Taurus PT738 TCP - Review & Why I Won't Carry It!

[@oldcop18]

My TCP was 100% reliable w/every kind of ammo I put down range and pretty accurate to boot. My issue, and the reason I sold it (with full disclosure to the purchaser) was short stroking the trigger. When that happened the gun would not function w/o racking the slide to chamber a new round and start all over again. This is NOT a position you want to be in if an emergency comes along.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Thanks for watching. I know it is long but wanted to give this gun a full review. You nailed my point, why carry something with a known fault. Works great at the range but under pressure not so much.

[@Chief2Moon]

Old Cop I consider shortstroking your trigger operator error. 1500rounds of different brands, no failure to feed, no other problems. This is my view.

[@Jesuslovesyou929]

Know your weapon..shortstrokin..come on..old infantry here..got one..will hammer down

[@kamikaze253]

You guys have no idea what your talking about, even if you short stroke you don't need to fully rack it back just pulling the slide back a half inch will reset the hammer. So you saying you have to eject the round it absolutely false.

[@cardboardkiller6883]

Yes, that feeling of a short reset that hasn't reset the pistol can trick you. You have to long stroke the trigger every time...

[@dragunovbushcraft152]

I have this sidearm, I have about 600 rounds through it, and it's been flawless, and very accurate. I use Winchester hollow point, and flat point.

[@kentopper]

I own this gun and it has a manual with the revision date of 02/2012. On page 20 of the manual it states in all caps, "AFTER A SHOT IS FIRED, THE TRIGGER MUST BE ALLOWED TO MOVE FULLY FORWARD. If the trigger is pulled before the trigger mechanism fully resets (two "clicks") the hammer may or may not fire the cartridge."

[@bigwavesun]

Yup. People try to fire these like Glocks. That little click you hear is NOT A trigger reset on these guns.

[@bigwavesun]

Exactly, this isn't a Glock. People NEVER read their manuals.

[@stab74]

@@bigwavesun Did you reply to and agree with yourself? Wtf.

[@deucedeuce1572]

Yeah, I thought it had a "false reset", because the P3AT, P32, LCP and a couple others all do too. I think the LCP II was the first one to not have a false reset, because they changed the geometry to cock the hammer more, so the trigger stroke is shorter and a long trigger pull/reset isn't necessary with it.

[@williamsporing1500]

Love my TCP…goes bang every time I pull the trigger!

[@coldfire2812]

I have had this firearm for years, no problems. Sounds like user error and or preference. Any firearm could have a reset issue, depends on how or if you train with it. If you short stroke your car's ignition, it won't start either.

[@h.e.miller3710]

14:00 just a heads up, Taurus didn't 'fix' the trigger on Spectrum, it's a striker fired pistol instead of hammer fired like TCP. I agree practice w/your edc is important to ensure proficiency and familiarity with proper function. Seems blaming gun for light strike due to operator error is comparable to blaming a truck manufacturer for gears crunching when driver shifts before pushing clutch all the way in.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

The spectrum is still a double action trigger that has been well thought out, compared the the TCP. The Spectrum trigger will not go dead and will give you second strike capability. As for the clutch reference you are off. It is a flaw more like allowing your automatic car to go into gear without first putting your foot on the brake. Then after the car stalls or moves several feet you then need to turn the car off and back on to get it to reset and drive normally. Thanks for watching.

[@Chief2Moon]

I always tap the backside of the Loaded magazine against my palm (the primer side) to insure the top round isn't nose dived before inserting it. Haven't had any issues in 1500 rounds so far. I tap all semi auto mags the same way on all my guns.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Always a good idea, Thanks for watching.

[@Chief2Moon]

45 Alfa Charlie Papa Enjoy your videos...no doubt, some semi autos are pretty finicky&most have some idiosyncrasy unique to themselves..

[@lelandclay2288]

This is not a issue he did not release the trigger all the way I own one

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

First, Thanks for watching . Second, please tell my why it is acceptable for a self defense pistol to allow the hammer to drop at half cock? Guaranteeing a light strike and possible no fire even with good ammo. What other modern pistol does this? Why in a panic, or less than ideal situation (when you or a loved one may be cycling the trigger as fast as possible), would you want to add this issue to it? Please let me know.......

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Bueller......... Bueller........

[@JC-fj7oo]

@@45AlfaCharliePapa Because they assume that if you are carrying a gun, then you will be a responsible gun owner and take it to the range to practice like you should with any gun you carry. With this one, practice to release the trigger all the way and pull it again for every shot. Actually you should practice that with every gun. This "listen for the click" and "trigger reset" are all bullshit. If you just fired a gun inside without hearing protection, there is no way you are hearing a trigger click (or anything else for a few minutes). Many people in stressful situations lose their hearing entirely and report not being able to hear people yelling, sirens, even gunshots. Also fine motor skills go away. Reset shooting is fine for competitions, but in a self defense situation touch your finger to the guard, then pull all the way back. What if you are in a situation where you have to use someone else's gun? or take a gun from a dead body. Are you going to then tell these bad-guys "time-out, I'm not used to the reset on this glock trigger..." Plus even the best guns jam or misfire or FTF occasionally. You should be practicing TRB, Tap Rack Bang. You can actually practice this at home with an unloaded gun, so there is no excuse to not practice this a hundred times. If you do somehow manage to short stroke a trigger, just treat it like a jam and tap, rack, bang. Should be instinctive and take less than a second. If you need a better gun and can afford an LCP2, they are awesome. Great trigger, great design, fixed a lot of problems from the lcp and the tcp... But it's more than double what I paid for my taurus. Which means for the same price I got the gun, a holster, and a ton of ammo so I can PRACTICE.

[@Chief2Moon]

Jeremy C I agree, I've said 100 times that I consider short stroking a trigger operator error, like limp writing larger caliber handguns. Learn how to shoot your weapon-simple, I think.

[@bobjeffrey8863]

That "dead trigger" was totally YOUR fault, NOT the gun, Knowing how your Taurus works is important, You must have known that trigger MUST be fully cycled .. I've never had that happen thru over 500+ rounds

[@fpav4049]

If you put cheap gas in your car and it sputters, do you think the manufacturer needs to fix the issue? I agree with 'TheDrRJP ' , Tula is crap. Many 380's have a hard time eating it. Mine is 2 years old and 100% still. Also I hope you don't carry cheap range ammo in your carry guns, and your getting a good hollow point ammo.

[@GizzardGary]

I downloaded the 2009 version of the manual. Under OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS, it says in part, "AFTER A SHOT IS FIRED, THE TRIGGER MUST BE ALLOWED TO MOVE FULLY FORWARD. If the trigger is pulled before the trigger mechanism fully resets (two “clicks”) the hammer may or may not fire the cartridge."

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Thank you for that information. I don't know why they would have omitted that in the 2015 manual that came with the gun. Other than my issue with the trigger reset it is a fine little pistol. This would be fine if this was a target, range hunting pistol but self defense pistols should be point and shoot. last thing I need is a gun going down in a gunfight because I short stroked the trigger. Thanks for watching.

[@tso115]

It's called practice ( shooting it) getting to know the trigger is all it is. Iv had one over 10 years and I'd have no problem in a fight.

[@earlhuffmanjr6660]

I’ve owned my TCP for three years and no light primer strikes or any other issues. Always fired 100%. Use good ammo and not that Tula crap and it will fit every time.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

You missed the point. I agree use quality ammo if you are going to carry this. This works reliably even with crap Tula ammo as long as the the trigger is reset all the way forward. But what other modern firearm allows the user to short stroke the trigger and and drop the hammer at half cock? Taurus's fix for this is to revise the instruction manual to let the user know to fully release the trigger forward or failure to fire could happen. Kind of like GM telling customers don't hang 1 pound of crap on your key chain so the car does not turn off when you hit a bump. It is not Rocket Science Taurus...... Fix the damn Issue.....The Ruger original LCP and LC9 have the same type of trigger and It WONT LET THE HAMMER DROP AT HALF COCK. I used Tula ammo because i could reliably repeat the failure. Thanks for watching .

[@brucemedley69]

My TCP runs flawless. I say most complaints come from people who actually haven't broke one in. I've ran hundreds of rounds and not one hiccup. As for the trigger, it's a double action trigger and requires full return. Practice, practice, and practice and you will see it's a great carry firearm.

[@fpav4049]

I had mine for almost 1 year and it's 100% out of the box.(After a good clean and polished the feed ramp.) I'd carry this 380 without hesitation. Send it back in .

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

This gun has been reliable, and I would send it in but they don't consider the false reset and the hammer falling at half cock to be a issue, even thou they fixed it in the Spectrum. As I have stated in the comments. All the practice and tuning of this gun does nothing to fix the flaw in this trigger. When the SHTF and the Adrenalin dumps, your fine motor skills go out the window. And when you are pulling the trigger as fast as you can there is the potential of the gun failing on you. If you carry this practice with it a lot, practice under heavy stress situations build up that muscle memory. Met a good guy with a gun a couple of weeks ago that took a 45 to the gut. Why? He was faster on the draw, had his sights lined up and pulled his trigger first, but no bang. In all his training he forgot to always practice flipping off the safety (fine motor skills). With practice this can be a good gun, but many of the folks that have purchased one of these did so on price. It is the only gun they own or plan to own, and will only shoot it once or twice before they call it good to go. There are a lot of great guns at this price point including the new Taurus Spectrum that replaced the TCP. They fixed the issue on the Spectrum by having a double strike capability. This is not a gun I would recommend to a novice to carry. Thanks for watching and be safe out there.

[@markroeder2491]

You use Tula, figured out it is the ammo and blame the pistol. O.K. The trigger issue is kind of a non-issue with proper ammo. So, I guess it comes down to using the right ammo with the right gun.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

I used |Tul-Ammo in this for demonstration of the issue because it was consistent. I have had the same issue with quality ammo but not to the degree of the Tul-Ammo, about 4 - 5 per box if I only shoot and drop the half cocked hammer. Why am Purposely short stroking the trigger? To see what the failure rate is (8- 10% with good ammo). The issue is the hammer should NEVER be allowed to fall at half cock. When the crap hits the fan the adrenaline has dumped and I have decided to pull my gun, and then pull the trigger. Why do I want to add to the crap storm a 10% chance of a light strike/no fire when rapidly pulling said trigger and accidentally (very easy to do with this gun) short stroking it. Now you have a dead gun you have to re-rack to get back into the fight. Funny how the Spectrum that replaced this gun is also double action however it only cocks the striker when trigger is at full reset and also allows you to double strike the primer if it does not go off the first time. Thanks for watching.

[@brucemedley69]

Exactly

[@raistlinmeijere6487]

You might want to let the trigger all the way out after your shot

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Agreed, however Taurus should not have made a gun that allows the hammer to fall at half cock period.

[@5.56hero5]

I’ve had one for 3 years as a summer pocket gun and have never once had a problem short stroking the trigger. I only malfunction I’ve had after probably 1,500rds is one stovepipe

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

So you are OK with a modern pistol that allows the user to drop the hammer on a live round at half cock? What other modern day weapon does this? And are you OK with Taurus's fix was to add a line in a revised owners manual to make sure the trigger resets to 2 clicks because light strikes and failure to fire are likely and the gun will not work until the slide is racked again? Mmmm even they know that it could be an issue! Both the Ruger LCP and LC9 use the same trigger function, however you cant drop the hammer on half cock. During regular range time I have no issues with how this gun works, But hey lets add a chance of a short stroke and failure to fire when the Crap hits the fan.

[@benoitweiss6653]

It is the most reliable 380 I have ever shot.Absolutly flawless

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

I don't have an issue with the Reliability just the Trigger allowing the gun to drop a half cocked hammer. Thanks for watching.

[@brucemedley69]

Same here

[@TheDrRJP]

Tula is GARBAGE and there's NO reason to use it when you can by CCI Blazer for the same price. Don't blame the gun for using crap ammo! People need to get out of this cheap skate mentality especially when they buy a gun for under $200 - that because the gun was so cheap that they have to use the cheapest ammo they can buy to train with it. For starters, who the hell will be carrying Tula for SD? Is your life so worthless that you won't spend at least 28 cents a round for a decent quality hollow point that will fire every time and meets all of the FBI specs? With a pocket gun that has six or seven rounds in it, I want every round to fire every time I pull the trigger and will create the biggest wound cavity in whatever it hits. I want to make each shot count if my life is in danger and I'd spend $1.20 a round if I knew that all I need is to place that round anywhere in center mass to stop a threat cold.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

You missed the point. I agree Tula is Garbage and if I were to carry this It would be with quality self defense ammo. I used Tula in this video to demonstrate the flaw in this guns trigger because I could reliably get the gun to fail when the hammer drops at half cock. I have had it fail with good ammo but not nearly at the rate that it happens with Tula. The gun being able to let the hammer fall at half cock is a flaw in the design and should have been fixed and addressed by Taurus. I have a couple of Taurus guns and I like them, just not this one. They did fix this flaw in the new Spectrum. That is not to say If I am shooting normally at the range, short stroking is not a issue. I was purposely short stroking this to show the possible issue one might have with the gun when the SHTF and Newtons laws kick in. (If it can go wrong it will) Met a guy at my local gun shop a few weeks back who had to pull his gun. He drew first, had his shot lined up and pulled the trigger first, but in all his practice he never practiced flipping the safety off. He now has a nice scar in his gut from a bad guys .45. Thankfully the bad guy used FMJ ammo and he recovered quickly. Why carry a gun I know has a potential flaw when I can buy another brand at the same price point that does not. Thanks For watching.

[@BOB-wx3fq]

TheDrRJP I own and shot tulammo and cci blazer out of this exact gun I own boxes of both and the pistol, don't really understand why but the blazers make it kick like a horse while the tulammo just feels smoother. Never had issue with either in this pistol, and never had issue with tula in 9mm.

[@brianbuchert1966]

Exactly what I was saying!!!!

[@zanemauck8825]

Tula works great in AKs.

[@gordonshepherd734]

and that's why some people shouldn't have guns in the first place...don't blame the gun for improper trigger discipline. almost every gun I own unless it has a second strike capabilities (like the G2 striker fired) you will get a click no bang same on a keltec pf9 (hamer fired)

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

So it is not a design flaw that the hammer can be consistently tripped on half cock? If this was such a great feature why did the fix the issue in the new Spectrum that replaced it? I am not a Taurus hater, I have a M85 revolver that is a great gun, The PT111 is another great Taurus for the money. but I have to call them out on the poor design with no intentions of fixing the issue. We both know people who have purchased a self defense handgun, shot it once and called it good. Then they are surprised the gun hangs up on them because they never practiced with it. Every gun will malfunction and you practice clearing it, but do you want to carry a gun that malfunctions once every 1000 rounds or once every 10 I think I know what one I will carry.

[@ModernGolfer]

Gordon - Exactly correct. Learn the firearm being carried and how to PROPERLY 'run the gun'. Especially true with ANY firearm that's carried for self-defense. This Taurus has the SAME issue every other firearm has - the trigger MUST be released to the reset point. This issue here is that SOME people don't like where the reset point IS. 'Curiously', a DAO handgun only doesn't have the SAME trigger and reset point as a SA only handgun. How 'shocking' is that, eh? ;-)

[@ModernGolfer]

Any handgun will 'fail to fire' if the trigger isn't released to the reset point. This Taurus is no different.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Unfortunately for the TCP the hammer can be made to fall at half cock before the reset point and that is my issue. I have a LC9 with the same trigger action and I like that gun.

[@6.5mm_is_the_best_mm]

@@ModernGolfer And then you can release the trigger and still fire the handgun with ANY other gun. The difference with the Taurus 738 is that you have to manually cycle the gun because you now have a dead trigger. What don't you understand about his argument? 45ACP has a valid complaint and this is most definitely a flaw in the design.

[@bernardt7375]

Just bought this today for 125 and it didn’t adapt to hollows well but fmjs its flawless. I’d conceal carry it

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Don't have an issue with ammo, I have a issue with the fact that the hammer can be triggered at half cock. Introducing the possibility of a fail to fire at a time when you need it to go bang. $125 is a decent price for this, just make sure you practice with this to decrease the likelihood of a short stroke and light strike. Thanks for watching.

[@bargainbin22]

Sorry but this looks like a case of bad ammo and limp wristing the pistol.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

So it is not a design flaw that the hammer can be consistently tripped on half cock? Therefore light striking the primer MMMM. If this was such a great feature why did the fix the issue in the new Spectrum that replaced it? I am not a Taurus hater, I have a M85 revolver that is a great gun, The PT111 is another great Taurus for the money. but I have to call them out on the poor design with no intentions of fixing the issue. I used Tula in this video to demonstrate the flaw in this guns trigger because I could reliably get the gun to fail when the hammer drops at half cock. I have had it fail with good ammo but not nearly at the rate that it happens with Tula. That is not to say If I am shooting normally at the range, short stroking is not a issue. I was purposely short stroking this to show the possible issue one might have with the gun when the SHTF and Newtons laws kick in. (If it can go wrong it will) Met a guy at my local gun shop a few weeks back who had to pull his gun. He drew first, had his shot lined up and pulled the trigger first, but Newtons law kicked in and he forgot to flip the safety off. He now has a nice scar in his gut from a bad guys .45. Thankfully the bad guy used FMJ ammo and he recovered quickly. Why carry a gun I know has a potential flaw when I can buy another brand at the same price point that does not and I can shoot with no issues. Thanks For watching. Show less

[@markanton2349]

@Corn Pop I agree, I've shot BOTH and would take the TCP any day over the Spectrum junk. So I bought a TCP and put a laser on it from Crimson Trace and the accuracy is astounding. it would really be nice if they made a tiny little optic for it like the one on the back of the Hellcat. Got a couple hundred rounds in my TCP so far never had a stove pipe or a jam.

[@geraldbodnar2718]

It's a double action only !! Full out full in 100% it'll work fine !

[@deucedeuce1572]

I wonder if the Grendel models did this too. The TCP was not the first of this design... and it appears that the other/newer models were "upgraded" to not do that when they were "designed" themselves (I'm not sure about the P3AT and P32 though. I believe they also won't shoot after the first click either). edit: I forgot to mention that I'm not sure if the Grendel models were the first of this kind of design. I think the Grendel P10 was their first model, but someone else may have come up with the design first. The P10 is just the oldest one I know about.

[@davidreed3357]

I carry a .45 and a TCP as a backup. I don't see an issue with long stroking the trigger. You have to long stroke the LCP. What's the difference?

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

The TCP runs fine and I have no issue long stroking the trigger. The difference is the fact that this gun will allow you to drop the hammer at half cock creating a possible light strike issue if you don't long stroke it. It is like having a modern day car that lets you put it into drive without putting your foot on the brake. In a self defense situation I would prefer not to carry something that I know may have an issue like this because Murphy's Law is a bitch. We all know people who buy these type of guns for protection then never shoot or train with them, I just wanted to make people aware of an possible issue. You use yours as a backup and I pray you never have to use it but If you have to pull your backup you are already having a bad day why add potential issues. Especially if your main weapon is a striker fire with a short reset and you are switching to a gun with a long reset but will drop the hammer at half power if you short stroke it like your main weapon. Thanks for watching.

[@davidreed3357]

@@45AlfaCharliePapa goes to show how important training is. And developing good habits, finding the bad ones and getting rid of them. Thanks for you input.

[@seektruth3307]

This is an old post but yhis still bears mentioning, you can buy the hammer block for a Kel-Tec 380 as a drop in replacement the will not allow the short stroking the trigger that leads to the issue with the TCP needing to be racked to reset it. I don’t have the part number off hand any more but a quick Google search will get thst for you.

[@Stevefrancais21]

I have one of these. I haven't had many issues. Its a compact so this first comment is kinda dumb, but its almost too small. My hands are not right for this gun. Aside from that, I like the gun. Accurate once you figure out the small sights. First shot you seem to need to pull the trigger further than any other bullet in the magazine, but not a problem, just need some getting used to. The exit trajectory of the casings trash though. I take many casings to the top of the head at the range. Would be a very nice concealed weapon, easy to hide, accurate at typical self/home defense distances. Not my favorite for recreational shooting though.

[@camelmike]

This happened to me last week. It made my blood run cold! Thanks Papa.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Glad you found this informative. Thanks for watching.

[@cardboardkiller6883]

My PT738 doesn't have that problem...🤷🏽‍♂️

[@geraldbodnar2718]

Know your weapon sergeant !!

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

That's the point. So many People who have these never practice with them or gave them to a loved one that will never use it unless they need it. You should never be able to drop a hammer on a live round at half cock period........ And to an inexperienced shooter that can make a bad day even worse. Thanks for watching.

[@epilepticlupo2961]

The only problem with my tcp is the pin traveling and i bought a lcp one which locks in place from mcarbo

[@deucedeuce1572]

They all have it. The P32, P3AT, LCP and the others. I think the LCP II was the first model that didn't have it (based on this design). Many people hate it and won't buy them, because of it. I don't like it myself, but I wouldn't not buy one, because of it. It's an easy thing to not do once you know to not do it.

[@jimslater8212]

unbelievable. Don't know how to use the gun but stil want to bad mouth it.

[@horkneeoldman]

Your thumb was riding up on the slide lock,Short stroking the trigger did not help. Had mine since they hit the market never had these problems.But your hands are beefier than mine. Polish your feed ramp and you can shoot any ammo without ftf. Range practice will get your muscle memory to the point that the trigger won't be that big of an issue.

[@tonycolca2241]

I have one no problems. It is light hammer double action trigger needs to be released all the way. Believe met in combat you are not going to hear any clicks. After you have been in a couple of gun fights you will remain calm and use the gun thecway itvwas designed. As far as ammo any gun may not like some ammo try different ones and practice with what works. This is a VERY SMALL gun and compromises had to be made somewhere. It is a good weapon. Great for pocket carry backup etc.

[@geraldscott4302]

I have carried this gun, and a Ruger LCP .380 (NOT the LCPII, you couldn't give me one of those POS guns) for 5 years. This is NOT a target pistol, it will NOT need to be taken apart every day, and anyone who would use Tula ammo in a carry gun has some serious issues upstairs. This gun and the LCP are about the only micro .380s that will fit in my holster, a Bulldog cell phone type, carried on my belt out in the open. It is impossible to conceal a gun under proper fitting jeans and a t shirt. So it really doesn't matter if the bigger Taurus is better, it would be completely useless as a carry gun for me. As you said, this is an extremely close range self defense gun. Would a .357 Sig be better? I'm sure it would. But that doesn't matter if you don't have it when you need it. I was unable to concealed carry until these little micro .380s came out. I guess I could have carried a Raven/Phoenix Arms/Jimenez .25acp, but it would likely fail to fire, or blow up in my hand. I have never had a malfunction with this gun. You may have damaged the firing pin with that Tula shit. It should be obvious that you need to use high quality ammo in your carry gun. And if you are short stroking it, that just shows that you have not practiced with it and are not familiar enough with it. That is user error.

[@jlmcgrot]

It concerns me more that it DOES fire from that first position that it's not supposed to fire from. I will say that I've never had any issue with the gun, but with knowing that there is still enough hammer velocity to make it fire from that half-cocked position is a little concerning, especially without any other type of safeties build into the gun (firing pin block, etc...). I've never once short stroked the trigger in practicing with it, so I'm not as concerned about that aspect as you are....I will add that I would certainly prefer the hammer not be able to drop like on your LCP.

[@abee3515]

Where do they find you people the reset is built intentionally to fire more quickly from the reset position it is absolutely INTENDED to fire from the reset. The hammer is fully cocked when the fire arm cycles when fired.

[@abee3515]

WHY WOULD THE TRIGGER MOVE A FULLY CHARGED HAMMER.

[@jumexvhr]

Mine worked well when i first got it

[@petermonck5448]

I'm learning to let out trigger. Works well..only one magazine won't drop slide four others do. Mix of usa,brasilian, Italian. Good presentation Thanks.

[@ParasidicGeneration]

Only problem i had with mine was the pins walking out also the tulammo .380 has very hard primers so some .380 pistolas may have issues

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

ParasidicGeneration Thanks for watching. This is my son's carry gun and as a father the false reset concerns me. No issues with the pins yet on this one.

[@unclefestorOR]

Tula ammo broke the extractor on my TCP

[@ISZWSG]

Agree with the pins walking out just pushed mine back after reading this comment hahaha

[@elitetileandstone]

I think you have given the PT738 a fair and honest review. I purchased mine in 2014. At that time, it was $100.00 less than an LCP. Fit and finish are not Ruger quality, but it has been 100% reliable with any ammo I have used. This includes a fair amount of Tul Ammo and WWB flatnose. I feel your concerns about the trigger reset are justified and Taurus should resolve the issue. Being that it is no longer in production, that isn't likely to happen. I was never a fan of the original LCP. However I do think the LCP ll is worth a look.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Thank you for your comment. I and others have spent good hard earned money for the products I have reviewed on this channel and I try my best to be fair and honest. Thanks for watching.

[@davejan744]

elitetileandstone , Had all 3 LCPs and the first two were pure crap. Ruger FINALLY got it right w the LCP II. W my Tauruses (TCP & Millenium G2) the TCP had FTE w H.P. rounds (unfired) The bullets nose was sticking on the sharp inner edge of the ejection port & making ejecting a live round a buggerbear process so I carved out that inner sharp lip w my pocketknife & thats fixed that problem. Ejection port cut 1/1000 Too short for some H.P. ammo. Followed up later w dremel sanding wheel just to smooth its looks out & now no probs whatsoever. 400+ rounds of many different ammos & no probs. As for the Millinium G2 its trigger SUCKED. Had my gunsmith deburr/smooth out the contact surfaces of the trigger assy parts ($20) & its a whole new world! Smooth, easy & WAY easier to pull. Also dremel polished the feed ramps & chambers (Which I do on ALL my guns) & function has been flawless. My 2 biggest complaints w Taurus is no pinkie extensions on the mags & the rough trigger assy parts. IF Taurus would simply drop their trigger assy parts into a vibratory tumbler w ceramic rods for a few minutes to deburr/polish their trigger assys before final assembly it would make a good gun a GREAT gun. Like ANY machine, smoother is always better.

[@lvgeorge]

If you send this Gun i, will Taurus Fix this Short-Stroking Issue or is it Inherent in this Gun? Other comments on cheap ammo, I will disregard since by now and learning from KZbin Gun Videos, Everyone knows that cheap ammo may jam a semi-auto gun so if you are going to Carry a Gun for self Defense, You 'all need to Buy Good, Quality JHP, Ball or Tested Ammo with your type of Pistol. Thanks, Thumbs Up for bringing this issue up again to the Gun community!

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

It is inherent to the gun and Taurus has no plan to fix since they have discontinued this model. For around the same price the Ruger LCP is the better gun. Thanks for watching.

[@rangersmith4652]

My otherwise reliable TCP will not chamber Tulammo. The round leaves the magazine but does not fully chamber, locking the slide and requiring disassembly to retrieve the round. That's no fun. So, I don't buy Tulammo .380 any more. What I have on hand works fine in my BDA, so it won't be wasted. That said, if you train with the TCP and use it in the way it is designed to be used, it works reliably. Just think of it as double action only revolver, and let that trigger reset.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Thanks for watching. This gun works fine under normal shooting conditions, even with Tul Ammo. The reason Tul ammo was used in this video was because I could consistently have it fail and show what could potentially be a bad situation for those that carry this gun but rarely shoot or practice. The short stroking was intentional but no modern designed gun should allow the user to drop the hammer on a live primer at half cock. That is a design flaw of a 5 cent piece and should have been fixed. You should always carry or use quality ammo for self defense and that will greatly reduce the chances of failure to fire but it can still happen. Knowing this would you let a loved one use this pistol that you know purchased it because it was cute or was talked into it by a salesman because it was cheap and wanted to make a quick sale. This same person will most likely go out and shoot it once and at most put a mag or 2 thru it and call it good, never to shoot it or any other gun for that matter unless they had to pull it for self defense. We all know people like this and I know I would suggest they get something different and those are the people this video is geared for. As a gun guy could I make this gun work as designed under stress, the answer is yes. However, when I have so many other better options out there at the same price point, why would I carry it knowing of an added potential issue that could arise in a bad situation.

[@jaspermcgee7136]

Good review. I appreciate you taking the time to review this gun. I've got an E series version of this pistol and it has been flawless through maybe 600 rounds of ball ammo and various hollow points. I only take this gun out when I really want be able to conceal in the Summertime. Just like any firearm by any manufacturer, sometimes you get one with issues. I would, and do, have confidence that this gun can protect me if needed. I only use quality ammo. Looks like a lot of the issues you had at the range was using crappy ammo.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

I agree If you carry this use quality ammo, the primers are more sensitive for reliable ignition and reducing the chance of a light strike not setting off the round with this gun. I used the Tul-Ammo because I knew that I could get it to fail regularly to demonstrate the issue I have with the design of how this trigger works. Other than that design flaw the pistol runs well. Thanks for watching.

[@MrBuckeye63]

Main issue is .. 1st probably riding the slide 2nd Steel case ammo ? Issue with the gun ? Tula has hard primers Reviewers … like u are what drives me crazy It is not a pistols that u short stroke.. 😩

[@KDOG9720]

It’s not really fair to the gun (gun’s manufacturer) to review a gun when you haven’t figured out what ammo the gun prefers or followed the manufacturers break in recommendations. The issue of the reset is valid to a point, but if you owned the gun and trained with it as your EDC gun, you would have a feel for the reset and would be able to properly fire the gun even under stress. I used to carry one of these and never had any reliability issues with the weapon. I eventually sold it, and purchased a Kahr P380 mostly because I was embarrassed to be seen with the Taurus. Yes.. that is pretty small of me.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

The false reset is my issue with this gun. Now if I were to take it to the range, chances are I would have no issues using it, I know how it operates, I know the trigger and have not had any issues with any ammo under normal range practice. It is more an issue with who is buying this gun and for what reason. We all know people that will pick this up because it is cheap or think it is so cute or it is a lovely shade of pink that their girl likes. They may go out with it one time, shoot a mag or 2 put it in a holster, purse or bedside table and call it good. Now the crap hits the fan and they have to pull it, the Adrenalin dumps they are shaking the gun goes off one time and now the trigger is dead on the second pull and the threat is not backing down. When you have so many other good options around that price point why carry one with this added issue. Thanks for watching.

[@scottvaj4434]

lol I came from a Ruger LCP (just wanted the TCP for the last shot holdopen) so I am familiar with working around the false reset but I never noticed that the TCP drops the hammer until watching your video. I believe the Ruger and Keltec P3AT have some kind of hammer block to prevent this. Odd quirk indeed.

[@oldcop18]

The only problem w/my Taurus TCP was the trigger was susceptible to short stroking which could tie up the gun in an emergency if you’re not familiar w/how to get it back in action.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Exactly! In the heat of the moment I want something that his little chance to fail when all else is going wrong. Thanks for watching.

[@ubob38]

I just don't want the pistol to blow up in my hand.

[@ModernGolfer]

WHY not just tell the 'big secret issue' right off the bat? Get to the POINT. Just a thought. Actually, ANY semi-auto WILL have the SAME issue IF the individual doesn't reset the trigger. ANY semi-auto requires that the trigger is fully reset before the trigger will function for the next round. Therefore, as with ANY firearm, it's an absolute necessity that the operator LEARN how to PROPERLY utilize that firearm and 'run the gun'. Exactly as 45 Alfa noted in his final comments.

[@samuelquinones5832]

I know that's right .….I fast foward it....went and took a piss..and he still had not gotten to the "issue"..

[@mylesowens6807]

I just got mine i hope to keep somone off me but hope i never have a problem with it but thanks for thr review

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

I made this video so people are aware of an issue so they can do what they can to limit the possibility of a bad situation getting worse. Just practice with it a lot and use quality ammo that it will feed and fire reliably. Thanks for watching.

[@harleyfxr6809]

give me back my 12 minutes of my life I just wasted watching you load cheap ammo into a pistol, not even be able to rack the slide, and short stroke the trigger, damn FUDD

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Hey checked out your channel, to bad your mom does not let you broadcast out of her basement. We could all benefit from your vast knowledge. As for the use of cheep ammo it was used for demonstration purposes only because it was reliable at showing the issue while purposely short stroking the trigger. Unlike bigger channels all ammo, guns and production costs come out of my pocket so I used a $12 dollar box of Tula instead of $30 worth of premium ammo. Since you are such a know it all, can you please explain to me why it is OK to make a self defense pistol that allows the user the ability to drop the hammer at half cock? Thus guaranteeing a light strike and a greater chance of a no fire and a dead gun. I know, I know, learn how to use the gun. Under normal range situations I have no issues with this gun. However under normal conditions my adrenaline has not dumped, I am not running for cover and no one is shooting back at me. So now with all that I have to be subconsciously thinking don't short stroke the trigger? No thank you! Even Taurus new this was an Issue and replaced it in their lineup instead of fixing the issue.

[@harleyfxr6809]

@@45AlfaCharliePapa I dont have a channel and my mother passed away almost 25 years ago. Fuckin dirtbag.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Sorry to hear about your mom but your the one who started with the Damn Fudd comment.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

You have a google account so you have a channel. I know why you dont post anything. Seams you are ok sitting behind your keyboard dishing it out but to scared to put yourself out there because you can't take it when it comes back to you. Thanks for watching thou....

[@joeperez8160]

Do not use tula ammo if your life depends on it! ok. Use the good stuff. you are making the problem happen. your advice is really wishy washy. Thanks but no thanks. The gun works fine, its you. Perhaps a little maintence would help too.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Where in the video did I say That I or anyone should use Tula for self defense? The use of Tula was for demonstration only Because I know I could get it to fail regularly. I have no issues using this gun during regular range shooting and was AGAIN intentionally short stroking it to show that it can and will fail. So you are OK with a modern pistol that allows the user to drop the hammer on a live round at half cock? What other modern day weapon does this? And are you OK with Taurus's fix was to add a line in a revised owners manual to make sure the trigger resets to 2 clicks because light strikes and failure to fire are likely and the gun will not work until the slide is racked again? Mmmm even they know that it could be an issue BUT WONT FIX IT! Both the Ruger LCP and LC9 use the same trigger function, however you cant drop the hammer at half cock. But hey (when ones life depends on it) lets add a chance of a short stroke and failure to fire when the Crap hits the fan.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Did you just ghost me? I am waiting on your answer.

[@thomaswillhoite7523]

This sounds like a weak rist issue.

[@MrTuco40]

I will just add to the many comments on the stupidity demonstrated in this video. Read the manual. He doesn't know how to operate this gun. 8 plus years for me with this little gun. NEVER an issue.

[@3Pillers]

Thanks for posting.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@generalmaximuspatton6909]

Short stroking isnt just a training issue with this gun ...any time you fire you should be looking to end things with as few rounds down range and knowing precisely where youre aiming. Cant do yhat when your spaz-firing.

[@bjohnson1959]

I own this pistol, and its my least favorite handgun, from the issues I saw with yours of jamming, to not feeding properly. I purchased it for my wife's use, and I refuse to let her carry it, as in my opinion, it is unreliable. I realize it is a cheap weapon, but had I known how problematic, I would have saved my money. I own a Tauris PT 111 G2, and love it, I wish the pt738 was it's equal.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

My son has a PT 111 G2 and I agree it is a great little gun. I wish Taurus would fix this gun for those that have one. Looks like the new Spectrum that replaces this has addressed the issues. Thanks for watching

[@majoroz4876]

Not a gun for fat fingers.

[@coppersworld2054]

Really...you know not to short stroke the trigger and you do it anyway. If your going to carry it, train with it! Duh.

[@capnbly]

I stopped watching the video after you said Tula ammo.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Tul ammo was used for demonstration purposes only to easily show the flaw in the gun. I would never carry or suggest carrying it. It was also not my gun but a family members, and I was using what was provided to me. If you want to pick up my ammo budget please let me know.

[@generalmaximuspatton6909]

Yeah...its the gun and ammo shooting low. Keep your big meat hooks off the slide lock when youre firing. If you're getting a primer strike no fire thats your friggin ammo. You should be using top qual ammo for carry anyway, its not the gun. Also need to stop riding the trigger back. Also, you spent around 125 to 199 for the gun. LCP is overpriced and junky feeling. I carry the Taurus often and have no worries.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Thanks for watching. This gun works fine under normal shooting conditions, even with Tul Ammo. The reason Tul ammo was used in this video was because I could consistently have it fail and show what could potentially be a bad situation for those that carry this gun but rarely shoot or practice. The short stroking was intentional but no modern designed gun should allow the user to drop the hammer on a live primer at half cock. That is a design flaw of a 5 cent piece and should have been fixed. You should always carry or use quality ammo for self defense and that will greatly reduce the chances of failure to fire but it can still happen. Knowing this would you let a loved one use this pistol that you know purchased it because it was cute or was talked into it by a salesman because it was cheap and wanted to make a quick sale. This same person will most likely go out and shoot it once and at most put a mag or 2 thru it and call it good, never to shoot it or any other gun for that matter unless they had to pull it for self defense. We all know people like this and I know I would suggest they get something different and those are the people this video is geared for. As a gun guy could I make this gun work as designed under stress, the answer is yes. However, when I have so many other better options out there at the same price point, why would I carry it knowing of an added potential issue that could arise in a bad situation.

[@henryquackenbush8226]

Buy better ammo Tull’s sucks

[@generalmaximuspatton6909]

SOOOOO gaddam tired of these hotshot operators pussing their pants over this issue considering most will piss their pants at the first time they shoot. Also, regardless of gun ifs so easy to get a bad round or misfeed and have to clear your weapon. Make that first round count.

[@alanspring8462]

After watching this video I'm going to go back to Jennings or maybe lorcin and see if I get better results. LOL

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

For the same money or less he could have purchased a Ruger LCP and had a much better gun. At the time he purchased this he could not find a LCP and purchased this based on some of the larger channels reviews. Big Mistake! Thanks for watching.

[@jackrock1313]

Learn how to use the gun then make review

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

What part of I was intentionally short stroking the trigger to show the flaw do you not understand? Why is it OK for a modern self defense pistol be designed so that the user can easily drop the hammer at half cock? (Guaranteeing a light strike and possible no fire) What other modern guns do this? Why is it OK for Taurus's fix to be to add a line in a revised manual telling the user to make sure the trigger is allowed to go all the way forward (2 clicks) or a misfire can happen? (MMMMMM Taurus knows of an issue but won't fix it.) Why is it that the Original Ruger LCP and LC9 can have the same trigger mechanism but WILL NOT ALLOW THE HAMMER TO BE DROPPED AT HALF COCK? Why would someone want to carry this gun, when ones life is on the line, that has the POTENTIAL TO FAIL ON THE USER, when better options at the same price point are available? Please I need real answers, show me the errors of my way. Don't ghost me like all the others. Thanks for watching and I await your answers.

[@paulmazan4909]

Good Video and an honest assessment. I don't think you need to be so apologetic for having found what you consider a fault in the pistol. The apologies should be coming from Taurus. Your criticism is well founded because in a gunfight your fine motor skills go out the window and this is something that should have been fixed and guns recalled and fixed at the factory. If I have any complaint about the video it is that you didn't hit Taurus as hard, in my opinion, as you should have. They have a responcibility to their customers that I don't feel they are living up to in this case.

[@45AlfaCharliePapa]

Thank you for watching. I agree they need to fix this.

[@ModernGolfer]

Paul Mazan - Ironically, the 'problem' cited - fine motor skills going out the window - is exactly the solution to the problem. Release the trigger where the trigger fully resets. Problem solved. In a 'gunfight', is the operator now having his 'fine motor skills gone out the window' going to be s-l-o-w-l-y releasing the trigger to the short 'first click', carefully listening for that click? Highly unlikely. This perceived problem is resolved quite simply. Learn to 'run the gun', which EVERY person should do with ANY firearm carried for self-defense. ANY semi-auto will 'fail to fire' IF the trigger isn't fully released to the reset point. The complaint by some is WHERE the reset point IS on this particular handgun. Nothing more.