Taurus Raging Bull
A powerful large-frame revolver with dual-locking design.
The Taurus Raging Bull is a double-action/single-action, large-frame revolver manufactured by the Brazilian company Taurus International beginning in 1997. It is notable for its dual-locking design built on a heavy frame, allowing it to fire extremely powerful loads. As of 2024, it is the most powerful revolver line ever offered by Taurus.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Brazil
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Action
- Double action / single action
- Weight
- 0.80–2.20 kg (1.8–4.9 lb)
- Length
- 254–419 mm (10–16.5 in)
- Part Length
- 50.8–254 mm (2–10 in)
- Feed
- Revolving cylinder / 5 rounds (.45/.454/.410, .454, .480, .500 & 28 gauge) / 6 rounds (.41, .44 & .45 LC) / 7 rounds (.357) / 8 rounds (.218, .22 and .30)
- Production Date
- 1997−2019 (Raging Bull line) / 2019−present (Raging Hunter line)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Raging Bull line was named to highlight the strength and power of the revolver, referencing both the legendary boxer Jake LaMotta and the Taurus constellation, the company's namesake. It is marketed as a hunter's sidearm due to its potent stopping power; the .454 Casull cartridge has been used to hunt animals as large as Cape Buffalo. The revolver features a ported barrel and a cushioned rubber grip with a distinctive red backstrap to mitigate harsh recoil, though smaller chamberings (the Raging Hornet, Raging Bee, and Raging Thirty) have yellow rubber insert strips instead. Finishes offered include stainless steel, matte stainless steel, nickel-plated, polished blued, and matte black. Functionally, the Raging Bull has a manually operated front cylinder latch located on the crane, similar to a Dan Wesson revolver. This front release is required for high-powered double-action revolvers and is simpler and less expensive to produce than rear cylinder latches, but requires two hands to open the cylinder. Most Raging Bull variants could mount commercial optical sights and lasers with an optional screw-on Picatinny rail. All models have ported barrels except for the 22H, 30C, 513, 528, and Ultralite. All models have fixed front sights and adjustable rear sights. The Raging Bull line was discontinued in 2019, however, that same year it was replaced by the Raging Hunter line. The Raging Hunter is similar but lighter and offers a built-in Picatinny rail for scope-mounting. It is chambered in .500 S&W Magnum, .454 Casull, .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, and .460 S&W Magnum. The Raging Hunter won "handgun of the year" in American Hunter's 2019 Golden Bullseye Awards.
Reader's Guide
The Taurus Raging Bull represents a significant entry in the realm of powerful revolvers, being the most powerful line ever offered by Taurus as of 2024. Its dual-locking design and heavy frame allowed it to handle extremely powerful loads, making it a notable choice for hunters requiring substantial stopping power. The line's discontinuation in 2019 and immediate replacement by the Raging Hunter series marked a shift toward a lighter design with integrated accessory rails, though the Raging Bull's legacy endures through its various chamberings and distinctive features such as the front cylinder latch and ported barrels. The Raging Bull's ability to mount optics via an optional rail and its availability in multiple calibers—from the .218 Bee to the .454 Casull—demonstrated its versatility. The Raging Hunter series, while similar, introduced built-in Picatinny rails and new chamberings like the .460 S&W Magnum, continuing the Raging line's focus on hunting applications. The Raging Bull's design elements, including the cushioned rubber grip and ported barrels, addressed the recoil challenges of high-powered cartridges, contributing to its reputation as a potent sidearm for large game.
Did You Know?
- The Raging Bull line was named after boxer Jake LaMotta and the Taurus constellation.
- Smaller chamberings (Raging Hornet, Raging Bee, Raging Thirty) have yellow rubber insert strips instead of the standard red backstrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Taurus Raging Bull?
It is a large-frame, double-action/single-action revolver produced by Taurus International, a Brazilian firearms manufacturer. The line was introduced in 1997 and remained in Taurus's catalog until 2019.
What makes the Raging Bull's locking system special?
The revolver employs a dual-locking mechanism housed in a heavy frame, allowing it to safely chamber extremely high-pressure loads that would exceed the limits of most standard revolvers. This is the core engineering feature that distinguishes it from other large-frame designs.
What calibers does the Taurus Raging Bull come in?
The platform spans seven cartridges, ranging from the .22 Hornet and .218 Bee on the small end up to the .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .41 Magnum, .480 Ruger, and .30 Carbine. That breadth made it one of the most versatile revolver lines Taurus ever offered.
How long was the Taurus Raging Bull in production?
Taurus International manufactured the Raging Bull from 1997 through 2019, giving the line roughly a 22-year run before it was discontinued.
Why do revolver enthusiasts consider the Raging Bull significant?
As of 2024 it still stands as the most powerful revolver line Taurus has ever released, a distinction earned through its dual-locking frame architecture. Fans often point to it as the benchmark for what a production revolver can safely handle in terms of load pressure.
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