Taurus PT24/7

Design

The 24/7 uses a hammerless, striker-fired mechanism and has an injection molded polymer frame. Slides are available in blued carbon steel, stainless steel, or titanium. Chamberings include 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 Smith & Wesson, and .45 ACP, with magazine capacities ranging from 6 to 17 rounds depending on model and caliber.

A visible and tactile loaded chamber indicator is present, and a Picatinny accessory rail on the dust cover allows mounting of lasers or lights. Sights vary: basic models have fixed open iron sights with a single high-contrast front dot; Pro and OSS models may have three-dot sights, Heinie ‘Straight Eight’ combat sights, or Tritium night sights. Handling is aided by an ambidextrous decocking lever and ergonomic ‘Memory pads’—grooves that encourage consistent hand placement. A high-adhesion grip surface is standard, and some basic models plus all Pro models include a soft, ribbed, non-slip grip called the ‘Ribber’.

Safety features include a positive firing pin block and the ‘Taurus Safety Latch’, a transfer bar that prevents firing unless the trigger is pulled; selected models meet California drop safety requirements. All models have a frame-mounted manual safety lever and the ‘Taurus Security System’ (TSS) integrated locking system. Early standard versions had a single-action-only trigger after a long take-up, with the double-action engaging only on a misfire.

OSS series

In 2005, USSOCOM requested a new .45 ACP service pistol, and Taurus submitted an upgraded 24/7 design called the OSS model. After the request was delayed and then indefinitely shelved, Taurus offered the OSS to the civilian market, where it won the NRA Handgun of the Year award in 2005.

The OSS has a 5.25 inch match grade forged barrel and a three-position safety: bottom enables firing, middle is safe, and upper decocks the striker. This allows carry in ‘Condition one’ (cocked and locked), ‘Condition Two’ (decocked with safety off, requiring a double-action pull), or with the striker decocked and safety on. The OSS retains the loaded chamber indicator and also lets the user see the striker when the pistol is cocked.

Did You Know?

• As of April 2017, the manufacturer's website stated the model was no longer being made, superseded by the 24/7/G2.
• In 2016, the PT24/7 was included in a lawsuit settlement where Taurus paid $39 million, extended warranties, and recalled pistols for repair over alleged accidental discharge when dropped.