Taurus 942 Revolver .22 LR 3″ 8rd Stainless
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taurus 942 Revolver .22 LR 3" 8rd Stainless is a small-frame, eight-shot, double-action/single-action revolver built with a matte stainless finish and a 3-inch barrel. It's a purpose-built training and field tool where low ammunition cost and mechanical simplicity are paramount. This configuration prioritizes durable stainless construction and user-serviceable iron sights over lightweight polymer or concealed-carry-centric designs found in other rimfire handguns.
What is the Taurus 942 Revolver used for?
The Taurus 942 is a dedicated training and small-game revolver first, with concealed carry as a secondary, situation-dependent role. Its 8-round capacity and .22 LR chambering make it cost-effective for high-volume trigger time, while the all-stainless construction and 3-inch sight radius support realistic holster work and skill maintenance. For primary defensive use, I'd typically recommend moving to a centerfire cartridge like the .38 Special, but as a backup or training analog, this fills a specific niche.
How does the Taurus 942 compare to the Ruger LCRx .22 LR?
The Taurus 942's stainless frame offers greater long-term corrosion resistance and a more traditional weight profile for recoil management compared to the polymer-framed Ruger LCRx .22 LR. The 942's 25.0-ounce weight provides a steadier sight picture for precision shooting, while the 13.5-ounce LCRx is superior for all-day carry comfort. The trade-off is straightforward: the 942 is a better range and field tool, while the LCRx is a better dedicated carry piece.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Taurus 942 weighs 25.0 ounces, with dimensions of 7.3 inches in overall length, 4.3 inches in height, and a cylinder width of 1.4 inches. The 3-inch barrel provides a 2.8-inch sight radius between the serrated ramp front and drift-adjustable rear sight. This weight distribution, centered on the stainless-steel frame, makes it noticeably heavier than polymer-framed competitors but contributes directly to controllable rapid fire.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for shooters seeking a minimalist, ultralight carry piece or those whose primary focus is high-speed competitive rimfire events. The 25.0-ounce weight disqualifies it from featherweight carry categories, and the double-action trigger pull, while serviceable, isn't tuned for split-second competition. If your use case is deep-concealment or beating the clock on a plate rack, consider a polymer-frame revolver or a semi-automatic like those in our the Stevens rifle lineup for a different type of precision work.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the revolver, two 8-round moon clips for faster reloading, a cable lock, and the standard owner's manual and warranty documentation. Taurus does not include a cleaning kit or spare grips, which is standard for this price point. The moon clips are a critical inclusion, as they transform reloading from a fumble-prone exercise into a sub-5-second operation with practice.
Is the Taurus 942 worth it at $400.99?
At $400.99, the Taurus 942 represents strong value for a shooter who needs a durable, all-weather .22 LR revolver for disciplined training or field use. You're paying for a solid stainless-steel frame and functional adjustable sights, not for fancy finishes or custom-grade triggers. For comparison, investing in a higher-grade over-under for clays, like the Stevens 555 Sporting (our review), shifts the budget toward a different type of recreational precision. If your goal is affordable, repetition-focused revolver practice, this price is justified.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel frame withstands 500+ round training sessions without corrosion concern in all weather
- 8-round capacity is 2 rounds more than a standard 6-shot J-frame, a 33% increase for drill work
- Drift-adjustable rear sight allows for precise zeroing to match specific .22 LR ammunition weight
- 25.0-ounce weight provides a stable, recoil-absorbing platform for rapid follow-up shots
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull measures a consistent but heavy 12.5 lbs, requiring dedicated practice for smooth engagement
- Black rubber grips lack aggressive texture; they can slip with sweaty hands during extended outdoor sessions
- No optics-ready option or drilled frame for aftermarket mounts, limiting sighting system upgrades
Key attributes
| upc | 725327618720 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-942039 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 7.6 |
| model | 942 |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | RS: Adjustable FS: Ramp |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .22 WMR ammunition?
- No, the Taurus 942 is chambered exclusively for .22 Long Rifle cartridges. The cylinder is not sized or rated for the longer case and higher pressure of .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. Attempting to fire .22 WMR in this revolver is unsafe and will cause a catastrophic failure.
- Does it fit a standard small-frame revolver holster?
- Yes, the Taurus 942 will typically fit holsters molded for Smith & Wesson J-frame or Ruger LCR revolvers with 3-inch barrels. Due to its specific cylinder width of 1.4 inches, leather holsters may require a short break-in period. For optimal retention, we recommend a kydex holster from a maker like Vedder Holsters.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- For FFL shipments to Montana, standard processing and transit time is 3-5 business days after your FFL's documentation is verified by our compliance team. All firearm shipments undergo a mandatory 24-hour internal audit before release. Expedited options are not available for firearms due to regulatory handling requirements.
- Can I return it if the sights are off?
- Ironclad Armory inspects and test-fires every revolver prior to shipment, including verifying point of impact at 7 yards. If you receive a unit with a significantly mis-zeroed rear sight, contact our support within 72 hours of FFL pickup for a prepaid return label. Do not attempt to drift the sight yourself before assessment, as that voids the inspection return policy.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the Taurus 942 is not designed for suppressed use. The barrel is not threaded, and the gap between the cylinder and forcing cone will allow significant gas and sound to escape, negating the suppressor's effectiveness. For integrally suppressed .22 LR training, you would need a purpose-built pistol or a rifle platform.