Taurus 942 .22 LR Revolver 2-inch 8-Round Matte Stainless

The Taurus 942 .22 LR Revolver 2-inch 8-Round Matte Stainless is your answer to affordable, low-recoil training that doubles as a legitimate urban carry piece. Chambered in .22 LR with an 8-round cylinder and a compact 2-inch barrel, this stainless steel revolver weighs next to nothing and slips into a jacket pocket or waistband holster without printing. At $391.39, it’s a no-nonsense tool for building fundamentals, plinking at the range, or keeping a light-recoil option handy for apartment defense. The matte finish shrugs off sweat and carry wear, and the adjustable rear sight lets you dial in your zero for those 7-yard threats.

Specification	Detail
Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	942
Material	Stainless steel (frame, cylinder, barrel)
Compatibility	.22 LR ammunition
Finish	Matte stainless
Weight	Approximately 18.5 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 8-Round .22 LR Cylinder – Why it matters: You get two more rounds than a typical J-frame .22, giving you extra chances to stop a threat or stay on target during a stage.
• 2-Inch Barrel with Adjustable Rear Sight – Why it matters: The short barrel conceals easily under a T-shirt, while the adjustable sight lets you dial elevation and windage for consistent hits at defensive distances.
• Double/Single Action with Transfer-Bar Safety – Why it matters: You can shoot fast double-action for follow-ups or slow single-action for precision; the transfer bar prevents accidental discharge if the gun is dropped.
• Pistol-Style Soft Rubber Grips – Why it matters: The ergonomic grip fills your hand like a semi-auto, reducing fatigue during long range sessions and keeping recoil manageable for new shooters.
• Matte Stainless Steel Construction – Why it matters: Corrosion-resistant finish holds up to daily carry in humid city environments and wipes clean easily after range time.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the urban CCW holder who wants a lightweight, low-recoil option for training and backup carry. It’s also ideal for apartment dwellers who prefer a revolver’s simplicity over a semi-auto’s manual of arms. If you’re teaching a new shooter or want a plinker that doubles as a defensive tool, the 942 fits the bill.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Extremely light at ~18.5 oz – disappears in a pocket holster.
• Pro: Ammo is cheap – you can run 100 rounds for under $10, which means more trigger time.
• Con: .22 LR rimfire can be less reliable than centerfire – expect the occasional light strike, especially with bulk ammo. Stick with high-velocity loads for best performance.

Comparison: Taurus 942 vs. S&W 43C vs. Ruger LCR .22

Feature	Taurus 942	S&W 43C	Ruger LCR .22
Capacity	8 rounds	8 rounds	8 rounds
Weight	~18.5 oz	~12.3 oz	~15 oz
Barrel Length	2 inches	1.87 inches	1.87 inches
Price	$391.39	$550+	$500+
Sights	Adjustable rear	Fixed notch	Fixed, replaceable front

The Taurus 942 undercuts both competitors by over $100 while giving you an adjustable rear sight and the same capacity. The S&W 43C is lighter but costs more and has fixed sights. The Ruger LCR is polymer-framed and lighter than the 942, but you lose the adjustable rear sight and pay a premium.

FAQ

Does the Taurus 942 come with a manual safety?

No, it uses a transfer-bar safety system instead of a manual thumb safety. The hammer must be fully cocked or the trigger pulled to fire, which prevents discharge if dropped.

Can I use .22 Short or .22 Long in this revolver?

The cylinder is chambered for .22 LR only. Do not attempt to fire .22 Short or .22 Long – the shorter cases can cause misfires and potential cylinder damage.

What holsters fit the Taurus 942?

Most holsters made for 2-inch J-frame revolvers (like the S&W 642 or 43C) will work, but check for a proper fit. Popular options include the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster and the Galco Ankle Glove.

Is the Taurus 942 good for concealed carry?

Yes. At under 19 ounces and with a 2-inch barrel, it’s easy to carry in a pocket, ankle, or IWB holster. The .22 LR round is marginal for self-defense, but with 8 rounds of high-velocity ammo it’s a viable option for those who can’t handle heavier recoil.

What is the warranty on the Taurus 942?

Taurus offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. Register your firearm online after purchase to activate coverage.

Your Trust Block

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Last updated: April 2026

According to NSSF data, .22 LR accounts for over 40% of all ammunition sold in the U.S. annually – the Taurus 942 lets you join that crowd with a revolver that trains like a centerfire but costs pennies per round.

Browse more Revolvers or check out our .22 LR Handguns and Concealed Carry Gear.