Welcome to another edition of TFB’s Wheelgun Wednesday, where we cover all things related to the world of revolvers. Speaking of the world of revolvers, this week we’ll spotlight one country that has still issued revolvers to its police officers. The national police force of Chile, known as the Carabineros de Chile, from which I’ve found plenty of evidence to conclude that this agency is currently issuing Taurus revolvers to some officers. Let’s take a look.

Image credit: Carabineros de Chile

CURRENT POLICE ISSUEd REVOLVERS – CHILE

While gathering information for an upcoming series of articles, I happened to stumble on the following video and photos that surprised me a bit. I haven’t been completely naive to the fact that there are still police agencies around the world that issue wheelguns, but I thought it was mostly relegated to Asia, or perhaps parts of Africa, but for whatever reason, I was surprised to see a South American country doing so, but that’s a “me” problem. While watching a promotional video from the Carabineros’ YouTube channel, I immediately recognized the rubber Taurus grips of the holstered revolvers. Given the proximity to Taurus’ manufacturing base in Brazil, it makes perfect sense that Chile would look to Taurus. The photos are from the Carabineros’ Facebook page.

The issued Taurus revolvers don’t make up the entire arsenal, but as you’ll see from the photos, the wheelguns appear to be plentifully supplied. While digging further, I also found that the Carabineros de Chile also issue Glocks and Taurus PT92 semi-auto pistols. As for the thought process behind issuing revolvers to law enforcement in this, the age of semi-autos could be multifaceted. Initially, I was starting to think that the issued revolvers we’re seeing here were being slowly replaced, given that the policewoman below has a very nice uniform, yet the holster is quite worn, which is reminiscent of the photos of NYPD officers that were forced to retire their revolvers for Glock pistols. However, while watching the video above, there are plenty of newer, shiny holsters.

Image credit: Carabineros de Chile

Image credit: Carabineros de Chile

Image credit: Carabineros de Chile

As for the exact model of Taurus that the Carabineros are issuing, that’s been a bit harder to sort out. Clearly, it’s a full-size revolver, which narrows it down to three contenders, assuming they’re supplying .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammunition. Looking at Taurus’ website, those the possibilities are; the Model 82, chambered in .38 Spc +P; the 7-shot Model 66 or the 6-shot Model 65, both chambered for .357 Mag and .38 Spc. Since we’re only afforded a look a holstered wheelguns, which model would you guess?

Image credit: Taurus.com.br

In later editions of Wheelgun Wednesday, we’ll take a look at other police agencies around the world that issue revolvers, but in the meantime, which model and caliber do you think the Carabineros de Chile issue to their police officers? Would you fellow wheelgunners feel under-gunned, or right at home with a revolver on your gun belt?