No. Just no. Even if the new Taurus SPECTRUM pistols weren’t chambered in 9mm short, a white and chrome color scheme with plastic turquoise inserts has no place on my pistol. And I say that with all due respect to the designers and engineers at Taurus.

Fellow TFB writer Richard Johnson recently broke the SPECTRUM release on his GunsHolstersAndGear.com blog. Among other details, Johnson writes that the new pistols may be available in up to 10 different color combinations and may also feature interchangeable color panels.

Is ‘invisible’ a color choice?

Also featured is an internal manual safety “screw” for lack of a better term, for use when the gun is in storage. As if I was looking for another SPECTRUM attribute to disagree with; I don’t care for manual locks like those found on some S&W revolvers. In my opinion, these locks are a potential point of failure – either by providing a false sense of safety, or by forgetting to unlock the pistol prior to a defensive situation.

Taurus Spectrum Specifications:

Caliber: .380 ACP

Magazine capacity: 6 rounds (flush), 7 rounds (extended)

Action: semi-automatic, double action only

Barrel length: 2.8″

Overall length: 5.2″

Weight: 10.2 oz (unloaded)

Internal lock: yes

MSRP: $286.36

I tend to agree with my colleague Richard on his opinion of the design and function of new guns and gear found here at TFB and over at his own blog, However, I have to dissent with his preview of the new Taurus. I’m only left with one question: “who asked for this?”.

Having said all that, I’ve never claimed to be an expert in either gun design or style. So there’s a good chance the market will prove me wrong. In fact, if the SPECTRUM turns out to be hyper accurate and reliable, I’ll eat my words and order one for myself. And I’ll let TFB readers pick the color scheme.

Until then, I praise Taurus for continuing to innovate, but I remain skeptical that this pistol will offer anything more than what the proven the Glock 42 already provides – except for ’80s vintage styling.