How does a Taurus TCP function?

[JonathanE]

I am considering a TCP, but I don't know how it functions. Is it like a Glock, partialy cocked striker, and fully retracted by the trigger pull? Does the striker have to overtravel by inertia (like Glock or a 1911's pin)?
This is mainly a question of my own peace of mind. I admit I was afraid to carry either Glock or 1911 before I understood their functions, but now I am quite comfortable. Can anyone put my mind at ease regarding pocket holster carry of the TCP?

 

[ugaarguy]

It's hammer fired double action only just like the Kel-Tec P3AT it copies. It requires a long, deliberate trigger pull to fire - just like a revolver. P.26, F.7 of the TCP Manual is a full schematic - http://www.taurususa.com/pdf/manual_TCP_50062247.pdf.

 

[chicharrones]

Yep. It works like the KelTec since that is what the TCP (and other pistols) are designed after. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIDoUu8lDGU

Racking the slide brings the hammer to half cock. Pulling the trigger fully cocks the hammer, moves the hammer catch/block forward, and releases the hammer from full cock to fire the gun.

So, kinda like the Glock except the Glock has the "half-cocked" striker and the TCP has the half-cocked hammer. If either gun is dry fired or has a misfire, the slide has to be pulled back to reset the striker or hammer to the half cock position. The trigger alone will not pull the hammer or striker back to the half cock position.

 

[hardluk1]

I bought a tcp a week and half ago. I have only run 100 rounds of magtec fmj thru it so far and they ran fine. No issues. I do need more range time to prof it like I do any pistol. It does seem to be the best functioning of other micro sized 380's. It is a bit heavier at 10oz. Trigger is a no stack long DA type pull but only a 5lb pull so it is supriseingly nice.

You can also buy a FS mdel for under 200 dollars . Retail is only 199. Nice suprise. The SS and Black SS are in the mid 250, 260's around here. Very pleased with mine. Nice for when my 9mm is too big or as a backup.

 

[seastrike]

I've like mine. I sent it back (free) because it started hitting me in the face with brass at around 300 or so rounds.
They must have put a stronger spring in the extractor as it now shoots brass over my head and about 20 feet back. I was looking for a change in the bevel so it would shoot brass to the right but this works.
I have liked the gun so far. It will mostly ride in the pocket now that I've "broken it in" and trust it. At around 400 rounds I have never had a jam or any problem besides direction of spent brass.
It's not the sexiest gun I own but it's certainly the easist to carry.

 

[kokapelli]

I've like mine. I sent it back (free) because it started hitting me in the face with brass at around 300 or so rounds.
They must have put a stronger spring in the extractor as it now shoots brass over my head and about 20 feet back. I was looking for a change in the bevel so it would shoot brass to the right but this works.
I have liked the gun so far. It will mostly ride in the pocket now that I've "broken it in" and trust it. At around 400 rounds I have never had a jam or any problem besides direction of spent brass.
It's not the sexiest gun I own but it's certainly the easist to carry.

The stiffer the recoil spring the shorter the brass flies. One way of telling when your recoils spring is ready to be replaced is when the brass flies further than usual.

 

[JonathanE]

Thanks

Awesome, thanks for the help and explanations. Also, I never realized that about the weak recoil spring = far flung brass.

 

[spotch]

Word on the streets when I was looking at these small guns is that the tcp has a little less felt recoil and a little better trigger. I still worry about the reliability of Taurus though, at least for something this essential.

 

[One_Jackal]

Pocket pistols are just harder to build. All brands have more come backs with pocket pistols than any others. If you find one that works. You can tolerate it. Keep it. Learn to love it.

 

[hardluk1]

spotct you better avoid all micro pistols cause they all have some issues. Taurus has way less than some still today with there 380 tcp. I also carry a model 85 ss for 20 years. still a great handgun. I also cc'd a pf-9 and now kahrs that so many bitch about. 2000 rounds + and no issues with each. Might be more owner issues than handgun issues with some also.