No luck when it comes to semi autos...

[LoneCoon]

I bought a brand new Taurus PT738 on Saturday in preparation for my upcoming CCW course. I got to the range, loaded up some ammo and *click.* Eject the round, try another. Same thing. Try different ammo; same thing. I try again a few times and it finally fires. Fires again, fires again. And back to the clicking. Awesome, I got a lemon, I'm going to return it today.

I have another Taurus (PT945) my dad gave me that worked flawlessly for 8 years when he owned it. As soon as I get it, one of the trigger springs breaks, needs to be replaced. Replace it, it breaks again. Replace it, now it won't stay put. Won't fire more than once before the trigger won't engage.

Another pistol I own, a CZ-52, keeps getting the hold open latch stuck underneath the follower for the magazine. It also occasionally fails to return to battery. It's easy to fix, sure, but it's still irritating.

This just seems to be a problem I have with semi-autos. The only semi auto I have that works flawlessly is a S&W 439. Anyone else have similar woes when it comes to semi autos or should I just stick with revolvers?

 

[NinjaFeint]

I think you have two guns from the same brand that some people don't think is reliable (no accusations just stating what I read) and one that is old and may have parts that need to be replaced. You may want to try either a Glock, Sig, XD or another Smith.

I have 3 autos, a Glock, a Ruger and a Kahr. They are all reliable.

 

[LoneCoon]

I've heard Taurus "used" to have reliability problems, but the fact that a gun I bought doesn't work out of the box really isn't selling me on their apparently better craftsmanship. Admittedly, it is a brand new line, so all the bugs may not be worked out yet, but still what the hell Taurus?

The other one just broke as soon as I took it out to the range. No mention of any problems in the years before when my dad had it. Go figure.

 

[NinjaFeint]

Again, not bashing Taurus but I would suggest trying one of the brands that is known for their reliability.

 

[Mad Magyar]

Those things happen with semi's, more often than wheel-guns and I include all-brands. Many that don't have complaints just don't shoot often enough.
If it wasn't for the dreaded cylinder-bulge, I'd stick to my revolvers when I carry....Having said that, I've always felt that if you keep your semi's in good working & well-lubed condition; you'll lessen your chances of FTF...Good luck..

 

[Logan80]

It's weird how things work out sometimes. I have a Taurus PT145 that's flawless, a Kel-Tec P-11 that's flawless, and a Colt 1911 that I had quite a few issues with. Sometimes it's just bad luck I guess...

 

[Zundfolge]

You're working from a very small sample here but here's a couple things I noticed.

1) first pistol is a brand new sample of a brand new design. Lots of room for bugs there (regardless of who made it). So you have an un-broken-in example of an un-proven design.
2) second pistol has a problem part. Not sure if this is a problem with quality aftermarket replacement parts, or if its not being assembled correctly. Have a pro look at this one (and I bet it can be made as reliable as it once was).
3) third pistol is a mil-surp pistol from a com-blok country. I don't know anyone that trusts a CZ52 for self defense (not even Russian soldiers).

Honestly it looks like you have a perfect storm of coincidences, so I wouldn't give up on the autos yet. Besides, wheel guns aren't perfect (just wait until you find one that's out of time).

The S&W may be heavy as hell, but it'll make a serviceable CCW piece with the right leather.

 

[nerdiegurl]

Had problems w/ Taurus long time ago and never bought another one. Never cut corners on your firearms, pay the extra $$$ and get a higher end name brand, chances of having a problem is far less. I have a Browning BDA and love it. It's not the most expensive but it's not the cheapest either. They started producing them again and I think they run about $700, depending on blued or nickel. Mine is from late 80's early 90's when Browning contracted Beretta to produce them. Nickel, Browning BDA .380 / 9mm short Walnut grips ~ Very Sexy! Over 2000 rounds, since I've had it, and never misses a beat. I also only use full metal jackets and NO hollow points. (I also take mine to the local "gun smith" for regular maintenance ~ yeah! just like a car.) Excellent well made firearm that contains no plastic. My husband just got rid of a gun because he had the same "Taurus" problems with it and is now hoping I get him a new Browning like mine for his Birthday. (He's getting one, along with the high cap. mags. so he'll leave mine alone.) These guns come with awesome well constructed mags as well. 13 round mags are my fav.
~as long as I can remember, my dad always said "better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it". Don't know where he picked that up at but it always stuck with me.
Happy Shooting!
GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE, PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE!

 

[CornCod]

Sorry about your auto-pistol problem. There are good ones out there. However, maybe it would be good to follow your instinct and get a S&W snubby. I carry a S&W Model 60 all the time with no worries about jammng, even if it is theoretically possible.

 

[Mike J]

My experience with autos is much different than yours. I have a Ruger P-944 & a XD-40. Both of these pistols have somewhere around 2500-3000 rounds through them. The XD has never malfunctioned the Ruger had one ammo related malfunction about 1700 rounds ago.
I also have a Keltec P-11. I did have a couple of failures to feed with the first 2 magazines through my P-11 then it ran well. I also had a magcatch issue with this gun. I didn't know that the magcatch was plastic & could be damaged by slamming a magazine in. I replaced the plastic magcatch with a metal one I got from a guy on KTOG & it runs like a top now. If you like wheelguns thats fine. If not then I would say buy a good name brand gun & if something isn't right hold the manufacturers feet to the fire until they make it right.

 

[jigglyjames29]

Taurus' guns seem to be hit or miss. I'm not willing to take that chance. The 709 seems pretty neat though.

 

[3446]

I'm a revolver guy. That said I have both Taurus ans Smith & Wesson, both brands function flawlessly. My semiauto's are either Taurus or Browning. They are also flawless with proper care. Point is, dosen't matter whose name is on it, you could have problems, they all make lemmons. Take proper care of your firearms no matter what the brand, or style, and you'll get a lifetime of use out of them.

 

[Jed Carter]

Taurus makes a good revolver...