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Kimber R7 Mako vs. Taurus G3C - Which One Is Better For Concealed Carry?

Taurus G3c vs Kimber mako r7 juxtaposed in one picture

Source: clingerholsters .com / dukessportshop.com

The Kimber R7 Mako is a single-action, semi-automatic pistol. Introduced in 2021, the R7 Mako is the newest striker-fired flagship of the Kimber manufacturer. The Kimber R7 Mako is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dependable handgun with superior accuracy. It features a 3.37-inch stainless steel bull barrel, ensuring consistent accuracy with every shot. The polymer frame provides lightweight durability without sacrificing performance or style, and its unique grip design ensures maximum comfort and control during shooting sessions. The Kimber R7 Mako is a relatively new firearm, and as such, there aren't many other guns that are exactly like it. However, there are other firearms that share some similarities with the Kimber R7 Mako, such as Sig Sauer P365, Springfield Armory Hellcat, Glock 43X, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, Ruger MAX-9 and the most significant is Taurus G3C. Therefore, today I’m going to compare two excellent handguns, Kimber R7 Mako and Taurus G3C to find out what the main similarities and the most fundamental differences between these two guns are.

INTRODUCTION TO KIMBER R7 MAKO

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The Kimber R7 Mako is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Kimber America, one of the leading firearms companies in the United States. The R7 Mako was first introduced in 2021 and is designed for concealed carry and personal defense. The R7 Mako is chambered in 9mm and has a 3.37’’ long barrel. An unloaded pistol weighs approximately 19.5 ounces, making it a great choice for all-day carry. The R7 Mako features several safety features, including striker safety, trigger safety, and ambidextrous thumb safety. It also has a loaded chamber indicator and a reversible magazine release, making it suitable for left- or right-handed shooters.

INTRODUCTION TO TAURUS G3C

Source: gunsamerica.com

The Taurus G3C is a popular compact pistol designed and manufactured by Taurus, a Brazilian firearms company. It is the latest addition to the G-series of pistols and is an improved version of the Taurus G2C. The G3C semi-automatic pistol packs a powerful punch, regardless of its small size. The G3C has a 3.2-inch barrel and an overall length of 6.3 inches, making it a great option for concealed carry. The slide is made of stainless steel and features front and rear serrations for improved grip. Released in 2020, the 9mm Luger handgun is one of the most reliable firearms on the market today due to its unique design and unparalleled craftsmanship. From its drift adjustable rear sight and textured grip for improved accuracy, this weapon has everything you need for virtually any situation.

MAIN SPECS AND FEATURES

Both, Kimber R7 Mako as well as Taurus G3C are ideal for concealed carry and would be a great choice for your everyday self-defense. However, to get the most out of your EDC, you need to pair it up with a well-made CCW holster. To find out which one of these pistols is a better choice for you, let’s now focus on their similarities and differences.

#1 SIZE COMPARISON

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The size of a handgun can be important for a variety of reasons, depending on the intended use of the firearm. For individuals who plan to carry a handgun on their person for self-defense, the size of the firearm can be a crucial consideration. A smaller handgun may be easier to conceal and carry for extended periods of time without causing discomfort or fatigue. In general, larger handguns may be more accurate than smaller ones, because they often have longer barrels and larger grips that allow for better control and stability. However, this is not always the case, as many factors can affect a handgun's accuracy, including the shooter's skill and the quality of the firearm. Ultimately, the importance of handgun size will depend on the individual's needs and intended use of the firearm. It's important to consider a variety of factors, including comfort, accuracy, power, and ease of use, when selecting a handgun. When it comes to size comparison of Kimber R7 Mako and Taurus G3C, those pistols are very similar. The Kimber R7 Mako is 6.2’’ long, 4.3’’ wide, and features a 3.37’’ long barrel. Taurus G3C is 6.3’’ long, 5.1’’ wide and its barrel is 3.2’’ long. R7 Mako weights unloaded 19.5 oz while G3C 22 oz. In a nutshell, both Kimber R7 Mako and Taurus G3C are ideal for concealed carry. Those pistols have similar dimensions, however, Kimber R7 Mako is a little bit lighter and slighter.

This means that the first round ends in … a TIE.

HOLD ON ... DON'T FORGET TO CHOOSE YOUR NEW KIMBER R7 MAKO OR TAURUS G3C HOLSTER

a guy in a flannel shirt with a custom leather holster and a semi automatic pistol

Before you figure out which of those two CCW is better for you, you should already start thinking about finding a glove-like fit R7 Mako or G3C holster. Check out an entire world of the best Kimber R7 Mako holsters. Or explore and find the best holsters for Taurus G3C.

#2 THE MAGAZINE AND CAPACITY

Both the R7 Mako and G3C are packed with popular 9mm Luger ammo. Also, they both come with double-stack magazines. The Kimber R7 Mako comes with a magazine holding 11 + 1 or 13 + 1 rounds with included extended magazine. For the Taurus G3C, you can choose from 10 + 1, 12 + 1, 15 + 1 or even 17 + 1 mag capacity. In comparison, with the G3C you have more options to choose from and the mag capacity of 17 (+1) rounds is very generous. Despite that, the R7 Mako offers a capacity of 13 (+1) rounds which is enough for an EDC gun and you can also have fun on the range too.

The battle has been evened out as the second round goes to … the Taurus.

#3 ACCURACY AND RANGE PERFORMANCE

In terms of accuracy, the Kimber R7 Mako is reported to be quite accurate for a gun of its size. The short barrel may limit the gun's effective range somewhat, but at close ranges, it should be capable of placing rounds accurately on target. The gun features a white-dot front sight and a blacked-out rear sight, which should help with sight alignment and target acquisition. As for range performance, the Kimber R7 Mako is designed for close-quarters situations. It is not intended to be a long-range or target-shooting pistol. The gun's small size and low weight make it easy to carry and handle, but these same features may make it less comfortable to shoot for extended periods or at longer ranges. However, with proper technique and training, shooters should be able to effectively use the R7 Mako at the ranges typically encountered in self-defense situations.

The Taurus G3C has a 3.2-inch barrel, which is just a bit shorter than Kimber R7 Mako. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that it is less accurate. The gun's sight picture and trigger are important factors that can affect accuracy. The Taurus G3C has a white-dot front sight and a serrated drift-adjustable rear sight, which provides a clear sight picture. Additionally, the gun's trigger has a smooth and consistent pull, which can help to improve accuracy. In terms of range performance, the Taurus G3C has a maximum effective range of around 25 yards. This is largely due to its compact size and shorter barrel length, which can limit the velocity and energy of the bullet. However, within its effective range, the gun has proven to be reliable and accurate. Overall, both those handguns make a solid choice for compact handguns that offer good accuracy and range performance for their size.

Now, based on the accuracy and the range performance, it’s again … a TIE.

#4 CALIBER AND FIRING MECHANISM

The Kimber R7 Mako, as well as Taurus G3C, are chambered for the 9mm Luger known as 9x19mm or 9mm Parabellum. The 9mm Luger, one of the most famous cartridges for handguns, was introduced in 1902 and two years later became the official cartridge of the German military forces. Currently, it’s used by the US military, law enforcement and other owners of compact semiautos chambered in 9mm. The Kimber R7 Mako and Taurus G3C are both semi-automatic handguns that use different firing mechanisms. The Kimber R7 Mako features a striker-fired mechanism. This means that when the trigger is pulled, the striker (a spring-loaded firing pin) is released and strikes the primer of the cartridge in the chamber, igniting the gunpowder and firing the round. The striker-fired mechanism has become increasingly popular in recent years because it allows for a lighter and smoother trigger pull.

On the other hand, the Taurus G3C uses a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) mechanism. This means that the first trigger pull will be double-action, where the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer. Subsequent trigger pulls will be single-action, where the hammer is already cocked, and the trigger simply releases it. Some models of the G3C also have a striker-fired mechanism available. Both mechanisms have their pros and cons, and ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Striker-fired mechanisms are generally lighter and smoother, but some shooters prefer the added control and safety of a traditional DA/SA mechanism. It's important to try out different firing mechanisms and find the one that works best for you.

Based on the two firing mechanism options, this battle point goes to… the Kimber.

MAIN SPECS COMPARISION

Based on the size, capacity, ergonomics, and range performance, it seems like the SIG is the winner of our battle. However, to rule the final verdict, it's best to review the main specs of both pistols. There might be some factors that might turn the tables in Ruger's favor.

	MAKO R7	G3C
Caliber	9mm Luger	9mm Luger
Width	1 inch	1.2 inch
Overal length	6.2 inches	6.3 inches
Height	4.3 inches	5.1 inches
Weight (unloaded)	19.5 oz.	22 oz.
Barrel Length	3.37 inches	3.2 inches
Magazine	Double stack	Double stack
Mag Capacity	11, 13 (+1	10, 12 ,15 ,17 (+1)
Trigger	Striker-Fired	DA/SA
Frame	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Grip Material	Polymer	Polymer
Manufacturer	Kimber	Taurus
MSRP	$750	$350

HOW TO CONCEAL CARRY KIMBER R7 MAKO AND TAURUS G3C?

As I mentioned multiple times already, both Kimber R7 Mako and Taurus G3C make a superb choice for your EDC. Those pistols are almost identical in their dimensions and suitable for concealed carry. The most important thing to do when you consider wearing your R7 Mako or G3C as everyday carry is to find the most comfortable and well-fitting holster. There’s a big offer for Kimber R7 Mako holsters as well as Taurus G3C holsters. You’re able to choose from different carry styles, it all depends on your preferences. I’m sure you find what you’re looking for.

CONCLUSION - WHICH CCW IS BETTER?

Overall, the Kimber R7 Mako, as well as Taurus G3C, are reliable and accurate concealed carry pistols. Their compact size, lightweight design, and high-capacity magazines make them a great choice for those who want a dependable and easy-to-carry firearm for self-defense purposes. Now comes to announce the winner of this ultimate pistol battle. Based on the compared specifications and features of both these pistols, it seems they are quite at the same level. Based on the firing mechanism, Kimber R7 Mako is using lighter and smoother striker-fired, therefore, the R7 Mako is our winner! However, if you wish to go for a very similar handgun, with almost identical specs that cost almost half the price, go for Taurus G3C.