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Back in
August of 2002, I wrote an article on the Taurus
Millennium PT 111Ti 9mm pistol. Since then, Taurus has
added to the Millennium series of compact semi-automatic
pistols. They now have eighteen different pistols in that
series, half of which are Millennium Pro models. The Pro
models are very similar to the regular Millennium series
pistols, differing slightly in ergonomics. The Pro series
pistols also seem to just feel better in my hand, and appear to
be a bit smoother and better polished internally.
The Millennium Pro tested here is chambered for
the popular .45 ACP cartridge. It holds ten rounds in the
magazine, plus another in the chamber for a total of eleven, yet
is a very compact and concealable pistol. The PT-145SSP tested
has a polymer frame with a stainless steel slide and barrel, and
weighs in at 22.2 ounces with an empty magazine. The overall
length is only six and one-eighth inches, with an overall height
of only five inches, including the sights and magazine
floorplate. The thickness of the pistol at its widest point is
only 1.14 inches, making for a very compact forty-five. While
the pistol is easily concealable, it still offers a full,
comfortable grip. The grip frame is textured front and back for
a secure hold under any weather conditions, but was not abrading
during the shooting session. I could get all of my fingers on
the grip for a secure hold. Many compact pistols have too short
of a grip for my large hand. This Taurus does not. It allows the
shooter to get a firm, secure hold for shooting high performance
defense ammunition. The barrel length is only three and one
quarter inches, and the pistol wears three-dot sights atop its
slide, which provides a good sight picture in all but the
dimmest of light conditions.
The Millennium Pro has several built-in safety
features. It is of a double action striker fired design, and has
an internal firing pin block that prevents the gun from firing
unless the trigger is pulled. This is the primary safety, and
all that is necessary. However, in addition to that, the gun has
a manual thumb safety that is easily accessible to a
right-handed shooter, if he so chooses to engage that safety
mechanism. On the right side of the slide is the key lock for
the Taurus Security System, which securely locks the slide and
trigger. This safety can be used for storage if the owner
prefers, or ignored if not needed. The PT-145 also has a loaded
chamber indicator which can be both seen and felt.
The double action trigger pull measured a
velvety smooth six pounds and fifteen ounces on this pistol, but
it felt much lighter due to its smoothness and the excellent
design of the wide trigger blade. It has perhaps the best
trigger pull that I have experienced on a double action pistol.
The steel magazine ejected easily with a push of the release
button, and was relatively easy to load, with or without the
provided loading tool. The appearance of the PT-145 is one of
quality, inside and out. The satin stainless contrasts nicely
with the black frame, for a pleasing appearance. The slide
return is facilitated by a captive dual spring arrangement, and
worked extremely well during all shooting tests.
A variety of ammunition was used in testing the
PT-145. The abbreviated barrel still provided good velocity
readings from the ammunition tested, and all ammo functioned
perfectly in the little pistol. The feed ramp to the chamber is
polished like a mirror, provided smooth feeding from the
magazine. The ammunition tested was fired over the sky screens
of a PACT chronograph set up at ten feet from the muzzle,
with the results as follows:
Ammunition |
Velocity (FPS) |
Cor-Bon 165 grain +P Hollowpoint |
1121 |
Cor-Bon 200 grain +P Hollowpoint |
966 |
Cor-Bon 230 grain +P Hollowpoint |
867 |
Cor-Bon 165 grain +P PowRBall |
1051 |
Speer 185 grain Gold Dot Hollowpoint (.45
GAP) |
891 |
WCC US Military 230 grain Ball |
701 |
Note that the Speer ammo tested is the short .45 GAP cartridge,
which this pistol is not meant to use. I tested it out of curiosity, and it
functioned perfectly through the Taurus. The high performance Cor-Bon
ammo grouped five shots within two and one-half inches with every variety
tried, at a range of twenty-five yards. This is very good combat accuracy
from a compact pistol. I also ran some hand loaded 200 grain lead
semi-wadcutter ammo through the Taurus, and it would group five rounds into
one and one-quarter inches from a rested position at twenty-five yards.
This is excellent accuracy from this little pistol, much better than many
full sized target pistols. The accuracy was no doubt helped greatly
by the smooth trigger pull.
The Taurus PT-145 Millennium Pro proved to be a compact, accurate, and
reliable pistol that would make an excellent gun for concealed carry or
home defense. It comes supplied with one magazine, magazine loading tool,
instruction manual, cleaning brush, and two key locks in a lockable hard
plastic storage case. It also carries the Taurus lifetime warranty, and
comes with a one year membership in the National Rifle Association.
Check out the complete line of Taurus revolvers,
pistols, and rifles online at: www.taurususa.com.
Jeff Quinn
To locate a dealer where you can
buy this gun, go to: |

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Click pictures for a larger version.

The Taurus PT 145 Millennium Pro .45 ACP pistol.


Reliability is enhanced by a very well polished feed
ramp.

The Taurus PT 145 features a visible and tactile loaded
chamber indicator.

The PT 145 also features the Taurus Security System
key-locking mechanism.

Dual recoil spring system aids in the PT 145's function,
which proved flawless in our testing.

Ten-round magazine is standard.












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