Taurus 65

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Waterboy3313

Waterboy3313

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I've been thinking about buying a new 357. I have a new Taurus 605 that actually really impressed me. I've only got a about 100 rounds through it but I am actually happy with it and at ccw qualification distance I shoot it better than my S&W shield 9mm. Being in the market for a new revolver I'm considering the Taurus model 65. I like the 605 but I want a larger frame and a longer barrel for general plinking fun. Also being in CA my options are somewhat limited and the Taurus 65 is on the roster. With my only Taurus experience being with the 605 I'm curious to hear from anyone who has a 65 and your thoughts about this particular revolver.

I'm seriously considering it for like a birthday/Christmas present to my self next month. It's either the Taurus 65 or a S&W for twice the price. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
I have an older, blued Taurus 65. I like it a lot. It's about identical to my K frame Smiths. It has a rubber grip that I assume is factory as there is no aftermarket logo on it but it's very comfortable in my hand. Very very close to my Smith and Wesson 64. But in .357 Mag.
I don't think you would be disappointed with a Taurus 65.
 
If it's for plinking and/or target shooting, I would go for the Model 66. It's the same revolver, but with adjustable sights.

I've had three Model 66 derivatives and all of them have been good. (One was stolen from me and I still have the other two.)
 
I owned an older, blue Taurus 65 with wood grips some years ago. I didn't shoot it much, but it shot just fine when I did. I sold it when something brighter and shinier caught my eye, but I'm sorry I did. The finish on that gun was as nice as anything I've ever owned.
 
Like I mentioned before my only experience with Taurus has been with the 605. During the 10 day waiting period I started to regret my decision thinking I probably shouldn't have bought it. In the end I was happy. It's obviously not a high dollar pistol and being it only has a 100 rounds through it I'm sure the trigger will get a little better as it gets used more.
I'm not sure the 66 is on the CA roster but I will look into that. Thanks to all of you for your input I appreciate it.
 
The key with Taurus, even NIB, is examining the EXACT gun you will receive with the standard litany of the revolver checkout procedure.
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When previously purchasing any of my guns pistols or rifles I have always handled the one in the store that goes home with me. I'm not an expert by any means especially with the revolver as I only one. What are some things to look for that might be commonly over looked? Especially any issues with a Taurus?
 
I've had a Taurus 357 with adjustable sights for 30+ yrs, it has been a good shooter and has surprised some friends with accuracy. My opinion on magnums is you need at least a 4" barrel to recognize the extra power. I have another 357 without adjustable sights and if it's not a carry gun I would suggest them. The rubber grips don't look as nice as wood but feels better in your hand.
 
Mostly I will be punching paper at fairly close distance. For that I will probably be using 38 special the majority of the time. I have a ton of 38 special brass and just got my 38 dies in the mail this week. So I will be loading my own.
 
Waterboy3313

I'm agree with Tallball in that I would rather have the adjustable sights on the Model 66 rather than the fixed sights on the Model 65. Also keep in mind that current Model 66 revolvers are 7 shots while older ones were 6 shots like the current Model 65.
 
I definitely have to see if the 66 is on the roster. If it's not I'm out of luck. There a several pistols I would like to buy but the majority of them can't be bought new in CA.
 
For plinking fun and range use, adjustable sights are recommended. Your'e also just getting started in reloading, right? You'll be wanting to be able to adjust sights to your inexpensive and accurate low-power reloads. I bet you'll wish you had them later if you don't get them now!
 
The model 66 is a no go. It's not on the CA roster. The 65 is either it or going to have to double the price for a S&W. I like the looks of several Taurus revolvers like the raging bull. Too bad CA is the way it is.
 
Carried a stainless 65 for a great any years as a general woods/desert gun.

Never had a SINGLE problem with it over many, many hundreds of rounds. I liked the non-snaggin nature of the fixed sight and aside from plinking and the first round or two being snake-shot, I determined exactly where my favored Federal SD rounds patterned and adjusted accordingly.... Never once missing an adjustable rear.

STUPIDLY, I traded it off rather than outright buying the other gun.


Todd.
 
There is nothing wrong with fixed sights. Most 38/357 fixed sights are regulated to shoot standard 158gr bullets to the sights. I have owned several Taurus fixed sight guns and two shot a little to the left. That was an easy fix. I just filed a little on the right side of the rear sight notch until they were hitting point of aim. Then I used touch up blue where I had filed. And the slighty wider notch made the front sight easier to see.

The only thing about the new Taurus guns is the ugly matt finish they are using. I guess its cheaper. The old Taurus guns had some really nice bluing on them and you could see your reflection in them. My favorite Taurus guns were the ones from the 1980s thru the 1990s before they switched to the "Ribber" grips. The old wood handled models were usually very well built, smooth working guns.
 
I don't own any shiney pistols. I went with the dark finishes because I conceal carry and I don't want anything attracting unwanted attention. The model 65 I am looking at is shiney not exactly sure if it's nickel or stainless. I figured it might be more durable.
 
Taurus use to offer nickle plated guns but any newer guns should be stainless steel.

The model 65 I am looking at is shiney not exactly sure if it's nickel or stainless. I figured it might be more durable.
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Don't worry about blue finished guns. The world is full of blued guns that are over a hundred years old that work as well now as they did the day they were built.
 
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My Kimber is blued (I assume) and my holster has scratched it pretty bad. I think stainless would be kind of a nice change. I usually don't care for bright and shiney things but I would be interested in seeing how it holds up.
 
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