Range Report: Taurus Model 431 .44 Special...

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Some years ago, I bought this revolver as the price was right and examination in the gun shop showed it had a pretty good single-action and a usable double-action, though certainly not that of a Smith & Wesson. Unfortunately, S&W did not offer a .44 Special this size. The M431 is a fixed sight, 5-shot double-action revoler, having a 3" shrouded barrel. It is made of stainless steel with trigger, hammer, and internal parts appearing to be hardchromed steel. The pistol came with checkered, wooden grips. (I think they are Goncala Alves, but don't remember for sure.) I quickly replaced them with the black, checkered rubber ones offered by Uncle Mike's, now Butler Creek. The gun is very similar in size to an S&W K-frame.

The Revolver: The revolver is stock with the exception of the stock change mentioned above.

The revolver has small fixed sights and a wide, grooved trigger. The firing pin is frame-mounted. While I don't think that this model is still being produced, they can be found used in gun shops and at very attractive prices. The stainless steel finish is polished on the sides with the top strap and barrel top matte finished. The front sight is serrated.

Ammunition: In today's shooting, the following loads were used:

Average velocities were based on 10-shot strings, fired about 10' from the chronograph.

Triton 165 gr +P Quik Shok:
Average Velocity: 1097 ft/sec
Extreme Spread: 34
Std. Deviation: 13

Corbon 180 gr JHP:
This is an older lot of Corbon and the bullet appears to be Hornady's 180 gr XTP. I do NOT know if this bullet is still being used or if they've gone with Sierra bullets as in other calibers.
Average Velocity: 1021 ft/sec
Extreme Spread: 28
Std. Deviation: 13

PMC 240 gr SWC: (plated similar to Winchester's "luballoy.")
Average Velocity: 680 ft/sec
Extreme Spread: 15
Std. Deviation: 5!!!!!!

PMC 240 gr JHP:
Average Velocity: 867 ft/sec
Extreme Spread: 35
Std. Deviation: 13

Handload:
240 gr Rucker CSWC (moly-coated)
7.6 gr Unique
Winchester Large Pistol Primer
Starline Cases
LOA: 1.49"
Average Velocity: 878 ft/sec
Extreme Spread: 109 ft/sec!!!!!!!
Std. Deviation: 41

Handload:
240 gr Rainier Plated "Funnel Point" (moly-coated)
7.7 gr Unique
Winchester Large Pistol Primer
Starline Cases
LOA: 1.50"
Average Velocity: 864 ft/sec
Extreme Spread: 66
Std. Deviation: 25

Handload:
Speer 200 gr Gold Dot Hollow Point
8.5 gr Unique
Winchester Large Pistol Primer
Starline Cases
LOA: 1.48"
Average Velocity: 933 ft/sec
Extreme Spread: 48
Std. Deviation: 20

Handload:
Hornady 180 gr XTP (moly-coated)
9.0 gr Unique
Winchester Large Pistol Primer
Starline Cases
LOA: 1.47"
Average Velocity: 1052 ft/sec
Extreme Spread: 57
Std. Deviation: 27

Shooting: Groups fired at both 15 and 25 yards were fired seated and using a 2-hand hold with a rest, single-action. The double-action firing at 10 yards was done standing w/2-hand hold.

15 Yards: Each group consists of five shots.

Windage appears just fine and elevation's fine at this distance. The front sight is small and I did have problems seeing it clearly.

25 Yards: Two groups of 5-shots each were used. At this distance, you can see that with the heavier, slower load, a 6 O'Clock hold would be about right. The faster, lighter load had POI matching POA, at least for this revolver and my eyes.

Even with my less-than-great shooting today, it's obvious that at least this particular gun is dead-on with the faster rounds IF you like a dead-on hold.

10 Yards: 10-shots total were fired standing and using the revolver's double-action with each shot being fired as quickly as I could at least get a "flash sight picture."

The sharper-recoiling Corbon was used as it might be more similar to what would be used in a self-defense situtation.

Continued...

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Conclusion...

Observations: First, there were no failures to fire and the primers were dented well and pretty well centered. I do not shoot this revolver much a tall, but it does remain loaded 24/7 as a house gun with a speed loader close to it.

Recoil was not a problem in this gun. While felt recoil is subjective, I would describe this as being like a +P .38 from a K-frame 2" like an S&W Model 10 or 2 1/2" Model 19, but with more muzzle flip and "big bore push." I do heartily recommend the rubber grips. Purchase was very secure and extremely comfortable...to me. The original wood grips banged the base of my thumb. A little reshaping might have solved that problem, but I much prefer and recommend the Uncle Mike's.

Extraction was positive and no cases sliped the ejector star, but you must briskly depress the ejector rod or the cases will NOT fully extract. I had no problem kicking out cases one-handed, but it must be done sharply.

I slowly depressed the ejector rod for this picture. As you can see, the cases didn't make it out. This is similar to the S&W J-frame .38s and their 2 1/2" Model 19. Just remember to "get with the program" and there will be no problems. I had none.

This is not the gun to try and boost to quasi-.44 Magnum velocities. Cylinder walls are thin and the forcing cone is not the heartiest I've seen, but for "sane" loads and probably limited +P commercial use, it should be OK.

Currently, I've been keeping the gun loaded with Triton 165 gr Quik Shok rounds, but was pretty impressed with the Corbon load. Though I suspect it IS, the Corbon box is NOT marked +P like the Triton.

Fired into water, this Corbon 180 gr JHP expanded to 0.60"X 0.59" by 0.44" tall. Recovered weight: 177.4 grains.

As Triton is rumored to be going under and I still have a bit of this left, it might be the next load used for serious purposes in this revolver. Estimated penetration in the water was about 14".

I was rather disappointed in the Speer 200 gr GDHP handload which was increased from my last use where it half-way expanded when fired from a 6 1/2" S&W Model 24. Kicked up to an average speed of 933 ft/sec, expansion was "iffy" in the "scientific mud expansion test."

Two of the bullets expanded pretty well, but the third acted about like the lighter handload fired from the longer bbl of the M24 a time back. I suspect that this one needs about 1,000 ft/sec for reliable expansion, even though Speer recommends it for speeds of LESS than 1100 ft/sec. If I'm correct, this is a fairly narrow velocity range for reliable expansion. (It might be fun to crank this up in my 8 3/8" Model 629 for "explosive" effect on smaller critters. We'll see.)

This was an accurate bullet in the Taurus. I'll try for a little more speed, but might not use this one in the Taurus for longevity concerns.

Triton's Quik Shok expanded in the mud shooting, but none broke into 3 separate pieces as designed. I suspect that the velocity is just not there or perhaps it does better in tissue than in "scientific mud."

I've had good luck with the Quik Shok in 9mm, but am not all that impressed with it in .44 Special.

To me, this is a decent revolver. I do not like the grooved trigger as for me, a smooth, narrow trigger would've been prefered. My major complaint with the revolver are the sights. They're are small and I find them difficult to see in a hurry. Not only is the front sight similar to a nub, it tends to "fade" to my eye. I blackened it with a Marks-A-Lot and that helped. The double-action on this revolver is quite usuable, but it is no Smith & Wesson. Of course, you don't pay as much, either.

So what's it good for? Rightly or wrongly, there are folks who prefer a caliber beginning in a "4." Many of us tend to that with autoloaders so it should not be so surprising that wheel gunners might feel the same way. I like the fact that this is a K rather than N-frame size revolver, even if it does have "only" 5-shots. It is NOT the revolver for a SWAT officer facing a clandestine lab full of suspects, nor is it for taking out hordes of advancing enemy soldiers! I think it makes a viable house gun or one for the private citizen concerned with facing one or two punks intent on doing him or her with bodily harm. I personally think that in this size handgun, one's better served with something like a Commander, but if you don't like or trust autos, this is a sensible choice in my view. The PMC 240 gr PMC JHP is not that much different than 230 gr ball from a 5" .45 auto, as I truly don't expect the former to expand and the Corbon 180 gr JHP is sort of in the same "ballistic ball park" as the 185 gr JHPs available in "forty-five auto." You do have but 5-shots before a reload is mandatory, but it I THINK 5 well-placed shots will be sufficient for most situations that I, as a private citizen, might face. (NO! I emphatically do NOT favor limiting magazine size and strongly oppose the '94 Crime Law's ban on these magazines.)

I could sure be wrong, but I've generally thought that we run out of time before we run out of ammo in most deadly force scenarios. I also believe that most folks will wait too long to defend themselves against deadly threats. We've been taught all our lives to harm no one and this mind set's honorable, but must be overcome when dealing with violent predators. Otherwise, none of the rest matters.

I see this pistol as something for the hiker or camper wanting "something" not too "big," but capable of handling most critters, regardless of the number of legs, in the lower 48 states. It's a plinker, but will never be used for formal bullseye or IPSC competition, but primarily, it's a defensive arm......and the sights damned sure won't snag!

Even without the "best" defensive tool, a person using proper tactics and his head might well prevail against an aggressor. Still, there's a "luck factor" in any defensive situation and therefore, a roll of the dice.

There have been quite a few complaints about Taurus revolvers, but I've had no problems with them in my admittedly limit experiences with them.
This one's given perfect reliability. Should you opt for one, I'd suggest firing it quite a bit with lighter rounds like the PMC 240 gr SWC. Once the gun appears to be working fine shot after shot, you might fire a few of your chosen defensive load and then then clean it meticulously. Every so often, the pistol could be shot with the warmer loads, but do suggest that its primary diet be standard pressure .44 Special.

Best.

 

[DeltaElite]

Awesome report as always.

I wish someone would load that 200gr Gold Dot up a little.
I prefer the heavier bullets over the lighter 165gr offerings.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Yes, I agree.

Best.

PS: Thank you for the compliment.

 

[JohnK]

Great write up Stephen. It's to bad Taurus doesn't make a 3" un-ported version anymore.

 

[Preacherman]

Stephen, would you please post the grip size/model number of those Butler Creek grips you put on it? I have a 431 also, and would like to put those grips on it, but don't know which model to choose. Many thanks.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Inside the stocks, was printed "Uncle Mike's" and the model number 59009. I looked at the Butler Creek site and did not find these listed.

Best.

 

[WebHobbit]

My buddy Elmo (ElmoH here on THR) has a 5-shot .44 Special Smith & Wesson that's built on the L-frame. Seems nice. I haven't shot it (yet).

Has that stupid lock hole on the side. I just hate the looks of that. He has his loaded as his "bed-side gun". He's got some wicked looking Speer Lawman Hollow-points in it. I don't what grain/velocity but a LOT of the .44 Special factory loads are really weak. I guess they are afraid someone will blow up their old Colt SA and sue or something.

Anyway I just don't trust Taurus ever since I bought a new .38 from them that was key-holing with factory jhps. Turns out all the charge holes were WAY OVER-SIZED.

 

[mec]

another excellent report. I need another revolver like a hole in the head but if I did need another one, I would be encouraged about the Taurus. The news about the gold dot may not be as grim as the mud test makes it seem. I fired several into a big stack of cow brisket and the results were gratifying. I was surprised how much the relatively slow WW Silvertip expanded too. From 4" 29:

Speer Gold Dot 200 833 308
WW 200 Silver tip 743 245
Federal 200 Lead HP851 321

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello, mec, and thanks for the compliment. By the way, that is a very fine picture of the expanded, recovered rounds you show. I'm glad to see that the 200 gr GDHP appears to expand in tissue at 833 ft/sec. This velocity is very, very close to what I got chronographing the round a time back. I'll piddle about with that bullet some more.

Best and thanks again.

 

[Oleg Volk]

Stephen,

Are your reviews archived anywhere? If not, maybe I could post them off my web site...

 

[s&w 24]

exellent review you did a great job. I'll be passing this on thother 44 special shooters.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello and thanks for the compliments.

Mr. Volk, I don't know that they're all archived, but quite a few are over at Pistolsmith.com under "Gun Tests". If you like, I'll send them to you for archiving.

Best and thanks either way.

 

[Oleg Volk]

Could you zip them up first?

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Hahahahahhahahhahaaha! Well, I flat don't know. I think you're asking if I can do some kind of zip file thingy. All I can say is I'll see if my wife can do that; she's muuuuuuuuuuuuuch more into the computer stuff than I am. Might be a day or two as we're going on a short trip, but I'll try.

Best.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Thank you for another enjoyable review. This is a favorite caliber of mine, and I've thought of these since they came out.

 

[seeker_two]

I came VERY close to buying one for < $200 last year, but I passed. Thank you for reminding me just how stupid I really am...:banghead:

Great review, sir. And many thanks...

 

[fallingblock]

Another "well done" here...

Appreciate your comprehensive and well-written reviews, Mr. Camp.

 

[Leadbutt]

As always SC, well done that little pistol has been a sleeper for years, I bought one a few years ago and sent it back to Tar for a slick up, fir the wheel gun fans it is the best of both worlds

 

[boo586]

I just saw one of the Blued Taurus 431's in a shop near Indianapolis this past Wednesday, 3inch barrel, pretty good shape (85 to 90%) and was wearing the Taurus wood grips. The guy had it listed at $250.00. It looked like the gun was worth it, but I got me the Mint S&W Model 15-4 with a 2 inch barrel for $265 out the door.


Boo586

 

[Stainz]

It is good to see a positive report on a Taurus .44. I opted for the discontinued S&W 296 & 696 .44 Special revolvers recently due to their low price. The 296, listing for nearly $800 once, is now available for as low as $349 new locally, despite it's having been dropped in 2001. The 296 weighs in around 21 oz with five CCI Blazer (Al cased.) 200gr GDJHP's aboard, it's Al-alloy frame, 2.5" SS barrel liner, Ti cylinder, totally enclosed hammer, and fixed sights combining to make a nice, albeit large, CCW. It is limited to 200gr non-lead-only ammo, according to S&W. The 3" barrel SS 696 weighs over a pound more, but has adjustable sights and no ammo restrictions. I paid $439 new for my 696 despite it's cancellation last fall, it has all but faded from the distributor's inventory. The 296 didn't sell well, apparently. Sadly, I paid $359 for mine.

The CCI Blazers with 200gr Speer GD JHP's are about all one can find around here to fit the 296, save the odd box of 180gr a gun store may have. Thankfully, the only stock of the Blazers is the 'Academy Sports' chain - they have them for $12.99/50 - even on Sunday (Remember, Alabama still has the 'Blue Law', limiting what/when things can be sold on Sunday.). The 296 has only fired the Blazers thus far - they hit POA at 12yd. The recoil is better tamed, ie, that lunky backstrap covered, by the 696's OEM grips, the original 296 boot grips being too small for me and allowed that open backstrap to whack me. I got a square-butt version of the same 696 OEM grips for the 696 from S&W - great improvement for both revolvers. The 696 has mainly a diet of 215 gr LSWC, 240gr LRNFP, and 240gr (Ranier) FP over 4.0-5.1 gr W231 in Starline .44 Russian & .44 Special brass. Fun revolver for plinking. Likes those Blazers as well, although they hit a bit differently (hotter) than my plinker loads, requiring height adjustments on those thanfully adjustable rear sights.

I don't understand why S&W has all but abandoned their own load, the .44 S&W Special, as it approaches the century mark (1907-2007). The combination of the 296/696 - the 396 Mountain Lite - is still there. So is the 629MG, and mine is restricted to .44 Specials (I have a SRH in .454 Casull when I feel I need more emphasis.). I really like the .44 Special - great plinker/target/defense round. Boom-push instead of an ear-splitting crack and a jerk. Hopefully, the quality of the current Bulldog and Taurus offerings has improved.

Thank you, Mr. Camp, for a fine review.

Stainz

 

[D.W. Drang]

Steve, as always, another excellant review. In fact, it might be of use to any of us who would like to post a Range Reprt to review some of your reviews for pinters; perhaps you could post an outline of what to write and where?

I also LOVE yor last two photos and their captions; Oleg, you might want to think about stea... er, borrowing those for posters...

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello and much appreciation for the kind words.

As to how to do the report, what I do is open with a brief description of the gun and some general statements concerning its popularity or when it was bought, whatever comes to mind and "flows."

Most readers here are not all that interested in the technical aspects of a pistol or revolver, just how it works, IF it works, and what can be done. It's sort of similar to a chemist's view of morphine vs. the addict's.

I write from the "addict's" frame of reference.

Describe the firearm and post a picture if possible that shows the thing in fair detail.

Lay out the type of ammunition you used for the test. This is the expensive part. Let them see it via a picture if possible.

Describe the shooting done, method, distance, etc.

At this point I include any chronography or added aspects to the particular report. This is frequently where the "scientific mud expansion tests" come in.

I conclude with "Observations," which acts to sum up the entire post, lets the reader see that it's ending, and give the "This-is-what-was-done and This-is-what-I-saw-happen" part of the report. I guess it's where you say if the gun met your standard or not and mention weak/strong points.

Nothing says that any range report has to be done that way a tall; it just works for me and might for others. The main thing is to be somewhat organized with ammo in one general area, function or lack of in another, accuracy in another, such that the thing doesn't "jump around" and insure that it "flows" smoothly.

Best.