Taurus 24/7 Scandal and Its Fallout in BrazilThe Taurus 24/7 handgun scandal in Brazil exposed serious safety issues, damaged the company’s reputation, and pushed the government to allow police to import foreign guns for the first time. Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened, why it hurt Taurus, and how many 24/7s were involved.Taurus 24/7’s Critical FlawThe Taurus 24/7, a .40 S&W DS model, was widely used by Brazilian police, with São Paulo’s Military Police (PMSP) purchasing 98,000 units. In 2013, a major defect surfaced:
- Unintended Discharges: The pistol could fire without a trigger pull, even with the safety on, when shaken or dropped. A viral video of a police officer shaking a 24/7, causing it to fire, sparked widespread concern.
- Real-World Incidents: Accidental shootings occurred, such as a gun firing after falling from an officer’s holster during a chase, causing property damage. While specific fatalities are not well-documented, injuries were reported.
- Mass Recall: In 2013, the PMSP recalled all 98,000 units, and Taurus faced lawsuits and government investigations over the defect.
Damage to Taurus’s ReputationTaurus, Brazil’s leading gun manufacturer, suffered a massive blow:
- Public Outrage: The viral video and recall fueled distrust. Online forums and X posts mocked Taurus, calling its products unreliable, especially for police compared to export models.
- Compounding Scandals: Taurus’s image was further tarnished by a 2016 case involving illegal sales of 8,000 guns to a Yemeni arms trafficker and reports of factory workers stealing parts for criminals.
- Lost Credibility: Compared to brands like Glock, Taurus was seen as cutting corners, eroding trust among police and civilians.
Shift to Foreign GunsBrazil’s laws once favored domestic manufacturers like Taurus, but the 24/7 scandal changed that:
- Policy Change: The defect highlighted the need for reliable police weapons. In 2019, a decree under President Bolsonaro allowed imports of foreign guns, even if local options existed.
- Rise of Competitors: Police adopted brands like Glock and Sig Sauer, with Glock exports to Brazil surging 377% in 2020.
- End of Monopoly: The change ended Taurus’s dominance, forcing it to compete with global brands.
Scale of 24/7 Purchases
- São Paulo’s Share: The PMSP bought 98,000 Taurus 24/7s, a significant portion of the total used by Brazilian police.
- Broader Use: Other police forces likely purchased thousands more, though exact figures are unavailable, reflecting Taurus’s widespread role as a supplier.