Like any other industry, the firearms market is subject to fads and flavors of the month, especially when it comes to handguns. The hype machine bit me good for the latest hot model on the block, the Taurus Curve. I think it’s worth noting for fiction writers, because it’s a fresh take on many of the features characters need in a handgun.
Taurus Curve: A Good Semi-Automatic Pistol for Characters’ Concealed Carry Needs
A good look at the pocket clip on the Taurus Curve. (Image via Taurus)
First up is the “curve” in Taurus Curve, which makes it ideal for characters needing to carry a concealed pistol. The gun itself is curved to contour to the hip when clipped into a pair of pants.
Yes, that’s clipped into a pocket, belt or waistband. The Curve comes with a pocket clip similar to those found on knives (or wherever else your writerly brain can come up with).
These two innovative features makes the Curve exceptionally comfortable to walk around with, ideal for characters on the go. The ergonomic fit means it’ll be more difficult for others to notice the character is carrying a hidden gun. That the Curve weighs only 10.2 ounces is even better. (At least, that’s what the reviews are saying, and I tend to believe them. I’ve not actually worn one.)
Other Important Details
A view that shows off the “curve” in Taurus Curve. The design is intended to contour to the hip when the gun is clipped into a pocket, belt or waistband. (Image via Taurus)
The Curve comes in .380, which is a caliber that inexperienced shooters shouldn’t have trouble handling. The tradeoff is that the Curve is on the small side, which makes accuracy beyond intimate ranges (it’s a “get off me” gun) a challenge. I think characters more familiar with concealed carry firearms (I’m thinking PIs, special agents and other detectives for fiction) would fare best with them.
The ammunition capacity is 6+1, which translates to six rounds in the detachable magazine (but not clip) and one in the chamber. If you’re not sure what this means, assume the character using the Curve only has six shots to work with before reloading.
The Curve comes with a built-in flashlight and laser for aiming, but I doubt either is all that effective. The laser is supposed to help with aiming, since there aren’t external sights for characters to line up, but that can get tricky in bright conditions. Again, this is why the Curve is best used at intimate ranges, possibly as a backup gun.
As a double-action semi-automatic pistol, the Curve only requires the character “rack the slide” before firing again and again. One pull of the trigger equals one shot fired.
Finally, at less than $400, the Curve is a bargain. Your character doesn’t need to be Bruce Wayne to afford one.
Should You Use the Taurus Curve for Your Characters in Fiction?
Although the Curve is hot right now, it might not be later on. This could date your fiction if you include it in your stories.
Despite that, I think the Curve is worth a go for the cool factor alone. Have fun with this one, and be sure to check out other video reviews on Youtube if you need help with context.
Taurus Curve Specs
For the info junkies out there, here are the official specs from Taurus:
- Model: 180CRVL
- Finish: Matte Blue
- Status: Available
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Grips: Polymer Grips
- UPC: 7-25327-61150-9
- Capacity: 6 +1
- Weight: 10.2 oz
- Barrel Length: 2.5″
- Height: 3.7″
- Frame: Small
- Width: 1.18″
- Action: DAO
- Length: 5.2″
- Safety: Magazine Disconnect,Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Trigger Type: Smooth
- Order #: 1-180031L
- MSRP: $392.42
Get the Book
The Writer’s Guide to Weapons: A Practical Reference for Using Firearms and Knives in Fiction (Writer’s Digest Books) comes with everything but the ammo. Pick up a print or digital copy from these fine retailers:
The Writer's Guide to Weapons 
It’s kind of ugly. Reminds me of a staple gun. Love the info., though. Thanks, Ben!
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Ha! Someone else on Twitter compared it to a tape measure.
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The benefit of the tape measure is that less ‘stuff’ can wrap itself around the trigger while we carry it around, I guess. Beyond that it is just as you wrote. Though I REALLY wonder how you can consider 400$ a cheap handgun!
I was down to Scorpion and other crap-handguns, and even those with 260$ to 340$ are still painfully … *idea!* Lets hope we both sell our books often enough to start collecting such cheap handguns… a thousand customers per day should do the job. x-)
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