By Miguel C. Gil

1970. In our archive of old gun publications from that year, we find a short write-up about a revolver that closely approximates the then-popular Smith & Wesson Model 10 with a 4-inch tapered barrel. Little information was offered about the gun’s origins except it was a “Taurus” and it was “made in Brazil.” Also, the Brazilian revolver had a price tag of only US $60.50 versus the US $76.50 of an original Model 10.

For the next 35 years or so, this would characterize the products of Taurus. They were more affordable near-copies of Smith & Wesson revolvers as well as Beretta pistols. The management of Taurus would try to explain this away by saying that it had acquired used manufacturing equipment from both S&W and Beretta during its expansion program.

This would all change in 2005, when Taurus Manufacturing, Inc. unveiled its 24/7 and Millenium series of pistols. These polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols were 100% Taurus in design. When we first caught sight of them at a local gun store about 8 years ago, our initial thoughts were that they looked much more handsome that any European pistol of their genre!

The subject of this report is the Taurus 24/7 Generation One or Gen1—which lead Taurus’ charge into design independence nearly 10 years ago. Our first impression upon handling this gun was that it had a very good double-action-only (DAO) trigger pull and even better ergonomics. In fact, we were seriously thinking of buying one in 2007, until we decided to buy a more popular (and more expensive) European pistol instead.

While we did not regret that purchase, we none-the-less think it’s about time to revisit the original 24/7. Recently, we had the chance to shoot this now discontinued pistol courtesy of a shooting buddy who purchased a brand-new one around 7 years ago. Our friend only shoots the pistol occasionally then cleans and stores it after every trip to the range. Our test gun, chambered for the 9mm Luger (Para), is in near mint condition.

We ran reliability tests with a variety of 9mm ammunition from the 7-seven yard line. The 24/7 digested a combination of factory FMJs, JHPs and even some range reloads with utter reliability! What’s more, we found that its DAO trigger was no detriment to accurate shooting at realistic combat distances. This is probably because the 24/7’s trigger pull is relatively short and light for a DAO-type.

The Taurus 24/7 Gen1 offers an overall grip design that this writer feels is near perfect fit for his hand. Nine years ago, when replaceable backstraps was not the industry rule, the Taurus grip design was a novelty. The gripping surface consisted of textured rubber fused on the outside of the polymer frame. This made for a slip-free hold on the gun while feeling soft to the touch.

Standard to the 24/7 Gen1 was a set of snag-free sights in the popular 3-dot format. Those who prefer external safeties on their pistols will be pleased with the 24/7’s safety lever, which is conveniently located on the left side of the frame—in the exact same position as that on a 1911. The 24/7 Gen1 has an empty weight of only 26 ounces… making for a comfortable all-day carry pistol. Magazine capacity was a reassuring 17-rounds.

By 2008, Taurus would phase-out the 24/7 Gen1 in favor of the 24/7 PRO. The newer gun was externally identical but would usher-in a totally revamped trigger operating system. This unique SA/DA trigger system is so radical that it merits a totally separate article! More recently, Taurus introduced its 24/7 Generation Two or Gen2, which represents a comprehensive change in both aesthetics and internal design. It however retains Taurus’ vaunted SA/DA trigger operation.