Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in personal defense firearms. The Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto Semi Auto Pistol with Silver Slide and Purple is a compact, lightweight option for concealed carry. Its unique color scheme sets it apart. In stock at Kansas Gunshop for $299.0.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto?
| Product Type | Semi-Automatic Pistol |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .380 ACP (Auto) |
| Action | Striker Fired, DAO (Double Action Only) |
| Capacity | 6+1 Rounds (Flush magazine), 7+1 Rounds (Extended magazine) |
| Barrel Length | 3.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 5.40 inches |
| Width | 0.89 inches |
| Height | 3.82 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 10.2 oz |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Slide Finish | Silver (Matte Stainless) |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Frame Color | Purple |
| Sights | Integrated Low Profile |
| Safety | Internal, No Manual Safety |
| Manufacturing | Taurus International |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | 1-100031P |
What makes the Taurus Spectrum .380 a good choice for concealed carry?
- Compact and Lightweight Design: At just 10.2 ounces unloaded and a slim 0.89 inches wide, this pistol is easy to conceal and comfortable for all-day carry.
- Integrated Low-Profile Sights: Designed to prevent snagging on clothing during drawing, a practical feature for a concealed carry firearm.
- Soft-Touch Panels: The grip features soft-touch panels for improved ergonomics and a more secure hold, which is important for such a small pistol.
- Unique Aesthetic: The silver slide and purple frame offer a distinct look, which can be a selling point for some buyers.
- Two Magazine Options: Comes with both a 6-round flush magazine and a 7-round extended magazine, providing flexibility for capacity and grip length.
- Reliable .380 ACP Chambering: A proven caliber for personal defense, offering manageable recoil in a small package.
Who should consider the Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto?
The Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto with its silver slide and purple frame is a pistol I’ve seen a fair amount of folks pick up for specific reasons. It’s not for everyone, but it serves a niche well.
Buy it if:
- You’re looking for a very lightweight and compact pistol for concealed carry, especially for deep concealment or pocket carry.
- You prioritize a unique aesthetic and want a firearm that stands out from the typical black polymer.
- You are sensitive to recoil and prefer the softer shooting characteristics of the .380 ACP cartridge compared to 9mm in similar sized pistols.
- You need a simple, no-frills defensive pistol with no external manual safety to manipulate under stress.
- You’re on a budget but still want a new, reliable firearm from a known manufacturer for personal defense.
Skip it if:
- You prefer a manual safety on your concealed carry firearm.
- You want a pistol with a rail for mounting lights or lasers (see our pistols with lights for alternatives).
- You plan on doing extensive target shooting or competition; this is designed for defense, not high-volume range use.
- You require a higher capacity magazine than 7 rounds (see our high-capacity pistols).
- You prefer a more traditional black or FDE finish.
What are the pros and cons of the Taurus Spectrum .380?
Having handled and transferred a good number of these, here’s my take on the ups and downs:
✅ Very lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry all day without discomfort.
✅ The soft-touch panels on the grip offer a surprisingly good purchase for such a small gun.
✅ Comes with two magazines, one flush and one extended, giving you options for grip and capacity.
✅ The DAO trigger is consistent, which can be a benefit for some for defensive purposes, and there’s no manual safety to forget.
✅ The unique silver and purple finish certainly makes it distinctive, if that’s what you’re after.
❌ The integrated sights are very basic and not adjustable, which might make precision shooting more challenging.
❌ The trigger pull, while consistent, is on the heavier side, typical of a DAO striker-fired system, which can take some getting used to.
❌ Field stripping can be a bit finicky the first few times until you get the hang of it.
How does the Taurus Spectrum .380 compare to other compact pistols?
When you’re looking at compact .380s, there are a few other options out there. Here’s how the Spectrum stacks up against a couple of common alternatives, one at a lower price point and one premium:
| Feature | Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto | Generic “Pocket .380” (e.g., Hi-Point CF380) | Premium Compact .380 (e.g., Ruger LCP MAX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Polymer frame, Stainless Steel slide | Zinc alloy frame, Steel slide | Polymer frame, Alloy steel slide |
| Quality | Good entry-level, reliable for its price point | Budget-focused, functional but less refined | High-quality, refined fit and finish |
| Compatibility | Specific Taurus Spectrum holsters; limited aftermarket | Often generic holsters; very limited aftermarket | Wide range of dedicated holsters and accessories |
| Shipping | Same-day from Wichita, KS (Kansas Gunshop) | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Designed for personal defense, reasonable lifespan with proper care | Can be less durable, often heavier for its size | Excellent durability, designed for extensive use |
| Price | $299.0 | ~$150-200 | ~$350-450 |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto
Is the Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto a good choice for a first-time gun owner?
For a first-time gun owner looking for a compact, simple-to-operate pistol for personal defense, the Spectrum can be a reasonable option. Its low recoil and lack of external safeties simplify operation. However, proper training is always essential, regardless of the firearm.
What kind of ammunition does the Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto use?
The Taurus Spectrum is chambered in .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) ammunition. It’s important to use the correct caliber for safe and reliable operation.
Does the Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto have a manual safety?
No, the Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto does not feature an external manual safety. It relies on internal safeties, including a striker block, and a consistent double-action only trigger pull for safe operation.
How easy is it to conceal the Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto?
The Taurus Spectrum is designed specifically for deep concealment. Its thin profile (0.89 inches), short barrel (3.2 inches), and light weight (10.2 oz) make it very easy to carry discreetly in a variety of methods, including pocket carry or appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB).
Where can I buy .380 Auto pistols online?
You can buy .380 Auto pistols, including the Taurus Spectrum, online at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We are a licensed FFL dealer and can facilitate transfers to your local FFL.
What kind of warranty does Taurus offer on the Spectrum?
Taurus generally offers a limited lifetime warranty on their firearms, covering defects in material and workmanship. It’s always a good idea to check the most current warranty details on the Taurus USA website or with your FFL dealer at the time of purchase.
Can I use +P ammunition in the Taurus Spectrum .380 Auto?
While some modern .380 ACP pistols can handle +P ammunition, Taurus typically recommends against it for extended use in their compact firearms. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific ammunition recommendations to ensure the longevity and safety of your firearm.
✅ Same-day shipping from Wichita, KS
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
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