Based in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil – Forjas Taurus is a manufacturing conglomerate founded in 1939. Originally focused on tool and die forging, the company now consists of a variety of divisions that specialize in metals manufacturing, plastics, body armors, helmets, and civil construction – as well as Taurus Armas, its firearm division.
The Taurus Model 38101SO was the company’s first entry into the revolver market in 1941 and in 1968, Taurus began importing revolvers to the U.S. market.
In 1971 a majority stake in Taurus was purchased by the parent company of Smith & Wesson, which lead to the two firearms manufacturers sharing design and manufacturing details up until they split in 1977 when Taurus was sold to its current owners.
