Taurus Titanium Millennium

Guns Magazine, Oct, 2000 by J. I. Galan

Innovative design and space-age materials meld in these groundbreaking new defensive pistols.

There is little about that the future -- and a good chunk of the present, as far as self-defense semi-autos are concerned -- belongs to those compact and sub-compact pistols featuring the latest technology and materials. This trend, begun some two decades ago by Glock, has now grown to gigantic proportions, as a number of other handgun makers both here and abroad are producing an increasing variety of polymer -- framed autoloaders to meet the rising demand from civilians as well as law-enforcement circles.

All Taurus Millennium pistols share a number of features which include compact size, polymer frames, DAO operation, 10 1 capacity, light weight superb ergonomics and flawless performance.

Available in several popular "social" chamberings, Taurus Millennium pistols offer a truly viable variety of models for lawful concealed carry by civilians or serious back-up firepower for law enforcement.

Miami-based Taurus International, long renowned for its innovative line of quality service revolvers and autoloaders, has once again turned the firearms industry on its ear. Following Taurus unparalleled introduction of an entire line of titanium revolvers two years ago, the company has made firearms history once again with the introduction of its aptly named Millennium line of autoloaders.

First, Second & Third Millennium

We recently tested three of the models in the Millennium lineup. These consisted of the PT111 in 9mm, PT140 in .40 S&W and the PT157 in .357 SIG. Other Millennium models are the PT138 (.380 Auto) and the PT145 (.45 ACP). The latter model, according to Taurus, should be making its way to dealers' shelves by the time you read this.

Incidentally, the PT157 we tested was an early production model, as full production of this particular model will not begin in earnest until the end of this year.

One of the most striking aspects of Millennium pistols is the fact that, regardless of caliber, they all have pretty much the same physical dimensions and light weight.

At about 6 1/8" in overall length, 1 1/4" wide and weighing approximately 21 ozs. empty, the PT140 and PT157 look outwardly identical. They both featured nice black polymer frames topped by blue steel slides. In sharp contrast, the PT111 has a dark blue polymer frame and a matte gray titanium slide. This compact 9mm pistol is otherwise identical to the aforementioned models, except that it tips the scales at just 18.7 ozs., thanks, of course, to its titanium slide.

The advanced design of these Millennium pistols also extends to their operational simplicity and impressive reliability. Featuring a smooth DAO operation, these striker-fired pistols have snag-free lines that enhance their utter practicality for concealed carry on the person or in a purse, always ready for fast presentation.

The only outward controls, besides their ample molded triggers, are the slide release catch, take-down latch and single-sided manual safety. All three consist of small but easily operated, grooved levers located along the left side of the frame just below the slide.

In addition, the grip-mounted magazine release button can be easily reached even by folks with small hands, This control operated flawlessly on all three models, instantly dumping the respective Mec-Gar magazines supplied with the guns.

Proper Pinky Placement

As far as pure ergonomics are concerned, the Millennium is top-notch. The molded polymer frames may appear deceptively undersized at first sight, but that impression is quickly dispelled when one picks up any of these pistols.

The ample trigger guard features a hooked front with checkering. The front and back straps of the grip are also checkered, providing a positive hold even with sweaty hands. All of the magazines accompanying the pistols -- two were supplied with each gun -- have molded extensions that also help a lot in the proper placement of that pinky finger that would otherwise remain hanging beyond the grip, at least for folks like me, with jumbo-sized paws. Standard non-extension mags make these already compact pistols even more concealable.

The manual safety catch is easily reached by the thumb of the shooting hand for right-handed individuals. Flicking it up effectively locks the trigger. These pistols do not have magazine safeties, but they all incorporate internal firing pin blocks to prevent discharge if the pistol is dropped or suffers a similarly sharp blow.

As for sights, the Millenniums sport a fixed three-dot arrangement. Front and rear sight are both mounted in a groove atop the full length of the slide. This low-profile system is eminently practical, well in keeping with the intended use of these semi-autos as discreet life-saving tools. This three-dot sight setup was easy to acquire during quick-draw and rapid-fire exercises and, while far from being match-grade, goes a long way toward helping in proper shot placement at various combat distances.

Incidentally, with a round in the chamber the Millennium's spring-loaded extractor does double-duty as a chamber-loaded indicator by protruding slightly beyond the surface of the slide. This gives the shooter a tactile means of ascertaining the pistol's level of readiness even in the dark.