Taurus metallurgy better now?

Which models are they making in the U.S. factory now? I think they originally started with the Spectrum and maybe the TX22? Also, which models are actually manufactured at the U.S. plant vs just being assembled there?

You might want to look at this thread from the Taurus Forum. Seems to me that they still have serious problems.

https://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/taurus-product-problems.33/

1942bull said:

Seems to me that they still have serious problems.

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Most all firearms manufacturers are having serious problems since adopting the business model which uses the initial purchaser as their quality control. They all say 'just sent it back'. Getting it fixed when that is necessary is just as much of a crap shoot as getting a newly made gun to turn out decent.

I buy used guns these days, and the older the better in most every case.

Dave

I haven't bought a Taurus in years and most of mine have been revolvers. I've always considered buying a Taurus a crap shoot. I have won the toss a few times and gotten some great guns. I have lost the toss more than once and had some crappy guns and interactions with Taurus customer service. I hope they get better, but it has to be a smoke'n hot deal before I consider any Taurus these days. I have usually just sucked it up and paid more for something I had more confidence in. Your mileage may vary.

I have been fortunate with my Taurus firearms. They all have been holding up well. Even my Heritage revolvers. They are now made by Taurus. Only problem i had was with my Tracker when i 1st got it. Rear sight blade was loose. I called about it. This was during their move. The rep said it would be 6 months before i got the new sight. It did arrive too after 6 months. I fixed the original with Loc-tite after i zeroed it, It's still holding up. I have the new one in my parts organizer.

Years ago I had a Taurus model 82. Basically a model 10 . Very well made and accurate. No issues

I have repaired a few revolvers, they look something like a Smith outside, but the similarity ends at the door. Inside they are different, I would not bet my life on one. I built a 92 because it had a browning style frame safety, into a SA 9mm Major, Comp gun, Novak melded sights, round cut slide cone comp, supporting guide rod, trigger bar stop screw. Shot 160g 38 Super bullets. It was a good 9mm gun with Beretta interchangeable parts. Gave it to my son. IPSC outlawed he 9x19 Major gun. So went back to my 45s.

I have had some Taurus revolvers I've liked a lot. They've made their Models 66, 82, and 85's (and variants) for many years now, and I've had good examples of each.

I'm also the original owner of a PT99 circa 1990 and had a nice G2C until recently.

Taurus is not my favorite maker, but I don't avoid their revolvers if the price is good and they have a decent trigger.

I believe the Model 689 below is just a Model 66 with a vented rib and full lug. It was their top of the line fancy model, back when it was new in 1990. It's still a good shooter.

I like Taurus revolvers. I own 2 of them. Never had an issue. I do not hear much if any complaints about their revolvers. I have no qualms about buying another. They have some new offerings with interesting out the box features at a great price. With that said, I am not interested in any of their polyer firearms.

My last was this all stainless 3" Taurus 942 for $320 NIB smack dab in the middle of COVID gun prices a year and a half or so ago. With ammo prices being what they are, it's what I shoot the most at the range when I go. Glad I brought it. No regrets.



Full stainless, nitride, or cerakote finishes. Ships with Hogue, Altamont, or G10 VZ grips. The front sight is a pinned Tritium night sight. Good trigger, 6 shots, all stainless, great price, and no locks. Seen these as low as $300ish. Will probably be my next revolver purchase. Being all stainless with a nitride or cerikote finish, it will make a great cheap humid weather truck and tackle gun.

Styx said:

I like Taurus revolvers.... With that said, I am not interested in any of their polymer firearms.

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Same. I have no interest in their newer offerings.

Even the "established" models of their revolvers might or might not have a decent trigger.

I'm okay with their models that have a long favorable track record, if it's an example that happens to have a nice trigger.

When I think of the gunsmith bills for altering a rough looking PD trade in S&W M10 to the cult object 3" roundbutt, the Taurus 856 Defender looks like a reasonable bet.

Tallball said:

Same. I have no interest in their newer offerings.

Even the "established" models of their revolvers might or might not have a decent trigger.

I'm okay with their models that have a long favorable track record, if it's an example that happens to have a nice trigger.

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There revolvers are basically the same even though they are new models. They just have different lengths, finishes, etc. The newer model 856 is basically an old Model 85 with an extra round. There are even trigger spring kits for some models of Taurus revolvers if you want to improve the trigger.

I think the 856 has a slightly larger frame than the 85. My LGS had a 3" stainless Model 856 with a nice trigger and I would have bought it on the spot for $399 plus tax, if I wasn't already making a 3" Model 85 as a project. (I'll post it over Christmas break, or whenever I finish).

My other recent project has been a 3" Model 82. I replaced the grips and mainspring, and ground off the hammer spur. Now it's a pretty reasonable carry piece for K-frame size. I'll try to post a pic in the next couple of days.

(When I show everyone how ugly these revolvers are now, no one will say, "You should have done that to a nice S&W instead.")

Styx, I appreciate the words of encouragement. What I've done is not much, but I've largely learned how to do simple things like that by taking part in conversations on this forum. Good encouragement and advice for less experienced members is always appreciated.

I never had any problems with metallurgy on my Taurus guns, it was all in machining. My first Taurus, first gun ever, a Model 83, had a badly made barrel that Taurus TWICE claimed "met specs". It ripped the jackets off bullets and you had to pound out the lead and jackets with a brass punch. Every six shots. My much later 809 had some issue and jammed a lot. I just sold it off to a friend who has it running OK now. A replacement 809 is fine, as are my 658 (8 shot 3" .357), 2 Millenium G2's, aPT-92, and a 66. That 83 made me avoid Taurus guns for over 35 years.

The metal Taurus uses isn't the problem, it's been the QC and for the past few years Taurus's newer stuff, especially the semi autos seems to be quite decent. The revolvers I don't know much about outside the Judge, but Taurus revolvers have been Unobtanium for almost two years now. I would say if you can find an 856 somewhere and give it a good look over and see nothing wrong, go for it. Certainly not going to find an all metal Ruger or S&W new anywhere near the price of the Taurus.

TTv2 said:

The metal Taurus uses isn't the problem, it's been the QC and for the past few years Taurus's newer stuff, especially the semi autos seems to be quite decent. The revolvers I don't know much about outside the Judge, but Taurus revolvers have been Unobtanium for almost two years now. I would say if you can find an 856 somewhere and give it a good look over and see nothing wrong, go for it. Certainly not going to find an all metal Ruger or S&W new anywhere near the price of the Taurus.

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I've seen Taurus revolvers available at several retailers online all throughout the pandemic till this day and for a great price. There has never really been a shortage of them. I agree with you though, you are not going to find a comparable new or used aluminum or stainless framed S&W, Ruger, Kimber, or Colt for anywhere near the price if a Taurus. For whatever reason, they seem to be able to put their revolvers together without mucking anything up.

There are a few used and new polymer semiautos that can be obtained for not much more than a NIB Taurus. They have a better track record, warrenty, and are made by a more reputable company. The same can not be said when it comes to revolvers. An all stainless Taurus J frame for example goes for around $300, doesn't have a lock, and has 6 rounds. A Ruger or S&W J framish NIB will cost between $700-$1000 +/- and are only 5 rounders. Also keep in mind that Taurus revolvers frames are also forged and not casted which is impressive at their pricepoint.

Having owned three or four Taurus revolvers over the past 15 years, only one was surprisingly reliable, a 44 magnum Tracker. In the last year though I have bought three of the Taurus 856’s, one with the 2” barrel and two with the 3” barrel. Had an initial problem with one where the cylinder would spin freely at all times. After a good cleaning and slight deburring it functions 100%. I also own a Ruger, Colt, and Smith revolvers but must say that for the money these new Taurus 856’s are fine handguns.

Between my brother and I we have had a dozen Taurus handguns. None have been junk. Some have had problems, mainly trigger pull and timing on the J size 22s. I have a Tracker 17 that I'd put up against just about anything within twice the price for fit, finish and accuracy. My experience with the Judge family as owner and store sales is: A. Interesting idea poorly executed. B. Relevant support missing. Every one I measured had cylinder throats as much as .012" oversize and leaded horribly with lead bullets. Sent in for service (after agreeing on the phone to a proper cylinder swap) they'd come back unchanged with the note : adjusted timing.
The autos have been fine.
Old, old pre-Bangor Punta examples (before about 1972) were all pretty good. Same with Rossi.

Styx said:

I've seen Taurus revolvers available at several retailers online all throughout the pandemic till this day and for a great price. There has never really been a shortage of them. I agree with you though, you are not going to find a comparable new or used aluminum or stainless framed S&W, Ruger, Kimber, or Colt for anywhere near the price if a Taurus. For whatever reason, they seem to be able to put their revolvers together without mucking anything up.

There are a few used and new polymer semiautos that can be obtained for not much more than a NIB Taurus. They have a better track record, warrenty, and are made by a more reputable company. The same can not be said when it comes to revolvers. An all stainless Taurus J frame for example goes for around $300, doesn't have a lock, and has 6 rounds. A Ruger or S&W J framish NIB will cost between $700-$1000 +/- and are only 5 rounders. Also keep in mind that Taurus revolvers frames are also forged and not casted which is impressive at their pricepoint.

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For used semi autos one could find like the Ruger SR series, M&P's, etc. sure they have the benefits you mentioned, but not everyone is in a position where they can get a used gun and have to rely on what's on the shelves and meets a budget. The Taurus G pistols hit that price point perfectly and are decent. The TX22 is according to all I've seen said about them as good as any other polymer .22 from any other US maker.

The only thing I wish Taurus would get on board with making for revolvers is .32's. Once well made (sorry Charter) and affordable small frame .32's hit the shelves in the US, there's going to be an increase in interest much along the lines of 10mm the past 5 years.

PapaG said:

Between my brother and I we have had a dozen Taurus handguns. None have been junk. Some have had problems, mainly trigger pull and timing on the J size 22s. I have a Tracker 17 that I'd put up against just about anything within twice the price for fit, finish and accuracy. My experience with the Judge family as owner and store sales is: A. Interesting idea poorly executed. B. Relevant support missing. Every one I measured had cylinder throats as much as .012" oversize and leaded horribly with lead bullets. Sent in for service (after agreeing on the phone to a proper cylinder swap) they'd come back unchanged with the note : adjusted timing.
The autos have been fine.
Old, old pre-Bangor Punta examples (before about 1972) were all pretty good. Same with Rossi.

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The Judge does have that issue, it's on all of them. Mine is I think .456" and my solution is to use hollow base bullets or plated Berry's for shooting. I wonder how the S&W Governor's throats are?

The same. We got leading with played bullets regardless

I’m not sure why moving to the US would improve either metallurgy or QC. As for customer service, it depends on if they can find people willing to work. Plenty of garbage is made domestically. Unfortunately.