How does the S & W Model 617 revolver compare to the new Taurus revolver in .22 LR

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stinger 327

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GunReports.com) -– Taurus has introduced the Taurus® Tracker 992, a revolver that easily transforms from .22 LR to .22 Magnum in seconds with a button-release 9-shot cylinder.

The Tracker 992 comes equipped with the Taurus Ribber Grip® that reduces felt recoil and a strong, ordnance-grade steel frame. Additional features include a single-action/double-action trigger, low-profile adjustable sights and vent-rib that accommodates an optional scope mount base.

Available in blue or stainless-steel finish with a 4- or 6.5-inch barrel, the Taurus Tracker 992 has an overall length of 8.9 to 11.4 inches and weighs 38 to 44 ounces. Like all Taurus handguns, the onboard Taurus Security System® allows users to securely lock the gun using an inconspicuous key-lock. MSRP $545 - $592.
 
Taurus has come a very long way from the quality when they first started importing guns into the USA, but they're still at least a long step below S&W in quality, fit, finish, and operation.

I personally put them below Ruger.
 
You'll just have to handle one of the Taurus revolvers and make your decision. I can's say that Taurus has distinguished itself with its Model 94. So, why would this 22 revolver be any different?
 
I think you should get the innovative new Taurus, be the 1st kid on your block to own one

it's a dirty rotten, thankless task, but somebody has to do it
better you than me
 
Taurus has come a very long way from the quality when they first started importing guns into the USA, but they're still at least a long step below S&W in quality, fit, finish, and operation.

I personally put them below Ruger.
I remember Taurus as copycats of the S & W revolvers or was that copies of the Berettas auto pistols?
 
So this thing is the same price as the smith? That's like asking if you should buy a Vette or a miata if they are priced the same!
 
What's wrong with a miata? If it's a new one and it cost as much as a vette, there's a decent chance that what's under the hood is going to blow the vette away.

I had a taurus tracker in 22LR. It was... terrible. It spit lead out both sides, had a DA trigger pull somewhere near 30lbs on half the chambers and only 17ish on the others and couldn't hit the broad side of a barn (unless the barn was standing next to you on the firing line, the spitting was that bad). My suggestion would be go with the smith and don't look back.

As for smith/ruger/taurus quality... well, smith and ruger make guns that work.
 
When you have problems with quality issues, put out a new model. Yeah, that will fix it!

The interchangable cylinders is a nice touch if the "button release" system works and is reliable. You buy something like this believing you have a lot of flexibility designed into a single gun (like the Ruger Single Six) and you change out the cylinders a few times and leave it on your favorite caliber (usually LR). But hey, you always have the option.
 
So this thing is the same price as the smith? That's like asking if you should buy a Vette or a miata if they are priced the same!
Nothing is priced like a Smith. The S & W always costs more. But I'll take the 427 Corvette.
 
I had bad luck with a Taurus 94 in the mid-90's. The bore was so rough that leading would clog the barrel. Sent it back to Taurus and they cleaned it and sent it back with a note that said "barrel clogged". I returned it to Taurus again with a rather direct note and they replaced with another one that was almost as bad. I don't miss it.
Maybe their quality has improved since then but I wouldn't bet my own money on it.
 
I had bad luck with a Taurus 94 in the mid-90's. The bore was so rough that leading would clog the barrel. Sent it back to Taurus and they cleaned it and sent it back with a note that said "barrel clogged". I returned it to Taurus again with a rather direct note and they replaced with another one that was almost as bad. I don't miss it.
Maybe their quality has improved since then but I wouldn't bet my own money on it.
It seems to be the quality is going down at S & W also.
 
Never shot the tarus. But the 617 is my favorite gun to shoot ever. Everyone loves it-whether they're experienced or its their first time. Everyone asks about it. Can't go wrong.
 
From another thread, a poster says that he emailed Ruger, and was told that the SP-101 in .22LR is to come back out later this year. Something to think about -- since I've been thinking about the two guns you inquire about, that's another one I must mull, too.

timothy
 
If Ruger does, I hope it is an 8-shot and the trigger is a bit improved over the previous SP-101 22. If they do that and keep their price in the same area as their other revolvers, they'll have a winner. There is definitely room in the market for something "good" other than a S&W 22 revolver. I find that a bit frustrating as somebody who really does like DA 22 revolvers. S&W needs some competition in this market niche.
 
S&W has always had an excellent reputation for their 22 revolvers. The model 17 and 617 are great guns and hold their value. Virtually everyone that has or have had one will rate them top notch. Tarus does not have the quality that you will find in the Smith.
 
Last year I bought a Taurus Tracker because it was hundreds less than the S&W 617 and had a nice trigger. It failed out of the box; after 2-3 shots, the cylinder would jam. This was remarkable for a revolver, particularly a
.22. My dealer took it back, I paid the difference and bought the S&W 617. Absolutely no regrets, it is such a fine handgun. I liked it so much that I have since purchased a S&W Model 41 Semi. Two target grade .22 Smith's.

IMHO; you will get what you pay for.
 
The 94 Taurus is one of our most "smithed" guns....almost never have one come through that our "smith" doesn't have to try to smooth/lighten the trigger and they are now tending to come with sticky locking bolts.

Have had both. Wish I'd never let the 617 go. It is what my 63 should grow up to be.
 
The 617 is far better. You want a good 22 DA. Find a 22 Trooper or a good, used OM 22 Colt. Either will pit the Taurus to shame. Dave
 
I bought a 617 6" 10 shot and decided this was the finest .22 revolver I have ever owned. I willed to my GS, now I have to buy two more.
Jim
 
As others have stated go with the Smith. Taurus seems to be pushing them out the door. We've had several go back most brand new in the box. Since Smith dropped the price on the 642/637 series we have pretty much quit carrying Taurus 38 snubbies. Still have Judges and others but it seems we have one or two at Taurus at all times.

Compared to the Smith their warranty work is slow. Think 2-6 months for Taurus and 1-4 weeks for Smith. Plus your out the Shipping to Taurus. Go with the Smith it's ten times the gun.
 
Shops out there: call Taurus, ask for customer service and explain why you want to ship back...they'll give you a call tag and email you a shipping label. (In most cases)...we seldom wait over two weeks for the gun to come back.

That said, I don't think new guns should have to go back as often as Taurus products do. I'm trying a new one on them now...sent a Judge back Wednesday...heavy leading due to vastly oversize chamber throats. I'd written to them months back and lately the guns are coming in at the proper .452-.453 instead of the mid to high ..460s. When I called and explained what I wanted the tech asked for the serial number, then said he'd send the label. I made sure that they were eating the cost of the new cylinder. We'll see what comes back.

Again...initial quality is low. Repairs can be fast but sometimes have to be done more than once. I don't buy them any more for me.

PS....my old Tracker 17 is still, excepting my match chambered Contender 22, the most accurate handgun at 100 yards I've ever owned. Sub 1" groups (full cylinder) on a very, very calm day.
 
S&W > Taurus.

Open up the Taurus and then open up a S&W. You'll see why the lockwork of the S&W is superior. Buy American.
 
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