The company moved away from this realm by offering larger framed models such as the Raging Bull (. Taurus was originally known for manufacturing revolvers similar in design to those offered by Smith & Wesson. In 2015, Taurus settled a lawsuit for $39 million and recalled nearly one million handguns produced between 19 due to "safety defects". One writer said in 2010 that the "uality of Taurus handguns in the modern era is second to none". The company manufactures and sells its firearms for generally less than other manufacturers due to low labor costs, as well as having the facilities available to build virtually every part themselves. The current product line includes steel-frame pistols, polymer-frame pistols, revolvers, and law enforcement weapons ( submachine guns and rifles), the latter intended for the domestic Brazilian market. In 2009, Heritage Manufacturing was also purchased and its production later moved to Taurus' Miami, Florida plant.
![Taurus Firearms Serial Numbers Taurus Firearms Serial Numbers](https://s3.amazonaws.com/mgm-content/sites/armslist/uploads/posts/2010/09/25/56870_03_taurus_738_tcp_380_auto_nib_640.jpg)
357 Magnum models under the Rossi name, manufactured in São Leopoldo, Brazil. In 1995 Forjas Taurus purchased the rights & equipment to manufacture Rossi brand revolvers. market, the company created a subsidiary, Taurus International Manufacturing Incorporated, also known as Taurus USA, in 1988. In order to more effectively tap the U.S.
![Taurus Firearms Serial Numbers Taurus Firearms Serial Numbers](http://energyboat.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/4/1/124143957/425398474.jpg)
In 1981, after Italian arms manufacturer Beretta had completed its contracts to produce firearms for Brazil's military, Taurus purchased Beretta's São Paulo manufacturing plant along with the tooling, technical drawings, and work force necessary to produce several different pistol designs. In 1973, Taurus was purchased from Bangor Punta by its current owners, and its ties to Smith & Wesson were severed. In 1962, the Bangor Punta Corporation, then the parent company of Smith & Wesson, purchased 87 percent of Forjas Taurus, allowing the two firearms manufacturers to easily share information regarding design and manufacturing. Beginning in 1953, it exported revolvers to the U.S. Taurus produced its first revolver, the Model 38101SO, in 1941.