TAURUS 942M .22 WMR 3 in 8-Round Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction withstands corrosion—24 oz weight manages .22 WMR recoil effectively
- 8-round capacity exceeds most J-frames by 2 rounds without increasing width beyond 1.3 inches
- Drift-adjustable rear sight allows precise windage zeroing—3-inch barrel maintains 4-inch groups at 25 yards
- DA/SA trigger provides 8 lb double-action pull and crisp 3.5 lb single-action break for precision shooting
Trade-offs
- No optics mounting capability—irons-only configuration limits sighting options versus milled slides
- Rubber grips lack texture—adds $35-50 for aftermarket stippled or wood panels for secure grip
- Moon clip not included—requires $15-20 purchase for practical reloads beyond single-round loading
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taurus 942M .22 WMR 3" 8-Round Stainless? It's a small-frame double/single-action revolver chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire with an 8-round capacity and 3-inch barrel length. Built with a matte stainless steel finish and black rubber grips, this compact wheelgun prioritizes reliability over high-round-count performance. Its drift-adjustable rear sight and ramp front sight provide basic but effective aiming reference for close-quarters defensive use or casual plinking.
What is the Taurus 942M used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a concealed carry or backup firearm where reliability matters more than capacity. I recommend it for shooters who prioritize mechanical simplicity over semi-auto speed—it cycles 22 WMR without the feeding issues that sometimes plague rimfire autoloaders. The 3-inch barrel balances concealability with enough sight radius for practical accuracy within 15 yards, making it suitable for urban carry or as a trail gun where larger calibers might be excessive.
How does the Taurus 942M compare to the Smith & Wesson 351PD?
The 942M offers better value at nearly half the price of S&W's 351PD while delivering comparable ballistics from identical barrel lengths. Where the 351PD uses scandium alloy to achieve a featherlight 10.8-ounce weight, the Taurus weighs 24 ounces—giving it noticeably softer recoil with hot .22 WMR loads while still remaining concealable. For shooters who don't need ultralight construction, the Taurus provides superior shootability at $400 versus the S&W's $900+ price point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight measures 24 ounces (680 grams) with an overall length of 7.2 inches and height of 4.8 inches. The 3-inch barrel contributes to a balanced feel in hand, while the 1.3-inch width accommodates eight rounds without becoming overly bulky. These dimensions place it squarely in the compact revolver category—comparable to a J-frame in footprint but with two additional rounds capacity.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you need high-volume firepower or optic compatibility. The 8-round capacity and manual reloading process make it poorly suited for competitive shooting or situations requiring rapid engagement of multiple targets. Unlike modern semi-autos like the Stevens 334 Rifle, this platform doesn't accept red dots or magnified optics—it's strictly iron-sights-only for traditionalists.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 8-round moon clip, and a cable lock—no case or cleaning tools included. Taurus ships these with a basic owner's manual and warranty card, but expect to purchase aftermarket moon clips ($15-20 per pair) if you want faster reloads. The absence of a hard case means you'll need to budget $25-40 for proper storage, unlike the Stevens 555 Sporting which includes a fitted case.
Is the Taurus 942M worth it at $400.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for a stainless steel revolver chambered in a capable rimfire cartridge. You're getting a mechanically simple firearm that will outlast most semi-autos in dusty conditions, with none of the feed ramp tuning or magazine issues that plague budget .22 pistols. For $100-150 more than polymer-framed .22LR options, you gain the superior ballistic performance of .22 WMR—making this a justified investment for serious carry use.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327618683 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-942M039 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | COLORED |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 Magnum |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 7.6 |
| model | 942M |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.1 |
| 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 LR ammunition?
- No—this revolver chambers .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire exclusively. Attempting to fire .22 Long Rifle cartridges will result in dangerous misfires and potential cylinder damage due to different case dimensions. Always use CCI Maxi-Mag or equivalent .22 WMR ammunition rated at 1,875 fps muzzle velocity.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- It fits most J-frame or small-frame revolver holsters designed for 2-3 inch barrels. The 1.3-inch width requires minimal break-in with leather or Kydex molds—I recommend DeSantis Pocket-Tuk or Vedder LightTuck models for concealed carry. Allow 1-2 weeks for custom holster delivery if ordering online.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 3-5 business days after payment clearance. Transit time adds 2-7 days depending on your location relative to our Nevada distribution center. All firearms ship via UPS Next Day Air with adult signature required—no PO Box deliveries permitted under ATF regulations.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We allow returns only for mechanical defects verified by our gunsmiths within 30 days—size or fit issues don't qualify. Measure your hand size against our grip dimension charts before purchasing to ensure proper fit.
- Does this work with HKS speed loaders?
- Yes—it accepts HKS Model 22-A speed loaders designed for 8-shot .22 revolvers. These $25 accessories cut reload time from 12-15 seconds to under 5 seconds with practice. Moon clips work better for competition but HKS remains the reliability standard for defensive carry applications.