The Return of the Taurus Model 58

Taurus announced the launch of the Taurus 58, a lightweight, high-capacity .380 ACP auto. It’s really a relaunch, though, because the original Model 58s were out back in the early 1990s. The Model 58 is designed for everyday carry.

The Model 58

The Taurus Model 58 is an aluminum frame .380 ACP pistol that looks like a shrunken-down Model 92. It has the same open-style slide and fat body aluminum frame. It accepts a capacious 15-round double-stack magazine. It’s very close to a Glock 19 in size. Just a touch bigger in all dimensions. A touch heavier, too, at 29.6 ounces empty. Although keep in mind this is an all-metal pistol, not polymer like the Glock.

The Model 58 is a double/single-action design. It has an ambidextrous frame-mounted safety and decocker like its big brother, the Model 92. The front sight is integral to the slide, and the rear sight is drift-adjustable for windage.

The new Model 58 is available with either a matte black or stainless finish. Grips are checkered black plastic and look to be a lot slimmer than the wood panels that came with the very first Model 58s back in the 90s.

Who is the Model 58 Meant For?

I can see some folks wondering why they might want a .380 that’s the size of a 9mm Glock 19. It’s a fair question, but I think it has a niche. My buddy had one of the original Model 58s, and I have to say, it was a joy to shoot. Being a fairly big gun for a .380, you had plenty to hold on to. The weight and 4-inch barrel made it a very soft shooter as well. It wasn’t quite like shooting a .22, but it was close.

For folks who are recoil sensitive, it would be a great choice. It’s not a bad choice for anyone who wants a gun that’s easy to shoot, fast, and still keeps hits on target. .380 ACP ammo has come a long way since the 90s, too, and there are some great defense rounds available.

The 4-inch barrel should give you a bit of a velocity boost over most pocket .380’s as well. Not to mention that you have 15 rounds on tap. Taurus used to make a 20-round extended mag for the 58’s, and I hope that makes a comeback. So while it’s not the subcompact that many of us associate with a .380, I think the Taurus 58 does have a useful niche. Plus, it’s kinda neat and should be fun to shoot.

Taurus Model 58 Specs: