Taurus 96

[Winblows]

​

Hi!

I'm new to shooting (approx. 3 years) and my latest purchase is this Taurus model 96.
I know, that many would say, - why didn't you buy the S&M 17 Masterpeace ?
Well, I probably do in the future, and maybe the model 14 too.

Never the less, here I am with my first revolver and I am ready for learning the techniques of shooting, fine tuning and polishing the moving parts.
I believe, that this cheap edition of a revolver will suite my goal well.

I started using this one yesterday and spent about 20 rounds adjusting the sight.

So, the journey is ready to begin ...

I'm starting this thread for writing and reading my and others experiences with this gun.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Welcome to the forum!

I don't know if that model was ever imported to the US- certainly I've never seen one here.

It appears to be from the "golden age" of Taurus, though, approx.1985-1995. Every other Taurus Ive owned from that era was very nice, almost as good as their S&W contemporaries.

I'm sure you will enjoy it, congratulations!

Edit: I see they were imported here, but were, and remain quite rare in the US.

 

[WestKentucky]

If your wanting to tune it up, the first step is a spring kit. Very nice revolver, don’t let the Taurus bashers run you down, they are not bad guns. If you open it up for a spring swap, check it out for any burrs while your in there and you will be in good shape.

If you don’t get the responses your hoping for here, try taurusarmed.net there’s a huge revolver fanbase there.

 

[stonebuster]

Good luck with your "new" gun. Good looking revolver and looks a lot like a Smith.I thought it was a .357 until I noticed the 22lr on the barrel. I'll be interested in your review of the gun after you've had it a while. I've considered buying a used Taurus at times. A lot of people swear by those older Taurus.

 

[Tallball]

I have an Old Model 66 that's from the 1980's. It's one of my best-shooting revolvers.

Taurus Model 66

• Tallball
• Jan 6, 2018

 

[CajunBass]

I've owned two Taurus 96's over the years, and almost bought another one a few weeks ago. Only the fact that I've sort of sworn off 6" barrel guns stopped me.

There is nothing "cheap" about them. They might have been and still are "inexpensive" compared to the bigger names, but that didn't mean they were cheap. The fit and finish on the ones I had was as nice as any Smith and Wesson I've ever owned. They shot just the same. The only thing I could really tell different was the shape of the trigger. Not bad, just different.

I think their target grips are about the most comfortable I've used by anybody.

Good find, enjoy it. And hold onto it. Don't do like I did and sell/trade it off for the next bright, shiny thing.

 

[Winblows]

Thank you guys, I appreciate your attention.
I'm sure, that I will have questions regarding the inner side of this piece.
I'll do some polishing on the moving parts in a few days.

 

[Tallball]

What Cajun said. You got a VERY nice revolver. It might be "only" a Taurus, but they are very fine revolvers. You might buy several apiece of S&W's, Colts, and Rugers before you get one that's better. Hang onto it and enjoy it. It's a real keeper.

 

[Barry loyd]

I polished the bolt (trigger return bar) and the frame where it rides on my Rossi. Changing the hammer spring to a lighter weight may cause light primer strikes, yours being rimfire you need heavier hammer spring. The best trigger “job” is just shooting it. Nothing will slick up a revolver like a few thousand rounds.

 

[Walkalong]

It should serve you well. I do not have a 96 (.22 LR), but I do have it's big brother in .32 Mag. (Model 76). I enjoy it very much.

 

[Winblows]

Yes, I'm VERY impressed of the performance of this revolver. Very accurate and a pleasure to practice ... WOW. I was lucky to get a very good copy, no need for further adjustments.
In Denmark, the weapon law is very restrictive (I like that), I've ordered "the real thing", a S&W model 19-3 (6") and look forward to practice with revolvers ...
My new S&W model 19

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

Not that it’s the same model but I have a 94 that’s very accurate- the DA trigger was atrocious though. I found this on rimfire central and followed it with great results;


“Finally found the right combo of springs for my Taurus 94 revolvers. wolff 6.5 lb trigger return spring for model 85 and wolff 12 lb hammer spring for model 66 (cut to stock length). This setup gives approx 9 lb double action pull and a beautiful 2.25 lb single action pull, all with positive ignition using cci,agila,federal,remington, and armscor ammo. Thought I would share.”

 

[ThomasT]

I had the same gun several decades ago and wish I still had it. You don't need to polish anything. Just shoot it like it is. There is no comparing this gun with the small frame model 94. Mine had a fine trigger and I used it in falling plate matches back in the early 1990's. They come up for sale on gunbroker every now and then. You have a great gun. Enjoy it.

 

[mnrivrat]

"I'll do some polishing on the moving parts in a few days."

That statement is scary to me as I have seen a number of guns that have been ruined by someone who did a little polishing on them. If you have knowledge of what and how to polish and what to leave alone then no problem. If this is your fist attempt then I have two pieces of advise. First, do nothing but remove an obvious burr and the spring kit mentioned. (Wolff general makes a good kit). There are surfaces like the sears that should only be lightly touched by a fine stone to square them off and smooth m
them out. If you do this wrong you ruin the parts. I have seen guns that were polished and made useless. Be careful and delicate.

"In Denmark, the weapon law is very restrictive (I like that)"

I am not sure what there is to "like" about restrictive gun laws, but glad you live in Demark. We would be at odds with each other on that issue, but that's a different thread. Enjoy your Taurus, there is nothing bad about them in general. I own a couple of them and carry a nice light Total Titanium Model 731 on a daily basis. (.32 H&R Magn
um)

 

[thomas15]

I'm starting this thread for writing and reading my and others experiences with this gun.

You will learn much more about shooting this firearm in a day of actual range time than 100 forum posts on the subject so get out and shoot it.

"I'll do some polishing on the moving parts in a few days."

That statement is scary to me as I have seen a number of guns that have been ruined by someone who did a little polishing on them. If you have knowledge of what and how to polish and what to leave alone then no problem. If this is your fist attempt then I have two pieces of advise. First, do nothing but remove an obvious burr and the spring kit mentioned. (Wolff general makes a good kit). There are surfaces like the sears that should only be lightly touched by a fine stone to square them off and smooth m
them out. If you do this wrong you ruin the parts. I have seen guns that were polished and made useless. Be careful and delicate.

I agree with this. Taking apart a revolver is not like taking apart a Glock. I'm not saying don't get an understanding of things under to hood, by all means do that but there is a lot mechanical going on in a revolver. Also you probably can lighten up the action but there are a few things to consider as rimfire needs (I think) about 8 pounds of trigger to function. Before you do anything measure the trigger pull in DA it might not be too bad. Make sure you have good quality hollow ground screwdrivers before removing any screws on this firearm.

 

[If1HitU]

Sweet looking Taurus 96 revolver.