Actually found a Taurus Instant Backup in 9mm

[Shear_stress]

So I was annoying (imagine that) the long-suffering folks at my favorite gunstore recently when I noticed an odd revolver in the case. It looked like a run-of-the-mill Taurus revolver that was slightly "smooshed" (to use a technical term) back to front. In other words, it had a slightly shorter barrel and cylinder than their usual small-frame revolver.

I asked to see the gun, and it turned out to be a Taurus Instant Backup 9mm in stainless with a bobbed hammer spur. I was under the impression that these never even reached store shelves.

So what's the scoop on these guns? It seems like this gun was a good idea on paper, but never really lived up to expectations. Does anyone own the elusive IB? Strangely, I talked to a Taurus guy on the phone today, and he said all of their 9mm wheelguns have been discontinued.

 

[Old Fuff]

There were some in Tucson as early as last July. I wasn't aware that they'd dropped all of their 9mm revolvers, but if so I think it has more to do with problems with the full-moon clips rather then the revolver itself. I am still hopeing to find one in .32 H&R Magnum and maybe .22 LR. It amounts to a shortened version of the regular model 85 series, and in my opinion would make a neat little pocket gun.

 

[Shear_stress]

It amounts to a shortened version of the regular model 85 series, and in my opinion would make a neat little pocket gun.

Yeah, that's what I thought. It sort of reminded me of the old S&W I-frame, but chambered in a pretty serious cartridge for a pocket gun. As a diehard Smith fan, I noticed that the IB actually had a pretty light and smooth double action pull as well. Shame that we won't be seeing many more of these guns. It would be nice if S&W would step up to the plate, but, after the 547 and 940, I wouldn't bet on it.

I wasn't aware that they'd dropped all of their 9mm revolvers

Neither was I until I talked to the Taurus rep. Until then, I thought only the IB series was cancelled.

 

[ducktapehero]

I wasn't aware that they'd dropped all of their 9mm revolvers, but if so I think it has more to do with problems with the full-moon clips rather then the revolver itself.

I had a Taurus 455 and the "Stellar clips" were a bit flimsy. Other than that it was an excellent gun. I gave it to my Dad and he refuses to give it back.