Taurus PT-145

[CalvinandHobbes]

Hi folks, I always visit this forum before purchasing a new firearm and I've been seriously considering purchasing a PT-145 for quite some time now. I recently commissioned in the AF and think it'd be a great commissioning present to myself so I think I'll go ahead and truly commit to buying one but thought I'd ask a few questions about it as I have no experience w/the gun myself ( I do plan on borrowing one to test it out before laying down the cash).

My question: I currently have a Sig P-225 as my only handgun and I absolutely love it. One of my favorite parts, aside from the inexpensive 9mm ammo and the true quality craftsmanship, is that it is DA/SA pistol. I understand this to mean I can pull the hammer back before the first shot to make it single action (avoiding the aprx. 14 pound original trigger pull) and after firing the first round the gun automatically cocks the hammer back for a lighter trigger-pull on subsequent shots. I like this feature very much and our issued Beretta M-9s have this as well. I'm wondering if the PT-145 has this capability or is it double action only? If it does. I think I'll buy one.

Also, after dealing only with my respectable Sig-Sauer for a few years, am I going to be disappointed with purchasing a Taurus firearm?

My thanks to all who provide input. I've learned so much about firearms just from trolling the posts here and asking a few questions.

Take care and God bless America,
Chris

 

[Texasborn]

My neighbor has a PT-145. It was reliable and accurate enough for a CCL gun. It has a rail for accessories. The fit and finish isn't the best, but for the price, it's a decent value. It's about the same size as a 4" Kimber 1911. The kick is about the same. The trigger and fit and finish is light years better. Of course, you get what you pay for. I enjoyed shooting the Taurus. If it's for CCL use, after you have determined that it's dependable, it would make a good gun that you won't worry as much about dings and scratches.

A 1911 would cost more, but it has more aftermarket support for upgrades, it's more accurate, and your friends will be more impressed. How you use it and what's important to you will dictate what's best for you.

 

[rcellis]

I have had very good luck with Taurus pistols - really liked my PT 140 - but traded it for a 24/7c; about the same size and I like the 24/7 lines better.

I found the 140 to be quite reliable and accurate. The 24/7 is too.

 

[Gambit]

Can't compare a Sig with a Taurus. Sig is tops in the <$1000 pistol market. Police departments and military agencies in several countries use them.

I also have one and will be adding others.

I think you will be dissapointed with a Taurus pistol as compared to a Sig.

 

[DasFriek]

The PT145 is a SA/DA with a concealed hammer,i think its hammer fired and not stricker also.Basically it works like a SA 100% of the time unless you get a lite primer strike or dud and it will go DA and give you a second chance at firing that round.I personally find that a waste of time and would be ejecting it.
This is for the 3rd gen 145's,the 1st and 2nd gens were DAO. http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=830.0
I own the PT745 wich is the same gun with a smaller single stack grip.Its the smallest .45acp right next to the Kahr offering.The PT145 isnt noticably bigger but i didnt know that when i bought mine.
This is my second Taurus and have no issues with this one,my other is the PT1911 wich has had a failure to feed issue to wich i just bought a new mag to fix that issue. 1-2 every 100 rounds fired,nothing bad but not good for a ccw weapon.
Sig is one of the best makers out there and i dont think Taurus can compete,but its half the price and works well.
Mine actually disappears in my waistband,wich for a .45 is a big feat.

 

[CalvinandHobbes]

Thanks for all the input. I was thinking the same Gambit. I started out with a truly quality handgun in the Sig.

I DO want a compact .45 and the -145 sounds like a good carry gun according to DasFriek. I need to figure out where to ensure I get one that DOES have the DA/SA capability. Thanks to DasFriek for confirming that feature does exist. Any ideas on where to locet the 3g. handgun?

Again, thx.
Chris