Taurus TH45 Full-Size .45 ACP 4.25 in.
About this product
What is the Taurus TH45 Full-Size .45 ACP 4.25 in.? It's a hammer-fired SA/DA duty pistol that delivers the terminal ballistics of a .45 ACP round from a controllable full-size platform, making it a direct-service alternative to polymer-frame striker-fired designs. The design balances traditional double-action/single-action control mechanics with a 7.72-inch overall length and accessory-ready modern features. This configuration ships with two 10-round magazines, an adjustable sight set, and interchangeable backstraps for a purchase you can tailor to your hand.
What is the Taurus TH45 used for?
The Taurus TH45 fills the role of a duty, home defense, or serious-range pistol where the shooter prefers hammer-fired control over striker-fired simplicity. Its 4.25-inch barrel provides a sight radius optimized for practical accuracy within 25 yards, and its 28.2-ounce unloaded weight helps manage the recoil of .45 ACP loads. The included Picatinny rail and adjustable sights allow for immediate mounting of a weapon light and zeroing for specific defensive ammunition, making it ready for low-light scenarios without modification.
How does the Taurus TH45 compare to the Smith & Wesson M&P45?
The Taurus TH45 provides a traditional hammer-fired trigger system while the Smith & Wesson M&P45 is a modern striker-fired pistol, making the TH45 better for shooters who want a definitive double-action first pull and a manual safety. The TH45's 4.25-inch barrel is 0.25 inches shorter than the standard M&P45's 4.5-inch barrel, but its 28.2-ounce weight is nearly identical, giving both platforms similar heft for recoil management. For those trained on DA/SA systems or who prefer a manual safety with a positive click, the TH45 is the mechanically distinct choice, though the M&P45 may have broader holster and aftermarket support.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Taurus TH45 weighs 28.2 ounces (799 grams) and measures 7.72 inches (196 mm) in overall length with a 4.25-inch (108 mm) barrel. The height is 5.52 inches (140 mm) from the base of the magazine to the top of the sights, and the width across the slide is 1.28 inches (32.5 mm). These dimensions place it squarely in the full-size duty pistol category, comparable in footprint to a Glock 21 but with the slide profile and weight distribution of a steel-frame design, which aids in muzzle flip control.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for the shooter seeking the absolute lightest or most compact .45 ACP carry option—its 28.2-ounce weight and 7.72-inch length demand a proper holster and belt. It is also not ideal for those exclusively accustomed to striker-fired triggers who don't want to retrain on a double-action first pull; the 10-12 pound double-action trigger weight is a distinct mechanical feel. If your primary use is deep concealment or you prioritize aftermarket parts availability over a mechanically straightforward hammer-fired system, consider a compact polymer .45 like the the Stevens 334 Rifle for a different application entirely.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, two 10-round steel magazines, one medium and one large interchangeable backstrap, a cable lock, and the owner's manual. The magazines are the critical component here—having two allows for a practical loading of 21 rounds total (10+10+1 in the chamber) for range or defensive use without immediate additional purchase. The backstraps require a pin punch for installation, a 30-second operation that changes the grip circumference by approximately 0.25 inches, a detail that matters for shooters with larger or smaller hands.
Is the Taurus TH45 worth it at $456.99?
At $456.99, the Taurus TH45 is worth it if you specifically want a hammer-fired .45 ACP with an accessory rail and adjustable sights at a price point below many comparable 1911-style models. You are paying for the mechanical action, the steel slide construction, and the out-of-the-box capability to mount a light and adjust zero, not for a premium finish or extensive custom shop features. For a shooter who values a DA/SA trigger and manual safety in a .45 platform and doesn’t require the aftermarket ecosystem of a Glock, this represents a functional, no-nonsense purchase. Consider our overview of over-under shotguns if your needs are for a different type of platform entirely.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Hammer-fired SA/DA system provides a 10-12 lb double-action first pull and a 5-6 lb single-action follow-up—a tangible safety layer.
- Weighs 28.2 oz unloaded—nearly identical to a steel-frame 1911 Commander, aiding in .45 ACP recoil management.
- Includes two 10-round magazines for a 21-round total capacity (10+10+1) out of the box, no immediate extra purchase needed.
- 4.25-inch barrel provides a 7.72-inch overall sight radius, optimized for practical accuracy inside 25 yards.
Trade-offs
- Slide is not optics-ready—adding a red dot requires $120-$180 in milling and a 2-3 week turnaround.
- Aftermarket holster and magazine support is limited compared to the Glock 21 or Smith & Wesson M&P45.
- The matte black slide finish shows holster wear quickly, often within the first 500 draw cycles.
- Manual safety lever is frame-mounted and requires a deliberate thumb motion to disengage, adding a step for some shooters.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327623625 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-TH45041 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 4.25" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 13 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 7.72 |
| model | TH45 |
| number of magazines | 2 13 rd. |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 10.4 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Firing Pin Block/Manual |
| shipping weight | 3.55 |
| sights | Novak Drift Adj Front & Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Glock 21 holsters?
- No, the Taurus TH45 is not compatible with Glock 21 holsters due to differences in slide profile, safety lever placement, and overall dimensions. You will need a holster specifically molded for the Taurus TH series or a universal model that accommodates its 1.28-inch slide width. We recommend checking with holster manufacturers like Vedder or Alien Gear for TH45-specific options.
- Does it fit Trijicon RMR optics?
- No, the Taurus TH45 slide is not optics-ready and does not come milled for a Trijicon RMR or any other red dot sight. Mounting an optic would require sending the slide to a gunsmith for milling, a process that typically costs $120-$180 and takes 2-3 weeks. The factory adjustable iron sights are the intended sighting system for this model.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to an FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days once the order is processed and payment is verified. Processing time is 1-2 business days for in-stock items, and the firearm ships via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required. Always confirm your local FFL's receiving hours and transfer fee before placing your order.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms cannot be returned once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations, even if the grip doesn't fit your hand. This is why the interchangeable backstraps are provided—to allow adjustment. We strongly recommend handling a TH45 at a local dealer before purchasing if ergonomic fit is a primary concern.
- Does this work with .45 ACP +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus TH45 is rated for use with standard pressure and .45 ACP +P ammunition according to the manufacturer. The steel slide and locked-breech design can handle the increased pressure, though expect accelerated wear on components like the recoil spring with prolonged +P use. I recommend replacing the recoil spring every 2,000 rounds if shooting primarily +P loads.