Taurus pt1911 design flaw

[ChiBears]

Is there one?...that is any different compared to the other 1911's? I read from their website and they are all steel framed, etc. Is there something that is consistantly happening to them?

Or...is the negative comments I hear from people just because it has the Taurus name on it. And most likely coming from peope who haven't even shot one!

I went to a gun shop and the sales person told me to wait until they are out longer and more is known about them. He said time will show flaws.

The reason I am asking, is I am looking for my first 1911 purchase and have about $600 to spend. I think I would rather have a new gun, than looking for a Kimber, etc. that is used. I have also been looking at a S&W...they seem to be decently priced.

 

[shaggycat]

Or...is the negative comments I hear from people just because it has the Taurus name on it.

That and the finish is said to wear quickly.

Do a search for Taurus pt1911 and you will find a plethora of information.

 

[peacemaker45]

I've got one. I picked it up just before X-mas, and it's been hitching a ride on my hip ever since. I have a rule about never carrying a gun until I'm certain that it's going to be reliable. I've got approx 900 rds through it so far, combination of ball, JHP, and Pow'R Ball +P stuff, and have had zero malfuctions. It's proved itself to me. I've also dry-frired a lot, practicing draw stroke, mag changes, that sort of thing, and haven't even seen any finish wear. A number of people talk about the guns being weakly finished, but I haven't seen such, as yet. Although I admit that for the moment, I'm carrying in kydex, which is less abrasive than leather.

The most critical thing I can say about it: the literature claims a 3.5# trigger. It feels more like 5.5#. The extractor might need tuned, as I'm seeing a spot of brass right behind the ejection port where the spent cases are hitting on their way out.

Based on the example I own, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to anyone. (note, the same could not be said for the example I owned of a colt.)

~~~Mat

 

[Walkalong]

You get a lot for the money and people who have them, like them.

 

[Caimlas]

What bad opinions? the only ones I've seen have been from ignorant doofs at gunshops who dislike it because it's inexpensive and a taurus.

every first-hand account i've heard is along the lines of, "dead reliable, no problems, best 1911 I've owned just wish it didn't have front slide serations" - or pretty close to it!

 

[peacemaker45]

That reminds me, why does everyone seem to dislike front slide serrations? The custom makers seem to think that they are a popular "feature." The NRA instructor that I asked for a basic lesson in the art of the 1911 (transitioning from a lot of experience with SAA type, and DA S&Ws, thought a lesson would be better than figuring something out the hard way) said they were there to facilitate the "press check."

~~~Mat

 

[whistler]

i have one and it's a keeper. it shoots point aim and has had no ftf or fte but i've only used 230 ball.shot count is now up to 800. i only use at range and the finsh is starting to rub off .

 

[Siderite]

I have one and I think it is marvelous. ~600 rounds of 230gr FMJ with no malfunctions/stoppages. It also has digested a variety of hollowpoints (Cor-Bon 185gr, 230gr, WWB, Rem. Golden Sabers) with no problems (though only tested ~20 each). However, I'm new to firearms in general, so YMMV.

The finish has worn off slightly where the slide meets the frame:

but that's only cosmetic and hasn't affected function.

I also had a question related to the spent brass, I've noticed some strange markings/deformations of the brass (described in detail here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=3013105). Has anyone else with a PT1911 encountered this?

-Siderite

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

People bad mouth Kimber too not just the taurus line. I have owned several Taurus guns over the years and all but one where great. The one bad one was sent back to them and they made it right.

 

[BevrFevr]

S&W makes a solid 1911

But If I can scrape together around $400 I'm gonna get me a taurus too.

 

[wooderson]

That reminds me, why does everyone seem to dislike front slide serrations?

I find them neither useful nor aesthetically pleasing. But it seems you can't get away from the bloody things in a 5" gun now.

 

[treebeard]

That and the finish is said to wear quickly.

I would agree with that. I have not had any problems with mine since I bought it.

 

[peacemaker45]

But it seems you can't get away from the bloody things in a 5" gun now.

There is only one I can think of, outside the GI models. That's Rock Island's Tactical model.

 

[1911 guy]

Snobbery.

I haven't seen any bad comments about the Taurus pistols. I have seen general snobbery against anything costing less than a grand, but that's usually by those with more money than sense (yuppies at the range) or those angling for a bigger payday (higher price = more profit).

Everything I've read about them seems to be good. Forged frame and slide, heine sights, some nice features for a production gun. I may have to look at one in person soon. I'll have some tax money burning a hole in my pocket.

 

[Walkalong]

That reminds me, why does everyone seem to dislike front slide serrations?

They look good and they are great for racking the slide, but the problem I see with them is the meat of ones hand tends to hang over the BARREL when you rack using them. Heaven forbid the pistol went bang!

 

[Lennyjoe]

The wear on siderite's pistol is typical. My Kimber and my son's Springer shows wear in that area as wel.

For $600 you can go a couple of ways. Springer GI or Mil spec, Taurus PT1911 or a Rock River model. Maybe a used pistol in Kimber or S&W might barely get you in that price range. Just have to shop around.

You get a lot of extra's with the Taurus that you wont get with any other pistol at that price.

 

[possum]

i see no real need for font serrations, i have never used the ones on any guns in the past, they do look nice but they are definetly not a manditory thing on my guns.

 

[JoeHatley]

i see no real need for font serrations

Some optics choices make them needed.



Joe

 

[shooter1]

Well, having owned more than a few 1911s over the years in addition to the half dozen or so I currently own, the Taurus is a bargin! It shoots as well as my Kimbers and Springers, and costs a LOT less. I took delivery of a blued model on 12/28/06. I have lost count of the number of rounds fired to date in this gun. Probably somewhere around 700. Zero malfunctions, more accurate than the shooter, and a couple of features I had to add to my more expensive 1911s, all for under $500. The 1911 design is solid, and Taurus seems to have gotten it right. If you're in the maket for a $500 gun that performs like one costing more than twice that figure, the PT1911 deserves a look! I currently have a stainless model on order to add to the collection.
str1

 

[ajax]

I looked at them a few times and the only thing I didn't like was the key thing in the top of the hammer. The fact that the front strap is checkered is really nice feature that you pay through the nose for with the other guys. How much are they going for where you guys are at. About 500.00 here.

 

[longhorngunman]

Ditto, what the other posters have said. I heard all this talk about the greatness of the 1911 design and decided to add one to the collection. Went with the Taurus and couldn't be happier. In fact it's spoiled me, it shoots so well and is reliable that I can't see paying more for another 1911 design. I do have the hankering to add an actuall Colt to the stable eventually though.

 

[peacemaker45]

Paid $469 for mine.

 

[Ala Dan]

I sell NIB Taurus PT1911's for $449.88, and they don't stay on the shelves
very long. No complaints from owners; but the best kept secret in the gun
world is the plain ole' Jane S&W 5" stainless 1911, product code #108282.
I ran my NIB beside my Les Baer Thunder Ranch 1911, and quite honestly
I couldn't tell a huge difference~! The S&W is more expensive ($709.88)
than the Taurus, but just a fraction of the cost of a Baer TRS ($1795.00).

 

[MPanova]

Well over 2500 rounds through mine with out one single problem. I love mine and I will get a SS .45 and 9mm when available.

Walkalong Quote

"They look good and they are great for racking the slide, but the problem I see with them is the meat of ones hand tends to hang over the BARREL when you rack using them. Heaven forbid the pistol went bang!"

Don't rack the slide with the front the same way you do from the back. Place your hand underneath and put your thumb on one side with your pointer finger and middle fingers on the other side and pull back just enough to see if the chamber is empty or not

 

[Coyote3855]

Rock River or Rock Island?

Lennyjoe,

Did you mean a Rock Island? I think they are available under $400, whereas the Rock Rivers are $1500 guns.