Today, we’ll be exploring the top 7 Taurus G3C problems that have been reported by owners of this budget-minded, compact 9mm handgun. Like the Taurus G2C that came before it, the G3C is not without its fair share of hiccups that some people have uncovered during their time at the range. Keep reading to find out exactly what problems to look out for so you know what to check on should you own or decide to purchase this affordable and highly-popular concealed-carry pistol.
Curious to learn about the problems we uncovered with the Taurus GX4? Check out our latest article to find out!: Taurus GX4 Problems
Taurus G3C Introduction
The Taurus G3C continues to build on the foundation that made the G-series compact handguns one of the most loved in personal defense/EDC. It also maintains the Taurus G series handguns’ outstanding cost-to-performance ratio. The original striker-fired full-size version has all the same features. Available in a compact, EDC-friendly frame. The Taurus G3C is the perfect combination of power and performance in any situation that requires self-defense.
I don’t own the Taurus G3C personally, but I do own the prior generation G2C, and not a whole lot was actually changed about the basic design with some updated slide aesthetics and a peephole-style loaded chamber indicator. One of the upgrades the G3C received was an improved flat-faced trigger that is more comfortable to shoot and allows for better trigger control with more real estate for your index finger.
Another improvement was the change to Glock-style sight cuts which gives you a lot more 3rd-party options to choose from if you’re looking to upgrade to night sights. The final improvement is the Tenifer-like finish that doesn’t rub off so easily as the G2C tends to do. Other than that, they’re pretty much the same gun… although I have seen fewer “problems” associated with the older G2C model than I have with the newer Taurus G3C.
Taurus G3C Problems- The Frame Safety
This one kind of gave me a chuckle after doing my research and watching a few YouTubers’ takes on this “safety” issue. The problem has to do with the fact that some G3C and G2C guns (especially older batches) allow you to stage the trigger and engage the safety- locking the trigger in the staged position.
If you happen to have an older model of either of these guns, you should be able to squeeze the trigger and cause the firing pin to fire. I’m not entirely convinced that this is “batch dependent” or just varies from gun to gun due to mediocre quality controls. For me, this is really more of a non-issue since only a fool loads a round in the chamber and stages the trigger without the intent to fire!
It has been brought to my attention that other gun brands with frame safeties out there may exhibit this same issue (that’s really a non-issue) but I suppose it’s our job to find each and every flaw a gun might or might not possess!
Anyway, I’ll post the two videos in question as I was rather amused by the hate received in the comments of the first video.
I was able to replicate this safety “issue” on one of my two G2Cs and they were made exactly one month apart. The video below demonstrates how the frame safety should behave if you were to be so foolish as to stage the trigger, set the safety, and squeeze the trigger.
Taurus G3C Problems- Not Going Into Battery
Some people report that their Taurus G3C fails to go into battery straight out of the box when they take their new pistol to the range. Sometimes, this is a simple break-in issue that goes away after a few boxes of ammo along with proper cleaning and lubrication prior to shooting.
Other times, the issue is caused by the rough finish on the barrel and tolerances that are too close between the barrel and the front of the slide. Many have remedied this issue by polishing the barrel and the hole on the front of the slide and applying some gun oil to keep the friction from causing a failure going into battery.
Another possible reason for experiencing out-of-battery issues with a Taurus G3C using poorly-sized factory reloads. The last reason may be a weak return spring that Taurus likes to mount over those cheap plastic guide rods. Upgrading to a stainless steel guide rod with captured springs can remedy this problem and provides a much smoother shooting experience.
Taurus G3C Problems- Failures To Extract
This one is typically caused by some Taurus G3C pistols having a tighter chamber and not a problem with the extractor but is more prominent when using steel-cased ammo. This can be demonstrated by removing the barrel, lightly pressing a round in the chamber, and turning the barrel upside down to see if the bullet sticks or falls freely.
If it falls freely with a variety of ammo types, including brass and steel casings, then the chamber tolerances are looser and you won’t experience any failures to extract. If the cartridge sticks and takes a good shake to come out, however, then you may experience failures to extract.
This happens because the case expansion on a fired round is friction-bound to the chamber and overcomes the spring tension of the extractor. If the chamber is only a tad too small, then oftentimes polishing the chamber will solve the problem but if not then you’ll have to send it back to Taurus for warranty repair. This will usually result in them replacing the barrel with one that is up to spec.
Taurus G3C Problems- Failures To Feed
Some people have noted failures to feed certain ammunition from both the original Mec-Gar mags and some aftermarket mags, such as the infamous Pro-Mags. At first, you might think it’s just the crappy Pro-Mags to blame, and that may be, but another possible cause of this problem is a lack of polish on the feed ramp of the barrel and the lower assembly of the feed guide.
If you’re having any issues with stripping that first round out of a new magazine with a stiff spring, then polishing up as many contact surfaces as possible might just be the best way to fix the problem. Don’t forget to give this a try before assuming your G3C is just picky about what ammo it likes!
Also, don’t forget to lubricate all internal contact points to ensure the proper functionality of the firearm.
Taurus G3C Problems- The Finish
Taurus claims the new G3C has a Tenifer finish applied to the slide and it’s a definite improvement over the G2C in that regard. It looks to have a matte paint job but it does hold up much better to holster wear than my G2C did.
Though it is definitely not the best finish I’ve seen by a long shot, it’s still fairly good for Taurus standards and will do an adequate job protecting the slide from rust and corrosion if well-maintained and oiled.
Taurus G3C Problems- Shooting Low & To The Left
This is primarily an issue that right-handed shooters report having and isn’t really the fault of the gun. It is more common on guns with compact frames like the Taurus G3C and for shooters with larger hands or long fingers.
The issue is caused by an unconscious act called “thumbing” and involves jerking the thumb on your shooting hand down as you pull the trigger. Relaxing your thumbs while shooting will usually correct this phenomenon that a lot of right-handed shooters experience (for left-handed shooters, it’s low and to the right!).
Taurus G3C Problems- Quality Control
This is my biggest problem with Taurus handguns overall- and is likely to be expected to a certain degree- but there can be no doubt that with budget handguns like the Taurus G3C, you’re bound to get a lemon from time to time. You never really know if you’ve gotten a good one until you’ve put at least 250+ rounds through your G3C to see how it performs after break-in, or if it just breaks.
Seemingly, the vast majority seem to fly under the “my Taurus runs flawlessly” side of the equation, but a lot of Taurus owners have yet to actually put their G3C through its paces to give us a more definitive consensus as to the actual number of lemons that are out there. The only way to know for sure is to hit the range and find out.
Needless to say, you should do this with ANY handgun that you purchase for the purpose of self-defense- and you should NEVER give ANY manufacturer the benefit of the doubt! Just because every Tom, Dick, and Harry professes that their insert-gun-of-choice “functions flawlessly” does not mean that you won’t need to vet your own! And when you do, remember to clean and lubricate your G3C and check for functionality before putting your first shots down range.
Final Thoughts
The Taurus G3C is an attractive option for the budget-minded individual and it’s hard to argue with the general reliability of most G-series handguns. If you get a good one, you’ll most definitely be happy you made that purchase but make sure you register it within 30 days just in case you’re one of the unlucky ones that will need to use that factory warranty!
Excellent summary and advice.
Very informative article. Thank you. Can you recommend some comparable, or better regarded G3C alternatives? Also, what is your take on the Taurus Gx-4?
Thanks of the question! My top subcompact recommendation is the CANIK TP9 ELITE. At $399 you’d be hard-pressed to find a better gun for the money. I wrote an article on the Taurus GX4 problems and would recommend you steer clear of that model.
If shooting low and left with the Taurus pistols was caused by thumb jerking then why does it not happen when shooting my Rugers and Glocks? What is really the cause? My opinion is that it is sight alignment, but still working to solve this issue with my Taurus Automatics, PT-111 Millenium Pro, PT 24-7 G2 Compat, G2C. No issue with my PT 709 slim, Ruger 22, Ruger 380 or Glock 45.
Thanks for the question, Bart! This rule only applies to handguns that have had their iron sights properly adjusted with the assistance of a bench rest to take out user error as much as possible. Also, not everyone has the tendency to engage their thumbs to cause such an effect on their aim. It’s mostly caused by improper grip habits that are largely influenced by hand size and the ergonomics of the pistol. This can be mitigated by adding stippling or rubber sleeves and implementing a grip technique that allows the thumbs to relax. I used to own a Taurus PT709 slim that definitely was not sighted in at the factory as shot placement was way off. I would never blame my grip technique without first making sure the sights were zeroed!
From the box 115 grain no problem at the range 36 rounds I believe that the Taurus g3c is a good gun .I conceal carry a Smith and Wesson model 410 40 180 grain jhp and it a shooter.
Thanks, Joe for the reply and sorry for my late response. You mentioned the Canik…In your experience how does this model compare with the M&P Shield Plus? Also, do you have an opinion on the Beretta APX Carry?
Finally, I have the G3C and after 650 rounds have only had 2 “problems”- a failure to feed and a light primer strike issue. Love it so far! I am however looking at other, more historically reliable makers due to the uncertainty of the Taurus remining reliable after a few years use.
Thank you!
If you’re just looking for the best track record, reliability, value, and ease of shooting accurately, I’d have to recommend the S&W Shield Plus. Don’t know much about the Beretta APX Carry but I don’t really care for DAO triggers on striker-fire pistols. Plus, it doesn’t hold nearly as many rounds as the Shield. I would prefer a Canik over the APX but I like the Shield the best.
Thanks, Joe for the reply and sorry for my late response. You mentioned the Canik…In your experience how does this model compare with the M&P Shield Plus? Also, do you have an opinion on the Beretta APX Carry?
Finally, I have the G3C and after 650 rounds have only had 2 “problems”- a failure to feed and a light primer strike issue. Love it so far! I am however looking at other, more historically reliable makers due to the uncertainty of the Taurus remaining reliable after a few years use.
Thank you!
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
Good article on the problems with the Taurus g3c. I have worked on all the internal parts, magazine, and feed ramps on the barrel. No hp ammo will feed without ftf. A lot of the problems have disappeared but I still have an issue with ftf 2 out of 12 times . It ended up being that if I hold the pistol pointing at the floor and drop the slide release, the nose of the hp will jam against the very bottom of the barrels feed ramp. I ordered a new barrel from Taurus and still have the same issue. Not worth the headache to me. All I can run is ball ammo at this point. This will strictly be a range gun from now on.
Sorry to hear about all these Taurus lemons in circulation. It really is a coin-flip gamble buying a Taurus semi-auto pistol just to save a few bucks- only to have to invest more time and money, in the end, trying to fix the lemons. I used to believe my G2C was as trustworthy as a Glock, back when I didn’t know any better. Time, research, and experience have led me to put my trust in more reputable brands.
G3c less than 100 rounds through it and went to put loaded mag into the mag well and the mag release button and a small rod fell out. Anyone else have this problem
Yikes! Poor QC no doubt. Can’t say I’ve experienced that with any gun I’ve ever owned (even my own Taurus pistols) but it is something more common with Taurus than most other brands. Hopefully, you brought something else to shoot with you that day!
Far from an expert but in terms of breaking in an firearm would it not be wise to remove lubricant and fire the pistol. Without lube parts will polish together far quicker. Buying a pistol for $300 and then saying, you need to run 500 shots till it works properly. means you have paid 300 plus roughly 150 for the gun
Some guns with looser tolerances will operate fine without much lube. In those cases, oil is recommended mostly as a means to keep corrosion from forming (especially when IWB carrying). All guns should be cleaned of the thicker grease applied at the factory to prevent malfunctions and then a small layer of gun oil applied according to the tolerances of your weapon. The gun will break in fine with a light lube applied (if the gun is the type that needs breaking in, that is). Some guns go bang without any malfunctions right out of the box, others have some hiccups before they play nice, while others are just lemons and will never be reliable. 500 rounds is to assure you that your gun is indeed worthy to put your life on the line with and is purposefully arbitrary out of an abundance of caution (100? 200? 300? whatever makes you feel safest is a good rule of thumb). By all means, put little to no rounds or lube through your carry weapon and cross your fingers should the threat arise.
Admin – Nice Article!