I'm still glad Taurus is around. Ruger seems to have had a few bouts of bad revolver QC lately. And Taurus offers a far broader product line, especially for CCW -- where Ruger basically offers one choice, the steel framed SP101. It's a superb little .357 Magnum carry gun, but it's a belt gun for most of us. Taurus makes zillions of different featherweight snubbies that are so convenient and popular for pocket carry.
If a Taurus revolver catches your eye, run the THR revolver checkout on it assiduously -- I wouldn't buy a Taurus sight unseen or without being able to handle the specific gun in question.
I agree. While I love Ruger revolvers, their variety sux. I own THREE great Taurus revolvers. Two were bought used at gun shows for cheap, cheap compared to Smith prices and, frankly, quality is superior to a lot of worn out used Smiths I've seen for a lot more money. I don't even look at new Smiths, ain't rich. Accuracy out of both guns is astounding, and I've owned several Smiths, two K frames and an N frame.
On edit: what Ruger doesn't have is any sort of lightweight line...but then again those are the most troublesome Taurii...
I'm not sure about the Titanium stuff, but I can tell you the M85s and the Ultra Lites are FANTASTIC. The ones I've handled, including my own, had a trigger FAR superior to a Smith and I've heard few gripes. I've heard a lot of gripes about the 9mms and of the .22s, the M94s. But, then, I've heard from happy owners of both. I'd say, though, that the M85 and 85ULs are among the best Tauri offered. My two M66s are pretty tough to beat, though, too.
Yes, at the prices, I've written off buying any Smiths anytime soon including used ones. They're just outrageously high around here. The two Taurus 66s I bought were under 200 bucks, one of 'em like new about 10 years old, the new lock-work, nickel plated. A used M19 Smith equal in condition would be $500 and shoot no better, quite possibly worse considering the accuracy of that particular Taurus. I gave $197 for that one at a gun show.
I've been looking around for a used Security Six. I found one the other day just like the one I traded some time ago, stainless, 4". They had a $400 tag on the thing.
It was at a pawn shop and the pricing on all their stuff was such that they won't sell anything unless it's to a fool. I walked up to the counter and saw it and got a little excited until I saw the price tag, just turned around and walked out. I'd give $250 for one, maybe, but no more considering the price of Taurus used revolvers and they're great shootin' guns.
I own three Ruger single action revolvers that are fantastic. I don't have any DAs, though I'd thought about getting a 3" SP101 for a long time. One shop here had one for $400. I bought a 3" Taurus blued M66 at a gun show not long ago, though, to use in lieu of the SP101. It was 180 bucks. It had a timing problem, but turned out to be a simple problem. It was shootable as was, wasn't going to give any more than that, talked the guy off of $200 for it when I showed him the timing thing. It's very accurate, tight, and now perfectly timed and I've been carrying it IWB. It's only a few ounces more than the SP101 3" which is very porky for a smallish frame 5 shot. The Taurus also has the adjustable sights I wanted and holds an extra shot. So, I think I done good. Ruger needs to broaden their line of small frame guns for CCW, but they over-build everything they make. That turns out to be GREAT in the single action stuff for shooting hot loads outdoors, but it's not good for CCW users and that's a BIG market they're missing out on IMHO. The SP101 is popular, but they sure need some light weight .38 models, maybe a titanium SP101, some pocket auto wouldn't hurt. That's not Ruger, though. So, if I can't find the Ruger I want, Taurus is certainly a great alternative. I don't even look at Smiths anymore, just out of my budget and I just cannot justify what they cost.
