[Don Lu]

I know Taurus has gus that are very similar to other brands. for example; the taurus pt-92 is just like the beretta 92 and the taurus revolvers favor S&W very strongly and there a few others that at first glance would remind you of guns from other makers.. is there a website that will tell you all the guns taurus simulates or if the is no website w/the info, can any of you give me a list of guns that taurus makes and the inspiration/other brands that brought the taurus versions about. I like taurus and have heard about the improvments in there quality so, im not here to trash the for the imitations, im just curious to see how diverse they are and what i can get in the taurus model and save a few bucks on..heard they even have a 1911...thank ahead for the feedback !

[littlelefty]

www.taurususa.com
or
http://groups.msn.com/TaurusTalk

Not sure if either site tells specifically what Taurus guns replicate/duplicate. But, folks on Tuarus Talk can probably be more helpful than I am being.

I own a Taurus model 66 .357 that I bought in 1987 for under $200. I like it and it goes bang every time I squeeze the trigger, at least when it is loaded. And, I'm kind of looking at the PT745.

[Don Lu]

I was actually looking at the 608 6 or 8 in just for the house but they are hard to find !

[weregunner]

Don Lu, Taurus makes the Model 66 in a seven shot format which is similar to the S&W 66. Speedloaders are made by HKS,Safariland and others. This is only one shot down from the 608. My local dealer can order and get one in a few days. Most of Taurus early designs are similar to Beretta and S&W since both companies let Taurus build some of their modles under license. When the contracts were finished rather than ship equipment, not needed, back to the respective countries Taurus bought all the manufacturing equipment, lock, stock and barrel. Taurus started out with Beretta similar copies of the 92 and 99. Smith and Wesson model 19 and 66 in .357 magnum as well as Smith's .38 special series. Taurus PT22 was developed to take on Beretta's famous 21A Bobcat series. Other than the 1911s Taurus designs are their own now though they may bear resemblance to other models. That is not to say they don't "borrow" ideas. All the comapnies do that. Smith & Wesson did that with the SIGMA series and Glock sued S&W over the Sigma trigger. So one has to be careful not to take patented items and use them in ones own models. Infringement suits can put a company in bankruptcy very quickly or serious trouble that may be impossible to get out form under. Rhere may be other similar Taurus models to other brands but that is all I can recall.

[jeepmor]

more 10mm guns. I think bringing them into their line would be an easy conversion on their 40 caliber guns if the frames can handle it.

One of their 1911's in 40 might make a nice conversion project. They could start by copying the S&W 10x6 series pistols and let S&W kick themselves for ever discontinuing this offering. Same goes for their revolvers too, particularly in the 10mm cartridge, my personal favorite.

Neat company history info, thanks weregunner.


jeepmor

[Bobhwry]

All of Taurus's guns are cheap copies of something else!!

[Euclidean]

Now that's just not true. Their Millenium Pro series and 24/7 series are original designs. Even on some of their clones they occassionally come up with something that's better than what it imitates. For instance their internal locks on their revolvers are a much better design than the S&W counterpart.

I don't own a Taurus product but to say their entire line is cheap copies of something else seems completely unfair.

[Joachim]

"For instance their internal locks on their revolvers are a much better design than the S&W counterpart."

Yeah. I also like how they made the safety/decocker lever frame mounted instead of slide mounted on their Model 92 clones. The lifetime warrantee on their guns is also a plus.

[dragongoddess]

"All of Taurus's guns are cheap copies of something else!!"



And how is that a problem?

[plexreticle]

I personally like Taurus revolvers better than newer S&W's. I've seen and owned several smiths that had problems right from the factory.

I feel S&W has been riding on their name and not their product for the last 10 years or so.

[mnrivrat]

Since I own 3 Taurus revolvers (DA's) I thought I would also order the AGI (American Gunsmithing Institute) armours course on DA Taurus revolvers.
I am well versed on the assy and dis-assembly of my revolvers but wanted to get the "Master" gun smith version to see if I could pick up any extra tips. Particularly timing, cylinder alignment, and useful tips on yoke adustment, etc.

I don't hold anyone up on a pedistal when it comes to terms like "master" or "expert" , but it is always informational to view what knowledgable people have to offer.

To share all the comments and points of fact made on this taped instructional video would take a good deal of time so I will cut to the short version.

The instructor used the word "impressed" a number of times to describe the advances in quality & design that Taurus has made over the last 10 years. One of the design features he points to as a step above the S&W is the method used to capture the cylinder in the Taurus DA guns. This method of locking the cylinder onto the yoke eliminates the need for the frame block used on S&W and other swing out cylinder guns.

Points were also given for the quality of the machining of the chambers and the barrel throat.

What's the point ? Well, for me it is that the quality of Taurus guns has closed in closely to the S&W . I have owned dozens of revolvers over the last 35 years including many S&W guns. I'm not saying that Taurus is better, but I am saying they are far from a cheap substitute - IMO. I see some S&W guns going back to the factory for problems just as I see it happening to Taurus at times. I consider that more of a sign of the times and the modern manufacturing practices.

And by the way, they are still making one of my favorite little guns in .32 H&R Magnum. , They make a medium frame .44 Mag. in their Tracker, an interesting .410/.45LC revolver, a DA small frame .22LR revolver for $200 less than S&W. so what's not to like ?

[carterbeauford]

All of Taurus's guns are cheap copies of something else!!

Then who originally designed the 24/7?

[Manedwolf]

All of Taurus's guns are cheap copies of something else!!

Umm...yeah. Because last year's NRA Gun of the Year 24/7 is a copy of...uh...

And the Millenium Pros are a copy of...er...

And the 4410 .410/45 revolver is a copy of...wait...

Gotta love expert informed facts off the internets. :rolleyes:

[torpid]

All of Taurus's guns are cheap copies of something else!!

That post was just a cheap copy of a higher quality Taurus bashing post!!

.

[Skpotamus]

My Taurus revolver has a tighter lockup that any of the new S&W's in the case at my gunshop. The 2" titanium model can reliably hit the 50 yard 1' square metal target if I do my part. I wish all copies were as good as them.

[tegemu]

I read somewhere recently, may have been on a forum, that Taurus now designs the Smith & Wesson guns. As I remember the source, it was pretty definative. It had to do with Corporate acquisitions involving both Taurus and S & W.

[gwhall57]

I have a Taurus PT111 Millenium Pro in 9mm. It shoots well, hasn;t jammed, and is light and small enough for concealed carry with 12 +1. It's a decent handgun.

So not all Taurus guns are cheap imatation knock-offs....

[1KPerDay]

That post was just a cheap copy of a higher quality Taurus bashing post!!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a206/1KPerDay/Miscellaneous/42b4ec8a.jpg

[MCgunner]

My Taurus revolver has a tighter lockup that any of the new S&W's in the case at my gunshop. The 2" titanium model can reliably hit the 50 yard 1' square metal target if I do my part. I wish all copies were as good as them.

Not only that, but my M85UL has the smoothest DA trigger I've ever felt on an out of the box "J frame" size gun. It's better than the K frames I've owned, my current M10 and my old M19.

[Axman]

My next handgun purchase will most likely be a Taurus. I took a friend's .38 to the range and liked the way it fired. Smooth flowing trigger also. I have been eyeing their 4" .357's for a few months and feel I will buy one of the models they offer.

[Don Lu]

I also shot a pt-111 9mm, it was pretty fun to shoot. I only own 1 gun now, its a glock 23 and i love it..maybe cause its my first i dont know any better, but i want to get a revolver next. I have been looking at these 3 guns for the home, not for CCW (of course)
1 taurus 608 8 inch ported
2 ruger gp 100 6 inch
3 smith 686 (7 shot version) 6 in or longer

you can clearly see the style i am going for.
any analysis to help make my descision ?

[valor1]

If Taurus are cheap copies of something else, then Wilsons, the Ed Browns, the Springfields are expensive copiesof something else.:D

Practically speaking, the price of the Taurus is relatively cheap in spite of the fact that they are good guns. If they break, I throw them out and buy another one.:D

Kidding aside, the Taurus improved in the past couple of years. Even their customer service went the same route. Although I haven't owned a Taurus, I did managed to shoot some of my pals pistols and revolvers and it still is as good as the time they bought them.

[mnrivrat]

1 taurus 608 8 inch ported
2 ruger gp 100 6 inch
3 smith 686 (7 shot version) 6 in or longer

Well , I guess other than thinking I wouldn't go longer than a 6 inch, I believe any of the three would be a good choice. Whatever floats your boat and doesn't kill your pocket book. The 686's are great guns usualy and S&W's still hold their value better than the other two if that makes a difference to you.

For pure ruggidness, the Ruger generaly gets extra points, and for a good servicable gun at a better than average price, the Taurus's have been good options for many.

[Don Lu]

why would you not want a gun longer than 6". this is not a challenge i am just curious b/c it seems like 6" is the magic # for alot of gun owners. I am pretty new to guns..is there a practical reason or even a tactical reason. or just a mtter or personal choice..keeping in mind this would be a gun for home and not ccw.

[mnrivrat]

The limit of 6 inch for a "house" gun is first of all simply a matter of opinion.

I have owned revolvers with 8 inch barrels but the handling characteristics get different with the longer barrels. Many will stick with a 4 inch barrel for this reason when your talking a house gun, and use the 6 inch and longer barrels for longer range accuracy reasons when in the field. The extra unwanted (by me) weight and somewhat slower to bring on target is what keeps me from the longer barrels for short range usage.

There is no majic number - just handling preferences. If an 8 inch is what you want, then that's a perfectly OK choice. Maybe handle a few in different barrel lengths to determine what suits your taste.

[Helstrm]

I don't like the term cheap,.. Let's try good quality budget minded guns. I had a 24/7 pro and I can't say anything bad about it. I just prefer 1911s so I sold it. Although I was about to pickup a S&W 638 as a backup but after reading this thread I may have to look at the Taurus...

[TimboKhan]

sigh... I am a noted Taurus defender, and I will roll out again here and say that the continous bashing of Taurus is tiresome, at best. Yes, we all know that QC wasn't that great a few years ago. Companies change. Remember when Colt used to be a premier manufacturer? Secondly, they are not "cheap" copies. No less an authority than Massad Ayoob sings the praises of the Taurus 92-100 series, and other Taurus models. Don't believe me? Read the 5th edition of Combat Handgunnery, or just ask him since he posts on THR. Third, the new Taurus 1911 is a good gun, and while I am obviously biased, I challenge anyone to shoot it and call it a POS. For several hundred dollars less, I got every little fancy-pants upgrade that a high-end 1911 gets, and guess what? It shoots like a dream. Has even made me something of a 1911 fan, again.

Now, of course there are guys that have had problems with Taurus guns. There are also guys that have had problems with every single manufacturer, every single model, and every single accessory out there, and thats an important thing to remember. When a guy says "I had a XXX gun, and it was crappy, I will never shoot a gun from XXX again", he is basing that opinion of off ONE GUN!!!!!! Thats like saying that I will never buy an F150 because I once had a Pinto, and you certainly wouldn't take that advice seriously, would you? The fact is, I have had 5 Taurus pistols, and have had good luck with all. I have had probably 7 Ruger handguns and have had good luck with them all. I have had one Springfield Armory 1911, and I had horrible luck with it, but you don't see me bashing Springfield Armory, do you? No, you do not. I sold the gun to someone more tolerant of it little pecadillos, and I would very likely buy another SA gun again. One bad gun in an ocean of guys that love them does not make a convincing argument against the gun. The thing is, you ahve to take other peoples opinions with a grain of salt when it comes to gun reviews on THR, or on any forum. Heck, my own RL buddy Rockstar.esq and I are at odds constantly over my Ruger rifles. I like them, he hates them. I don't think he would tell you that they are non-functioning crap-piles, but he sure wouldn't recommend you buy them, where I would. Like I said, grain of salt.

[Panthera Tigris]

I had the Millennium Pro 9 and the 24/7 in 9. Both were non issues as far as problems go. I only sold em because the MP was too large with the extended mag to fit in the pocket and the 24/7 was too large for me to otherwise conceal on myself.

[sm]

Attack the argument not the person posting.
It is helpful to provide cites to support viewpoints.

Some really great information in this thread - I would really hate to see it locked because folks were bashing, and not contributing.

[torpid]

Slam the words not the guy posting.
It is helpful to post things to support sayings.

Some really great talk in this thread - I would really be P.O.'d to see it hosed because goobers were talking trash, and not sayin' good stuff.

(my exeedingly cheap Torpid brand copy of sm's quality post)
;)

I'll be good... :)

[razorburn]

That guy is trolling though. He specifically seeks out taurus threads and posts something incendiary to incense people. There's about 10-20 threads in the past, pretty much all the same thing. To the point where he has been caught in full out lying just to try to defame them. He'll seek out a thread of a brand he doesn't like, rush in and shout something simple and inflammatory like "brand xxx is cheap crap!!!", without relating either an experience or support of any kind, or anything else of value.

Back on topic, Don, I have the 608 in 6.5" configuration. It's very accurate, reliable, as revolvers are expected to be, and has the highest capacity of all 3 guns you list, and I find the looks influenced by the heavy ribbed barrel to be the most attractive of the 3 guns. However, on the downside, there's no quality speed loaders available, and d/a trigger pull is heavy, I'd guess around 12-13 lbs.

It's also not quite fair to accuse them of copying everything. In fact, they've put out more new product recently than most other brands. The 4410, 608 being discussed, 627 tracker, raging bull, 24/7, are all their own creations.

[LightningJoe]

The Millennium Pro is a "copy" of an even cheaper gun, the Kel-Tec P11. It's got some improvements, such as ergonomics, better takedown pin, and a better recoil spring. Better sights, too, I think.

[Don Lu]

and I agree the 608 is the best looking of the 3, love the porting. 12-13 lbs is pretty heavy .. how is the SA pull ?

[MCgunner]

My next handgun purchase will most likely be a Taurus. I took a friend's .38 to the range and liked the way it fired. Smooth flowing trigger also. I have been eyeing their 4" .357's for a few months and feel I will buy one of the models they offer.

I've also got a Taurus M66 that's the most accurate K frame sized gun in .357 4" I've ever owned with both .357 and .38 special. It's been hard for me, for some reason, to find a gun that would shoot both .357 and .38 exceptionally well. However, the Taurus does. I've had a M19 Smith that didn't like .38s, a Ruger Security Six that didn't like .38s, a Rossi M971 that was decent with both, but not all THAT great, then this Taurus which will put a couple of loads in .38 and a couple in .357 into a 1" cluster off sandbags at 25 yards. That's what I was looking for and why I've kept this gun, aside from the smooth trigger and ease this thing is to shoot with hot loads. That Ruger was tough on my shooting hand and had a lot of muzzle flip with magnums. The Taurus is much easier to shoot.

[razorburn]

The s/a is great, actually. Trigger pull is light, somewhere between 3-5 lbs, and breaks with no creep and very crisply. Scoped and off a rest, I'm getting 5 shot groups averaging a bit under 1" at 25 yards in SA, by far the most accurate handgun I've shot. I occasionally get a few 3 shot groups at .25", just a single ragged hole. But to be fair, it's also the largest and mostly set up for hunting/target use. Recoil is practically non-existent due to the heavy weight and porting, which allows rapid follow up shots if your arms and fingers are strong enough. The DA pull is what I consider the only real drawback. When I first got the gun, my fingers would get tired after 25 or so DA shots and my groups would start opening up.

[03Shadowbob]

torpid,
That was funny right there :)
I love my Taurus. I used to have a Taurus .38 special M85 and I think that gun may have been my favorite, although I hope the Mill. Pro PT145 I am picking up in November will be my new favorite.

[clown714]

me likes them.

own a pt99(brazilian beretta)frame mounted safety better than slide
mounted,for me anyways.never a jam.

m66,bought used,well balanced,good DA\SA pull.my beater woods gun,seen
alotta miles.

buddies own them also,not to mention family members.

not one reported malfuntion ,yet.that's gotta say something;)

this has been my experience in the past 20+ years with this brand.
and this is with over a dozen or so examples.

thought I'd chime in,

clown

[Stevie-Ray]

I had a PT-111 years ago and sold it. Not for me, as the sensitive mag release was almost constantly being activated by my thumb. Couldn't seem to hold it comfortably without the problem. Simply not the design for me. The Glock 26 that replaced it was far better all around except it was a bit thicker. That being said, I would not hesitate in buying another Taurus if it struck my fancy. I certainly consider them a quality alternative to paying an extreme premium for simply a name. I still have a PT-22 that I wouldn't trade for the world, it's so much fun.

[bearmgc]

I still use my Taurus 85UL for CCW sometimes, and have complete confidence in its accuracy and reliability.

[Marshall]

The best thing Taurus has done making the 608 is not putting on some huge billboard that says Raging something or Tracker. I always thought the Tracker would be a good Bass Pro Shop gun. Give one away if you buy a boat. If they offered one without ports, I might be interested. I agree, it seems like they're becoming better firearms.

Please tell me there is no huge billboard on the other side?

http://www.taurususa.com/images/imagesMain/608SS4.jpg
http://www.taurususa.com/images/imagesMain/608SS6.jpg

[jad0110]

It is hard to go wrong with either a Taurus, Smith, or Ruger. I used to have a M66 6" that was an excellent gun. I sold it because the 6" full underlug barrel was just too long and clumsy as a night stand gun, for my personal preference anyway. I ended up with a S&W 686+ (also a 7 shooter) and am happy with my decision. It has the underlug, but it balances better since it is only 4". I really liked the Taurus, but won't really miss it since the 686 fits all my needs better. I paid $355 NIB and got $250 for it. Not too bad. If I ever decide I want a long barreled target gun, I'll look at a used S&W K-38 Target Masterpiece with the light weight, thin 6" barrel. Preferrably a pinned and recessed model, as I've never owned one like that :cool:.

I do have a Taurus 94 .22LR that is approaching "lemon" status. Taurus does seem to have problems with some of their products, the 94 and the early millenium pros in particular.

As any manufacturer, they all churn out their fair share of turds now and then. I'd still consider another Taurus in the future if it met my needs, though I admit I'm starting to lean more towards used Smithies.

[greenflash107]

Once again, I will say that I have owned two Taurus, PT-99 and a PT 92C. Both have been great weapons. I have never had any problems with the two. I carry the PT-99 everyday. Cannot tell you how many rounds I have put through both of them, Factory rounds and reloads. I like the way they are made, they are very easy to takedown and the blueing on them are just as nice as the day I bought them. ( between 17 to 20 years) cannot remember the the year I bought them, but have had them for at least that long. I own a lot of different brands of guns, both long and short, and I rate these (quality wise) with any of my guns. Yes I have paid more for others, but as I said, I carry a Taurus as my CCW. Thats how much faith I place in them. Enough said. Good luck

[Redneck with a 40]

I've owned my taurus millenium pro 40 since January '06 and I am 100% satisfied with it. Its accurate, reliable, comfortable, and priced right. I'd buy another one tommorrow, if I needed one.:D

[carterbeauford]

The Millennium Pro is a "copy" of an even cheaper gun, the Kel-Tec P11.

This I did not know... they look vaguely similar but the P11 is striker fired.

My P11 was cheap too but goes bang everytime I pull the trigger and hits what I point it at. I took a groundhog at 25 yards with the little guy yesterday.

[Sisco]

My next gun will be a Taurus. How do I know? Just ordered a PT145 today, should be here by Friday.
Did a lot of research before I bought, couldn't find many people with much bad to say about them. Lots of folks had good words though.

[matanglawin9mm]

My 9mm SS PT24/7 Pro's gun case came with a sticker label that says "USE FACTORY LOADED AMMUNITION ONLY!" :eek:

Being a new gun owner, this warning prompted me to search for articles/forum threads regarding the pros and cons of using reloads.

Does anyone here use reloads on their 9mm 24/7 Pro pistols...well at least for practice firing purposes only? Has it caused damage to your gun? Does it make the 24/7 Pro prone to FTFs and FTEs?

[Arcticfox]

I have a 629, and I have a Tracker. I will not be buying another Taurus. Next revolver will be a colt, or Smith. This is just my opinion because my current Taurus, and the others that I have handled, are not as precisely built as a Smith. It's like a Chevy vs a Mercedes, and I like Mercedes. I like the percision. If you say there is nothing wrong with a chevy, then drive one, and then drive a Mercedes, then report back to me. (and I have owned both of those too)

But before you jump on this, I'll have you know that the Taurus was in my back pocket today when I was alone at work, and last weekend when I was hiking. So it does have a purpose in my life, it just doesn't excite me as the quality is sub par.

[brufener]

I also have a Millenium pro pt111 (9mm 12+1), and it has been a great gun. I've never had any sort of failure with it, and I bought it used. The previous owner never had a problem either, but had to sell it for financial reasons.

I've never heard that the pt111 is a copy of the kel-tec p11. Can anyone else confirm this, or can the guy who posted it give us a source?

[strat81]

My 9mm SS PT24/7 Pro's gun case came with a sticker label that says "USE FACTORY LOADED AMMUNITION ONLY!"

Being a new gun owner, this warning prompted me to search for articles/forum threads regarding the pros and cons of using reloads.

Does anyone here use reloads on their 9mm 24/7 Pro pistols...well at least for practice firing purposes only? Has it caused damage to your gun? Does it make the 24/7 Pro prone to FTFs and FTEs?

If you look at the manuals for other semi-automatic pistols, many specifically state not to use reloaded ammo. EAA Witness, Taurus, and S&W Sigma all state this. I'm sure other companies do, but I don't have those PDFs around.

[.357 magnum]

I have four of them now. Two 24/7 in .40 cal a .357 mag Tracker and an ultralite- .38 special 7 shot snubbie. Never had a problem with any of them. I love the 24/7 and intend to get the new 24/7 OSS when it comes out. [ posted that on another thread earlier] I have been thinking about getting their version of the 1911 it has gotten excellent reviews and has a great price tag. Really have become a Taurus fan. I have other brands I like also [springfield, sw etc] but I have found Taurus to be the most innovative and cost effective the last two years.

http://www.taurustactical.com/

http://www.taurususa.com/main/index.cfm?CFID=4808&CFTOKEN=94841180

[TC-TX]

The Millennium Pro is a "copy" of an even cheaper gun, the Kel-Tec P11.
HOGWASH!

Not even close...

[carterbeauford]

Chevy vs a Mercedes

In 2006 I do not think this is an accurate analogy, Mercedes vehicles have their fair share of problems.

LightningJoe, I am looking at a disassembled Millenium Pro and a disassembled P11 as we speak, uhh...

[Manedwolf]

My 9mm SS PT24/7 Pro's gun case came with a sticker label that says "USE FACTORY LOADED AMMUNITION ONLY!"

Being a new gun owner, this warning prompted me to search for articles/forum threads regarding the pros and cons of using reloads.

Does anyone here use reloads on their 9mm 24/7 Pro pistols...well at least for practice firing purposes only? Has it caused damage to your gun? Does it make the 24/7 Pro prone to FTFs and FTEs?

That's just legal CYA. So someone doesn't try a bubba handload at 5X max chamber pressure, blow up the gun in their own face and try to sue the gun manufacturer.

[carlrodd]

informed handgun owner, shooting buddy and THR member martinbrody says that my stainless taurus 85SS is the smoothest shooting revolver he's ever fired. it also happens to look good, and is completely reliable.

[Sleepylx]

hey guys, i'm new here and i saw this thread and thought i'd share something very interesting i had found. hope it helps clear some things up about taurus.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_11_50/ai_n6209997

[Eyesac]

I for one, love Taurus because:

a. I'm still bitter about S&W selling out to the Clinton administration.
b. I think they are the "best value" revolver out there.
c. I have no use for a finely tuned $900 revolver.

90% of my guns I could never "out shoot" anyway, so I'm not looking for another really expensive pistol for no reason (have one of those already)...;)

Oh, but I would like to add that I have shot a Millenium Pro and the trigger is just about the worst thing I've ever pulled. Seriously, the worst trigger I've ever pulled.

[Manedwolf]

Oh, but I would like to add that I have shot a Millenium Pro and the trigger is just about the worst thing I've ever pulled. Seriously, the worst trigger I've ever pulled.

Might want to have that looked at. Is it an early one? I have a 745, and the thing has a nice pull and crisp break. Completely smooth, not the least bit gritty. Long, of course, being DAO, but DAO is DAO. Some people just can't get used to it.

[bender]

My 9mm SS PT24/7 Pro's gun case came with a sticker label that says "USE FACTORY LOADED AMMUNITION ONLY!"
as said before by others, pretty much every manufacture says that. I just bought a Ruger P345D, and it says the same thing...

Even books about "old guns" say it. My M-1 Carbine guide (by Scott Duff, and others) even says it...

its sickening.

[chaim]

Taurus does seem to have problems with some of their products, the 94 and the early millenium pros in particular.Actually, they had no large scale problems with the Milennium Pros (some individuals I can't speak for, all gun models have had one or two bad ones go out). The first generation of the Milennium (very different internally than the Milennium Pro) had issues. The first gen Milennium was smaller in 9mm and .40S&W versions (all the Milennium Pros look like the .45ACP versions of the Milennium) and there were other changes as well. Heck, even the original Milennium by the time it was discontinued was a good gun (with a terrible trigger).

Oh, but I would like to add that I have shot a Millenium Pro and the trigger is just about the worst thing I've ever pulled. Seriously, the worst trigger I've ever pulled. Two questions. Are you sure it was the Milennium Pro and not the Milennium? The M. Pros have pretty decent triggers (once they've been broken in) while the Milennium trigger was terrible. Second, how many rounds had the M. Pro seen? My Milennium Pro had an OK trigger when new, but nothing to brag about. Now, after 750 rounds and at least as many dry fires it is the best DA trigger on any pistol I own (comparable to a good DA revolver trigger). Still, even with a decent DAO trigger, Taurus heard enough complaints that the newest ones have a new trigger. They gave up on DAO and now have the new Taurus SA/DA trigger (it starts in SA, so be sure to use your safety on the newest versions, but it gives the capability to pull the trigger again on a round that didn't fire- just like DA/SA or DAO). The new SA Taurus trigger is a pretty light trigger (though the one I tried was fairly long with a lot of takeup before it engaged).

[Manedwolf]

They gave up on DAO and now have the new Taurus SA/DA trigger (it starts in SA, so be sure to use your safety on the newest versions, but it gives the capability to pull the trigger again on a round that didn't fire- just like DA/SA or DAO). The new SA Taurus trigger is a pretty light trigger (though the one I tried was fairly long with a lot of takeup before it engaged).

I actually preferred the DAO, and got the version of the 745 with that instead. For CCW, I wanted the ability to chamber a round and still have it be as safe as a revolver. The side safety can get disengaged if you had it moving around a bit in a Smartcarry, and considering where the muzzle is pointed when it's in one of those, I would not trust a cocked SA to be there. :eek:

[chaim]

Manedwolf, at least with the Milennium Pro series I'd prefer DAO too. The other guns they most compete with are DAO, and I like the option of going without engaging the safety. My PT 140 M. Pro is DAO, if I got one of the newer SA/DA M. Pros I'd have to re-adapt on this pistol to using the safety. It wouldn't be safe to use one version of the same gun that is DAO without the safety and then have to use the safety on another that is SA- too much to go wrong. That is why, as much as I'd like to add the 745 and a PT111 M. Pro, I probably won't be buying more of these.

[Manedwolf]

Chaim, you can still get the 745 in DAO from new/old stock still on the shelves...lots of places online still have them. The DAO also comes with three-dot combat sights and can use the 145 / Millenium Pro general Trijicons. The new SA/DA, which comes with a straight-eight, apparently can't. And I really don't understand a desire for SA/DA in a subcompact auto, which to me is meant to compete with a revolver in a similar role.

Might actually be cheaper, too, since a lot of people did the "I want the NEW model!" hype thing.

I love mine.

[MartinBrody]

informed handgun owner, shooting buddy and THR member martinbrody says that my stainless taurus 85SS is the smoothest shooting revolver he's ever fired.

I must admit, the action on that piece is incredibly smooth. The finish is far better than what you see on most snubbies these days. Quite a fine specimen.

[Jkwas]

We have two of their products, the 605 revolver and the Pt111 milpro 9mm.
Both shoot well and you would have a hard time prying away the milpro from my wife as she absolutely loves it. The 605 wore out it's hammer spring at about 500 rounds, but my smith upgraded it to a S&W 12lber under warranty, and it's been dead reliable with nice deep dimples ever since. It is a fine weapon for the money and is my primary carry piece. It shoots very good to point of aim. I would not be afraid to purchase another.

[TNT.45]

Well not every gun, The very first gun was not a copy but after that they all were.

Taurus guns are cheaper in price than other models. Are they cheaper in manufacturing a finished product? I think not. For around $400 bucks you get a nice weapon. They have shared tecnology with other gun makers. I.E. S&W and Beretta and I dont see much bashing of those brands. I dont mind people not buying Taurus brands more for me to buy.

Here is a cut and paste of the Taurus history...

From humble beginnings as a small tool manufacturer in Porto Alegre, Brazil over 60 years ago, Forjas Taurus (translation: Taurus Forge) has become a diversified, international company and one of the largest small arms manufacturers in the world. The company produced its first revolver in 1941. The gun combined elements from several Manufacturers of that day, including Colt, Smith & Wesson and certain Spanish brands. This first revolver was designated the Model 38101SO. Taurus soon became a major factor in the South American market and experienced continuous growth.


In 1968, the company was ready to venture into the U.S. market. This was accomplished by employing the services of a succession of U.S. distributors over the next several years. Their efforts met with only marginal success.

In the meantime, Smith & Wesson had been purchased by a conglomerate named Bangor Punta. In 1970, Bangor Punta also purchased 54% of Taurus. Thus, the two companies became "sisters". Smith & Wesson never owned Taurus. They were both independent companies. However, during the next seven years, a great deal of technology and methodology was passed between the two. What may come as a surprise to some is that more of what was "right" in Porto Alegre was sent to Springfield than was sent from Springfield to south of the equator.

1977 saw our present ownership buy 54% of Taurus outright from Bangor Punta. At once a quest to improve overall quality of Taurus product was initiated. Also, the company now began a dynamic expansion program.

Beretta had won a huge contract in 1974 to produce small arms for the army of Brazil. Part of the deal was that Beretta construct a Brazilian factory and use Brazilian labor. This they did, in the southwestern coastal city of Sao Paulo. When the contract ran out in 1980, Beretta sold the plant, literally "lock, stock and barrel," to Taurus. Taurus now owned everything that once belonged to Beretta, including drawings, tooling, machinery, and a very experienced work force. Taurus was in the pistol business, and immediately sought to improve on the Beretta design, resulting in the popular and acclaimed Taurus PT-92 and PT-99 9mm pistols.

The next milestone for Taurus came in 1982. This is when the Brazil management decided to "take the bull by the horns" by opening an affiliated company, Taurus, in Miami, Florida. Sales that first year in America were limited as a solid distribution system had to be established. Taurus guns had not been advertised or written up in the shooting press. Taurus was truly an unknown commodity in the United States. This situation was to change dramatically in the next few years.

At the Dallas, Texas S.H.O.T. Show in 1984, Taurus was to make an announcement that was to have a tremendous impact on the entire industry. Taurus became the first company to offer its customers an unqualified LIFETIME REPAIR POLICY. This one brilliant piece of marketing changed the course of the company in this market. Only recently has this policy been matched. It has never been exceeded. In 1984, this daring innovative policy made everyone sit up and take notice of Taurus Firearms. The U. S. company has posted record years ever since...

In 1989, the company celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The celebration was capped off at the January 1990 S.H.O.T. Show, with Taurus giving away a brand new 1990 Ford Taurus to a lucky Dealer from New Mexico.

There was cause for celebration in 1994 when Forjas Taurus received the prestigious ISO 9001 designation from the International Organization for Standardization for superior manufacturing and marketing practices. Only one other firearms company in the world has obtained this designation. Currently, Taurus U.S.A. is at work to share this honor with the parent company.

[chaim]

Chaim, you can still get the 745 in DAO from new/old stock still on the shelves...lots of places online still have them.

Sorry I'm late to respond. For me that isn't an option. MD (like NY) requires a fired shell casing to come with every gun. The fired casing has to have been fired by the manufacturer. Some makes simply send out every gun with the shell casing. Others only send out some of their guns this way. Taurus only sends out some guns this way and usually a dealer who isn't in MD or NY won't have the casing so I can't buy a new gun from them.

Unfortunately, the 745 never really made it here to MD, at least not many of them (I haven't seen one yet) so finding new/old stock will be tough around here. Heck, most dealers (even those who used to have a lot of the Milennium Pros) are basically sold out on any M. Pro model- they've sold well around here- I doubt I'll find any M. Pro in MD with the old DAO trigger.

My best bet will be waiting until they start to show up on the used gun market.

[/end thread hyjack]

[MCgunner]

Quote:
informed handgun owner, shooting buddy and THR member martinbrody says that my stainless taurus 85SS is the smoothest shooting revolver he's ever fired.

I must admit, the action on that piece is incredibly smooth. The finish is far better than what you see on most snubbies these days. Quite a fine specimen.

My M85UL stainless is the smoothest out of the box DA trigger I've ever fired. I love the trigger on that thing.

[chaim]

Taurus J-frame sized revovers have some nice triggers. I had a Taurus 605 that had a great trigger. My DAO Taurus 85CH has one of the nicest DA triggers you'll ever pull. My DAO S&W 442 trigger leaves a little to be desired in comparison.

[Dusty Rusty]

Very first gun I bought was a Taurus model 605. It is my preferred carry gun. I also have three other Tauruses (Taurii??:) ). Can't beat 'em IMHO.

[Don Lu]

Since my opriginal post, I have purchased 2 Tauri and shot different models, Ihave been very satsified w/them. My conclusions is that Taurus doesnt make cheap imitations, they makes very good guns that can be relied on.

[big44]

I've been looking at the Taurus 44 Ult lately. I know the cylinder is titanium but I think the frame is aluminum. My doubts are how's the frame going to hold up to 44 magnum loads?

[GRIZ22]

TNT .45 thank you for your accurate history of Taurus which gave more info than most other posts.

I own 5 Taurus handguns purcahsed between 1988 and 2007. They have never had any serious problems (broke the rear sight blade on my PT99AF and lost the rear sight on a my Model 66 when I was banging away with magnums and didn't notice the screw loosening). Turnaround was about 10-14 days for both problems.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy any Taurus that I felt filled a need (real or imagined).

[Smokewagon45]

Taurus handguns...very underrated. Lets keep that our secret ,or the prices will soar. Proud owner of three Tauri.

[Don Lu]

BIG44,

I dont have any expirience w/the ultralites, but do you really want to shoot .44 mag out of an ultalite.......lol

[weregunner]

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=898.0

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=1814.0

Let's just say that having 4 Taurus revolver and two semi-autos that are still going strong and giving excellent service is a makes dureablity a non-issue.

Here's another oldie but goodie. I think JR47 just likes fighting with half his brain tied behind his back when dealing with idiots. Facts and truth speak for themselves. Not rhetoric,lies, and balderdash.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=250992
:):what:

[baz]

Does anyone here use reloads on their 9mm 24/7 Pro pistols...well at least for practice firing purposes only? Has it caused damage to your gun? Does it make the 24/7 Pro prone to FTFs and FTEs?I've just started to reload 9mm for use in my 24/7 (not a Pro). The first batch, with several different types of bullets (FMJ, Remington JHP, and Berry's Preferred Plated, all 124 grain) all performed flawlessly. If I get any FTF's, it will probably be the fault of my reloads, not the gun. I think it is just lawyer language to limit liability.

Edit: I didn't see that this was a thread resurrected from the dead. But FWIW, I'll leave the post. I appreciate the OP coming back and telling us his experience after all this time.

[Bezoar]

I havent used a taurus or the competition but i know i want a taurus.

I hate the bashing as its all based on:
-someones experience with a problem gun or a model that has issues, like that trigger that got fixed in the last 2 or 3 generations of design.
-that taurus is a newcomer to the world of plastic guns and has no big military contracts outside of south america
-that model x does not perform as well as a finely tuned and tricked out sw performance center revolver costing 3 times as much.
-that taurus is intended for people who cant afford to spend the equivalent of 3 months of rent on a single weapon when somethign cheap and reliable is what they need.