[Kharn]

I'm looking at getting a Taurus 65 (.357, 4" barrel, blue, fixed sights) to replace one of my 1911s in my immediate-access drawer by my bed (as I will limp wrist about 1 in 20 shots with the .45s, my long arms are all locked in my Homak in the next room, parents' rules). I'm looking for just a bare-bones defensive gun that will hit what I'm aiming at within 10 yards, as thats the longest distance any shot could be when I'm between my bedroom and the room where my longarms are stored. My dealer will get me one for 10% over his cost plus shipping, fees, tax, etc, so I think I could be out the door for around $300.

I cant afford a Performance Center Whatever model, or go much above $300 due to being a college student (I'd also prefer to avoid S&W or Ruger due to politics), is this model a wise choice for my situation?

Kharn

[Jim March]

Ya, assuming it passes "the checkout" (first post, this forum) the steel-frame Tauruses are the ones that people seem to have the least trouble with, about on par with S&W or Ruger by most accounts.

I don't know MD prices...$300 seems to be maybe just a hair high for a fixed-sight, but not bad, esp. if new. Is that the 6-shot variant, or 7? If 7, very fair price.

With 4" worth of barrel, you'll get good performance out of 38+P if you want to limit the noise factor and flash indoors. Or load any number of 357s, from lighter variants through full-house crack'o'doom :).

[Kharn]

65 is the 6 shot, I've seen the 7 shot Mdl 66's going at retail dealers for $349 (my dealer is a kitchen table guy) in MD, but I'd like to stick with the 6 shot for my first wheel gun (also, the 66 has adjustable sights, which I would prefer not to worry about on this gun as I'd like it to become my truck pistol when I get out of MD in a year). Dealer price on the 65 is about $245, with the 66 commanding about $20 more.

Kharn

[Bacchus]

That sounds like a reasonable arm for SD purposes, especially for one on a budget. And 300 is a fair price for a new model 65. I'd recommend picking up some speedloaders, too.

[RON in PA]

What about a used S&W Model 10 or Model 13?

[braindead0]

I'd try to talk 'em down to $250 myself ;-).. I purchased a new stainless 4" GP-100 for $329 a while back.. seems you should be able to get a blued Taurus 65 for at least $75 less...

Of course it depends on the market.... I'm in Ohio..

[Jim March]

If it passes all tests, I'd rather have a new Taurus steel 357 than a used S&W 38.

In an urban area, that sort of markup is reasonable (they have to deal with all sorts of crappy paperwork issues in a place like MD).

[JohnK]

Let me preface this by saying I like Taurus revolvers, the two I own and 3 others I've shot extensively have all worked great.

With that said for $300 I'd find a Ruger Speed Six rather than a Taurus 65. The Taurus isn't a bad choice, but I like the old Rugers better, and it's likely a stronger better made gun.

If you can't find one, or just don't like them then get the Taurus and be happy, I'm sure it will serve you well.

[chaim]

I love Taurus steel framed revolvers, and $300 is about as good as you'll get here. I eventually want to get a Taurus 65 myself. However, don't discount the used market. If you are in a hurry and can't spend a little time looking (and don't see a good used gun on the first pass) then get the $300 Taurus. Taurus steel framed revolvers may well be the best deal in new firearms out there. However, you may be able to find a used S&W in great condition for about the same price, or less. I got a great S&W 19 recently for $279 with only minor wear from where it probably contacted the drawer the previous guy probably had it sitting in for 20 years (it doesn't have anything but in a couple small spots so it isn't holster wear, and I know he/she didn't shoot it much at all). I love classic Smiths so I would prefer the used Smith myself to either a new Smith or Taurus, if you are set on buying new only I would prefer the Taurus (yes, a Ruger is stronger, and a Smith may be a little nicer, but I don't think either is worth the price difference over Taurus).

[JBP]

Not a bad price for a 65. I paid $240 out the door for mine over 10 years ago and that was pre-NIC days. It's still my bed stand handgun even after buying others in every caliber from rimfire to .454.

[Z_Infidel]

I own two Taurus 65s, and I shoot one of them quite often. Accuracy is good, and the guns have excellent triggers. The only problem I've had is a rare light strike. I shoot mostly .38 SP through these guns, as I shoot magnums through my 586 and GP-100 more often.

[SanduneCC]

Personally, I'd look into a used S&W 65 instead of a Taurus.

[braindead0]

Personaly, I'd buy the Taurus instead of any S&W :evil:

[Kharn]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll probably be getting the 65 at the beginning of next semester (my kitchen table dealer is near my college and I'm currently on the other side of the state living at home for the summer while paying retail-gunstore prices :( , a Taurus 94 4" .22lr goes for $325ish out the door near here, but near school $270ish is the norm), and I'll post a follow-up thread on how it works out for me.

Kharn

[Apple a Day]

I've got one, stainless steel version. It's nice. My wife keeps trying to steal it from me. :cuss:

[WebHobbit]

Forget Taurus. Find a nice used GP100...politics be damned.

[Litlman]

If you like te Taurus get it . I like older usde S&W's. M-19-10-14. Goood Luck in deciding.

[tech]

I saw some model S&W m-13's in shotgun news for less that 250.00. I think it was KY imports or Sog.

Mike

[telcom911]

he lives in Maryland. Everything I hear about that anti-state makes my blood boil. The crap you people have to live with is unbelivable to a midwesterner like me. Get the Taurus, I have a model 606 ( a stainless 2 1/4 inch 6 shot .357 with ports) its the best dang gun I own. That price seems more than fair (for the commie state you live in- get out ASAP).

[Kharn]

Telcom911:
I'm graduating from college in less than a year, and I'm already dreaming of walking into the gunstore and buying a pistol without a waiting period, extremely high prices, integral lock worries, one-gun-a-month or THREE different forms to fill out. My butt wont be living in MD come 6/1/04.

Kharn