Taurus 942M Ultra-Lite 22 WMR 2″ 8-Round Black
About this product
What is the Taurus 942M Ultra-Lite 22 WMR 2″ 8-Round Black? It is a small-frame, eight-shot, double/single-action revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR), designed specifically for compact carry and sustained training sessions. This revolver uses an Ultra-Lite construction with a 2.00-inch barrel to prioritize weight reduction and handling speed, while its exposed hammer and drift-adjustable rear sight provide operational flexibility and practical zeroing capability. For the civilian shooter, it represents a bridge between a rimfire trainer and a legitimate, concealable defensive tool, though its caliber places it in a specific performance bracket.
What is the Taurus 942M Ultra-Lite used for?
The Taurus 942M is designed for two primary roles: daily concealed carry and high-volume, low-cost rimfire training. Its 18.2-ounce unloaded weight and 6.60-inch overall length make it a viable deep-concealment option, while the .22 WMR cartridge offers markedly less recoil and muzzle report than a .38 Special, making it suitable for extended range sessions or new shooter familiarization. The eight-round cylinder capacity is a practical advantage over typical six-shot .38 snubbies, providing more rounds between reloads in a training or defensive scenario.
How does the Taurus 942M compare to the Ruger LCR .22 WMR?
The Taurus 942M directly competes with the Ruger LCR in .22 WMR, offering a key mechanical difference: a traditional exposed hammer versus the LCR's internal, hammer-forged design. This allows for precise single-action trigger pulls with the Taurus, a feature the LCR 22 WMR completely sacrifices for a consistent, but heavier, double-action-only pull. Where the Ruger LCR is arguably better is in its monolithic polymer fire control housing, which contributes to a smoother double-action pull out of the box and is more resistant to corrosion in harsh environments. For a shooter who values a single-action option for precise shots, the Taurus 942M is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 18.2 ounces (516 grams), with an overall length of 6.60 inches and a barrel length of 2.00 inches. The cylinder width is 1.41 inches, a critical dimension for holster selection, and the grip circumference measures approximately 4.25 inches. This makes it slightly taller and about 2 ounces lighter than a comparable steel-frame .38 Special snub-nose, trading ballistic authority for all-day carry comfort.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for anyone prioritizing maximum terminal ballistic performance for primary defensive use. The .22 WMR, while effective, does not equal the FBI penetration standards or temporary cavity of common service calibers like 9mm or .38 Special +P. It's also a poor choice for suppressor use, as its 8-round cylinder does not facilitate easy, permanent attachment of a rimfire suppressor like a dedicated bolt-action host would. If your primary goal is hunting or target shooting with a .22, a longer-barreled option will yield better velocity and accuracy.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 8-round cylinder, a plastic lock, and the owner's manual. Taurus does not include a case beyond a simple cardboard box, so budget for a proper hard or soft case; I recommend a small, dedicated pistol case for transport to and from the range. No cleaning kit, speed loader, or additional grips are included, which is standard for revolvers in this price category.
Is the Taurus 942M worth it at $387.99?
At $387.99, the Taurus 942M offers solid value as a dedicated rimfire carry/trainer, especially when compared to more expensive centerfire options. You are paying for the unique combination of an 8-round rimfire cylinder and an exposed hammer in a sub-19-ounce package—a combination few other manufacturers offer. If your use case is strictly concealed carry with a potent rimfire, it's justified; if you want a do-everything first gun, a used 9mm semi-auto or a more versatile .22 LR trainer might be a better allocation of funds.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 18.2 oz unloaded — 7 oz lighter than a comparable steel-frame .38 Special snub-nose.
- Holds 8 rounds of .22 WMR — a 33% capacity increase over a standard 6-shot .38 Special revolver.
- Features an exposed hammer — enables precise single-action trigger pulls for target work, unlike hammerless competitors.
- Drift-adjustable rear sight — provides a tangible zeroing capability absent on most fixed-sight snub-nose revolvers.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary grip frame — limits aftermarket support for laser grips or custom stippled panels.
- .22 WMR ammunition cost — averages 30-40 cents per round, nearly double the cost of .22 LR for training.
- No included case — arrives in a cardboard box only, requiring a separate purchase for secure transport.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327618591 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-942M021UL |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Black |
| length | 6.6 |
| model | 942M |
| package height | 6.0 |
| package width | 2.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 1.6 |
| 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 Long Rifle ammunition?
- No, it is not. The Taurus 942M is chambered specifically for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Firing .22 Long Rifle (LR) in this chamber is unsafe and can cause dangerous pressure issues and extraction failures. Always use only .22 WMR ammunition as marked on the barrel.
- Does it fit a standard J-Frame holster?
- Generally, no. While both are small-frame revolvers, the Taurus 942M's cylinder is slightly wider at 1.41 inches to accommodate eight .22 WMR rounds compared to a typical five or six-shot .38 Special J-Frame cylinder. You will need a holster specifically molded for a Taurus 856 or 942 model for a secure, non-binding fit.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 2 business days. Transit time varies by carrier and location, but typical delivery to a continental U.S. FFL is 3-7 business days after shipment. You must coordinate the transfer with your chosen FFL dealer before ordering.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on functional firearms due to federal regulations. If you receive the revolver and discover a legitimate mechanical defect, you must initiate a warranty claim directly with Taurus USA. Taurus provides a lifetime repair policy and will cover the cost of repair and return shipping for manufacturer defects.
- Does this work with Crimson Trace Laser Grips?
- No, not with current Crimson Trace offerings. The 942M uses a proprietary grip frame that is not compatible with the standard J-Frame or small-frame revolver laser grip models from Crimson Trace or LaserMax. Your options are limited to the factory black rubber grips or aftermarket wood/GRN panels made specifically for the Taurus 856/942 series.