Stainz
Member
Where legal, I conceal carry either my 642 with it's usual .38 Spcl +P 158gr LHPSWC Remington R38S12 load or my similar but slightly larger 296 with the first-up a 240gr LSWC followed by four GA Arms 200gr Gold Dot JHPs (.44 Special). The latter is for areas with larger critters, up to black bears. As the days march by - and my wrists worsen, that 642 sporting 148gr full LWC's becomes more appealing to carry. Also, in the pocket carry lite weight mode, I have a new contender - a 351PD 7-shot .22WMR that weighs ~11 oz loaded. While there is no recoil, it's muzzle flash would worry Smokey The Bear in the dry woods while it's bark would attract Zombies; ie, it's so loud it would wake the dead! Plus, unless you fear fighting feral ferrets, even the Hornady 45gr FTX 'Critical Defense' rounds have questionable stopping power.
I never bought a Taurus initially because of the porting - but ultimately from the somewhat poor dependability they have had in my range-mates' hands. The three friends' examples that had problems had each been 'on my list' to buy - 5-shot SS .45 ACP, SS .22 WMR, and a Ti .44 Special. None of them would shoot two cylinders full without problems, while their venerable M85 & M66 proved reliable. It has taken some time to acquire what I have from S&W, but they have all demonstrated they are dependable. As others have said, those who got a 'good' Taurus have been happy.
Stainz
I never bought a Taurus initially because of the porting - but ultimately from the somewhat poor dependability they have had in my range-mates' hands. The three friends' examples that had problems had each been 'on my list' to buy - 5-shot SS .45 ACP, SS .22 WMR, and a Ti .44 Special. None of them would shoot two cylinders full without problems, while their venerable M85 & M66 proved reliable. It has taken some time to acquire what I have from S&W, but they have all demonstrated they are dependable. As others have said, those who got a 'good' Taurus have been happy.
Stainz