[possum]

So what do ya'll think, don't hold back either bad or good! Everything from accuracy, durability, reliability, and all that basic stuff. i appreciate it! I was looking into the model 605 or the model 85, it is for my mom. Be advised she has pollio(sp?) but it only effects one side of her body, so it needs to be light weight, She might be one and a half handed but she has a strong left hook! that i have been on the recieving end of!:) but I want it to be able to put em down hard! Please i am open for any suggestions but please, tell me about your experiences with these and other models of Taurus revolvers if you please! thank you all!

[el44vaquero]

They are good revolvers in my opinion. I've never ran across one that I had any trouble with. They are plenty reliable and accurate for revolvers in their price-range. That being said, I'd still prefer a Ruger or Smith over them. Just what feels good in my hand and I'm confident in using.

[Kamicosmos]

The 669 .357 I have is extremely accurate. Reliable too. Awesome single action trigger out of the box. Fit and Finish is good enough that a S&W fan friend of mine almost mistook it for a S&W! (The porting gave it away.)

I will add that this particular example is 10 or 11 years old.

[gazpacho]

I own an 85, an 850 and a 94. All are excellent guns.

If you can find one, I would recommend a 85B3 (http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=85B3&category=Revolver). It's the 3" barrel version of the 85. Then I would recommend the 110gr Federal Hydra-Shok 39spec round (Pick the PD38HS3H (http://www.federalcartridge.com/default.asp?pg=27&firearm=2)). From my own tests, this cartridge clocks in at @960 fps ten feet from the muzzle of a Ruger Sp101 (3 1/16"), accuracy is high and recoil is VERY low. Finally, I would suggest replacing the grips with Excaliber Oversize Finger Groove (http://www.grips4guns.com/revolver/taurus/small.html) grips. They are sized just right for medium hands, and naturally promote a good grip and good trigger finger placement. This package should provide for a good overall protection handgun, reasonable in weight and low in recoil. When you first get the gun, strip off the grips and flush out the action with a full can of WD40. Many of these Taurus guns ship with a lot of gritty junk covering the action, making the trigger pull feel far worse than it really is. After the WD40 has done it's job, clean that out with a good CLP. A bunch of dryfiring afterwards would help also.

My 85 has been a superb performer, although it will soon be replaced by a S&W 340PD. It is accurate and reliable. The trigger is light and smooth in both DA and SA. I have the Excaliber Boot Grip Laser Checkered Rosewood grips on it right now. They are a bare minimum grip that aids in CCW. My 850 will soon be my wife's primary CCW, and will have the oversized grips I mentioned above. She purse carries, switching between Coronado and Galco carry purses, and the concealed hammer of the 850 will allow firing the gun while it's still in the purse. The 94 originally had problems with a seizing cylinder, but a trip back to the factory fixed that. It is extremely accurate for a 2" 22lr.

[IndianaDean]

I've got a 617 and a 4 inch .357 Tracker. Both are very good, and shoot just as well as the S&W revolver I have. The porting in both makes shooting .357 rounds better, and .38 specials have almost no recoil at all.

[LoadedDrum]

The fit and finish on my 85 is as good as any gun I have come across. The trigger pull was harsh at first. Now that it is broken in, it is better than my J frame.

My model 94 stainless is another story. Tool marks all over the place, the top of the front sight is on a slight angle. The trigger pull after over 1500 rounds still is not that great. Before any one asks how I could have bought such a gun in the first place the answer is that I wanted a plinker I could flat out neglect and not feel bad about it and this one fits the bill.

[BryanP]

I own a 617, 66 and 94. The DA trigger pull on the 94 is awful. The 66 is an early version and is ugly with some obvious visual flaws (I bought it used very cheap). All 3 function perfectly. The 617 is my loaded nightstand gun. The Ugly Duckling 66 is what I keep loaded in my desk at home. I trust them to work.

[birddog]

I own two.

One is my M-44 (44 mag) which I carry during deer season. It's a great big reliable gun with a slick trigger. And it is very accurate. Ask my 2004 8 pointer.

The other is my most frequent carry piece lately, the 651B which is a snubby 5 shot .357. Nice trigger, and very accurate. Surprisingly accurate for a snubby.

Both guns have excellent fit and finish. I have S&W's and Rugers to compare them to, and they DO compare very well in quality.

No BS.

[Quickdraw Limpsalot]

I have a Raging Bull in .454 and I've shot a few other Taurus revolvers. I believe they're just as good as anything out there, even though they feel a little "odd." I attribute most of that to the rubber grips they use though, not the more important frame structure. Despite "feeling odd" to me, I shoot/shot quite well with 'em. Grips are an easy fix.

[Seven High]

I bought a Taurus 85 that was new. The action was rougher than the S&W j frame that I own. It finally broke in and is now as smoother than the Smith.It took a long time for it to break in. Plan on a lot of dry firing. Get some snap caps for it. :)

[unspellable]

Quality control is spotty. Their warantee service has a BAD reputation. Triggers are not consistent from one example to the next. So you want to give a prospective purchase a really thorough examination.

I had a 44 Special snubby with a chamber alignment problem. I had a 357 Mag with a timing problem. On the other hand I have a 44 Mag and a Raging Bull in 45 Colt that seem quite good. (Yes, that Raging Bull really is chambered for 45 Colt, not 454 Casull, it's a six holer.)

Bottom line, if you have a good one you have a good one, but if you have a bad one, you have a really BAD one.

[joab]

I have had several since 1985 and currently own three M85, including the 3incher mentioned before, and a 445

I have no negatives on any of them but would also agree that the 3" 85 is preferable

[ID_shooting]

I have never owned one but I have been seriously checking them out latlely. I have the feeling I will be ownnig a .357 and a 9mm revo here real soon. I would prefer an SP101 for 9mm CCW but since those are hard to find and expensive when you do, I have been looking at taurus.

IMO they are fine guns nad have come along way in the last few years.

[MCgunner]

I have to, a M85UL and a M66. Both are accurate, well made, good shooting. I do prefer Ruger and Smith revolvers, but the Taurii I have are just as good as any Ruger or Smith I own or have owned as far as function. The 85 has a very smooth DA and SA trigger. The 66's trigger is a little stiffer in DA, but SA is great and that thing is the most accurate DA revolver in .357 I have yet to own, more accurate than the 686 a buddy has. It's equally accurate with .38 or .357, which is unusual, and that's why I've kept it. It's a satin nickel finish, very nicely finished and fit is flawless. Fit could be a little better on the 85, very slightly out of time on one cylinder, but doesn't effect the function of the gun and you really have to play with it to tell. Frankly, I've had Smiths with out of time cylinders. Difference is, I didn't hesitate to sent the Smith back. All the gripes about Taurus service has me hesitant to send this one in when it shoot just fine, nothing functionally wrong with it, I just like my cylinders to be perfectly in time. So, I just ignore that little flaw in fitting and it shoots just fine.

I can't gripe about the function of either revolver 'cause it's more than just adequate. Both guns shoot VERY well an being revolvers are flawlessly reliable. That 66 is an absolute tack driver and perfectly fitted and finished. I've fallen for that one and while I'd like to have a somewhat lighter weight .357 to carry outdoors or maybe some IWB, this one's so friggin' accurate I'll never trade it. I may add a Tracker titanium or a Ruger SP101 to the collection, but I ain't sellin' that 66! I gave just under $200 for that thing at a gun show, probably the best, most KILLER deal in a handgun I've ever made.

I've been through one M19 Smith, one Ruger Security Six, and one Rossi M971. While all of these guns shot well, had things I really liked about 'em, I traded 'em. The Ruger was deadly accurate with .357s, was rather poor with .38s and wadcutters. The Rossi was decent with either .357 or .38, but nothing to write home about. The Smith was better, but didn't like .38s either. I wanted a .357 that was a tack driver with either and the Taurus is it! I have a single action Ruger Blackhawk 6.5" barreled gun that's just as accurate, but it's a big, heavy revolver by comparison. It makes a better hunting revolver in the caliber. I hardly every shoot it, but I've kept it 'cause I don't sell accurate guns.:D

To close this, I have to say the finish on the M85 is flawless, too. That one cylinder's timing is the only gripe I have with the gun and it doesn't effect function and frankly, most ordinary gun owners probably couldn't tell that cylinder doesn't time perfectly. You have to pull the trigger though very slowly just right to get it to leave the cylinder out of battery before the hammer falls. In actual use, it don't happen.

[Old John]

Hi Y'all,

I have owned a couple or 3 over the years. I had a Mod.85, .38 Spec.
Good little gun.
I've also had a .357, and still have a .45Colt. All were stainless.
I throw the Mod 450, .45Colt snubbie under the seat in the truck,
once in awhile. It's good to have along.
I've bought them new and used.

They are not as pretty or as smooth working as an S&W.
They are not as Strong as a Ruger. I like Ruger revolvers.
And, I have several.
The Taurus revolvers I've had were good, cheap, reliable handguns.
I'd buy one again, if the price was right & if I had the dinero in my
pocket at the time.

It's your dollars. If you like them, buy 'em.
'At's what I do.
Have Fun.
Old John

[Old Fuff]

I have owned a number of Taurus revolvers, and still do. I have also had occasion to disassemble and 'smith their interiors on both my own and others.

From a quality perspective, older guns going back several years sometimes had issues, but so did other makes. Current production guns seem to be much better, and I would not hesitate to buy and/or carry one.

I would advise that if you want to buy one of the lighter snubbies, get a .38 Special, not a .357 Magnum. I also prefer the all-steel guns or aluminum/steel ones over the Total Titanium models. About 1000 dry-fire "clicks" will smooth out the action considerably. Do not fool with the springs.

[Brian Williams]

I had a Tracker in 357 and in 45 Colt
I have S&W's

They are good guns, I just found what I liked better.

[eagle45]

I have three now. A model 85, a 617 and an 851BUL. I find all three of them to be very accurate out to abut 25 yards, especially for snubbies. I personally like the grip of the 617 the least of all of them. The 851 is carried regularly. I also sold a 608, not because I did not like it though. I think the Taurus line is generally a good value, but checking out each one prior to purchase is a good idea. Of course it's a good idea with any other manufacturer too.

[Biker]

My main carry gun is a Taurus 450 (.45 LC) 2" snubbie. At about 17 oz, it is light enough for ankle carry and due to the grips and ported barrel, easy to shoot. It's more than accurate enough for what it's intended for. I also like the fact that it is very corrosion resistant. And I really like shooting 260 gr LSWC handloads out of it. I like big bullets...:)
Biker

[461]

I've had three. The first was my first centerfire gun and it was flawless through many thousands of rounds 6" stainless .357 that I wish I hadn't traded off. The Second was a 3" .44spl that I fully expected to be the equal of the first- It was not. Horrible trigger, sent it in to their "Custom Shop" for a trigger job and it came back unable to ignite any primer I put in it, sent it back and it returned the same way- got rid of it quick and swore off the brand. Years later I got a ultralite tracker .357 in a multi gun trade and figured I'd use it for my daughter with .38's. she hated it and I didn't have any desire for it so it's gone too.

Bottom line with me, one great, one horrible and one that just couldn't overcome the reputation built by the second one.

[roo_ster]

I wrote a mini review of my Taurus here (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=119364&highlight=taurus+651+partition).

The fit & finish on my Taurus is good and it has been reliable. I would recommend it.

Better out of box trigger than the S&W 642/442, BTW.

Alternative to Consider:
How lightweight do you need? If you can go all-steel, you may have other, even less-pricey options.

A used .38spl S&W Model10 with a 4" bbl is usually an under $200 proposition. I just came across a S&W M10 in nickel with a 2" snubby bbl right at $200, as well. Another interesting revolver was a Model 12 snubby 2" (same as M10, but aluminum frame) for $175.

IMO, a used S&W K-frame .38spl (models: 10, 12, 64, 65, lots more) is awfully hard to beat, quality & value-wise. Also, if recoil is a problem, the K-frame loaded with target wadcutters is a viable, very low recoil option..

The K-frame S&W usually can have their triggers tuned better than Taurus or other S&W snubbies.

-----

Last, .357mag may not recoil a lot to a healthy male, but a partially paralyzed female is going to have issues with recoil in nearly every case. If you do go for a lightweight snubby, be sure the load is not too stout. Again, target wadcutters would be something to look at.

Good luck in your search.

[fiVe]

All these model numbers, but NO PICTURES!!! :fire: :fire:

[Old Dog]

I've a bright stainless Model 85 CH made in '92 ... excellent fit and finish, locks up tighter'n a bank vault, great trigger pull, as accurate as any S&W snubby I've ever owned. My brushed-stainless finish Model 94, a couple years old, is quite well made, looks great, quite accurate so far, but haven't shot it much because ... the trigger pull, both DA and SA is not very good. Once I get it fixed, I'll use it more.

Based on my experience with these revolvers, I like Taurus revolvers and am open to buying additional revolvers from the company. I like my Model 85 better than my S&W 637 and 642; it's right up there with my Smith 36 as my favorite snubbies ...

[rem870]

Here's my taurus. The first handgun I ever bought.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c284/springfield1911/DSC04919.jpg

[bearmgc]

Owned a 605, presently have a mod 85UL and a Tracker in 44mag. All of them have been good shooters, reliable, with a decent fit and finish. Never a problem with any of them.

[MCgunner]

Top gun in the two gun pic is my M66 Taurus

http://x10.putfile.com/12/34612323521.jpg

Yeah, it's got a little carry grit on it, needs a bath. My M85UL.

http://x11.putfile.com/12/34319102213.jpg

[joab]

Blue85
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/bugman/taurus85ls.jpg
3" 85
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/bugman/Taurus853ls.jpg
Ch85
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/bugman/taurus85chls.jpg
445
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/bugman/posting/6a910a86.jpg

[redneckrepairs]

no pics , no bs , i had a tarus snubby ( i think 905 ) chambered to 9mm i liked it , it shot good , i had it about 3 hrs before a local policeman bought it off me , so no pics , no long winded report , i would take a lightweight smith over it , but other than that all seems equil between the snub noses anyway

[C96]

My son works in a gun store, adds a new gun about once a month, shoots some
competetion, and is always looking for something mo'betta. We've gone through
several Taurus revolvers and one 9mm auto, he no longer has any Taurii in his
gun pile. They do vary quite a bit from unit to unit so look very carefully at any
one you are thinking about purchasing. Their warranty service has been kind of
erratic the last year or so and that shop has sent quite a few back.

Look carefully, some are very good guns for the money.

allan

[Moonclip]

Poor QC, have owned both acceptable versions that came close to equaling a S&W such as a couple of 85 variants I have and also some very poor examples. To be fair though, they were all bought used.

[bobaloo]

Rem870, mine is identical, and it's also the first handgun I ever bought!

Great double action trigger and incredible single action, extremely accurate. Many handguns later I still love that pistol. It's the only Taurus I've owned, but it's a great gun.

[Glockman17366]

I've had several Taurus revolvers...3 or 4 M85's and three different .357's.

I had a problem with one of the .357's (Model 669) and an 85 Mulitalloy. The 669 went to the factory and was repaired quickly. The 85 Multialloy had a light striking problem which was also fixed by the factory.

I carry the 85 Multialloy a lot...most frequently carried gun I own. This is a real nice little shooter. It's also very light weight at just over 14 oz.

The .357 magnums were sold off eventually. But I also own a stainless Tracker model 627...one of the finest revolvers I've ever shot (although the "ribber" grips take some getting used to).

I'd recommend Taurus revolvers to anyone wanting to buy a revolver. I would also caution them to get 200-300 rounds through them as quick as possible

[gremlin_bros]

have a model 94 in 5 1/2 inch barrel i use for snake and have even taken squrel (no easy task but can be done) and rabbit with it. currently it is being used at work to shoot rats for fun and profit boss gives me 50 rounds for every rat i nail. so far im up a brick of ammo. i work at a coal barge loading plant at night as a guard.

[tbeb]

I owned an early model 85, which was many years ago. Every cylinder-full, it misfired 3 times. I sent it to Taurus. When I got it back, it misfired 2 times every cylinder-full. I sent it to Taurus again and they could not fix it. They offered me a new gun or a refund. I took the refund and bought a Smith & Wesson. I understand this senario can happen with any manufacturer. I also understand it's possible that newer Taurus's may be better quality.

I just talked to a man who owns a very small ammunition company. He tests ammunition out of different barrel lengths. His 2" gun is a Taurus. I told him I was going to buy a new snubby and that I was considering a Taurus. He said when his Taurus wears out, he will replace it with a Smith & Wesson. I went out and bought a Smith & Wesson Model 642-2, because I feel it will last longer than a Taurus.

[jonnyringo]

Only one I own and I am extremely impressed. I have owned many types of handguns from various OEM's at one time or another and this example is very well made and accurate. I also own a SRH Ruger in this caliber.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d94/strata58/RB007.jpg

[possum]

Well heck i am gone for a day and come back and look at all the replies. thank you all very much. i appreciate all the details and pictures, The model numbers that you all were writing about was a major plus, I think I can make a pretty good decision now thanks to all of you guys! thank you again !

[420Stainless]

The all steel model 85 I bought for my wife seems to be well made. The trigger is nothing special, but it is not a detriment to accuracy. She shoots it well and has not had any problems out of it in the seven or so years she's had it.

[joab]

jonnyringo
What barrel length is that Bull
I want one especially if it's a 5'

[MillCreek]

I have a stainless 650, stainless 651 and a titanium 651, all manufactured in 2004 and purchased in early 2005. The fit, finish, reliability and functionality of them have all been excellent. One of these Taurii is now my preferred carry revolver, replacing my Model 60 or SP-101 in this regard.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality. I had read the horror stories and complaints on the Net, and thought that Taurus manufactured poor products. Then I handled and bought a Taurus 9 mm Millenium Pro, was impressed by it, and gave the revolvers a try. The fit and finish of my Taurii revolvers is significantly better than that of a SP-101, manufactured in 2004, that I bought recently.

[Rancid Bacon]

I have the 425 Tracker in .41 mag. Used primarily for field usage during hikes with the dogs, camping and hunting.

Pros:

Lightweight titanium frame that supposedly WILL NOT rust, good for field carry
Ported barrel for the stout, but controllable .41 mag
Decently priced
I happen to like the grips that are supplied but wouldnt mind seeing what Hogue or some Pachy's grips would do for the recoil.

Cons:

Somewhat difficult finding the 'right' holster that I want for this particular model.
Good luck finding a 'smith to smooth out the trigger or do any kind of custom work (if anybody knows of a decent gunsmith that works on taurus guns plz shoot me a pm)
Price of .41 mag ammo if you dont reload
loud loud LOUD!

All in all I like mine, and its a dream to carry in the field with the titanium frame.

[Feanaro]

My father bought a Taurus 85 that a local police officer won in an IDPA(or IPSC, not real sure). He carried it for a while, then it moved along to my mother's car. It's a pretty well put together revolver and reliable, though it hasn't been fired too much. They seem like good revolvers for the money.

Taurii

If you won't use the perfectly good English ending, "es", at least get the Latin right. :neener: It be Tauri, one "i".

[MCgunner]

My father bought a Taurus 85 that a local police officer won in an IDPA(or IPSC, not real sure). He carried it for a while, then it moved along to my mother's car. It's a pretty well put together revolver and reliable, though it hasn't been fired too much. They seem like good revolvers for the money.



If you won't use the perfectly good English ending, "es", at least get the Latin right. :neener: It be Tauri, one "i".

I never took latin, but did take Spanish. Toros....:neener:

[Jkwas]

Make sure she can handle the trigger pull, My wife has trouble with the pull on our 605. But otherwise it's been an excellent weapon. Lately I keep it loaded with 125gn 38+p golddots. :D

[Versifier]

Fecis Tauri, rather have a S&W or a Ruger, made in USA by actual Americans.

[Versifier]

still don't like them

[joab]

Fecis Tauri, rather have a S&W or a Ruger, made in USA by actual Americans.Well at least you take the time to write out a well thought out assessment of the product.

Trolls and bashers same thing different bridge

[birddog]

Fecis Tauri, rather have a S&W or a Ruger, made in USA by actual Americans

Yeah, because no decent firearms are ever made overseas.

:rolleyes:

[possum]

Glock, Sig, H&k, xd,Cz and more are all made overseas and are some of the best handguns you will find in the world. I had a guy tell me one time he wanted only an american made gun. I said well good luck, your options just took a nose dive. i am open minded and I know from experience that just because it isn't made by American Blood sweat and tears, and because it is a foreign country that it hails from that doesn't play a factor in my decision making process! I will give any body and any company a chance, and I haven't been let down yet!

[Old Fuff]

Because of custom duties, Taurus imports parts, but assembles guns in Florida. In and of itself, "made in the USA" doesn't mean a thing anymore. At one time our better handguns were seen as a benchmark against which others were judged. Unfortunately this is no longer true.

[MCgunner]

At least there are first rate guns made in America. That's in contrast to motor vehicles. We've lost any sort of claim to the best motor vehicles in the world. Not sure why, but American companies just don't seem to have the engineering capacity of the Euro or Japanese companies. Heck, they have to use marketing ploys to get sales and even then when gas goes up, SUV and truck sales plummet and since Detroit seems incapable of building a first rate economy car, they lose their shirts. Well, guess what? Gas ain't gettin' any cheaper! It's going to come down to improve or die, I reckon, for some former giants like GM.

But, in firearms we still make some GREAT guns! We still have Ruger and Smith and Wesson! We have some lesser companies cranking out first rate products like Kel Tec, Springfield Armory, Para Ordinance, Kimber, etc. We ain't hurtin' for good guns that are American made. That said, I don't care where it comes from if I want it. I've owned Brazilian stuff, have two Tauri and three Rossis. Other than two SKSs and some war surplus stuff, I think that's the only non-American guns I have, though. I like American rifles, in particular. Howa, a Japanese firm, makes a good rifle, but in no way is it superior. I own American shotguns. You can buy some nice stuff from the likes of Beretta and some of the other European companies, but hands down as working shotguns I like my Mossberg and Winchester 1400 quality for the money.

Funny about the world economy we live in, back in the 80s I read that the most vaunted of Harley Davidson attributes being "made in America", 70 percent of the sportster's parts were Japanese. In 1984 Honda built the first of their production facilities in the US to build Gold Wings. Much of the bike's parts were US sourced and the Wing, from 84, was effectively an American made motorcycle, at least as much so as the Sportster!:D Go figure.

[Biker]

At least there are first rate guns made in America. That's in contrast to motor vehicles. We've lost any sort of claim to the best motor vehicles in the world. Not sure why, but American companies just don't seem to have the engineering capacity of the Euro or Japanese companies. Heck, they have to use marketing ploys to get sales and even then when gas goes up, SUV and truck sales plummet and since Detroit seems incapable of building a first rate economy car, they lose their shirts. Well, guess what? Gas ain't gettin' any cheaper! It's going to come down to improve or die, I reckon, for some former giants like GM.

But, in firearms we still make some GREAT guns! We still have Ruger and Smith and Wesson! We have some lesser companies cranking out first rate products like Kel Tec, Springfield Armory, Para Ordinance, Kimber, etc. We ain't hurtin' for good guns that are American made. That said, I don't care where it comes from if I want it. I've owned Brazilian stuff, have two Tauri and three Rossis. Other than two SKSs and some war surplus stuff, I think that's the only non-American guns I have, though. I like American rifles, in particular. Howa, a Japanese firm, makes a good rifle, but in no way is it superior. I own American shotguns. You can buy some nice stuff from the likes of Beretta and some of the other European companies, but hands down as working shotguns I like my Mossberg and Winchester 1400 quality for the money.

Funny about the world economy we live in, back in the 80s I read that the most vaunted of Harley Davidson attributes being "made in America", 70 percent of the sportster's parts were Japanese. In 1984 Honda built the first of their production facilities in the US to build Gold Wings. Much of the bike's parts were US sourced and the Wing, from 84, was effectively an American made motorcycle, at least as much so as the Sportster!:D Go figure.

Which is one reason I ride a 1949 Harley.:neener:
Biker

[MrTuffPaws]

I own a Taurus Tracker 627 7 shot 357mag. It has been a great gun. Some if the issues that I have had (keep in mind it is all personal preference) are:

1) Trigger was gritty when I first got it. I took the cover off and spray it out with CLP and the grittiness when away.

2) The Ribber grip was just a tad too small for me. I have large hands and switched over to a Hogue grip and the problem when away, though I wish Hogue made a square butt grip.

3) The porting is a pain in the a** to clean.

4) While the trigger was smooth and crisp, it was a little heavy. I installed wolf springs and it lightened up the trigger and maintained the same feel.

All in all, I think Taurus makes a good revolver. Fit and finish are great, and the prices can’t be beat. I like mine enough that the next two guns to get are a PT145 Mil Pro and a Model 85.

[MCgunner]

Which is one reason I ride a 1949 Harley.:neener:
Biker

Why not a 1911 Harley? :D Is that a knuckle or flat head????? Either way, has to be cool!:D

[TheEgg]

Went to the range once when they were having a Taurus "range day". Reps from Taurus were there with at least one of about everything they make, and you could shoot whatever you wanted, and they even provided the ammunition.

I thought "great, now I can try these out and maybe pick up a nice revolver" (they were on sale in that shop).

I picked up one of their basic .357 magnum, 6 inch bbl model. Fired one shot and the thing jammed tight. Cylinder would not turn, trigger was jammed etc. The rep took it and said it was just dirty - he cleaned it, loaded it back up, then handed it back to me. Yep, you guessed it -- one shot and it jammed tight again.

OK, maybe just a fluke. Picked up a .45 ACP and tried it. Fired two shots, and then, no BANG. No primer strike at all. Broken firing pin.

So, ever since then, I have not been in the least bit inclined to even think about purchasing a Taurus anything.

[aguyindallas]

Back in my early days of guns, I picked up a new Model 66 4 inch. I shot it for all of about 2 boxes of ammo and decided I didnt like revolvers, so I sold it. Now, I regret it.

I picked up a used 605 a couple months ago and took her out. Shoots VERY accurately and has a super nice trigger. I am very pleased. I changed the wood grips to rubber to suit my needs.

I have a S&W 64-2 that is also a very nice gun. It was a CDC Police Trade that I picked up at a local gun/beef jerky/beanie baby sale. It is also a great quality gun and is a bit larger than the 605.

The 64-2 is the K frame gun
The 605 is modeled after the J frame gun (smaller of the two)

All in all, I like my Taurus very much and will likely buy another at some point.

[Biker]

Why not a 1911 Harley? :D Is that a knuckle or flat head????? Either way, has to be cool!:D
Not to jack a thread, but her heart - the bottom end - is a 1949 Panhead. The top end is a 1972 (I think!) Shovelhead. She's bored, stroked and cammed. Built 'er from the ground up, with the help of a few Bros. Pretty trick setup - hypo torque!
She's not close to stock, but she's fast and aaaalllll Harley!
OkayokayOKAY!!!!
I'm done now...
:)
Biker

[Versifier]

Well at least you take the time to write out a well thought out assessment of the product.

Trolls and bashers same thing different bridge

I have shot them, worked on them, and dealt with them for more than 35 years. I thought their deficiencies had been well pointed out by other posters on this thread and I thought that most of what I had to say in light of that, beyond expressing my agreement succinctly, was pretty much redundant. I think I can agree without have to justify my feelings in detail. But, if that isn't enough for you and you choose to bash me with your lame sarcasm, :eek: then stand on the bridge with your fellow trolls as I explain.
While there may indeed be some decent examples out there, I have yet to be impressed by either the accuracy or workmanship of a Taurus product when fairly compared side by side to a comparable American one. They are and have always been a cheap imitation of S&W, using their visual similarity to the accepted and quality products to market their inferior efforts. The parts are foreign made out of poor quality steels to looser tolerances and assembled here by unskilled workers and sold at lower prices to unsuspecting or apathetic buyers. They do not in my experience stand up at all well to heavy usage. Witness how many serious competitors use their products. Damned few and for obvious reasons. :rolleyes:
Not to say that I have never had problems with new Smiths or Rugers, and I will not argue that these problems are not increasing in frequency, but the products themselves and the quality control methods practiced by both manufacturers are far ahead of any efforts along those lines that Taurus has employed in the past or does employ now. If you keep them shined up nice and don't put more than a box or three through them in a year, they might indeed last you a while sitting in a holster, but if you practice enough to stay proficient, their shortcomings soon become apparent and you quickly move up to a real one. :cool:
One positive thing I have to say for them is that they are usually well polished and blued, but you can't always judge a book by its cover, especially these. You can spray deodorizer on fertilizer and maybe by so doing change another's perception of it, but it does not alter the reality of which end of the bull it came out of. :barf:

[MCgunner]

Not to jack a thread, but her heart - the bottom end - is a 1949 Panhead. The top end is a 1972 (I think!) Shovelhead. She's bored, stroked and cammed. Built 'er from the ground up, with the help of a few Bros. Pretty trick setup - hypo torque!
She's not close to stock, but she's fast and aaaalllll Harley!
OkayokayOKAY!!!!
I'm done now...
:)
Biker

Mmmm, didn't realize pans went back that far. Friend had a 64.

[MCgunner]

If you keep them shined up nice and don't put more than a box or three through them in a year, they might indeed last you a while sitting in a holster, but if you practice enough to stay proficient, their shortcomings soon become apparent and you quickly move up to a real one.


That's funny, cause I have at least 3K through my M85UL alloy gun I've had for about 8 years and it's still tight. My Security Six was getting a little loose when I traded it, but I've not had a problem with the little M85 yet. Actually, I never had a problem with any of my revolvers except that one M971 Rossi that snapped the firing pin. (see revolver problems thread)

I do think Ruger revolvers are the strongest made, bar none, in the world, though. I like Ruger firearms a lot. They're affordable and there's no more well built or well designed guns out there.

[Biker]

Mmmm, didn't realize pans went back that far. Friend had a 64.
First year of the Pan was 1948. Knucks before that and Flatheads before that. 1965 was the last year of the Pan. They're all good. I especially like the 45 cube Flatheads ridden in WW2 equipped with the leather scabbard holding a Thompson.
I lust after both-AT THE SAME TIME!
:evil:
Biker

[joab]

But, if that isn't enough for you and you choose to bash me with your lame sarcasm,I was actually bashing your lame sarcasm

[Dtron]

Back on topic :rolleyes:

I bought a used M85 for $199 and after about 200 rounds had one Failure to Fire. Primer indention looked the same as all of the other rounds, so I'm blaming this one on Walmart WWB.

My first choice would be a Smith&Wesson, but I believe Taurus is a good alternative for those who just can't (and won't soon be able to) afford a S&W.

[jsr5]

Can't reccomend them anymore I got a raging bull in 454 had problems with the cylinder unlocking, and turning back one hole after three times sending it back at my expense they finally sent me a new one I immmdiately traded for a Ruger. Ech time they sent it back they included the 5 spent 45 LC casings they fired thrugh it . they weren't finding the problem so were disregarding it. I was PO'ed to say the least I'll not purchase another Taurus. Their Customer service Blows. And their tech''''s need some gunsmithing lessons. :banghead: :banghead: :(

[MCgunner]

I was going to say I think HD was putting the flat head in the Servicar into the50s, maybe 60s, but since you guys don't want me jackin' this thread, I won't mention it. :D :p

[Biker]

I was going to say I think HD was putting the flat head in the Servicar into the50s, maybe 60s, but since you guys don't want me jackin' this thread, I won't mention it. :D :p
Let's try to stay on topic, hmmm?
*whispers*
I was referring to the big-bore Flatties - 74s and 80s, and forgot about the Servicar.
:evil:
Biker