Opinions are like a__holes, everybody has one and they all stink. Now facts, on the other hand, are proven and generally recorded for their intellectual use in the future. Did I just say that????
10 years ago I would have not owned a Taurus firearm, why.....because they were cheap copies of an original, that in itself, has a grand following. You know the Japanese have a nack for reverse engineering and we have some great inventions to show for that intelligent way of doing business. Now if Taurus had only continued to "copy" other manufacturers products and never come out with some of their own designs....well I might share your opinion but I am here to give some facts.
5 years ago I bought a Taurus 415 revolver in 41 magnum. While not the best trigger in the world.......it went bang every time I pulled the trigger for over 3000 rounds, it was reasonably accurate for a snubby, and well built. How do I know......by tearing it apart and inspecting the components to find out how it worked. The internals were no more "rough" than any Smith, Colt or Ruger revolver that I have looked into. The fact of the matter is I got what I paid for and it served the purpose adequately. I would buy another!!!
2 years ago I bought my first Taurus semi-auto. A PT-145 Millennium Pro. A pocket sized 45acp that holds 10+1 in the mag. I was impressed at how compact it was, but was skeptical. I read.....a lot!! Hearing that sub 4" barrelled 45acps are nothing but trouble, I figured this gun might just be the crow that I have to eat. You see I showed it to all my shooting buddies and they all laughed at it, and me. They new I knew my firearms and have seen the quality guns I own......they wondered if I had lost my mind. Well some 4000 rounds later, 3 of the 4 also have one. Why???? Fact #1- It is well made and the ergonomic design makes it very comfortable to hold, large or small hands. Fact #2- It has shot, very accurately, every time I pulled the trigger, almost unheard of these days. Fact #3- It is just a hoot to shoot. I was at the range today, and the Taurus was there with me, as well as both of my Wilson Combat 1911's and my Springfield XD-45. I burned about 500 rounds through the 4 guns and the Taurus had the mags reloaded 10 times. Five reloads in each magazine yeilded 10 ragged holes. What more can you ask for. If I have to send this gun to Taurus for any repairs....I will do it gladly....why???? Because it works, every time I need it to...fact!!!!
What I am trying to say here.....My son wanted his first 1911. I bought him a PT-1911 from Taurus. The gun dealer let me do a teardown and inspection of the parts prior to purchase......amazingly it looks just like my former Springfields, Colts and even my Wilson Combat 1911's when I cannot see the manufacturers name on it. I know that my son will be thrilled with his first 1911, from his dad......and from Taurus.
Merry Christmas
Big Mike