[chaim]

OK, lets put this to rest once and for all. Some people, myself included, swear by Taurus revolvers, others swear at them. Empirically from reports on the internet it seems that 99.9% of the problem Taurus revolvers are in the Titanium. It also seems that just about everyone who owns either an aluminum alloy or steel framed Taurus is completely happy with theirs.

Please only post in this poll if you have firsthand experience with Taurus revolvers so that we can all have a better idea what the reality is. Preferably only post if you own, or owned, one. However, if a friend has one that you shoot and you are completely familiar with its history, then I guess that is ok.

Lets see if the Ti guns are really that bad. Lets see if Taurus really is a complete POC no matter what material. Lets see if Taurus quality is equal to/near/superior to S&W. Lets dispell some of the legends with some actual owners experiences.

Note: I set the poll so you can vote for more than one to account for the fact that some people may have had several different Taurus revolvers and different experiences.

[chaim]

Oh, in answer to my poll/question, I have had two Taurus revolvers before.

My first gun was a Taurus 82 (blued 4" .38spl, "clone" of the S&W M10). It was bought used, it had been a security guard gun that was nearly 10 years old. I didn't totally like it (I really wanted a .357 and I was kicking myself for buying a .38 to save money) but it was 100% reliable. Accuracy was so-so but part of that was I was a new shooter (my accuracy was so-so) and part of it is that I have trouble picking up the sights on a blued fixed sight revolver (on a run of the mill gun, like a new or used Taurus 82, or new S&W M10, I would now go ahead and paint the front sight so I could see it better). I sold it when I bought my K-frame .357mag and at the time I thought I wouldn't own more than 3 or 4 guns (so at the time I basically saw them as overlapping niches so I got rid of the .38) :banghead: .

I owned a Taurus 605 snub for a while. It was reliable, had a great trigger pull, was acceptably accurate (it was a 2" small framed snub) and I did like it. However, I decided that as much as I like .357mag in larger guns (incl. 2-3" K-frames) it is too much for a small, J-framed sized, snub. Since I figured on only using .38s in it for social situations, and usually at the range too, I didn't like the cost of 3 extra oz. of weight for a small hideout type gun. So I sold it.


I am happy enough with my experience with Taurus revolvers that I recently bought an 85CH on the internet that should be in my hands in a couple weeks. I also have several Taurus revolvers on "the list" (a replacement 82, a 445, a Tracker in .357, possibly a Tracker in .45acp). In addition to the "must haves" I look at Taurus alongside S&W and Ruger whenever I consider a revolver purchase (though I do lean towards used S&Ws simply because I really love the slightly older S&Ws- more class than any new gun could ever have). When I look specifically at new guns Taurus has the edge in my book.

[9x19]

Have owned a fair number of Taurus steel revolvers, and most were sound, a couple had minor fitting problems.

I haven't owned any Titanium revolvers, and have no desire to.

Just not my thing...

[SteelyDan]

Chaim, I think the wording of the question introduces a bias, since only those who chose to buy a Taurus are invited to reply. For example, in my case I've handled three Tauruses (Tauri?). The only one I shot was a buddy's .357, it was fine and functioned perfectly. The second one I handled was also a .357 (in a gunshop), and it was not, to say the least, impressive, so I didn't buy it. The third, which was also a gunshop handling, was a titanium .41, and when the clerk tried to pop out the cylinder to hand it to me he couldn't get it open. I'm not exaggerating; his eyes were bulging out as he "casually" tried to open the cylinder, but it was stuck shut.

My point is that I think there are good ones out there, and those are probably the ones that get bought, but by limiting the sampling data to the "good ones that get bought" it doesn't really end the controversy.

My two cents.

[chaim]

Well, there is a reason why the poll is "biased" by only asking for owners and the "directions" state:
Please only post in this poll if you have firsthand experience with Taurus revolvers so that we can all have a better idea what the reality is. Preferably only post if you own, or owned, one. However, if a friend has one that you shoot and you are completely familiar with its history, then I guess that is ok.


I am looking for people with actual experience with these guns. What is the real day to day experience of owning these guns? Are they good guns? I'm not looking for someone whose experience with Taurus is handling one at a gunshop and not liking it (or liking it) and I'm not interested in the "I heard on the internet that...".

I am trying to find what the quality of these guns is really like. When Consumer Reports wants to get a reliability survey of car models they survey owners, not people who have test driven a particular model, not people who have "heard" about them, not people who they just don't fit so they would never buy that model, etc. They survey those who live with the car day to day to see if it is a good car or a bad car, or something in between.

Well, that is what I want to see here.

Again, I'm looking for actual experience with these guns. What you have heard from one or two people doesn't count, you don't have actual experience (if one of them is an owner you are encouraged to direct them here to post however, I want the real experience not a pre-determined result). Whether you liked one at the shop or not doesn't determine overall quality. And yes, one bad gun at the gun shop that you didn't buy doesn't say much either.

I was at a gun shop once where three of their S&Ws, both J-frames and one of their K-frames, weren't operating properly (one wouldn't open at all), and I still buy S&W. The three S&W revolvers I own have been perfect- which is a common result judging from the experiences here at THR and over at TFL. This is something I would never have guessed if I judged them based on what that one dealer had. Maybe they tried to do something they shouldn't have (they did have a "gunsmith" on hand) or maybe they had a bad batch, or maybe who knows but those three at the shop are not the kind of experiences that most people on this board who own S&Ws have had.

The experience of one Titanium model at the gunshop may, or may not have, been representative of that gun. Who knows, if you bought it and had it fixed it may have been perfect forever after.

Now, if you look at my "directions" in the first post you will see one other option other than owners. I am looking for people with real experiences with these guns. People who regularly shoot a friend's Taurus, assuming they are also familiar with its care and maintenance, are also encouraged to post. If you regularly shoot your buddy's gun and know its maintenance history feel free to post about the experience of THAT gun.

Also, gun shop/range employees who have rental Taurus revolvers and who have first hand knowlege about their durability are also encouraged to post.

[chaim]

Oh, by the way, by the ancedotal evidence here on the internet, it sounds like cylinder binding and related problems are not uncommon with the titanium models. As a result I tend to recommend the aluminum and steel guns and dissuade people from the titanium. However, this is partly why I set up this poll. Often, those most motivated to post on the internet about any product are those who are dissatisfied. Thus, my impression of the titanium guns may be completely off. Maybe there is a large but quiet majority of titanium gun owners who are completely happy (and there have been quite a few who post positively about their titanium Taurus revolvers too). Maybe some who may not choose to post may at least be moved to check a box on a poll.

[tiberius]

I have had no problems with my 85Ti, unless you count the bound cylinder caused by jumped bullets with Fiocchi 158gr LRN rounds. The solution was not use factory heavy lead bullets since the little gun simly had too much recoil for them. This was not the gun's fault.

[WebHobbit]

Many years ago I had a Stainless model 85. It was my first new gun purchase and my LAST Taurus.

It was TUMBLING factory .38 hollow-points at the target from 25 feet. :scrutiny:

Turns out the chamber mouths were WAAAAAY over-sized.

I know I could have sent it back to the factory for a new cylinder but at that point I was so mad at Taurus & mad at myself for buying a cheap foreign made S&W knock-off that I sold it off. I then corrected the problem by ordering a Smith & Wesson Centennial. :)

Since then I've owned a few Rugers but the Smith & Wessons have been the only guns that I've kept around.

I'm not all that happy with the MIM parts (I think they look cruddy in comparison to the old forged ones) & I HATE the new lock thingie but all in all S&W does make the best revolvers. I just can't see any reason to save a few dollars buying a Taurus over a S&W. In the long run I think you will always regret not getting the "real thing".

[Ala Dan]

I did have a chance to qualify with a Taurus model 82
4" HB .38 Special (comparable to S&W model 10, he-he).
The gun had seen service as a contract security agency
revolver. While fit and finsih were O.K., this monster had
about a 25 lb. double action trigger pull!:uhoh: In my own
opinion, this weapon would best serve as a boat anchor.

So, I guess you could say that it was a stainless gun with
a few problem's?:) :rolleyes: Would I ever buy one? Not
in this life-time!:banghead: :neener:

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Kevinch]

I have owned them, own them now, & would own them again.

Those who choose not to are missing out on some competitively priced, well made firearms - but again, that is their choice.

[stans]

My only experience with a Taurus has been with a model 96, 22LR, six shot, blued finish, six inch barrel. Its closest S&W counterpart would be the K-22.

The bore of this particular Taurus appears smooth and the rifling is sharp, but the forcing cone is extremely rough. The trigger overtravel stop was improperly set at the factory and the screw was so tight that it bent the stamped steel stop. The double action pull is heavy, at least 14 pounds. The single action is fair, but the hammer hook is poorly machined and rough. Accuracy has been fair.

It can keep all shots within the 8 ring of the 25 yard timed and rapid fire target, but it will not eat the "X" out of a target at 25 yards. I bought it because I wanted a 22 revolver and K-22's were over priced in my area. It is an "OK" gun, but I would not cry over trading it for something nicer.

[caz223]

I had a stainless 425 .41 mag, and it couldn't hit the ground if I dropped it.
That, and it developed timing problems later on.
Also blessed with a incredibly hard DA trigger pull, I was glad to sell it off.
I wouldn't call that a ton of problems, so I picked a few problems.

[22luvr]

NOOOOOOO problem.

Taurus mod 85 Ultralite. Nicely finished, fine trigger, accurate, totally reliable.

Taurus mod 605 in SS. Beautiful finish, awesome factory trigger and again, accurate, and totally reliable.

Again, Noooooo problem and I'd recommend a Taurus revolver to any one.

[dairycreek]

All were steel, five were in one model or another of .357 and one was an 85 in 38 special. All were NIB when I purchased them and all were fired with factory only ammo - no reloads. Three were fine revolvers and three had to be sent back to the factory for extensive reworking. Working with Taurus Customer Service is an experience in itself and, for me, not a good one at all. The three revolvers that were good were quite good the three that were bad never were IMHO adequately reworked and were unreliable. So, my direct experience with Taurus has been such that I do not want to buy another and run the risk of dealing with another "lemon". Good shooting;)

[Gmac]

Bought a Taurus model 689 .357 and it's never malfunctioned. Bought a new Ruger Bisley and it's a p.o.s. ! Go figure.

[P95Carry]

Maybe subconsciously even, I have never expected a Taurus to be by default as good as S&W .... mainly cos of reduced cost etc ...... but as I have mentioned on other threads ...... I do consider that overall Taurus has improved quality control this last decade and more ......

My M85 snub has been no prob at all and i like it. My M66 4" is good but not quite perfect ... I do tend to get sporadic tumblers evident at longer distances but ...... thus far have not gotten round to sending it off. It is a recreational revo ... and as such non critical and, usually used at close ranges.

[bountyhunter]

I have handled a few and was struck by the awful trigger. The coil mainspring design is just plain inferior because it produces stacking in the trigger pull. The new guns I pulled all had stacking and a very gritty feel. Don't really want to buy a gun with a bad trigger.

[Blueduck]

Only Taurus revolver I've owned was an older model 85. Pretty much as expected, rougher pull than S/W but perfectly functional at a great price. Could say the exact same thing about my PT-92 as compared to a 92FS.

[Prodigalshooter]

I had a Tracker, 357 with 4" barrel. No problems at all, I just decided I didn't like porting that much and also could not use it in IDPA, due to the ports and the 7th chamber. Gave it to my son, he loves it.

[Gerald McDonald]

Gee webhobbit, that comment about having regrets for not getting the real thing sound like some of the comments I get from Harley Davidson owners (mostly new riders) when they see my Honda. Of course my ride hasnt been in the shop for anything but tires in the last 15,000 miles so I aint complaining.
Gerald

[ACP]

I once had a Model 85 that was, by far, the most accurate snub nosed revolver I have ever shot -- including my Colt Det. Spec. and my S&W Models 640 and 642. Absolutely shot to point of aim and never failed to fire. I don't know why I got rid of it. Stupidity, I guess.

[denfoote]

I could only chose one, so I opted for the first choice. However, in addition to the M605 that is near to perfect, I also have the aluminium framed M85UL. It is durn near perfect too!! I think Taurus has indeed filled the niche left open by Squirrelly and Weasel's political blunder. :D

[gbran]

941, 4", 22 mag. Great gun, no problems........617T, 7rd titanium 357 snubbie, ammo-sensitive, got rid of it. Couldn't trust it as a primary carry. Too bad, it was any easy and comfortable gun to carry.

[Majic]

About 12 years ago I bought a 689, turned out to be a pretty accurate .357mag. I sold it to a buddy of mine only because he loved the thing and I had aquired a Python. As of today it's still shooting like it was when it was new. Before I bought the 689 I had bought a ss 85 with a 3" barrel. I still have that revolver and it's very accurate for a snub gun. Both triggers were a little rough when bought, but a little polishing and a spring kit improved them greatly. AS a comparison I just bought a M29 MG and it too had a gritty trigger from the factory, but cleaned up to be as nice as some of the older Smith's out there today.
I have owned 4 Tauri over the years, all were older models (2 steel framed revolvers and 2 alloy frame pistols), and I have never had to contact Taurus for any work on them.

[461]

I've had two Taurus pistols with mixed results. My first centerfire was a Taurus 6" Stainless .357 and dang I wish I had it back as it was wonderful. Later I bought a 3" Stainless .44spl as the basis for my first custom carry weapon and dang I'm glad it's gone.

The .44 went back to the factory three times and never was reliable. I put a lot of money into that weapon and would only feel comfortable using it as an Impact weapon. The .357 was smooth as silk and more accurate than me, if it weren't for the .44 experience I'd probably pick up another.

When a company stings me and proves poor customer service I don't give them a second chance. Yes it's a strong attitude, but then I don't expect people to give me a second chance either.

[stevelyn]

I can't vote 'cause I don't own a Taurus, but I can comment.
The only Taurus I ever handled was back in the mid 80's when a friend bought one and we took it to the range. It was a .357 revolver (don't remember the model) that we were shooting .38 Spl commercial reloads from. The only complaint I had was that breachface had not been cleaned up and smoothed from the machining process. Occassionally these reloads which seemed a little hot, would cause the cylinder to bind preventing a follow up DA shot. The cylinder would have to twisted to break the round free of the breachface allowing the cylinder to rotate. No other problems were ever noted and seemed to more of a question of final finishing rather than mechanical design flaws.

[Ninj500]

I've had a Model 66 .357 for around 10 years and it's performed flawlessly. No problems. Back then it cost $189 and is worth every penny. In fact, my next handgun purchase will most likely be a Raging Bull.

[SCOTTx88]

I've only got one taurus, A big one,raging bull .454,I love it.Shoots great and no problems.My brothers got a Raging Bull too and he's had no problems,and he's gota PT-140 That he carries,no problems with that either.:cool:

[JCM298]

My first Taurus, a Model 85, blew up and Taurus replaced it with no problem. I traded it for a Model 605. When the hammer stud broke on it, Taurus replaced it, again with no problem.

As soon as the new 605 arrived, I traded it for a S & W Model 649
which has turned out to be the most accuarate snub that I've ever owned.

There are no Taurus products in my future,
John

[alamo]

I have only one, a Model 850 Titanium CIA, my other revolvers are S&W. There was no gap between the forcing cone and cylinder and it often binded when I dryfired. Sent it to Taurus without even firing it and they fixed it up. The trigger pull is very light and smooth, I was surprised.

[firestar]

As of when I voted, about 1/3 of all owners reported "tons of problems"!!!!! That is NOT a good statistic. I had tons of problems but I find it hard to believe that one out of three people had the same trouble as I did. How can Taurus stay in business if that is true?

[caz223]

I think the stat isn't real, because what would you do if you bought a Taurus, and they seem unwilling, or unable to fix the problems, after repeated attempts to "stab" at it?
You would sell it.
The person who bought it would be in the same boat.
They would sell it.
Increasing the exposure of bad guns to Taurus customers.
However, that doesn't make the problems any less real, or serious.
Some people have great luck with Taurii.
I am not one of those people.

[sctman800]

One problem, the pin at the rear of the cyl that locks it to the frame started binding. Contacted Taurus and they said send it in or we will send you the parts. They sent a new pin and spring and after putting them in it has been great. The old pin was stainless the new one is carbon steel, I am guessing they had a problem with hardness. I also own a Blackhawk in .41mag and altho I am quite happy with it also the Taurus does have the more comfortable grips and a better trigger. Jim.

[braindead0]

Well, I don't see an option for SS with 0 problems, so I can't honestly vote.. 'virtualy no' isn't the same as 0 problems after 5000+ rounds.

[RON in PA]

As I write this there have been 116 responses(your counter is wrong) and it appears that most people have steel guns 80/116. If we lump the two "little" and "few" categories together 61/80 (76.2%) don't have major problems and 19/80(23.8%) do. Is that almost 24% an acceptable amount for a modern mass produced product. What if 24% of new automobiles were lemons? Any quality assurance engineers here? Anybody know what comparable figures for S&W might be?

The Ti and Al guns look pretty bad.

[commygun]

Tauri I have owned or own:

431 4" blued
431 3" stainless
66 4" blued
65 4" stainless
85CH blued

All the revolvers worked flawlessly and as ACP noted the 85CH
is unexpectedly accurate for a DAO snub.

On the other hand I've owned a PT-100 and a PT-92C and
neither was an 100% reliable feeder. And I had a PT-22 that
was an unmitigated disaster.

[s&w 24]

as a range officer I have seen 3 taurus revolvers detonate. One was a 66 357, owner blasted the the top strap and the top of the cylinder out. Factory stated that it was ammo related. Second was a M44 same results (top strap, 1/2 the cylinder) no reason stated by taurus. Third I don't remember the particulars but I think it was a 605 that had a split forcing cone on a low round count. HAVING STATED THE ABOVE!! I shoot my dad's taurus 431 44 special without problems or fears.

[firestar]

I get 29% with "tons of problems", if you think that is acceptable then you my friend are a much more docile cunsumer than I.:D

What if you bought 100 rounds of ammo and 29 were duds? What if you bought 100 eggs and 29 were rotten?
What if you bought 100 T.V.s and 29 didn't work?
Etc. etc.

I know this isn't a scientific poll but I am shocked at how many poeple report "tons of problems". I had tons of problems and that is why I will never buy another Taurus again. If they cost half the price of whatever gun they were copying, I might consider one for a beater range gun but they cost almost as much as the real thing i.e., S&W, Beretta.

You will never hear a bad word about them in the gun rags because every other page has a full color full page Taurus ad! I felt like I was scamed by Taurus and all the gun rags that conspired to make me think that there were just as good as S&W and Beretta.

I going to say this for the benefit of any newbi to guns out there, Taurus guns are not as good as the gun rags say! Pick one up and compare it to the real gun that it is copying (S&W 586 vs. Taurus 66) and you will see I am right.

[DougB]

A good friend of mine has a Taurus Titanium Tracker 4" ported .357. He's had it for several years, and shot it quite a bit. I've also shot it several times. It works fine and hasn't given any problems. He's very happy with it, and I also like it.

Doug

[landon74]

I own two Taurus revolvers (well, one is my wife's but I bought it for her), and I'm very pleased with both of them.

The model 85 that belongs to my wife is a good little gun, the finish is nice, and the trigger is pretty good both single and double action.

The model 617CH I own is also a nice little gun, although the trigger isn't quite as smooth as on the 85.

I'd recommend a Taurus to anyone looking for good value for the money.

If i can find one of the 8 shot .357s they make I'll happily add it to my collection, and I'd like to get my hands on a non-ported .41 Mag if they make one.

[chaim]

I get 29% with "tons of problems", if you think that is acceptable then you my friend are a much more docile cunsumer than I Ahh, but one problem. These are owners, not guns. Most people who buy a gun w/ tons of problems, like you, never buy another from that maker. Many of us with good guns have several good guns from Taurus (I've had two, with a third, hopefully good gun, coming). In fact, many of us have reported here (in the thread) 2 or 3 good guns, and a few individuals have had 5 or more. However, the poll would only read their vote as one vote for a reliable gun (assuming they were all in the same catagory- steel, aluminium, Ti). Likewise, someone with one gun that was crap who would never buy another Taurus also had one vote for a bad gun. Those two people, one representing 2-5 guns, one representing one gun, each have only one vote show up effectively appearing to cancel each other out.

So about 25-30% of owners have had bad guns. That isn't 25-30% bad guns, probably more like 10-15%. It is hard to get the true number without a pen, paper and a calculator going through all the replies in the thread and I simply don't have the time. However, with many (but not all) of the positives being one vote for multiple guns, and most of the negatives being a vote with one gun, it is a fair estimate (figure an average of two guns for ea. positive vote, since many had reported more than 2 guns). At that level, 10-15%, probably isn't that bad considering the number of complaints on this board about even S&W and Ruger revolvers.

[ChuckB]

I took my new Taurus 85UL to the range today for a shakedown cruise. I had already put lighter Wolf hammer and trigger springs in the gun (cheap and easy to do). The little guy functioned flawlessly, hit exactly where it was pointed, and had a darn nice trigger. For a light weight revolver, it was pleasant to shoot. It did a better job, in fact, and had a better trigger, than the two Smith snubbies that two other fellows were shooting. Will I still love it after several thousand rounds? I'll let you know then but, for now, I'm impressed.

Chuck:p

[firestar]

I know this poll is not scientific, it can't be. I was surprised at how many responses indicated that Taurus quality was poor. I really was surprised!

I've had up close and personal experience with only four Tuarii and 2 out of 4 seemed just fine (one SS and one Titanium), the two bad ones were both blued steel. I only onwed one of them so that is how I voted.

It seems that no matter what gun you are talking about, you can get about 10% of the people to say they are junk. It just looks like on this forum, it may be a little higher than average. I have made up my mind and I am not trying to convince anyone. It really is not hard for me to not buy a Taurus because they really don't have anything that I can't find from another manufacturer (S&W Beretta). The guns that they do have that are unique, I am not interested in (mostly because they are Taurus).

I don't know what my point is but I see your point about guns vs. gun owners and I agree. That is the trouble with word of mouth, I have heard that if someone likes a product, they tell two other people but if they don't like a product, they tell seven other people. You have to expect a negative slant. Also, I'm sure that every manufacturer has made a lemon from time to time. I doubt that all Taurus guns are crap but I don't need to waste my money finding out.

[braindead0]

I would have voted for no problems, if there was a place to vote for that. Absolutely no problems with either of the two Taurii we have.

So I didn't vote.

[Neal Bloom]

Few weeks ago my wife's 605 blew up in my hands. The frame in front of the cylinder on the left side blew out. I noticed it and then the barrel fell out. The barrel was cracked from where it screws in to almost the muzzle. Both my wife, a cousin and I saw the first round in the cylinder hit the target and the second round hit the target so there was no bullet stuck in the barrel. The cylinder was binding with three live rounds stuck in it. Luckily no one was hurt, only my wifes pride as it was the first gun she ever bought. Took me and a friend awhile to remove the live rounds. Factory rounds by the way. Called Taurus and kept getting transfered to a tape recording. Finally sent the gun to Taurus and all we got was an email acknowledging they received it. That was two weeks ago.

As someone said earlier there will be no more Taurus products in my house.

[WebHobbit]

And I have NEVER EVER heard such a horror story about a S&W or Ruger for that matter.

You buy a cheap clone this is the chance you take. :uhoh:

[denfoote]

I just put another 100 rounds through my 605 for a total of 400. The last 605 did not make it past 3!! Maybe I'm a fool, but yes, I went and got another one. Taurus has improved the design. For example. The pin that fell out on my other one has been eliminated in favor of an approx. .25"dia, spring loaded bar that locks the crane into the frame directly. the barrel is now stainless steel with a blue steel shroud. I am significantly impressed!! :D

[Handy]

29%, 24%, owners vs. guns? Hey, anyway you cut it there are alot of people on this forum reporting bad Tauruses.

Percentages aside, 38 people out the maybe 1000 people that cruise this revolver forum have had terrible Taurus problems. Any way you cut that, that's alot of goofed up factory products.

I don't have any DA revolvers, but this little poll alone convinced me what NOT to buy.

[Longbow]

I had a Taurus .357 6" as my first revolver and an M85 both are carbon steel. No problems on both. the 6" was shot extensively(close to 3K) before getting sold. I'm very happy with the quality on both. ' sold it because.....I want S&W for the "cool factor" :rolleyes: But that was then, now...I would have kept both.

[makdaddy03]

The only problem that I have ever had with my Taurus 605 was the grip screw would work its self loose every now and then. This was a very easy fix. Loc-Tite.
ps
Mine is blued.

[whiskey]

I have 3 taurus revolvers. 1 Carbon steel with no problems and 2 Ultra Light Alum/ TI mix guns with no problems. I could only vote once and I voted for Ti.

My buddy has 2 taurus with zero problems.

This could be 5 votes for Zero Problem taurus.

[BryanP]

I own 2 Taurus revolvers. A 617S (stainless .357 7-shot 2" snubbie) and a 94 (4" blued .22lr 9-shot). Both have served me well.

I have had exactly 1 problem. The yoke screw on the 617S worked it's way loose and I didn't notice. That was my fault for not checking it. Taurus mailed me a new one, no questions asked, no charge.

My only Taurus regret? I had a chance to buy a 608 (8-shot .357, 6" stainless) for a really good price and passed on it because I needed the money elsewhere.

[chaim]

My only Taurus regret? I had a chance to buy a 608 (8-shot .357, 6" stainless) for a really good price and passed on it because I needed the money elsewhere. That's funny, that is my biggest Taurus related regret too (well, actually selling my Taurus 82 when I got a .357mag is my biggest regret). A local store had a LNIB used one for a good price with three sets of grips (including a really beautiful set of aftermarket wood grips it was wearing in the display cabinet). Unfortunately, this was just after buying the 6" 586 so I had no need at that moment for a larger .357mag and I had other uses for the money.:(

[ReadyontheRight]

What if 24% of new automobiles were lemons? Any quality assurance engineers here?

I wouldn't base a Q/C study on a semi-anonomous Internet poll.

Taurus certainly should work on their brand perception and customer service though.

[VictorLouis]

what seemed such a blatant Freudian slip on your part, chaim.:eek:

That is, your first category of each is, "virtually no, or almost no problems".

Did you not have the confidence to ask for those members who've experienced NO problems, PERIOD?:neener:

As of the time I reponded, only 61% reported in the most positive rating category. I find that shocking, and I'd be apalled in seeing like numbers in an equivalent poll regarding Smith or Ruger products.
:barf:

[10-Ring]

I've had a Taurus revolver for A LONG TIME. My biggest complaints are w/ the trigger...heavy & gritty since day 1! Since then, I've tried to sell it a couple of time, but I couldn't find any buyers...Now, I'm glad I didn't. I ended up teaching myself how to shoot DA w/ this handgun. I put ALOT of rounds through it. Today, it's quite a bit smoother and only a tad bit lighter than when stock. But after practicing w/ it, I can shoot other guns alot better now...Like swinging a heavier bat before your up, when I get to nicer guns, the triggers are always better than the one I learned on.

[tango3065]

It sounds as most of the problem guns were older as we know taurus has made improvements how many of these bad votes deals with the newer guns>:confused: Also on a side note smith and wesson must be slipping because my local dealer just sent two new ones back for repair, one out of time and the other was the little stud that turns the star rachet was bent. Trust me I like smith but have they gotten cheaper in qc?

[Majic]

Taurus has been innovative the last decade or so and had a few teething problems, but being a leader they have taken hits as the various bugs were worked out. Other manufactors who followed them got the chance to review and address the problems thus making them look better.
Taurus biggest problem has been that though they are engineered differently they are competeing in a look-a-like compartment. They have the looks of a Smith revolver and the Beretta pistol and will be compared to them. Unfortunately the fans of those manufactors have pointed out the flaws in Taurus products, while ignoring the ones of their respective choices. Prestigue has ruled, but unfairly so. Smith's have shot loose, Beretta's have had frame cracking, but these examples have just been sent back to the factory for repairs and all is good with the world again. Taurus exhibit a problem and the entire product line is damned. No manufactor has shut down their repair department so there don't seem to be a lack of work in any of them. Venture thru the forums dedicated to specific manufactors and you will notice that not all is milk and honey in their world either.
I have owned them before over the years with no troubles and for the money they offer a good bargain. Taurus will never be the brand I would choose for all my shooting, but neither is any other manufactor.

[Richard2003]

Try reselling any Taurus guns and see what you get.
Smiths maintain or increase in value.
That is because they make a quality product.
AND they have great customer service.
I will NEVER buy a Taurus.

[Majic]

Try reselling any Taurus guns and see what you get.

I've resold 3 (M689, PT-100, PT-92) over the years and got Blue Book value. I can't ask for any more than that. ;)

[Feanaro]

So far, if we include the "minor problems but nothing serious" votes, it's 75.67% positive votes so far. And given that a good many of the voters here have had more than one gun that was satisfactory, I'll call it an even 80% or so. Perfectly acceptable in the Taurus price range if you ask me.

[chaim]

First let me say that I'm shocked that someone has dragged this back. It has been quite some time since I opened it or someone posted on it.

Did you not have the confidence to ask for those members who've experienced NO problems, PERIOD?

Has nothing to do with confidence. I want to know how many really are top notch guns. If I was writing the poll for Kimber, SIG, Beretta, S&W, CZ, Ruger, etc. I'd have used the same wording. Very few guns with thousands of rounds through them (or any other mechanical product with use) are going to have had zero problems. Yes, some guns and other products with mild use will have zero problems, but guns that are heavily used seldom have zero hiccups. My CZ 75B is an extremely reliable gun. I have had maybe 5 or 6 hiccups in the over 6K rounds I've put through it. That is several more than "no" problems, but I'd hardly say that fewer than one hiccup in 1000 rounds (some caused by ammo and worn springs) is anywhere near a problem.

I figure "virtually" or "almost" no problems lets the person determine based on their amount of use of the gun (as opposed to an arbitrary number that also doesn't take into account the amount of rounds or a ratio that most people probably didn't bother figuring out) was the fairest way to judge. No, it isn't completely objective, but short of everyone keeping a detailed notebook of every shot for each gun they own (yes, some people do that, but most do not) there is no completely objective standard.

[Crownvicman]

All manufactured products may have problems. This year I had a brand new S&W Model 64 shoot it's barrel out the frame after 50 rounds. Does that mean all S&Ws are crap? No.

I have shot a stainless Taurus 94. I liked the pistol, but I don't need another .22.

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

Two of 'em I got NIB.

ZERO PROBLEMS. NO MISFUNCTIONS.

The oldest one is one of my most accurate guns of all.

Some detailed complaint issues here, (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9637) with the thread I started in relation to the only thing actually wrong with my guns.

I wanted a bigger response. I guess I needed a poll.

Aha! I have it! I shall wake it back up!

All you Taurus people, visit that thread, and post accordingly, please!

[cratz2]

Had a blued M44 with zero problems.

Had a a 65 or 66 with zero problems.

Have an 85CHULT that (when brand new out of the box) had a problem turning past one cylinder about 50% of the time. Took it home, cleaned it up, lubed it with FP10... That lowered the problem to 25% of the time. Now after only 70 rounds and probably about 500 dry firings, it is just fine... Would like a tad nicer trigger though.

[tango3065]

As for the binding issue mine has none I fired a hundred rounds strait , not letting it cool down with no problems what so ever, hope that I didnt do any damage to it though. Would in your guys opinion now say it is safe that my gun can be used as a home defense night stand gun and trust it. Also on a side note I love how my 850CIA was beveled in the cylinder for ease of loading. Taurus must really be upping thei quality.

[Black Snowman]

Used Blued 669 (6 shot 6" ported .357 Mag) that had a trigger job (before I bought it). Even after putting a double-charged load through it I've never had a lick of trouble EXCEPT for a loose cylinder release screw which was fixed with a drop of Loc-Tite.

The port is actually a comp with a cavity inside and I sometime lose patches in there that can be a bitch to remove, but that's a design feature, not a problem ;)

To this day it's still one of my most accurate handguns and my only revolver. All that being said my next revo will most likely be a .454 Cassul and I'm leaning tward the Ruger Super Redhawk over the Raging Bull for 2 reasons. It looks cooler and it's cheaper. Has nothing to do with my confidence in the quality of the gun but I will admit that they aren't top dog. Ruger makes em big strong and heavy, S&W is good quality, but if I wanted an Uber revolver it would be a Freedom Arms, Cassul, or BFR.

[surfinUSA]

I had a 3 inch 65 (couldn't find a 3 inch S&W 65 at the time). The Taurus was out of time out of the box and spit lead. Warranty service was less than stellar.

Glad the gun is gone (replaced by an S&W). I only buy S&W when I need revolvers. I'd buy a Colt if they brought back the DS (never really cared for the J frame S&W). However, If I ever need another revolver and don't buy a S&W I'll buy a Ruger.

If you are looking to save money get a Ruger, you only read good things about them and their service department seem to be outstanding.

Taurus's lifetime warranty isn't what it appears to be.

[Brian Williams]

This is a great gun and I would not sell it but for another project and that I have not shot it for 5 or 6 months, it has no problems other than it is stainless and ported. The trigger is great and sights are dead on.
http://www.gunpix.com/gallery/Handguns/Double_Action_Revolvers/trackerandstuff.jpg

[Sulaco]

I used to own a 5 shot .357. I can't remember the model but it was a few years back. The cylinder would bind and not cycle almost everytime I tried to shoot it.

I owned an 85UL and the cylinder made contact with the forcing cone enough to remove material from the cylinder. There was a "white" ring around the front when I got rid of it.

I am friends with a guy who works at a local gun shop and he let me look at his 2 week old steel 85. The cylinder would not open at all. He had to send it back to have it fixed.

I have another friend who owns a Ti Tracker and the cylinder binds on it pretty bad as well.

Both guns I owned as well as the two my friends own(ed) has/had crappy triggers as well. I took my 85UL to a local smith and he wouldn't work on it. He said he has too many problems with Taurus to work on them. His words were liability and profit loss.

I will never give Taurus another dollar out of my pocket.

[ShaiVong]

Yikes! I hope I have good luck with the model 94 I just bought. SS in a 2" bbl for my wife. Paid just over $300 NIB.

[P95Carry]

Brian .... that hard drive top right of your pic ....... ''potential target''??? :evil: :D

So - where's Gus gotten to then these days!?

[Brian Williams]

Nope the Hd is a good one but I have a few that show they ain't bulletproof.

Gus is still around, been lurkin' lately

She and a bunch from church are at a hugh Missions conference in Urbana this week.

[Jim K]

If those figures reflect the real world, Taurus is in deep doo-doo.

Almost 45% of their customers have had problems serious enough to mention, and 26% have had a "ton" of problems.

A maker of any other product with problems like that would be out of business in a month.

Jim

[jc2]

50% just about been my experience with Taurus QC. If I buy a Taurus, I figure there's about fifty-fifty chance I'll get a good one.

[asianthug47]

Can you add another choice for me? I have a stainless steal Taurus and I have obsoluately no problem. It is not easy breaking this beast. I shoot mostly magnum stuffs and it just keep on going. It will cost me 5 times more in ammunition than the prize of the gun before I have to send it back to Taurus for the full check-up. This service is also free for everyone 5k rounds.

[asianthug47]

I never really like their Titanium models. Their stainless steal guns are beasty. Their blued guns are tough also.

Taurus guns are making covers of many magazine lately. Of course, many people still think Colt and Smith are the only real choice for revolver. I go with quality and right price.

It is hard to beat the strenght of models from Tracker and Ranging series.

[TerrierSandhawk]

Good mornin people,

I know I don't post here too often ( well, seldom to almost not at all:( ) but this is a thread I can chime in on.

I have the Taurus M85T (total titanium) in .38 special. It did come with a minor problem in that it shot low and left. I let 2 gunsmiths take it to their ranges and got the same results. They both also have 15-20 years in the business. I took it to the place of purchase (sporting goods store) and they sent it back for me. Got it back a week and a half later and it shot like a wet dream and is just as accurate. The M85T is still in my posetion and do not intend to get rid of it any time soon. The smiths and I agreed that the barrel was torqued a little bit. Also, Taurus sent a target back with the 85T with a drawing of what they used as a site picture. Looks like they cover the whole target dot with the front site. Seems I have a good gun :cool:



The M450SS in .45 colt as well had a minor problem too. While shooting it the cylander would lock up on me. With the 450 pointed down range and keeping pressure on the trigger I would push on the hammer with the heal of my hand. It would not move. I would the linghtly pound on the hammer with the heel of my hand and still would not move or fire. Took it back the same sporting goods store, and they sent it to Taurus.Got it back 2 weeks later, works like a charm. :) I think there was timing problem on this gun.

Anyway I put about 1000 rnds. throught the 450 SS and almost 1500 rnds. through the 85T I'm keepin' em :p :p :p

Terrier/Sandhawk

[JohnKSa]

Criminy!

37% of all the carbon/stainless steel owners have had a problem with their Taurus, 16% would say a "ton of problems."

The numbers for the aluminum/titanium guns seem to be just as bad or worse.

So, about one in 5 Taurus owners can expect serious or multiple problems with their guns...

That's incredibly high, IMO.

I'd say the controversy is put to rest all right.

BTW, I did NOT post to the poll as I have never owned a Taurus product. I did help a person with a Taurus Auto at a range. He was experiencing jamming problems. That's the extent of my experience...

[jc2]

37% + 16% = 53%

Looks a lot more like one in two rather one in five, John!

[cratz2]

Right now, if you add up the 'ton of problems with a stainless or carbon gun', 'ton of problems with an aluminum gun' and 'ton of problems with a titanium gun', the total is 20% so one in five.

Also might be interesting to see how many of the problem guns were bought used from people that were selling them because of a problem... either known or unknown to the new buyer. ;)

[tango3065]

Well guys even though I like my new 850 cia and fired 100+ rounds thru it without any problems I have decided i'm going to sell it because it sounds like taurus is not a durable firearm from reading this and other forums.:(

[JohnKSa]

jc2,

It's about one in five--my sentence was confusing but my math is ok... ;)

What I MEANT to say:

37% had at least some problem with their gun (that includes both the serious and not so serious categories).

So, about one in 3 Taurus buyers can expect to have at least some problems with their pistols.

16% had serious problems or multiple problems with their guns.

So about one in 5 Taurus buyers can expect to have serious or multiple problems with their purchases.

The controversy seems solved to me. I won't be running out to plunk my money down on a pistol that has better than one chance in three of having problems and about one in five of being a real stinker.

[Majic]

Well guys even though I like my new 850 cia and fired 100+ rounds thru it without any problems I have decided i'm going to sell it because it sounds like taurus is not a durable firearm from reading this and other forums.

I can't understand someone parting with something that has given them no troubles only because others have said so. Give your handgun a chance to prove itself first. No matter what you own there will always be someone who doesn't like it for one reason or another.
Remember there are alot of us who have not had the troubles with ours.

[pwrtool45]

mastinson,

If reputation from a web forum bothers you, you're going to have a difficult time finding anything to replace it. All popular manufacturers have had problems at some time or another. If you bought a Sig 220 or a Glock, would you worry about the trigger return spring letting go? If you bought a Kel-Tec would you worry about the trigger axis snapping? If you bought a Colt Diamondback would you worry about the mainspring failing? Etc, etc, etc. If your Taurus/Sig/Kel-Tec works, then it works. While a Taurus buyer (if the results of this poll are to be believed) has a higher chance of getting a defective gun out of the box or in the extreme short term, once their Taurus has proven itself it's no worse than a Sig/Beretta/Glock/etc that's proven itself.

I've never owned a Taurus and I probably never will, but a friend of mine had a Taurus 66 that worked like a champ (no, I didn't vote :p ).

[cratz2]

Yeah... whether it's just bad luck or just being too picky or just wanting something to complain about, there are a lot of folks out there that will complain about anything... often either to the point of being misleading if not outright lying. Not saying that's what's going on here, but I know a lot of people that have owned several Taurii (?) with only nit-picking problems.

And certainly to get rid of a perfectly good firearm with a warranty because others said they may have problems... I just rationalize that at all. Skunk would have to ditch his two Berettas because others have complained of their grip size. Every LEO (and every one else) in the US that carries a Glock esp. in 40 cal would have to get rid of theirs for fear of a Kaboom.

If you have a gun that hasn't had any problems, keep it!