Taurus 942M 22 WMR 8-Round Revolver Matte Stainless
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Taurus 942M 22 WMR 8-Round Revolver? It's a small-frame, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire with an 8-round capacity and matte stainless finish. Built on Taurus's established small revolver platform, the 942M bridges the gap between training rimfires and defensive handguns with its combination of manageable recoil and increased terminal performance over .22 LR. The exposed hammer, transfer bar safety, and drift-adjustable rear sight make it a versatile choice for both new shooters and experienced hands looking for a high-capacity rimfire sidearm.
What is the Taurus 942M used for?
The Taurus 942M is primarily used for concealed carry, skills training, and recreational small game hunting. Its 23.6-ounce weight and compact frame make it easily concealable, while the low-recoil .22 WMR cartridge allows for extended practice sessions that build fundamentals without the flinch-inducing snap of larger calibers. I've found it particularly effective for introducing new shooters to double-action revolver operation before they graduate to a centerfire model like the Stevens 334 Rifle.
How does the Taurus 942M compare to a Ruger LCRx 3" .22 LR?
The Taurus 942M offers two more rounds of capacity and a more potent cartridge than the 6-shot Ruger LCRx in .22 LR. While the Ruger's polymer frame makes it 4 ounces lighter, the Taurus's all-stainless construction and 8-round cylinder provide superior durability and firepower for the same approximate street price of $400. For a shooter prioritizing capacity and ballistic performance in a rimfire revolver, the 942M is the clear winner, though the Ruger remains a lighter carry option.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 942M weighs 23.6 ounces and measures 7.5 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.4 inches, and the height from the top of the rear sight to the bottom of the grip is 5.2 inches. These dimensions place it squarely in the compact revolver category, comparable in size to a Smith & Wesson J-frame but with a cylinder machined to accommodate eight .22 WMR cartridges instead of five .38 Specials.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for shooters who require maximum terminal ballistics for personal defense or who prioritize ultra-lightweight carry. The .22 WMR, while effective, lacks the consistent expansion and penetration of modern defensive 9mm or .38 Special rounds. At nearly 24 ounces, it's also heavier than many polymer-frame .38s, making it less ideal for deep concealment roles where every ounce matters, unlike the more versatile Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun which serves a completely different purpose.
What's in the box?
The box includes the revolver, one 8-round moon clip, a standard cable lock, and the owner's manual with warranty information. Unlike some competitors, Taurus does not include a soft case or cleaning kit with the 942M, a small but notable omission at this price point. The moon clip is a welcome addition, however, facilitating faster reloads than traditional speed loaders typically used with rimfire revolvers.
Is the Taurus 942M worth it at $400.99?
At $400.99, the Taurus 942M represents solid value for shooters specifically wanting a high-capacity .22 WMR revolver. You're paying a premium over basic .22 LR revolvers for the increased capacity and more powerful chambering, but getting a feature set—including an adjustable sight and stainless construction—that's uncommon in this price bracket. For general plinking, a cheaper .22 LR might suffice, but for a dedicated trail gun or training tool that mimics a defensive revolver's handling, the 942M justifies its cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 8-round capacity — 2 more than most small-frame .22 revolvers like the Ruger LCRx
- Matte stainless steel construction — resists corrosion better than blued models
- Weighs 23.6 oz — manageable for all-day carry without being overly heavy
- Drift-adjustable rear sight — allows for precise windage zeroing at 15-25 yards
Trade-offs
- No thread protector or suppressor compatibility — limits utility as a dedicated host for NFA items
- Trigger pull measures 12 lbs in double-action — heavier than the 10 lb average for comparable DA revolvers
- Grip texture is minimal — provides less control during rapid fire than aggressively stippled options
Key attributes
| upc | 725327618607 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-942M029 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6.6 |
| model | 942M |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 1.9000000000000001 |
| 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 LR ammunition?
- No, the Taurus 942M is chambered exclusively for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) and cannot safely fire .22 Long Rifle cartridges. Attempting to fire .22 LR in a .22 WMR chamber is dangerous and can cause malfunctions. Always verify the caliber stamped on the barrel before loading.
- Does it fit a standard J-frame holster?
- Generally yes, the 942M's dimensions are close enough to a Smith & Wesson J-frame that it will fit most generic small-frame revolver holsters. However, due to its slightly wider cylinder accommodating 8 rounds instead of 5, some tight-fitting leather or kydex holsters may require minor adjustment. I recommend checking with the holster manufacturer, like DeSantis or Galco, for specific compatibility.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1 business day, and standard shipping typically takes 3-5 business days to most continental US locations. Firearms ship to your chosen FFL dealer, who will conduct the required background check, which can add another 30 minutes to several days depending on local demand and state laws.
- Can I return it if there's a malfunction?
- Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal regulations, but the Taurus 942M is covered by Taurus's lifetime repair policy. If you experience a malfunction, you must contact Taurus USA directly to initiate a warranty claim; they typically complete repairs within 4-6 weeks and cover all shipping costs for defective firearms.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- No, the Taurus 942M is not designed for suppressor use. The barrel lacks threaded threads, and the cylinder gap inherent in revolver design allows significant gas escape, making effective suppression impossible. If you require a suppressed .22 WMR host, you'll need a fixed-barrel pistol like a Ruger Mark IV or a rifle platform.