Taurus Revolver Security System - how to disable it?

[Rob62]

Today I traded for a used Taurus Ultra Lite, .38 Spec revolver. It seems like a well made gun. (FWIW - this is the second Taurus Revolver I own - the other one works flawlessly) The problem I have with it is that it has the “Taurus Security System”. I’m talking about the Taurus key lock system that turns a small detent in the top rear of the hammer that does not allow the gun to fire.

I really do not like this feature and want to permanently disable, or remove the detent entirely. I know that this will void any and all warranties and I am sure Taurus’ policy is not to do this. And I’m sure there are liability issues, but I am willing to accept those as well.

Has anyone here deactivated this safety and would they care to share with me how they did it? Feel free to PM or E mail me rather than posting this information here.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[MCgunner]

I lost the key. Now, it won't lock.

 

[Rob62]

MCgunner,

I guess I could loose the key too. But my concern is that at some un-opportune time possibly while firing, the safety may engage by itself without the key.

That's why I'd really like to just remove this feature if possible. It looks like the detente, if that's the right description, is just installed into a recess in the rear of the hammer. I suspect that I could drill it out and remove it. But I don't want to mess around with it not knowing more. That's why I posted here. I hope someone has been down this road before and will share their experience.

Rob

 

[MCgunner]

I guess I could loose the key too. But my concern is that at some un-opportune time possibly while firing, the safety may engage by itself without the key.

It's never happened to me and I've never heard of it happening to another Taurus. Smith and Wesson? Well, now, that's another story....

I think I'm more apt to have a jam in my flawless Ruger P90 than to have my Taurus lock itself. Even though that Ruger has never jammed, I can at least understand how it could happen, bad ammo if nothing else, or a bent feed lip or something. Having that lock lock itself just ain't gonna happen. Smith and Wesson is making everyone paranoid.

 

[mnrivrat]

Too answer your question , the lock is held in by a single cross pin in the hammer. The system is comprised of the lock pin, a small spring, a detent ball, and the cross (retaining) pin. You have to remove the hammer from the gun, drive out the tiny retaining pin and as you move the lock out of the hammer there is a small ball and spring to retrieve from the hole.

 

[doubleaes2]

I don't believe that Taurus's lock interferes with the inner workings of the gun. It looks like it works by interfering with the frame of the gun. I have never had any problems with mine, nor do I think I ever will.

 

[razorburn]

It's just a screw that bumps against the frame to stop the hammer from going all the way back. You can file it off, lever it off, cut it off with a hacksaw etc. or u could file a notch on the back of the frame.

 

[razorburn]

sorry, repost. Keep getting directed to a database error when I try to post, thought they didn't go through, but they did.

 

[razorburn]

repost

 

[MCgunner]

Yeah, this board needs some repair work. It's been screwin' with my head this morning.

 

[Rob62]

mnrivrat - Thanks! That's exactly what I was looking for.

With all the positive comments about those that have Taurus revolvers with the safety, I now may have to re-think if I really want to remove the safety at all. But I am still very inclined too.

Regards,
Rob

 

[hornsmoker]

I wouldn't do anything permanent [cutting or filing] to it unless you know for certain that you will never sell it, give away, trade it, etc. Modding it will devalue the gun as it is a safety feature that some would see as a plus.

hornsmoker -

 

[mnrivrat]

Rob62,

I understand what your saying. I have three Taurus revolvers with the lock and have had no trouble so far. However, it is just another thing that can fail ,even if very unlikely to do so.

It would be rather easy to remove the lock and make a small fixed plug (stainless or aluminum) that could be retained in the hole by the original cross pin. This would sit flush with the back of the hammer and take away almost any chance of failure. The original locking parts could be re-installed at any point, so no changes to the gun, no unsightly hole in the hammer, and almost zero chance of failure.

I guess what I'm saying is that it's not a big deal to remove the lock, but likely not a necessary step as they seem to be quite reliable.

 

[44and45]

I own a Taurus Tracker in .45 Colt, it has the key lock which doesn't bother me in the least. I never use the lock, its always in the off position and no mystical power is going to turn it on. Boo!

You should get over the compulsion to bind it up, you'll ruin your revolver's resale value by screwing with the lock...get over it, it won't hurt you...live with it.

Jim

 

[Glockensig]

No problems with my three Taurus' either.... maybe you should wait until at least one person has a problem!!!

 

[mainmech48]

I wouldn't permanently disable or remove any "safety" feature on any weapon that I might conceivably have to use in self-defense, IIWY. There will be at least one trial that goes with that act, and any plaintiff's attorney (State or private - criminal or civil) will make it an issue, whether it's relevant or not.

No, it hasn't happened to me personally, but I've read enough in Mas Ayoob's "The Ayoob Files" analyzing actual SD-related cases and Clint Smith's thoughts on the subject to conclude that I'd much rather learn from someone else's mistakes.

As I've never heard of the Taurus system malfunctioning during use, my best advice would be to just unlock it and put the key in a drawer.

 

[BryanP]

I've owned a Taurus 617SS since shortly after Taurus implemented the lock. It has a lot of rounds through it. The only time the lock has engaged is when I engaged it with the key.

 

[azredhawk44]

I have thousands of rounds through my taurus and the lock has never engaged... but is is a model 94 in 22lr. Recoil is extremely light and unlikely to activate the safety.

I actually like Taurus' safety system.

 

[Confederate]

Yes, I don't think there's any reason to deactivate it, but should you wish to do so, I imagine a drop of SuperGlue or liquid solder might do the trick. The locks are there, not because gun manufacturers think it's needed, but because your congressmen and state legislatures think it should be there. In some ways it could have been worse. They could have required an electronic key or something, but this has quieted them down for the moment.

It would be great if some pro-gun group sponsored an annual key "melt down" ceremony. The metal could then be cast in the image of the most idiotic lawmaker in the U.S. and presented to that lawmaker, whom I'm sure would not be there to accept it.

 

[jeepmor]

Look at it this way

The Taurus lock resides on the slide of their automatics, and mine has never moved. This mechanism you want to eliminate takes a pounding on my PT145at over 1500 rounds and has never "locked itself." Add my claims to the hundreds of these pistols out there and I don't think I've read any claims of this being an issue.

Let it go, have a bon bon and relax. Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

jeepmor

 

[sbowers2]

I have a Model 65 that had the Taurus Security System engage itself while shooting at an indoor range. I had put a couple hundred rounds of 38 through it, then switched to 357. After about 9 rounds, it locked. I checked with Taurus, and they said to take it back to the place of purchase, or another dealer to have it shipped back for repairs. After checking with the dealer, I didn't want to deal with the cost and hassle of the whole process. It is still taking up space in my gun bag. I may go ahead and see if I can disable it myself, worth a shot.

 

[Rob62]

Talk about thread resurrection from the dead.

The safety can be removed very easily. But note - I am sure Taurus warrantee would be voided.

FWIW - I have not removed or disabled the safety on my gun since posting this info years ago. I have had no problems with it. sbowers2 - sorry to hear you are not as fortunate.

Regards,
Rob

 

[Old Fuff]

1. Screw the lock all of the way out to the "on" position.

2. Swab the screw and hammer around it with GunScrubber or fingernail polish remover.

3. Put a drop of red Locktite (and no more then a drop) on the screw, and then screw it back in to the "off" position.

Wait overnight, and the next day the lock will be off, and will not move.

Note: Hammerless models work in reverse. Check them out before you Locktite the screw to be sure you're right.

 

[borgranta]

have it professionally removed by a gunsmith

I would recommend having it professionally removed by a gunsmith.

 

[Old Fuff]

I would recommend having it professionally removed by a gunsmith.

It might be difficult to find one that was willing to take on the legal liability because it's unlikely any insurance they have would cover it. Should they be sued later they'd be on they're own, and whatever money they made wouldn't be worth the risk.