Taurus 738 TCP Extended Magazine
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 TCP 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.
 |
Standard Verses Extended Magazine
The standard is shown on the left. The one on the right is one with a
modified base plate providing room for a "pinkie" finger. It 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.
|
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Pearce Grip Extension for A Ruger LCP |
Before Modification
After Modification
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Remove the Upper Lip From The
Pearce Grip Extension (Ruger LCP)
-
Cut upper lip as shown.
-
Sand smooth.
-
Clean and prepare surface for gluing.
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Base Plate
|
Remove base plate from the magazine.
|
 |
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.
-
De-bur/remove all rough edges and surfaces.
-
Clean and reinstall onto the TCP magazine
tube.
|
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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.
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Side View
Top View
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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
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Standard Mag
Extended Mag |
Before & After Pictures
Taurus TCP 738 shown with the factory standard and 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.
-
The Taurus TCP extended magazine provided a more secure
grip on the pistol and made it easier to shoot and more accurate.
-
The Taurus TCP extended magazine provided room for the
pinkie finger on the grip of the gun.
-
The small increase in height that the extended grip adds
made no appreciable difference for pocket carry of the gun.
-
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 MODIFICATION 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.
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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