[hillbilly]

That Thunderbolt rifle (Taurus version of the Colt Lightning) looks awful fun to me.

Hmmmm...........


http://www.taurususa.com/main/Newfor2004.cfm

[Zer000]

That thunderbolt does look pretty nice, I'll be interested to see the Instant Backup in 9mm. I wonder how much the Gaucho will be running for, it might be enough to satisfy my SAA itch, but it does list the " famous Taurus Security System" as a "feature"... :barf:

[Deadman]

Does anyone have any idea how much the Taurus .45 pump rifles will cost?

[Dr.Rob]

Well if they want to stay competitive, the AWA Lightning is running $750 or so, the USFA's retail price is still a mystery.

Wicked cool. I like. Make it in 44 mag, I'll buy.

[milton]

The minature 9mm revolver looks interesting. Why not a concealed hammer version for pocket carry?

[Josey]

Yaurus is blowing smoke. Vaporware. The alledged Thunderbolt is a AWA Lightning. They had it on display at the SHOT show. Taurus has done this before. Rossi made an excellent SXS shotgun. Taurus ceased production AFTER announcing it at a SHOT show years ago. The 905 revolver seems to be vaporware at this time also. The Gaucho is a question also. I am wondering about the Lightning clones. Navy Arms is NOT going to make one. USFA hasn't produced one yet. AWA Lightnings are plagued with many problems and basically, don't work. I take Taurus annoouncements with a grain of salt. They suggested a $450.00 retail price for their Thunderbolt. I doubt they will be more than vaporware.

[racenutz]

The 905 revolver seems to be vaporware at this time also.

The 905 is not vaporware, I've seen them at gun shows in my area & even considered buying one.

Here's a range report that's on THR http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52518&highlight=905

Here are 2 of them for sale on Gunbroker if you want to buy your own
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=16153747
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=16087859

Does Taurus usually announce new products at the Shot Show & then take almost a year to start shipping them? All of their new products have release dates no sooner than the fall of this year. CZ introduced their new Rami at he the show & I'm picking up mine on Thursday.

[Old Fuff]

Taurus is trying to be up-front by publishing the APPROXIMATE release dates for new products.

As for the small "Instant Backup" revolver. For starters it will be available in 17 HMR and later, 9mm. The frame is about 1/4" shorter then a regular model 85 series. Yes, a hammerless version is under development, but don't look for it too soon.

[mtnbkr]

How does the size of the 905 compare to a S&W j-frame, such as the 36?

Also, what exactly is that 500Magnum they listed? Is it a 500S&W, or something else?

Chris

[Old Fuff]

The "Instant Backup" model 9051-SS1 in 9mm is about the size of S&W's old "I" frame, which was about 1/4 inch shorter then a "J" frame. Taurus took their basic 85 series frame and shortened it, and the cylinder about 1/4 inch. Somewhat like the relationship between the Colt Police Positive and Police Positive Special. No need for a long cylinder when chambering for the 9mm Para.

The new 500 is based on the Raging Bull frame, five shot, chambered for the 500 S&W cartridge.

[Rob Pincus]

Actually, I gave Morrison a lot of crap at SHOT this year over the delayed/redesigned 24/7 and he acknowledged the problem. He was very candid about the cowboy action guns and said that they wouldn't ready until June at the earliest. This wasn't special insider info, that was what everyone at their booth was saying.

Meanwhile, the new 24/7 looks like it might be a good pistol... at least as good as a Springfield XD... and it will be available in .45acp.

The industry as a whole has a real problem with premature annoucments of new products that are still in development. Look at the Glock 37..... :(. See more about that in the May issue of SWAT....

[Old Fuff]

racenutz:

I looked at the guns on GunsBroker.com, and I don't think they are built on the new "short" frame. One clue: The new guns have boot-style grips that don't cover the backstrap.

[racenutz]

looked at the guns on GunsBroker.com, and I don't think they are built on the new "short" frame. One clue: The new guns have boot-style grips that don't cover the backstrap.

Nope, I don't think the shorted frame guns even have model numbers yet.

Josey was referning to the 905 which is allready out & has been for at least a couple of months.

[Old Fuff]

Manufacturers usually make up their catalogs during the fall months preceding the year, and make their introductions at the SHOT Show (for distributors and dealers) and at the NRA Convention (for retail buyers). In these catalogs they put everything that they expect to produce sometime during the year. The also release prototypes to the "gunrags" for testing and promotional articles.

Some manufacturers (Taurus is one) tell their dealers and distributors up front when they expect to start making shipments. Others just look the other way and let you wait, and wait, and wait .... One well-known gunmaker made it a practice to announce a new model before it was even tooled. Then they'd see what the reaction was and set up accordingly. This I think was a little less then honest.

Let’s be fair. No company can put all of the new products into production at once. Be it cars, guns or whatever, these things are scheduled.

[4v50 Gary]

I'd like to see the insides of the Thunderbolt rifle and their SA revolver.

[Old Fuff]

racenutz:

Yes, they have been issued model numbers and approximate delivery dates. Right now I'm being pushed by my editor, but if you want to know about something in particular I'll try to post it - although it may be tomorrow.

[Josey]

My reference to the Taurus 905 being vaporware was alluding to their scarcity. These are like Elvis sightings. I have heard, my cousin Bob said, my wifes brothers uncle told my brother in law, etc. I have NOT seen the 905 sitting on storeshelves. I am hoping K's Merchandise will get a few. I could see a pair in a Bell Charter Oak double SOB rig. Taurus hasn't given us a 44 Mag for awhile. The UltraUltraLite is a nice idea. I could see uses for one. I hope they become reality.

[Old Fuff]

Gary, the Single Actions look a lot like the Beretta "Stampede" from what I could see. They are Colt size, handle like a Colt (load from half-cock) but have a frame-mounted firing pin and transfer bar safety. The general reaction from cowboy shooters was positive.

[WhoKnowsWho]

Ohh... .38 Super option coming out! I don't even know why I want a .38 Super, but do we need a reason for anything? :D

[ceetee]

I'd like to know who would want a snubbie revolver in .17HMR??? Is that for when you're about to get mugged by squirrels?

[Crownvicman]

The Gaucho looks pretty nice too. I'm going to have to buy a Taurus soon.

[hillbilly]

Well, here's a Taurus 905 that's going quickly...

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=5465540

[TBeck]

I'd like to see a forcing cone on that Ultra-Ultralite .44 revolver. Talk about a barrel/cylinder gap!