Taurus Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Finalized

[wally]

I registered here
https://www.tauruscartersettlement.com/

When I first heard about the issues with the Millennium pistols and today received this notification: (I don't think I'm violating anything by passing on this notification)

Class Members may start filing claims on October 9, 2017.

You are receiving this email because you registered on www.tauruscartersettlement.com to receive updates about the class action settlement involving certain pistols manufactured by Taurus. The Settlement has been finally approved and benefits are now available to Settlement Class Members. You may start filing claims on October 9, 2017. The claims period will run through February 6, 2018.

Claim forms may be filed online at www.tauruscartersettlement.com.

If you do not wish to file a claim online, you may obtain a claims packet by mail. To get your claims packet, contact the Settlement Administrator at 1-844-528-0180, or send a letter to:

Taurus Class Action
Claims Administrator
c/o Heffler Claims Group
PO Box 230
Philadelphia, PA 19107-0230

Eligible Settlement Class Members have options:

1. Cash Payment: From October 9, 2017 - February 6, 2018, you can file a claim for a cash payment. Upon processing your claim and shipping your Class Pistol back to Taurus, you will receive up to $200 depending upon the number of claims submitted. You will not be charged for the cost of shipping your Class Pistol. Your Class Pistol must be shipped pursuant to the instructions available on the Settlement Website.
2. Enhanced Warranty: You may send your Class Pistol to the Taurus Companies at no cost to have your Class Pistol inspected by the Taurus Companies to address the alleged safety defects. Your Class Pistol will be repaired or replaced at the expense of the Taurus Companies subject to certain state law requirements described below. There is no time limit to take advantage of this benefit. A separate claim form must be completed for each Class Pistol claimed.
3. Safety Training: Special and particularized safety training addressing the proper operation and handling of Class Pistols is available online at www.tauruscartersettlement.com, or you can request a printed copy by contacting the Settlement Administrator at 1-844-528-0180 or Chris P. Carter v. Forjas Taurus S.A., c/o Heffler Claims Group, PO Box 230, Philadelphia, PA 19107-0230. Safety Training is an additional benefit available to all Settlement Class Members.

Complete details on the relief available to Settlement Class Members are found on www.tauruscartersettlement.com.

In connection with the Enhanced Warranty, local and state laws may prohibit the shipment of certain Taurus Class Pistols and comparable G2 model pistols based upon magazine capacity and other restrictions.

These restrictions currently include:

• California, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia prohibit the shipment of Taurus Class Pistols and comparable G2 model pistols into their borders.
• Colorado and New Jersey prohibit the transfer of guns with magazines that accept more than fifteen (15) rounds. See Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-301, et seq. and N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C-39-1y.
• Connecticut, Hawaii, and New York prohibit the transfer of guns with magazines that accept more than ten (10) rounds. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-202p(a), et seq., Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 134-8(c), and N.Y. Law § 265.02.
• Maryland prohibits the transfer of guns that are not on the state’s roster of approved firearms. See Md. Code Ann. Pub. Safety § 5-405.
• While Illinois has no current restrictions, such transfer is prohibited by the Municipality of Cook County, Illinois, as well as the cities of Chicago, Aurora, and Highland Park. See Chi. Mun. Code § 8-20-2010, et seq., Cook Co. Code of Ord. 1-54-III-4 § 54-210, et seq., Aurora Code of Ord. § 29-49, and Highland Park Code, XIII § 134.010(c), et. set.

Laws and regulations on these issues are constantly changing. Please consult your current local and state laws.

Applying for a cash payment or utilizing the Enhanced Warranty both involve shipping your Class Pistol to Taurus and each state has specific laws and regulations for the shipment of firearms. It is the Settlement Class Member’s responsibility to research the requirements for your state. Settlement Class Members can obtain detailed instructions for proper shipping and handling at www.tauruscartersettlement.com, or call 1-844-528-0180.

All Class Members are required to view a packing safety video on the website before shipping a Class Pistol to the Taurus Companies. Your Class Pistol must be shipped pursuant to the instructions available on the Settlement Website and Fedex shipping requirements. The Settlement Administrator will mail these shipping instructions to Settlement Class Members who do not have access to a computer.

DO NOT SHIP Class Pistols without careful review of your state’s laws and regulations for shipment of firearms. Class Pistols designated for shipment must be UNLOADED.

Please visit www.tauruscartersettlement.com, or call 1-844-528-0180, if you need more information.




Taurus Class Action Claims Administrator | c/o Heffler Claims Group | P.O. Box 230 | Philadelphia | PA 19107-0230

 

[VoodooMountain]

I'm confused by option 2. You can send in your pistol to have it inspected for alleged defects and then repaired?

I thought the whole problem was the firearm was proven to be unsafe (not alleged) and it was and engineering and manufacturing problem (not a simple repair)

Hence the class action

Also, did a person need to sign up before this determination was made to be eligible?

I called Taurus last year about this and gave them my serial number. They told me just to wait and hang in to the pistol.

I received this pistol for basically nothing so I'm not monetarily invested, just curious and also reminding myself why I don't buy Taurus even when prices are through the floor.

 

[Gottcha]

This is only for the first generation pt111 correct?

 

[Yo Mama]

This "settlement" was really a big fu to the gun owners, and a big win for the lawyers. The lawyers get up to 9 million dollars, while the customer gets maybe a max of 200 dollars, which they still can't tell you what you will end up with as it depends on the final amount of guns sent back in. In my case, I was extra screwed, with the pt145 being discontinued they had no recourse available for me other than the cash payout, which is half of what I paid for it and had in it for magazines, ect....

The thing that really pissed me off was when asked many times if I'd get my pt145 back if it was not repairable I was told they did not know and would not guarantee my gun would be returned to me!!! I told them it's my property, they really could care less. Seriously it's like a con game with Taurus, send your gun in and maybe you'll get it back.

In the end, this ended my relationship with Taurus forever. I had a few lemons in the past, but loved the pt145. The customer service is garbage, their dealing with the lawsuit was garbage, their concern for the customer is garbage, and in the end I recommend everyone who has one to sell or get rid of theirs to upgrade to a better company. Taurus, if you are reading this YOU SUCK.

 

[Yo Mama]

This is only for the first generation pt111 correct?

Nope, pretty much all pt models were included:

"If you own one or more of the following “Class Pistols” : PT-111 Millennium; PT-132 Millennium; PT-138 Millennium; PT-140 Millennium; PT-145 Millennium; PT-745 Millennium; PT- 609; PT-640; and PT-24/7 pistols (including the “PRO” series of each of these models), you may be entitled to the settlement benefits below. The settlement does not include Taurus G2 model pistols."

 

[SSN Vet]

the "safety defect" only happens when you pull the trigger.... hold the trigger... and engage the manual safety while holding the trigger.... and then release the trigger.

If... and only if... you are stupid enough to do this, then you will have in your hand a pistol with the manual safety in the engaged position, but the gun will still drop the striker if you pull the trigger.

I've had three PT-111s and all have been acceptable. My newest was the third varient to be called Millenium Pro and has the SA,DA (second strike) mechanism, which I like well enough and has never caused me a problem.

I'm not sure if I'd like the G2 better or not as I've never handled one, so I probably won't send mine back.

This entire deal is just chicken little lawyers going after a manufacturer for not having a safety mechanism that is 100% idiot proof.

I don't require 100% idiot proof, as I don't consider myself an idiot. (now my wife, on the other hand, may disagree with this statement )

 

[larryh1108]

The thing that really pissed me off was when asked many times if I'd get my pt145 back if it was not repairable I was told they did not know and would not guarantee my gun would be returned to me!!! I told them it's my property, they really could care less. Seriously it's like a con game with Taurus, send your gun in and maybe you'll get it back.

If you are happy with your PT145 then you can keep it. You don't have to sell it back to them. You now have a lifetime warranty where you can trade it in if it every breaks. I am holding onto mine until they come out with the Gen 2 .45ACP. They have the 9mm and .40S&W now if you want to trade for one of them right now. Once they release the Gen 2 .45ACP and I read good reviews about it I will trade mine for the new one. Until they come out with the .45, I will keep mine and be just as happy with it as I was before the recall. I see it as a win/win for us since we can, at any time we desire, trade it for a brand new gun.

 

[Yo Mama]

If you are happy with your PT145 then you can keep it. You don't have to sell it back to them. You now have a lifetime warranty where you can trade it in if it every breaks. I am holding onto mine until they come out with the Gen 2 .45ACP. They have the 9mm and .40S&W now if you want to trade for one of them right now. Once they release the Gen 2 .45ACP and I read good reviews about it I will trade mine for the new one. Until they come out with the .45, I will keep mine and be just as happy with it as I was before the recall. I see it as a win/win for us since we can, at any time we desire, trade it for a brand new gun.

To late, I moved into a xd mod 2 in 45 and could not be happier.

 

[LiveLife]

This "settlement" was really a big fu to the gun owners, and a big win for the lawyers. The lawyers get up to 9 million dollars, while the customer gets maybe a max of 200 dollars

Same sentiment here.

In my case, I was extra screwed, with the pt145 being discontinued they had no recourse available for me other than the cash payout, which is half of what I paid for it and had in it for magazines, ect....

... loved the pt145.

Same situation for my Mil Pro PT145 with SA/DA trigger which I like so much it replaced my beloved Glock 30 (Yes, and I am a Glock fan). Since I live in California and Taurus stopped selling semi-autos, I am planning to contact Taurus about replacing my PT145 with .357 revolver or applying money towards one.

Wife loves her USA made TCP 738 so I am quite not a Taurus hater yet but I really do feel Taurus screwed their customers with this lawsuit settlement - Nice going Taurus ... Good grief ... they just made permanent non-customers out of many of their loyal customers.

Thank goodness for S&W still selling M&P Shield in CA. Got one in 9mm and love it.

 

[doctorj77]

I bought a used PT-145 Gen3 couple months ago. I was pissed after I read the lawsuit. But wasn't aware at the time of purchase so that's on me. After I read the lawsuit a few times, it sounds like there are a couple issues being addressed

This lawsuit is about alleged safety defects in the following Taurus-branded firearms: PT-111 Millennium; PT-132 Millennium; PT-138 Millennium; PT-140 Millennium; PT-145 Millennium; PT-745 Millennium; PT-609; PT-640; and/or PT-24/7. The “PRO” series of each model are also included. The lawsuit asserts that these alleged safety defects may cause some Class Pistols to unintentionally fire with the safety in the “on” or “safe” position when the trigger is pulled and some Class Pistols may unintentionally fire when dropped or bumped. The Taurus Companies stand by the Class Pistols and vigorously deny all allegations of wrongdoing and liability. The lawsuit does not involve Taurus G2 model pistols.

Guess what I didn't understand how this works. I know on mine, when in SA or DA mode, I engage the safety, I can pull the trigger back. But if I pull the the trigger 'a little bit' and engage the safety, I can still continue to pull the trigger 100% until it clicks. But only, and only if I start to pull the trigger before touching the safety.

For the older Gen1/2 models that were DAO, I don't understand what's the risk here. I mean you have to pull the trigger a long ways before you release the DA sear. So as someone mentioned "if your stupid enough" can apply here.

Regarding the other safety defect where the gun "may" discharge if dropped or bumped, I believe that's for SA/DA models. Where the "may" applies to when in SA mode. If dropped, or hit/jarred hard enough in the right way, "may" discharge. Which makes sense because the SA sear is under tension when engaged. Obviously something flawed in the engineering that could allow that.

So my resolution on my PT-145 Gen3, I took out the SA sear & related hardware. Now it's back to the way this gun was originally designed, DAO and it runs flawlessly. I personally like this model for self defense cause of the second strike ability, something I felt the competition always lacked.

I love my PT-145. Especially now that it's DAO. Will continue to keep this one.

 

[wally]

The most disconcerting defect is that the pistols can discharged when dropped. Some models can be made to fire if you simply shake them -- there is a youTube video from Brazil showing this:


Ain't a lawyer conspiracy, these guns have some serious issues, maybe not all of them, but seems there is no way to really tell until an accident happens and apparently no way to retrofit a fix. I'm sending mine in to exchange for the G2 model. Sad it had to come to this for Taurus to do the right thing.

 

[Yo Mama]

the "safety defect" only happens when you pull the trigger.... hold the trigger... and engage the manual safety while holding the trigger.... and then release the trigger.

If... and only if... you are stupid enough to do this, then you will have in your hand a pistol with the manual safety in the engaged position, but the gun will still drop the striker if you pull the trigger.

I've had three PT-111s and all have been acceptable. My newest was the third varient to be called Millenium Pro and has the SA,DA (second strike) mechanism, which I like well enough and has never caused me a problem.

I'm not sure if I'd like the G2 better or not as I've never handled one, so I probably won't send mine back.

This entire deal is just chicken little lawyers going after a manufacturer for not having a safety mechanism that is 100% idiot proof.

I don't require 100% idiot proof, as I don't consider myself an idiot. (now my wife, on the other hand, may disagree with this statement )

Has nothing to do with your finger on the trigger (although that is another problem with these pistols), but instead these have different problems when they are shaken or dropped. So it has nothing to do with 100 percent idiot proof, it has to do with having a defective product that Taurus has continued to sell over the last 2 years, knowing the lawsuit would be settled, but not caring that it would effect customers. Again, Taurus YOU SUCK.

 

[Yo Mama]

The most disconcerting defect is that the pistols can discharged when dropped. Some models can be made to fire if you simply shake them -- there is a youTube video from Brazil showing this:


Ain't a lawyer conspiracy, these guns have some serious issues, maybe not all of them, but seems there is no way to really tell until an accident happens and apparently no way to retrofit a fix. I'm sending mine in to exchange for the G2 model. Sad it had to come to this for Taurus to do the right thing.

How did Taurus do the right thing? I'm confused. Seems like they have done everything they can to delay fixing the problem. A stand up company would not have waited for a lawsuit, would not offer half of what the customer paid, and would have put out a public campaign apologizing and trying to save face. So far a giant 0 for all the ways Taurus has tried to "make it right". Even SIG did better.

 

[Yo Mama]

I bought a used PT-145 Gen3 couple months ago. I was pissed after I read the lawsuit. But wasn't aware at the time of purchase so that's on me. After I read the lawsuit a few times, it sounds like there are a couple issues being addressed

Sorry but you should have been told. Every gun store owner was well aware of it. If you bought privately the owner was responsible to tell you, as I did when I sold my pt145 privately.

 

[doctorj77]

Wish in one hand......#@&$ in another.....lol

Yeah, I get that, now! But I frankly didn't get that luxury when I bought it. Not everyone knows the company legal woes before buying one of their used products. Ever buy a used 'pre car fax' car and get suprised there's a recall? I bought my PT 145 privately and of course, afterwards the previous owner claimed deniability.

IMHO the biggest thing that supports the 'might fire', whether we're talking when the safety is engaged or dropped is the fact of the SA mode. When engaged, the striker is under tension. Combined with the fact the PT series was originally designed for DAO, it's not really suprising something like this could happen.

Anytime you muck with the geometry of moving parts, you implement new risks. By removing the SA parts like I did, I've removed any risks associated with those parts.

Since converting to DAO I've tried to reproduce the safety issue. I can't do it. I can't pull the trigger with the safety on no matter how I manipulate it. But I can engage the safety while pulling the trigger back. Why would someone do that anyways is beyond me. But the gun still goes click. It just doesn't reset until I flip the safety off. And it's a very long trigger travel in DA as it pulls the striker back.

As for the drop test, I've done it a few times to the point of cracking up the grip. I've replaced it since then with another. But again Since its DAO I really struggle with believing that the amount of force required to pull the trigger back, putting enough tension on the striker to cock it back and release it, by accidentally dropping it, is pretty much dam near impossible. I've deliberately tried it and still couldn't. Please understand I'm not saying what I did to my gun, converting to DAO is full proof solution. It just a solution to the issues attributed to the SA parts being present.

Now IF the gun was stock? Meaning first shot was SA, I full heartedly believe in the risks associated with these guns. Anytime you put parts under tension, in a matter I was never designed for, nothing is impossible.

As for the video the other poster put up, I take with with a grain of salt. I seen a lot of odd stuff that can't be recreated when it comes to guns. Doesn't mean it's not true. But also doesnt mean it's like that for all pistols of the same model . I've seen S&W M&P do that once. Put the gun down on a hard surface like table and click. Does that mean all M&Ps do that? No. But turned out that it had a Apex sear in it that someone monkeyed with. But if I made a video of it and posted without disclosure, lawsuit or not, I bet you M&P models could get a lot of attention that way. Also I didn't see any evidence that claiming the gun wasn't subject to any El Bubba gunsmithing. Not to mention if you look closely at the muzzle and guide rod, that pistol wasn't a brand new out of the box gun. Too many unknowns.

I can say with certainty that when it comes to legal actions like this lawsuit. Companies have a tendency to recall products, and any products that may share any similarities by design.

If I recall, the original reported issues were with a PT series gun. Don't recall which gen. But Once the class action hit, and Taurus probably couldn't reproduce the issue, or maybe they could, I dunno. But they probably decided to pull all the models associated because they simply didn't know which ones could have been affected. But decided which ones simply by shared parts and shared design. It's a typical corporate CYA action.

 

[jhb]

The most disconcerting defect is that the pistols can discharged when dropped. Some models can be made to fire if you simply shake them -- there is a youTube video from Brazil showing this:


Ain't a lawyer conspiracy, these guns have some serious issues, maybe not all of them, but seems there is no way to really tell until an accident happens and apparently no way to retrofit a fix. I'm sending mine in to exchange for the G2 model. Sad it had to come to this for Taurus to do the right thing.

wow, thanks for posting. absolute junk. makes jennings look like quality in design and engineering.

i dont trust taurus theyve been pumping out junk for well over a decade + now in batches. some get lucky and get one that works and luckily is a copy of a quality designed firearm. others not so much.

 

[wally]

The website is kind of a PITA and they make you watch theat stupid video multiple times if you are returning more than one pistol, but it did work well and printing the return labels directly from the site beats waiting for them to send one by Email.

I've all three Millennium calibers and one 24/7 to return. With this and the P320 return, I'm getting on a first name basis with the FedEx guy

I liked them but they became safe queens once the fire when dropped issues came to the surface.