Taurus 431?

[lowercase]

I ran across a Taurus 431 .44spl today at the LGS.

Gun looked almost new. Had a 2.5" barrel, and a high polish stainless finish. Also had round butt with original wood grips.

The lockup wasn't "bank vault" tight and had a little side to side play, but seemed okay, and truthfully wasn't any worse than what I've seen out of some newer Smiths. This gun looked to have spent most of its life tucked away in a drawer. Price tag was $329.

Anyone have one of these Taurus .44s?

Feedback and pricing info appreciated. Thanks.

-lc

 

[Dan-O]

Yep. Mine fits the same description. Paid about what you did about 8 years ago. Good gun, wish I would have bought a few more back in the day when they were still a catalogued item.

 

[PapaG]

Ok gun as long as you accept the fact that it is a 44 Special and not something to hot rod. But why would anyone as the spec is about equivalent to 45 acp anyway.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I had a blued one for awhile. Good build quality, shot high with 240/246 gr ammo.

 

[lowercase]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, I went back to get the gun and it had sold.

 

[Bullseye]

Too bad you missed out on it. The wood grips on mine are rounded and cover the grip frame but it is a square butt. Now I have synthetic grips on it. I have some grips for a S&W that I may be able to tweak and they look that they will fit nicely with minimal work but more than minor fitting.
Very close to a K/L frame S&W but not quite the same. Mine is a blued version fixed sights and don't regret paying about $400.00 for it EXC in the box.
If I ready it for single action, the cylinder gets locked nicely in place with very little play, if any at all, which is as it should be.
Just wobbling the cylinder uncocked, there would be more play and be normal.
If you see another nice one, don't drag your feet. Mine is a very comfortable and accurate shooter.
Bit big for cc, but these are one of the better model Taurus revolvers from what I've read.

 

[joneb]

Mine is a good shooter, I would have offered $300
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=199012&d=1401332036

 

[Dan-O]

I like the looks of that blued one. I have the same Uncle Mikes grips on mine.

 

[Panzerschwein]

With the Buffalo Bore 190 grain hollow points or the Corbon DPX copper hollow point, it should make a good defensive piece. Congrats!

 

[Tallball]

I wish I had one. I've heard nothing but good things about them. Since I already have 3 44 special revolvers it's probably not happening soon, though.

 

[CajunBass]

Shame you missed that one. I had one not too long ago that I really liked, but sold it when the chance to buy a Smith & Wesson Model 69, 44 Magnum at a nice discount popped up.

I do miss that 431 though.

That was a good price too.

 

[RealGun]

People want one but are they willing to pay for one? As a desirable but discontinued model with scant competition, the gun is easily worth $500 just for starters. I have a 431 and 441, the latter of which shoots single hole groups according to my gunsmith who cleaned and polished the internals for me. I don't personally shoot well enough to tell. The 431 groups at about 11 o'clock and an inch or two left at 50 feet. I have Taurus's test target and they indicated that is "within spec". It's on the SELL shelf.

 

[bannockburn]

lowercase

Sorry to hear you missed out on the Taurus. I have been looking for one to go with my Ruger Flattop Blackhawk in .44 Special.