[possumburg]

Ok, I found a gun at the local store that I want. It is a Taurus Millennium. But I am not sure if it is a pro or not. I read about the problems they had with the older guns, but this one I THINK is a pro. It has a tan frame. It has all the things that I read that they added to the pros, like extended magazine and checkered grip, and a 12 round mag. But I don't think it says pro on the slide like all the other ones they have. Does anyone know if this one is in fact a Millennium pro or not? http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=100736 they call it a pro on this website, but I just want to be sure that I am not buying an old one that will have problems. If I can't find out I will probably just buy a black one. Thanks in advance. Hope this post makes sense lol.

[Bezoar]

easy to get confused on taurus models. the model number should be on the slide as its the biggest cosmetic complaint on taurus, the hug logos.


by caliber and barrel and magazineit would be a model 111BP-12 2006 msrp of 406.00 making it a compact. the subcompact millenium pro is only a 6+1 .45acp weapon per the new 2007 catalog.
not sure why the slide only says millenium and not millenium pro.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Mine MilPro just says Taurus Millennium on one side. But Pt140PRO on the other.

[ArchAngelCD]

The gun in the link is a Pro model. It also states it's a 3rd gen pistol which is even better. My son had a PT-111 Pro and thinks it's a great pistol. We bought it used, he has fired over 3,000 through it already and he has had no problems with the pistol at all.

[possumburg]

I just went and looked at it again and it says pt-111 pro on the opposite side of the slide. Not sure like you said why it doesn't say Millennium Pro on the slide like the others but it is a pro. I'm gonna go pick it up Saturday. It feels great in the hands, which is something I was worried about since I have sort of big hands. I'll let ya'll know how it shoots. Thanks for the answers.

[40SW]

Taurus makes fine firearms. Excellent feedback on reliability and quality, but if something ever goes wrong, despite their lifetime warranty, I have heard horror stories about delays and very poor customer service. I have a PT145. Excellent pistol in every way, I never had any problems, Hope I never do, many of my students have experienced protracted and long delays and customer service stinks. , so its a gamble, but their guns are GENERALLY good.

[possumburg]

Yeah I was just reading about that. I also read that sometimes the recoil spring comes unwound or something like that. But the good reviews seems to outweigh the bad by far so I am gonna go ahead and get it.

[slow944]

When I was requalifying for my Tx. CHL I dropped my PT145 on the rear sight, so I took it back to where I bought it(this was April,07), the dealer didn't send the gun to Taurus until May,07 and I received it back in July,07. Now the dealer held on to the gun for a month but it only took Taurus about 8 weeks to get it back to me with a new slide on it. All I had to do was call Taurus to find out the status of my gun and they told me when it was to be returned. Granted 8 weeks is a long time to be without your weapon so therefore you must have more than one.

[XDKingslayer]

Mine says the same thing. Millenium on one side and PT138 Pro on the other. I don't know why they did that...

And for the record, again, mine is a piece of crap.

[Papaster]

My PT145 Pro is marked merely "Millenium" on the left side (right if looking from the business end) but says PT145PRO on the other. Good gun. A little bit of a rough break-in, but all that is resolved. No more than 20 malfunctions, and the vast majority of those (all in first 200 rounds) were due to limp-wristing that I was unaware of at the time. Learn something new every day. No malfunctions whatsoever now. Runs just like a machine should. I'm at roughly 750-1000 rnds through it. Not quite sure.

[Schwebel]

The Pro 3rd generation has a SA/DA trigger, the earlier generations were all DAO. Also a guaranteed way of telling, is if it has a rail, it is availble with or without it, but only the 3rd generations have it. Also the serial number should start with FZL-XXXX or above. The one in the picture seems to be a Pro.

[ZeSpectre]

How to tell Taurus Millennium Pro Generations

As I understand it...

1'st generation... Millennium (no Pro) - Prone to breaking subframe pins and frame cracks. DON'T BUY ONE.

2'nd generation...Millennium Pro. Says Millennium Pro on one side of the slide and the model on the other (PT-140 in my case). Second digit of the serial number seems to mostly be "Y". DAO trigger. Seems to be a nice gun.

3'rd generation...Millennium Pro. My understanding (may be incorrect) is that it says Millennium on one side of the slide and Pro(+Model number) on the other and the second digit in the serial number is always a "Z". DA/SA trigger.

I've heard rumors of a 4'th generation but haven't actually seen any such thing.

[Caimlas]

Folks, I've got a fairly lengthy write-up on my blog with photos about this:

http://blog.boiledfrog.us/archives/89-Identifying-the-Differences-of-the-Taurus-Millennium-and-Millennium-Pro.html

Thanks for the inspiration to write it up. I swear, I've answered this very same question, on this forum, half a dozen times. :)

[tinygnat219]

Actually,

The 3rd Generation pistol is SA/DA. The Millenium Pros have the DA re-strike capability in case there is a misfire.

[possumburg]

Thanks Caimlas that was a great article for sure. All those different models almost made me just change my mind lol.

[tinygnat219]

Possumburg,

Don't give up on the Millenium Pro pistols, these are excellent pistols for the price. You get a good trigger, good ergonomics, and reasonable magazine capacity. Usually for $350.00 or under with a lifetime warranty.

[XDKingslayer]

They are good pistols, I'll give them that. Mine has horrible accuracy problems that I can't figure out and with Taurus' poor history of service I'm not keen to sending it back to have them figure it out.

It eats everything I put through it. It hasn't had a single jam or hiccup on any brand, type, grain, or charge round. It's action has been on par with my XD.

You just can't hit the broadside of a barn from the inside with this thing.

[possumburg]

Oh I'm not giving up. I am getting it Saturday as soon as the store opens. Already got the background check done and everything. I did it early because they usually delay me. The one time I try to do it ahead of time they approved me instantly lol. But yeah it is $345, which is the best price I have found around here. The black one is only $325, but I really like the tan.

[possumburg]

Oh and thanks to everyone for all your help!

[DawgFvr]

schwebel: Actually, the second generation does have the rail.

Zspectre: Um...mine is the second generation and, as you can see, it only has Millennium on one side.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/PT145/P1010434.jpg

Also, I prefer the 2nd generation DAO...I want the action on my autos to mimic my revolvers as much as possible...something about uniformity in training and practice that appeals to me.

Xdkingslayer: you say you cannot hit the broad side of the barn with it? I put two mags, rapid fire, at 25 feet on the below. If I take my time, I can knock out the center. This is a tiny barrel pocket cannon...not meant to be a target gun...eh? Personally, I think it is the perfect personal defense weapon.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/PT145/45Target.jpg

[Caimlas]

possumburg - what tinygnat219 said: don't give up on the Taurus Millennium/Millennium Pro pistols! They're a good product, and at just a touch over $300 for a blued 3rd generation/series Millennium, it's a hard price to beat!

Though I do understand the consternation over which specific color, finish, etc. you want, if that's what you're talking about. I'm currently going through the same thing with a CZ-75b... stainless, blued, nickel plated, .40 or 9mm? So many choices, such a small price difference. :P


It eats everything I put through it. It hasn't had a single jam or hiccup on any brand, type, grain, or charge round. It's action has been on par with my XD.

My exact same experience, minus the note on the trigger (I've got a 2nd series). But, I can reliably hit bowling pins at 20 paces with mine...

[possumburg]

Does anyone know how many mags it comes with. I can't find anything online and I forgot to ask at the store.

[possumburg]

Ok I was wrong the black one is $339. So at only $5 difference that makes the choice even easier. And they told me it does come with 2 mags.

[brashboy]

Cool, my new MilPro is a 3rd Gen. Didn't know that.

[XDKingslayer]

Xdkingslayer: you say you cannot hit the broad side of the barn with it? I put two mags, rapid fire, at 25 feet on the below. If I take my time, I can knock out the center. This is a tiny barrel pocket cannon...not meant to be a target gun...eh? Personally, I think it is the perfect personal defense weapon.

Nope. With no exaggeration, I'm luck to hit minute of pie plate at 7 yards. Now, I'm not Rob Leatham, but I'm a damn good shot. I have no problem taking my XD out to 50 yards on 4" steel targets without a problem. So you can imagine how frustrating this things has been for me.

At first I thought it was me. It was the first time I've owned a pistol this small. I tried every grip and stance you could think of and it didn't improve. I tried shooting it rested on a sandbag with no improvement. I even had several other people shoot this thing both offhand and rested, good shooters, with almost no recognizable improvement over my shooting.

I've tried just about every brand, grain, and power ammo you can buy (the good news is this thing is dead reliable with anything you put through it). I've tried every thing and this pistol is worst I've ever owned.

I could put up a target just like yours with groupings just like yours, but the powder burns on my left hand from holding the target in front of the barrel would be pretty bad.

I never said it wasn't meant to be a target gun. And there is no doubt in my mind that there is something wrong with this particular pistol, in the barrel to be more exact. I know these guns are better than this. It's a damn shame too because I love this little .380 and so does my wife.

And the sad part is I'm just going to have to sell it. I'm not sending it back to Taurus with all the horror stories currently going with their customer service. I'll just sell it to someone with the warning that this thing is less accurate than a package of bottle rockets.

[possumburg]

Well I went ahead and got it today instead of waiting until tomorrow. I will try to post pics of target as soon as I get a chance to shoot it.

P.S. Do the magazines loosen up after a while? I barely got 11 in it and it is supposed to hold 12.

[possumburg]

Here is a picture of the gun. Not the best pic. It looks grey, but I can assure you it is tan.

[Smokewagon45]

It will loosen up. My Pt111 had hard to load mags at first, but no problem anymore. Nice looking, your tan Millennium.;)

[possumburg]

Thanks man! Can't wait to shoot it. That'll have to wait til tomorrow though.

[dstorm1911]

Caimlas, I've got 3 PT145 Mil pros and all 3 have light rail and DOA (they are my bike guns so this is a big advantage with multiple strike ability if need be) And yes I have used one several times while riding the dirt bike in the desert haven't hadda use one while actually in motion on the Harley yet though but have shot several wild feral pit bulls from the dirt bike trying to avoid gettin attacked, very accurate lil guns ya can draw fire accuratly and reholster and still grab the bikes throttle again before it slows enough to cause a crash... Wouldn't trust carryin onea my 1911s on the dirt bike with a round chambered dump the bike and your liable to shoot yourself....... have also used the PT145 To discourage drug smugglers from pursuing out here as well...... they get a lil touchy bout folks spottin em then callin in the DEA etc... the lil 10 rnd .45 will buy ya time to get to cover unsling AK and if ya got a cell signal call in the cavalry

[seeker_two]

dstorm1911: Ever thought about a safer hobby?..... :what:

I'm thinking about getting a MilPro too. Thanks to everyone for the info.... :D

[highfive]

I have a taurus pro and the first few times I shoot it I couldn't hit anything either. But I took my time I wasn't about to give up yet and my shooting improved so much that the pro is the other gun I'm usually carrying. well is the pro or the magnum, go figure lol but is an excellent gun, just the time they take on repairs for their warranty service is too much.

Not for my pro but for a rossi revolver that I have, same company basically, same warranty it took them like 3 months to send it back to me. too long to be without my gun, that's why I have a few :D Happy hunt

[CyBeRTRoNFLuX]

i have a PT145 (not pro) ,i shoot about 500rds everytime i goto the range.
ive put more or less 10,000 rounds thru it. any idea when i should expect
frame cracking problems??

[weregunner]

Using a magazine reloader helps greatly with putting in cartridges in.ADCO makes generic ones that fit most semi autos. Their double stack nine millimeter loader should fit the PT111.

I use a Ruger mag reloader on mine. PT111 Mil/pro that is.:D They have those at the Ruger website for sale.

Either way the thumbs get spared and the loading is made much easier.:)

www.midwayusa.com has the ADCO stuff.

[TonyB]

I have a pt111 non-pro and have had zero problems...feeds everything,is accurate and fits in my pocket....no cracks anywhere.....all in all I have had great luck w/ Taurus.

[possumburg]

I'll have to try the mag loader. It has loosened up a bit but still hurts the fingers a bit. It shoot good groups, just 3 to 4 inches low and same to the left. I think I can move the sights to correct for left to right, but will just have to adjust myself to hit higher. Not a single jam or anything yet, after 150 rounds. Awesome little gun all in all!

[dstorm1911]

Seeker two, LOL But I got such a great deal on this property...... and its got federal BLM land on 3 sides of me so NEVER will have any neighbors closer than two miles plus....... can extend my shooting range out to 1500 yards (800 on my own land the rest is on BLM land) but one lil tiny issue......... we are sittin right smack in the middle of the most popular rout for smuggling drugs and people in from Mexico.......... what can ya do? Well ya buy the d@mn land, ya build the house ya've always dreamed of and ya make it VERY hazardous for smugglers who get too close ;) ohhh and havin a few NFA Registered machine guns don't hurt at all :)

[dubious]

XDKingslayer and anyone else having trouble with accuracy, read my tutorial!

I used to be unable to hit the broadside of a barn with my Milpro 3rd Gen. I could only hit the 12" plate about 2/3s of the time from 7 yards and rarely from more than 10. I was so frustrated I was about to sell it. Then... I got some grip advice which has made me reasonably accurate with it.... YMMV. I have a lot of confidence with it now... with about 1,000 rounds so far I have had no malfunctions (except a loose pin I had to locktite... ick).

Try putting your pinky under the magazine and hold with NO pressure.... at least try it. For me it's ALL ABOUT THE PINKY. If you think that's too ridiculous, use your pinky on the grip with no pressure. Hold with your middle finger pretty hard and with less pressure with your ring finger. Your middle finger should have almost but not quite enough pressure to make your middle fingernail turn white.... and your ring finger should have significantly less pressure. Point your thumb at the target directly inline and below the pistol slide. Now wrap your other hand around your fingers and create some dynamic tension between your arms (not too much though).

Be sure to use the tip of your index finger and pull smoothly on the trigger... mine has a pretty heavy pull. With the Heine two dot sights, you need to put the front dot directly on the target... not directly below the target like with some other guns.

Also, I highly recommend a Hogue Handall Jr. grip, it makes the gun SO MUCH more comfortable and is like $10. Just put a little bit of lube (I used pellet gun rubber lube) in order to slip it on. I'm not sure I can get it off again without tearing it.

I have big hands... but taking these steps made me able to get 6" groups at 7 yards and 8" groups at 10 yards.... but my accuracy revelation was recent and my score is improving all the time. The sights are pretty big... this is a self defense handgun much more than a plinker.

If you need more advice, head over to the taurusarmed.net forums and check out the topic on the Mil Pros. Also check out this youtube video on pistol technique http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4584332856867071363 but don't forget to use the pinky like I said!

Now go punch some holes in paper!

[jeepmor]

XDkingslayer,

You may want to have a new crown put on your barrel. I'm not going to discuss your grip, stance or any of that nonsense since you are getting good results from other pistols. Plus, it's likely to run you less than shipping it to and fro Taurus. And you surely won't have to wait as long for the work to be done.

If you have a friend that has the same pistol and you shoot together, you might want to try shooting their firearm to confirm you can hit the side of the proverbial barn. Then maybe swap out barrels to see if it starts hitting the barn wall where you want it to.

I have about 2K+ rounds through my PT145 2nd gen DAO model and have yet to find a pistol that eats ammo as well as this one with the exception of XDs and Glocks. I've seen kimbers and sigs both stumble on ammo this thing just gobbled up. I think I've tried at least 12 different factory and handload combos without a hiccup. I did get a stovepipe on some handloads at the cowboy target load levels, which barely cycled the action to honest. It was the load, not the gun. The brass was landing on my feet, and in a couple rounds, they bounced off the top of the slide itself after ejection.

My wife's PT111 runs like a champ too, and is the same 2nd generation type gun. I'm overly happy with it also. It has a slightly narrower grip than the PT145 and my wife really likes the Hogue handall also. I don't have one on mine for I ccw it, and don't really like the stickieness of the Hogue grip during the summer's sweaty love handle months is all.

Have fun with it and please chime in on how you like the SA trigger. I suspect it makes it much easier to be accurate considering that long heavy, but smooth, DAO pull. But I digress, when I CCW DA/SA pistols, I carry them chambered and in the DA mode, not SA. Just for another extra dose of safety, nothing more.

[dubious]

Jeepmor... i know the pinky-under-the-mag trick sounds silly, I only use the pinky thing for my Milpro. I thought it was a bad idea the first time I heard it on the boards, and I didn't really try it very hard at first... but then in desperation I tried it seriously and it worked for me. I've also been trying to ween myself off the pinky under the mag, but no luck yet.

I've never had a problem shooting sub compact glocks or any other pistols... so I never tried the pinky thing with any other guns. The PT-111 is definitely a particular challenge for me. Before you send your milpro back to Taurus (GASP... it'll be a few months before you get it back), try changing the grip.

[seeker_two]

dubious: You just described the hold I already use when I shoot my Ruger Blackhawk....interesting... :scrutiny:

[XDKingslayer]

First off, thanks for all the tips guys I do appreciate the help.

I have tried the pinky under the grip. It didn't make a difference. I've shot other small pistols since I've gotten the PT-138. One that I shoot often is my father's Bersa .380. It has a small grip just like the PT. I also shoot that one with a pinky under the mag. I shoot that pistol great. To the point that it upsets my father (he shakes a little from medication).

Jeep, I'm glad you mentioned the crown because it's something that has bothered me from day 1. The crown just looks funny...It seems like it's cut low on the barrel. It looks like the thickness of the barrel at the top is greater than the thickness of the barrel at the bottom. Almost like it was reamed either at an angle or not straight down the barrel.

Feed-wise, in my attempts at making this thing accurate, I have tried every ammo under the sun and this thing eats everything I throw at it. I've never had a single jam, FTF, FTE, stovepipes, nothing in over 3000 rounds.

I've got 2 boxes of Speer coming this week and it's going in a ransom rest at one of my local gunsmiths. That's the only way to rule out the human part.

[dubious]

XD... maybe you can get a really pro shooter to try your gun? I had one try mine and it showed me the problems was me.

[Frandy]

As far as accuracy, I only shoot this baby at pretty close range. I had a very good day at the range, but here is what I got first time out with my lowly Pro 745:
http://homepage.mac.com/franman/.Pictures/Handguns/Millenium_745_targets_3_March_2007.jpg

[XDKingslayer]

XD... maybe you can get a really pro shooter to try your gun? I had one try mine and it showed me the problems was me.

First, I don't have any "really pro shooters" in this area that I know of. Second, if I was getting these results with every handgun, then I would start looking at myself more closely. But I'm not.

Either way, the ransom rest, if it will accept this pistol, will be the end all of arguments. If it shoots well from the ransom, then everyone that has shot this pistol poorly simply sucks. But I'm not expecting that result...

As far as accuracy, I only shoot this baby at pretty close range. I had a very good day at the range, but here is what I got first time out with my lowly Pro 745:

I couldn't get those results from this gun without powder burns. However, if I had my .45GAP XD...

I can also see yours prefers 230 gr Speer. My GAP XD also seems to prefer Speer be it JHP or ball.

[MisterFubar]

I feel your pain XDKingslayer. I recently picked up a PT145(second gen)in an odd trade and am having the same problems. I put about 400 rounds through it and I couldn't consistently hit anything. Had several friends with me that day and it was the same for them. I wouldn't say any of us are "really pro shooters" but none of us have ever had a problem qualifying expert for Uncle Sugar.

I plan on trying it out again this weekend, maybe all 4 of us were having a bad day, although we didn't have a problem with any of the other guns that we were firing.

As the gun didn't really cost me anything if I can't get decent results with it, it will probably become a backup to a backup to a backup.