Tanfoglio GT27

Lore & Background

The GT lines of pistols was founded in 1962. The Tanfoglio GT27 was widely exported under a variety of brand labels, including Titan and Targa. Following the Gun Control Act of 1968 in the United States, which limited imports of compact foreign pistols, GT27 parts were imported and assembled by Excam, Inc. of Hialeah, Florida and later F.I.E. of Hialeah, Florida onto cheaper Zamak frames cast in the United States, replacing the earlier steel frames. These hybrid import models were in production until 1990 when all models were discontinued. The hybrid models may be referred to as F.I.E. Titan E27, Excam GT27, Italy Titan, Tanfoglio GT27, GT Targa, Titan Twenty Five, or variances thereof. Beyond the Zamak frame, these models are substantially the same firearm as the original all-steel Tanfoglio GT27.

The early GT Targa branded models featured a large EIG proof mark on the frame, Italian proof marks indicating date of manufacture in a Roman numeral proofing system on the frame, corresponding proof marks on the slide and frame indicating 'Brand of the Banco di Gardone', a TG on the rear beavertail portion of the frame indicating the manufacturer logo of d'armi Tanfoglio Giuseppe, along with a proof mark indicating 'to be tested with smokeless powder' on the frame.

Reader's Guide

The Tanfoglio GT27 represents a notable example of how post-1968 U.S. import restrictions shaped the production and distribution of compact foreign pistols. By importing parts and assembling them on domestically cast Zamak frames, companies like Excam and F.I.E. kept the design available in the American market for over two decades. The pistol's open slide, shared with the Beretta 950 Jetfire, and its .25 ACP chambering made it a typical pocket pistol of its era. The variety of brand labels under which it was sold—Titan, Targa, Excam, F.I.E.—reflects its widespread export and the complex network of distributors and assemblers. The discontinuation of all models in 1990 ended a production run that began with the GT line in 1962. The hybrid models, despite their cheaper frames, are substantially the same firearm as the original all-steel version, making them a cost-effective alternative that preserved the core design.

Did You Know?

• The Tanfoglio GT27 has an open slide, similar to the Beretta 950 Jetfire.
• Following the Gun Control Act of 1968, GT27 parts were imported and assembled on Zamak frames in the United States.
• The pistol was widely exported under brand labels including Titan and Targa.
• Early GT Targa models featured a TG on the rear beavertail indicating the manufacturer logo of d'armi Tanfoglio Giuseppe.