frame .22 revolvers
- Steel frame weighs 24.5 oz — dampens recoil better than polymer alternatives
- 3-inch barrel provides 1150 fps velocity with standard ammo — 150 fps faster than 2-inch barrels
- DA/SA operation — allows both quick double-action shots and precise single-action breaks
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12 pounds — requires significant finger strength for consistent accuracy
- No included hard case — ships in cardboard with minimal padding
- Exposed hammer design — can snag during rapid draw from concealment
- Moon clips not included beyond one unit — adds $35-50 for practical training setups
Key attributes
| upc | 725327618713 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-942031 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | COLORED |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Black |
| length | 7.6 |
| model | 942 |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.1 |
| sights | RS: Adjustable FS: Ramp |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 Short or .22 WMR?
- No, this model only fires standard .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Attempting to chamber .22 WMR could cause dangerous pressure issues. Stick to manufacturers like CCI or Federal Premium for reliable cycling.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It requires holsters designed for small-frame 3-inch revolvers. A J-frame holster for a 2.5-inch barrel will leave 0.5 inches exposed. I recommend DeSantis Nemesis #3 for pocket carry.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes transfers within 2 business days. Actual transit depends on your FFL's location, but expect 5-7 days total for most continental US destinations.
- Can I return it if there's mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory's 30-day inspection period covers manufacturer defects. Taurus provides a lifetime repair policy, but you must ship directly to their Miami service center, which typically takes 3-4 weeks turnaround.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- The 1/2x28 threaded barrel version (Model 942T) accepts suppressors, but this standard model has no threads. Confirm you're buying the 942T if suppression is a priority—the threads add $45 to MSRP.