[slh02]

Hello all. On my constant quest for a new firearm, I have been bitten by the "Must have a stainless .357 mag wheelgun" bug.

Being that I am in Maryland and that we have the pointless "integrated safety lock" law, I have noticed that Taurus has become the most well stocked and best priced wheelgun everywhere I go. I was just wondering what the general consensus is on these rather nice looking (to me anyway) revolvers.

I'm pretty set on the 4" model, but may go with the 6" as the pricing was nearly identical (~$330). Unfortuately I can't touch a Smith or Ruger for anywhere near those prices here (used GP-100's were going for about $450 in a local shop :what: ), so they are pretty much out of the question.

The gun would mostly be for range/target use, but may be a backup if I ever get into hunting.

Thanks for any and all replies!

[WebHobbit]

:what:

That really sucks man. I think your best move would be to "move".

Those rules really suck. Locks on revolvers are soooooooo pointless. I think if I just HAD to have a lock on my hand-gun I'd rather go with semi-auto as their manual of arms is already a "complicated mess" compared to a simple DA revolver (non-lock).

[popeye]

Given your legal an financial conciderations, I think the Taurus is your only answer. I've had a couple Tauri and my only problem was the Trigger pull. Not bad, but way different than S&W. I think I'd stay with 4".

Lookin at their site I like the 608B4. Blue 8 shot 4"

[SouthpawShootr]

Mine have always worked and worked well. No real issues with them. It is a bit of a pain finding holsters for some of the newer models with odd frame sizes, but if you stick to the bread and butter style medium frame .357 guns that should be no problem.

[RUT]

Just picked up a Taurus "Tracker" in .45 acp but haven't had a chance to try it out as yet. It sure do look nice though! But as SouthPaw noted, nobody seems to be making hoslters for them as yet, so I ended up getting a generic Uncle Mike's (fabric) hip holster in the interim.

[Old Fuff]

I have (and still do) own several Taurus revolvers and have been satisfied with all of them. Most of the complaints I see posted on this and other forums concern the ultra-light snub-nose models and I haven't had any experience with these. I think that all of the companies turn out a number of exceptionally good guns along with some that are lemons. I wound check out the individual gun you're interested in at the dealers' and if it's O.K. go ahead. Unfortunately in Maryland you don't have many options, but the most recent elections showed what can happen. Just remember to always vote.

[Kharn]

slh02:
I asked about the Taurus 65 (also because of the stupid MD lock law) a few months ago in this forum, here's a link: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24572&highlight=Taurus

Kharn

[usnavymasterchief]

Most Taurus trigger probs can be corrected with a set of Wolff springs, they did wonders for my Taurus 605 .357. Cost less than ten bucks.

[Kentucky Rifle]

The latest is a Multi Alloy 85. Besides being beautiful, it accurate. I do better with the new Multi Alloy than with any other snub I own. Also, somebody at Taurus must lurk this forum and "took to heart" the comments regarding ejector stars. The star on my new Multi Alloy couldn't be more perfect. That's the thing I like best about Taurus. They strive to put out better and better pistols. The Taurus revolver of today is MUCH better than the Taurus revolver of just a few years ago. The triggers on mine have to be felt to be believed. The Multi Alloy 85 is on my hip at this very moment.
I know a young deputy. He keeps a Taurus Multi Alloy in an ankle holster. He's told me that he has about three thousand practice rounds through his M-A. One thousand of which, have been +P rounds. I'd say that it's holding up pretty well!
Oh, I almost forgot. When my wife obtained her CCW, I told her she could have anything with which she would practice. Then I stood back. (It's best to do it that way.) She liked .38's so she chose a Total Ti 85. I don't know how many rounds she's put through it, but it's a lot! No problems at all. Of course, she's a "cleaner". Spotless revolver.

KR

[makdaddy03]

I like Taurus.:)

[AC]

I'm curious if any of you Taurus revolver shooters have large numbers of rounds through your guns? It is one thing to show no problems in a couple hundred rounds and another to be problem free for a few thousand.

[hoppinglark]

as long as you get the Stainless Steel you should be good to go!

[Ala Dan]

and even though the folk's at Tauri International
have improved upon the quality of their fire-
arm's; I'm still a little skeptical, choosing instead
Smith & Wesson's up to the -5 models!:uhoh: :rolleyes: :D

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

[Rob96]

I like Rugers myself. The Taurus I had would occasionally lite strike on the primer. Would also like to get some nice used S&W's.

[Tamara]

choosing instead Smith & Wesson's up to the -5 models!

Up to the -5 models?

Huh?

Let's see... That means you won't buy a Model 10 made after 1962 (10-5), but you'll buy a Model 15 made up to 1988, and any ol' 610 is okay, since they're still on -2?

I don't get it; why "-5"? :confused:

[ChuckB]

My 85UL is a well-made little piece. It is very accurate for a 2" barrel, and the recoil isn't bad. I changed both trigger and hammer springs, but had to reinstall the original hammer spring. I was getting about 25% FTF with the lighter spring. I'd buy another of these in a minute. I think that Taurus has greatly improved their product line.

Chuck

[Lancel]

A Taurus 731 Ultra Lite (my third Taurus) has become my every day carry piece. But it wasn't born to that honor; it had to earn it. :)

It seems the key to Taurus is to thoroughly test it when you first get it. Mine had a two problems that surfaced within 30 days. Because it was new, Taurus arranged for FedEx to pick up the pistol at my house at no cost.

The company honors it's lifetime warranty which is good since you might need it. After the kinks were worked out, I became real fond of the little .32 mag. :)

Larry

[chaim]

I've had a few Taurus revolvers and I've found them to be really good guns. I also like S&W revolvers, especially the older ones. A used S&W K-frame can be had for around $200-250 for a good .38spl or $250-300 for a good .357 and a used L-frame .357 should be just over $400.

I have owned 2 Taurus revolvers that I sold but were good guns. I now have a 1991 vintage 85CH I just got used that seems to be every bit as good and is truely a keeper. I also have a 431 (.44spl, K or L frame equivelent 3") coming soon that was bought online.

[Drakejake]

I have three Taurus revolvers: a snubby .22 ultra-lite, a .22 stainless with four inch barrel, and a total ti .357 snubby. They all work fine. The two .22s have pretty stiff double action triggers. The Ti at 20 oz empty has a pretty smooth trigger and is a good carry gun. I also have a stainless snub .357 Rossi more or less made by Taurus. It is also well-made, but seems to lock up sometimes. I don't shoot any of these revolvers very much.

Drakejake

[Ala Dan]

Hey Tamara-

Out of all the fine folk's here at the THR, I thought that
you would be the one that should know ole' Ala Dan
would pick a Smith & Wesson over a Taurus any day
of the week and twice on Sunday's!:uhoh: LOL:D

As far as the dash marks go, I would rather have a
few Smith's that just have a model number, without
any dashes! But since they are kind'a hard to come
by, I'll take any (from - nothing's thru -5's); but I don't
want any -6's!:)

I guess my wording was kind'a bad in my previous post?
As I had the right idea; but used confusing sentences!
Sorry about that~

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

[Tamara]

but I don't want any -6's! :)

That's the part I'm not getting...

A "-6" could refer to a P&R-era gun or a MIM-parts-and-internal-lock gun, depending on which model, as there's no rhyme or reason to the dash numbers from model to model.

A "-6" Model 10 was made forty-one years ago, while a "-6" Model 610 is four production changes in the future.

What exactly is it about the "-6" or later number you don't like? :confused:

[Sarge]

My brother Jim went through TWO M-44's in two months, both of which exhibited "roll-back" with factory-level handloads. He was only able to do this because his dealer made good on the first gun. The second one was his problem, and he did the smart thing and traded it in on a Redhawk. This was several years ago, and I have known a number of cops over the years who bought this brand, and had various DA-glitches with their small revolvers.

Just last week, I stopped in at a dealer I know pretty well. He was fiddling with a nice-looking .41 Tracker, and I asked him what he was going to have to have for it. He said "You don't want this one" and then showed me the empty cylinder, closed it and stroked the DA trigger. The cylinder spun right on by the next chamber. He explained that he was in the process of boxing it up to send back.

It was a brand new gun.

Folks, I have seen enough to convince me that I ain't messing with Taurus revolvers- and it's not because I don't like the looks of their guns. The little 605 is quote appealing, but I'm just not taking a chance on it to bet my life on. I hope someday the get their revolvers as good as their semi-autos, but for the time being I'd just go find a good, used S&W or Ruger in the frame size I needed, and save myself some grief. I know some of you have had good service with yours and I say 'hang onto 'em'. Your luck has been better than mine- and everybody I know.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Again Tamara-

The -6's with the internal lock desgin, aren't for me!:(
Just something about the thought of "locking-up"
a handgun that you may need for defense of your life?:uhoh:
If I ever have to acquire a -6 (new model), bet your
boot's that the internal lock will never be used!:)



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

[Tamara]

The -6's with the internal lock desgin, aren't for me!

That's what I'm getting at: you can get a 10-11, a 36-9, a 60-9. a 29-7, et cetera, et cetera without internal locks.

The lock showed up at a different dash-number for each different model.

[slh02]

Thanks for all the replies so far. It seems to be a split between the Yay's and the Nay's so far. As for everyone who said to get a Ruger or Smith: I would really be happy if I could get one but as I said before, even the used ones are a good amount more than new Taurus' here in Md.

The final decision wont be made for another month or so, please keep the opinions coming!

Thanks again!

[Vladimir Berkov]

As far as the dash marks go, I would rather have a
few Smith's that just have a model number, without
any dashes! But since they are kind'a hard to come
by, I'll take any (from - nothing's thru -5's); but I don't
want any -6's!

So pre-model-number Smiths are no good?

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Again-

Pre-model number Smith's are fine. As a matter of
fact, I'm looking for a .357 Registered Magnum right now!

But don't give me a newer Smith with the internal lock design!

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

[Stainz]

I bought a new 4" 625 (-8 2002 production with hammer-lock-zit) last autumn. I thought I'd enjoy shooting metal plate competition with it. I was quite good on my own ... downright bad with a timer at my head and a crowd watching (jeering). It is still fun to shoot those .45 ACP's - at paper or plates - and out to 110 yd! I can shoot that thing quite accurately. I went through some aftermarket trigger return springs and am back to the OEM ones now - and not a skip, either. I have probably shot >>5,000 rounds thus far through it. The lock's keys are in the box - wherever I stowed it the day it came home from the store. The lock is only noticed when I clean it... if I don't have my reading glasses on, I don't know what it is and I have tried to scrub it off with Hoppes, etc. The hammer lock is really a non-issue with modern S&W's - if it gives S&W some kind of corporate good=feelings, who cares if it 'must' be there?

Now - to Taurus! I have never owned one. Thankfully, everything I am interested (now everything period) is ported - and I hate porting! That kept me away. The Taurus products I have fired just didn't feel good, from the Millenium (Guess they didn't expect them to be needed with Y2K coming...) to the Raging Bull .44. I have a much better (and cheaper... and American made...) six-shooter in .454 in my Ruger SRH than their version (The SRH is made of a stronger SS - and holds six vs their five!). The liteweight Taurus .44 Spcl for sale in the range store is a great example... trades hand quickly - and each time it is cheaper - and still looks new. Too many horror stories re their parts procurement - and the necessity of using same. Save your sheckles for a Ruger or S&W. CDNN and others have police trade-ins - they had a 4" bobbed hammer SS GP-100 for ~$250 in good-very good condition. You cannot beat a M10 (.38 Spcl) for ~$300 new as a protection piece - even in 2" barrels! Yeah, I am opinionated!

Stainz

[mtnbkr]

I've only shot two Taurus handguns. The first one, a 94 22lr revolver disapointed me. I couldn't shoot well with the thing, but others could. The second one, a Ranging Bull in 45Colt, is a joy to shoot. The trigger is nice and smooth and the gun is accurate enough for bowling pins at 100yds. If my dad ever sells it, I'm buying it.

If I were in the market, I'd give them strong consideration.

Chris

[dude]

a resounding 'Yay' from me

............. as my 617T ti .357 snub (in the ever popular powder blue) has been flawless and has be come my primary go-to pistol. I carry it in the woods almost every day.
I sold a friend a of mine a LNIB 4" s/s .357mag with full confidence in its quality and the only new gun on my list is Taurus's upcomming 9mm revolver with the ti frame. The only bummer is that I have to wait 'til this winter for them to be on themarket!

I had no idea about the internal hammer lock thinggy when I bought the little blue beast but I can honestly say that the design is pure genius. Simple and %100 effective. It uses the same positive tension theory as aircraft dzus fasteners and cam-locs (I arr an aero-plane mechanik) to keep it's self in the un-locked/fire position. There is no way the lock could ever interfear with the operation of the Taurus revolver unles the 'operator' did not unlock the firearm properly or note a defect in the lock's operaton upon its use.

I like the option of poping the lock to the up/safe position with the key (that I keep on my key chain) when the neighoborhood kids show up.

[curt]

I don't yet own a taurus. I will tell you one thing though, with that porting and those ribber grips recoil is definately controlled.

I went to a pistol class with a friend a while back who took a snub nose (dont recall the model #) .357 and a case of full house .357 HPs, i looked kindof sideways at him but didn't say anything. Well about halfway through the class he picked up some .38s to speed up his hammers. He let me try it for a few cylinders and afterwards i said it was nice but i bet it was a bear with magnums, he told me that is what i had been shooting!

[10-Ring]

As long as you get a chance to try the trigger on a new Taurus and you're happy with it, they (Tauri) seem like nice revolvers. I'd take the time & effort to find a pre-owned S&W tho.

[Freightman]

I carry a M450 every day in 45LC and I never shoot lite loads and I have not had any problem in about 2000 rds in fact I love this gun.
O I carry Cor Bons and they are hot and accurate.

[CZ 75 BD]

in Ti, 44spl. First time out of the box the integral hammer lock locked up the gun. Fooled with the key and got it unstuck. Second round of 5 it locked up again. Sent it to Taurus and it was fixed in about 5 weeks. No problems since, about 800 rounds through it.

[willyjixx]

this is the first wheelgun ive bought an owned an i was very impressed. it did come with the "ports" an the ribber grip all in stainless steel with a 7 shot cylinder an a 4 inch bbl. i just took it too the range this weekend an was very happy with its performance an accuracy.....(did better with the Taurus than i did with my friends beretta centurion in 40 S&W.) the only complaint i had was the DA trigger pull was pretty heavy. all the rounds were fine going through it. i put 50 rounds of125 grain .357 winclean through it followed by 50 rds of 125 grain .38 +P an then another 20-30 rounds of various .38. one round would not "drop in" the cylinder an i didnt want to force it so it remained unshot. that an i dont know if the ejector is supposed to shoot the empties out like a double barrel shotgun or just raise them up to be pulled out like i did. (if i tipped the gun upwards they fell out).
as for the hammer safety after playing with it for 5 minutes it seemed really sturdy (i got a pal whos about 250lbs an has huge hands........i wanted him to test out the trigger lock an warrenty.
trigger lock held fine dont know about warrenty!) i wouldnt say it is useless but it sure is nice to know its there............

i also have a PT22 by taurus that was collateral from a loan from a friend he never repaid me the 60 bucks so i never gave him the 22LR back. consequently i just about hate it. i cant hit the broad side of a barn (or a beer can at 25 feet) an its a loud little gun too. it lives its life as a safe gun. but as i have shot it a few times i can say it does its job.....it goes bang. short of some Federal 22LR rounds that kept having primer strikes an wouldnt fire??? i think it was a bad lot.........



all in all for the 400 bucks (440 after taxes) i paid i am very pleased. it feels good in my grip an the orange an white sites line up well. with a firm two handed grip an firing in single action i felt very confident an happy with my fist wheelgun...

get a Taurus!

[Solinvictus70]

I owned a Model 85 about ten years ago and it was great. It was compact, VERY affordable, and reliable.

[denfoote]

Had one, sold it. Regret set in. Bought another one!!
Nuff said!!

[Lightsped]

I have 5 Taurus wheelguns. All are small framed models. 1 Total Titanium model, 1 Aluminum Ultralite model, and 3 Stainless Steel models. All of them have been perfect. No functionality issues or appearence issues of any kind.

http://www.neospeed.org/images/my5taurus.jpg

[wunderkind]

There is nothing like getting a good gun at a great price. My Taurus and Rossi snubs are fantastic: the Brazillians have figured out the revolver thing.

I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to pick up a .357 Taurus.

I've picked up a Taurus snub and a Rossi snub for under 200.00 each. Also picked up an 82 (similar to the 65 but .38 spl only) for a song and it's my favorite range gun now. Yeah, I prefer plinking with my Taurus to my two Glocks and a friend's H&K.

If you're looking at Taurus, might as well price Rossi and get the best deal-pretty much the same product now that Taurus is importing the Rossi brand.

[cma g21]

I have two, a 605 in .357 with close to a thousand rounds (mostly .38) through it, and a Raging Bull in .454 with 50 rounds through it (just got it recently).
So far, no problems with either.

[DontShootMe]

I have a 4" .357 Tracker SS

Pros:

Looks sweet
Goes bang everytime
Holds 7 in the cylinder
It is a tack driver

Cons:

DA Trigger feels like 20 pounds
grip is too small for two-hand grip


BTW: does anyone know if there are any aftermarket (or factory) grips that are LARGER?

[jsalcedo]

I bought a new Taurus 66 17 years ago. Over 7000 rounds through it
and it still shoots and looks new.

Great gun.

My PT99 is nice too

[mainmech48]

The only Taurus revolver I have is a 4" SS M94 that I bought several years ago. A spring kit from Wolff and lots of shooting slicked up the action quite a bit. Grinding the serrations off and contouring the trigger made it much easier to shoot well DA.

A set of new grips from Uncle Mike's made it fit my hand better, and also turned it into my wife's favorite plinker.

I have no idea how many thousands of rounds have gone through it so far, but it's got to be close to 10K. Timing is still spot-on, and it's at least as accurate as any small frame .22 revolver I've ever had. The only annoying problem I've ever had with it was that the adjustment screws on the rear sight began to work loose occasionally after several years of use. A couple of drops of blue Loctite fixed that.

[happy old sailor]

have had zero problems with my three Taurus revolvers, two Taurus autos, and two Rossi revolvers.

some ppl say they have had problems, and i believe them. maybe i am lucky. anyway, have been eyeballing a snubbie .44 spec, DA only, bobbed hammer Taurus in a pawn shop. it has the slickest DA i have felt without a smith's attention. sales are very slow and i keep dickering. will end up with it unless someone with fewer guns than i takes it home. if so, they will have a nice one. i really don't need this gun, but, it is too sweet to leave alone. ever have that feeling??

[Majic]

I bought a SS 3" M85 over 10 years ago. It has rode in holsters, trucks, cars, pockets and never gave any trouble. God knows how many rounds have been thru it. Now my son has it and it's starting another full life again as he's shooting it every weekend he is off.
Taurus may have had problems with some of their guns, but not many people have complained about the steel framed M85s. It is their bread and butter gun.

[Okiecruffler]

I have a little under 5000 rds thru my 650 with zero problems, except for some light strikes when I had a Wolf hammer spring in it (still have the Wolf trigger spring in). My only gripe is that shiny blued finish. Thing would gather fingerprints under a glass case.

[Mike86]

5000+ rds through my 608 and not one problem. No light strikes, no cylinder timing problems, nothing at all.

Actually I just had it in with my gunsmith 2 weeks ago for a checkup. Figured after 5k rds and lately been really pushing the reloads it was time for a pro to have a look at it. All he did was scrub some lead out of the chambers and give it back with a clean bill of health.

[another okie]

I also have a multi-alloy 85, which is my pocket carry gun. I don't have all that many rounds through it, maybe 500, so I can't really speak to long term durability. It has never failed or given any problems. The only negative is the heavy trigger pull, but it has smoothed out a little. I have installed the laser grips on it, which are nice for training and low light.

I've thought of getting a big caliber, either .454 or .44 magnum, since both have "lighter" calibers you can practice with, and the porting on those is attractive, but I really prefer the way the big Rugers look to the big Tauruses.