S&W or Taurus .38, Whats the difference??

[Dgreno]

Specifically the S&W 442/642 and the Taurus model 850? I know the _42 is lighter and the Taurus has the shrouded ejector rod, but is there any notable difference in design? Does Taurus make an ultra-lite model similar to the 442 (blued)? I am just confused as to the differences that can justify the price difference in the two. I will be getting one (most likely a 442) in a few days and I just wanted some opinions. I know the _42 has MANY fans around here but please try to stay unbiased to S&W and only talk about the significant differences...
Thanks!
Dave

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO the S&W revolver is made better with a finer finish but others would argue the Taurus is a better revolver.
I guess it comes down to which one you like better, feels better in your hand and which one you shoot better.

 

[msb45]

Trigger Pull & Feel

I've owned a Taurus Mdl 85 for over 18 yrs. It's a good gun, still sits in a quick safe nearby. Bought a 605 a few years ago. It wasn't bad but it didn't have the feel or trigger pull of the S&W. I bought a 638 a year ago and never looked back. I just bought the 642 and in retrospect wasted time and money on the 605.

Heft them both and rent one to try if you can. For most S&W will cost less in the long run and have a better trigger pull which means better hits. It's all about bullet placement.

 

[Alan Fud]

Taurus 850 upper right and S&W 642 lower left ...

... The 850 is a more solid gun, has less felt recoil and fits my hand better. The 642 is lighter, slightly smaller and easier to carry & conceal.

 

[Dgreno]

Thanks for your responses guys. I would like to some 850 vs _42 posts, comparing and contrasting the two. Does anyone own both or have owned both inthe past? what do you think?