Taurus 738 TCP Extended Magazine

 

Taurus TCP 738 with Standard Magazine Taurus TCP 738 with Extended Magazine

Taurus Model 738 TCP Review Taurus TCP Accessories Add A Laser To Your TCP   Ammo For Your Taurus

 

Taurus TCP 738 Extended Magazines?

One problem about the Taurus Model 738 TCP, like many other 380 Caliber Pistols is that the grip of the gun is too small for the average hand. Unfortunately, neither Taurus or any other aftermarket company make a magazine extension for this model of pistol. My friend owns a Taurus TCP 738 and decided to make one for himself. This is how he did it.

 

Make Your Own Taurus TCP Magazine Grip Extensions

Since you can't buy extended magazines or grip extensions for the Taurus TCP 738 you have to make them for yourself. Here are the instructions for making your own Grip Extensions. All you will need are a few simple tools, some epoxy glue and a "store bought" grip extension for the Ruger LCP made by Pearce Grip, Inc.

 

Taurus TCP 738 Standard Verses Extended Magazine The standard magazine is shown on the left. The magazine on the right is a magazine with a modified base plate providing room for a "pinkie" finger. The magazine holds 6 rounds of 380 ACP Ammunition.

 

Making A Taurus TCP Extended Magazine

	TOOLS & MATERIALS Pearce Grip PG-LCP Grip Extension for Ruger LCP Loctite Epoxy Quick Set Glue - LocTite 2 part resin for plastic (or equal). Purchased from Home Depot paint department or online. Drill, Dremmel Tool, tape, methyl alcohol, 180 & 240 grit paper, satin black spray paint.
	Order a Pearce Grip Extension for Ruger LCP Pearce Grip PG-LCP Grip Extension for Ruger LCP Note - two grip extensions come in each package. See also Ruger LCP Grip Extension Review.
	Pearce Grip Extension for A Ruger LCP
Before Modification After Modification	Remove the Upper Lip From The Pearce Grip Extension (Ruger LCP) Cut upper lip as shown. Sand smooth. Clean and prepare surface for gluing.
	Remove base plate from the magazine.   Magazine Base Plate
	Align & Glue The Modified Pearce Grip Extension To The TCP Base Plate. Sand and clean the mating surfaces. Align the two pieces together as shown. Glue together with epoxy glue. Allow to dry. Drill through the TCP base plate hole to allow for installation onto the magazine. Debur/remove all rough edges and surfaces. Clean and reinstall onto the TCP magazine tube.
Construction Notes: The parts should be cleaned with methyl alcohol before any cutting or sanding to remove any traces of mold release and / or oil. Be sure to cover the base plate release hole in the Taurus base plate to keep epoxy from getting onto the inside (magazine spring side) of the base plate which may interfere with assemble to the magazine. The epoxy resin used was LocTite 2 part resin for plastic. Purchased from Home Depot paint department. Lightly sand the Taurus base plate to roughen the surface before bonding. This and previous sanding was done with 180 grit paper. Use only enough epoxy to get a uniform bond line and be prepared to wipe any excess immediately. This epoxy sets in about 5 minutes. After the bond cures, remove the tape from the backside of the Taurus base plate and drill the accesses hole from the Taurus side so it will align the magazine base plate retainer. You can put a small fillet of epoxy around the added extender and also make a larger fillet at the rear of the extender to make a fairing to the Taurus base plate for a more finished look. After an over night cure, sand (240 grit or higher) to the finish you desire and then spray paint satin black.
Side View Top View	Pictures Showing Construction Stages Upper Left Pearce Grip Extension For Ruger LCP Upper Right Modified Pearce Grip Extension For Ruger LCP Bottom Left Modified Taurus TCP 738 Magazine Base Plate (Unfinished) Bottom Right Completed Taurus TCP Magazine Base Plate Modification
Standard Magazine Extended Magazine	Before & After Pictures Taurus TCP 738 shown with the standard factory magazine and with the extended magazine.

                   

 

Taurus TCP 738 Magazine Extension - Test & Analysis

After the modification to extend the Taurus TCP 738 was completed, we tested it's functionality at the range. Two people (myself and my friend) compared the feel and function of the new extended magazine against that of the standard factory magazine. We both shot the Taurus TCP with the standard magazine, then immediately with the extended magazine grip. We agreed on the following results.

1. The Taurus TCP extended magazine provided a more secure grip on the pistol and made it easier to shoot and more accurate.

2. The Taurus TCP extended magazine provided room for the pinkie finger on the grip of the gun.

3. The small increase in height that the extended grip adds made no appreciable difference for pocket carry of the gun.

4. Since the extended grip uses a modified factory magazine and magazine base, there is no "pinching" of the hand or fingers when the gun is fired.

BOTTOM LINE -  THIS MOFICATION OF THE TAURUS TCP 738 MAGAZINE BASE PLATE IS WORTH THE EFFORT. IT FEELS GOOD IN THE HAND AND MAKES THE GUN EASIER TO SHOOT.

 

 

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Feedback Messages

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Extended Magazine For Taurus TCP

November 28, 2011
Why don't you make and sell them? I would rather purchase then to make myself. It's my wife's gun and fits her hand but I shoot it as well and
would like the pinky extension and if she tried it I know she would like it.
Bill


Response - Bill, I thought about making them and selling them, but it wouldn't be worth the effort. Too much work for too little profit. Besides it's my friend that own the Taurus TCP. I have a Ruger LCP. But the extended magazine does make a big difference.
Tanner

Follow-up Email - If you were to make them, how much would you sell them for? Would you ask buyer to send the clip from the gun to be modified?
Bill

Response - Bill, I don't know. I would have to figure that stuff out and I don't have the time right now. Sorry.
Tanner

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Extended Magazine

October 8, 2011
Very interesting, i'm online now purchasing one and thought about the grip when i saw this, so thank you! this was very good.
Paul

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