In 1982, Forjas Taurus formed Taurus Holdings, Inc. Initially based on Beretta’s 92-series, Taurus’ version differed primarily in having a frame-mounted thumb-activated safety lever whereas the Beretta 92-series positioned a safety and decocking lever higher at the rear of the slide. Soon after, the Taurus PT-92 and PT-99 9mm pistols were introduced. Along with the facility, Taurus came to own the tooling, engineering drawings and retained the experienced work force to continue operations. The contracts were completed in 1980, leaving Beretta with a manufacturing plant in São Paulo they sold to Taurus. However, the contract required Beretta to build a factory in Brazil and hire Brazilian labor. Taking a step back three years, Italy-based Beretta won a contract in 1974 to produce small arms for the Brazilian army. (Gun enthusiasts will remember several Taurus model revolvers that appear and function similarly to famed Smith & Wesson models.) In 1977, Forjas Taurus came under new ownership that divorced Taurus’ relationship with Smith & Wesson. In 1971, Bangor Punta Corporation, Smith & Wesson’s then-parent company, purchased majority ownership of Forjas Taurus that led to the two firearm manufacturers to shared designs and manufacturing technology. By 1968, Taurus was exporting its revolvers to the U.S. Founded in 1939 as a tool-and-die forging factory, Taurus expanded to producing firearms in 1941.
