Taurus Revolvers

[Jimineer]

I've been considering a S&W J frame for pocket carry. Probably a centennal model. This would be my first revolver. I have a Sig P229, a Colt Defender, and a Glock 26.

Anyway, was wondering about the Taurus line of revolvers. Are they to be avoided, as is often the recommendation for their polymer pistols. Or do they have a decent reliable offering of revolvers. If good, any recommendations on a snubbie is appreciated.

Regardless of model, is there an advantage to getting a snubbie rated for .357 mag and .38 sp +P? Obviously you get the advantage of being able to shoot both, but is that an option worth paying for?

Besides S&W, would a Ruger be the 2nd or 1st choice? I haven't yet gotten around to looking at the Ruger offering.

Thanks!

 

[Racinbob]

You can't go wrong with a Smith or Ruger. 1st rate customer service if there is a problem that likely won't happen. Taurus....well.... Let's not get another Taurus slamming thread here.

 

[Jimineer]

My intent is not to start a Taurus bashing thread, or brand war. Tauri have their place when you consider price. But as a CCW, would you put your life in its hands - so to speak. Their prices look pretty good. If its an issue of the life of the gun, I could almost buy 2 Tauri for the price of a higher end S&W.

I don't have a price limit so much as looking for good value (oh, and to not piss the wife off too much)

 

[whatever]

As an add-on question - it seems that Taurus makes the only 9mm revolver currently on the market. If I'm trying to consolidate calibers, and want a revolver for a bedside gun, why shouldn't I get the Taurus?

 

[Jimineer]

Hijacker

 

[non2os13]

i have had a couple of taurus snubbies. both were trouble free and def. worth the money. i had a 605 that i was 100%. i got rid of it because of the hammer.
then i bought a 650 snubby and got rid of it because it felt too heavy for pocket carry.

they both shot great and i never had any problems out of either. i replaced them with a s&w 642 that i got rid of because my wife couldn't pull the 19 pound trigger.

 

[Jimineer]

Trigger Pull 19 lb?

You gotta be kidding, 19 lb pound trigger pull. Were you just exaggerating?

In any case, what is the typical trigger pull for a snubbie?

 

[Lucky Derby]

Ruger offers the SP101 which is a fine, albeit heaviest revolver in this, the 5 shot snub class. Probably the best choice if you plan on shooting a lot of magnums. But it will be an anchor if you try to pocket, or ankle carry.

Ruger also offers the LCR in both .38 and .357. All reports are good although it really hasn't been around long enough to have much of a track record, positive or negitive. It is rare, however, that a Ruger gets a negitive reputation.

My only experience with Taurus revolvers is with a pair of older M85's. Both late 80's-early 90's production. One owned by my mother, the other by a friend. Both extremely reliable. My mother's was stolen a few years back, but never had a problem with it. My friend's is still going strong.

While I love the older S&W's You couldn't give me a new one. (well you could, but I would turn around and sell it.) They are servicable guns, but at the price they want, they should have the fit and finish of the older ones.

 

[bluetopper]

Apply the Taurus money towards a Smith or Ruger. You will be a lot happier in the long run. I've been down the Taurus road a few times before.

The pride of a nice, well made gun will last a lifetime. Long after the sting of a little more money paid, is long forgot about.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

Taurus is an alright manufacturer, they have a somewhat shakey track record when it comes to the quality control of thier revolvers (their semi's seem to be a tad bit better), that said for not much more you could get a ruger or smith and I am sure you would bemuch happier with your purchase in the long run.

As far as the beeter choice that depends on your personal preferences, I like rugers, they are less expensive than their s&w counterparts (generally speaking) and have the potential to out last them if you fire alot of hot loads, for some people they weigh alittle to much ( I prefer the weight in a snubbie as it helps with the recoil).

in the end you couldn't go wrong with either so I wouls advise renting and shooting am example of a ruger or smith snubbie 357 before you make your final choice.

 

[stolivar]

love the 905 taurus

I had a 9mm revolver a while back. wish I never sold it. I have another one coming in this week. won't get rid of this one.


steve

 

[Armored farmer]

I have 2 Taurus offerings...669 , 627 both .357 mag.
The 669 has been perfect with an exceptionally good trigger, accurate also.
The 627 has been my long-time favorite. I really like the look, feel, and 7 shot capacity. It shoots great too. However, the indexing star on the back of the cylinder has become rather chewed up. Also the cylinder can be manipulated to spin with the hammer down.
Being a 7 shot revolver, I think the lockwork is more complicated.


Rugers are tough and over-built. I have 3 blackhawks, 2 single six's, a mkIII, and an sp101. Other than the sp101 coming from the factory with a blemish on the rifling... never an issue with any of them.

 

[Copernicus]

I just got my 1st revolver, a 642. It shoots like a champ and disappears in my pocket. It is now my EDC and I'm looking for a 442 to go with it

 

[CHEVELLE427]

hang on here comes the yes no bunch

i have only had trouble with 1 Taurus , and i sorta figured i would as it was an ultra light in 44mag, after 20 founds the cylinder got tight , sent it off 6 weeks it was back, little better but not to my liking so back to the dealer and to a new home it went.

as for my ultralight CIA 850 Taurus , not a days trouble.

at least if you ever have a problem you can send it back.

don't know what the warranty is on a smith but i don't think it is for life

 

[dawei]

I've been considering a S&W J frame for pocket carry. Probably a centennal model. This would be my first revolver. I have a Sig P229, a Colt Defender, and a Glock 26.

Anyway, was wondering about the Taurus line of revolvers. Are they to be avoided, as is often the recommendation for their polymer pistols. Or do they have a decent reliable offering of revolvers. If good, any recommendations on a snubbie is appreciated.

Regardless of model, is there an advantage to getting a snubbie rated for .357 mag and .38 sp +P? Obviously you get the advantage of being able to shoot both, but is that an option worth paying for?

Besides S&W, would a Ruger be the 2nd or 1st choice? I haven't yet gotten around to looking at the Ruger offering.

Thanks!

I will almost assuredly be flamed for what I write here but I'm a big boy so here goes........................

S&W® warrants the original purchaser of one of their firearms, not the gun per say. If you gift the gun to someone, or sell it to me for example, the gun (and new owner) have no warranty. Please see the following..............

LIMITEDWARRANTY
For Owners Within The United States.
This warranty is granted by Smith & Wesson Corp. This warranty
is effective from the date of purchase and applies to the original
owner of any firearm. With respect to such firearms, this warranty
supersedes any and all other warranties.
Smith & Wesson firearms are warranted to be free from defects
in material and workmanship. Any such defects of which Smith &
Wesson receives written notice within one year from the date of
purchase by the original owner, will be remedied by Smith &
Wesson without charge within a reasonable time after such notification
and delivery of the firearm as provided below.
In the event of an emergency (repairs needed by law enforcement,
an upcoming match or hunting trip), call 1-800-331-0852,
ext. 2905 and ask for 911 Priority Repair Service. This allows you
to speak with a Smith & Wesson representative. Immediately
upon receipt, your firearm will be assigned to a gunsmith. After
the work is completed, we will return your Smith & Wesson
firearm via overnight delivery.
Warranty claims (in writing) and the firearm concerned should be
delivered to Smith & Wessonʼs Customer Service Department,
2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, Massachusetts 01104. In
addition, a copy of the bill of sale in the ownerʼs name, or a copy
of ATF Form 4473 indicating date of purchase must be included.
It is important that the owner comply with all applicable federal,
state and local laws and regulations in the shipment of firearms
to Smith & Wesson.
Warranty claims should state the model and serial number of the
firearm concerned and the description of the difficulty experienced.
It is recommended that shipments be insured by the
owner, since Smith & Wesson will accept no responsibility for
loss or damage in transit. Transportation and insurance charges
for return to owner will be paid by Smith & Wesson if the claim is
covered by the warranty.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL SMITH & WESSON BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
WITH RESPECT TO ECONOMIC LOSS, INJURY, DEATH
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF
BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE.
Some States do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you.

Smith & Wesson will not be responsible for:
• Defects or malfunctions resulting from careless handling,
unauthorized adjustments or modifications made or attempted by
anyone other than a qualified gunsmith following Smith &
Wesson authorized procedures, or failure to follow the disassembly
instructions in the Smith & Wesson manual.
• Use of defective or improper ammunition, corrosion, neglect,
abuse, ordinary wear and tear, or unreasonable use.
• Criminal misuse, negligence or use under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
Smith & Wessonʼs Lifetime Service Policy begins after the warranty
period has expired. Smith & Wesson will repair, without
charge, for the lifetime of the original owner, any Smith & Wesson
handgun purchased on or after February 1, 1989, and any
M&P15 series rifle, that is found to have a defect in material or
workmanship. Eligibility for this Lifetime Service Policy requires
returning the Product Registration Card within 30 days of purchase.
The Lifetime Service Policy covers functional defects; it
does not include the firearmʼs finish, grips, magazines or sights.
The Lifetime Service Policy is in addition to and not an extension
of the Smith & Wesson Warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have
other rights that vary from State to State.
Note: All liability is excluded in the event that the instructions in
the Smith & Wesson manual are not observed.
*****************************************************
If you choose to buy a new Ruger® for example please consider the following.........................

WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM
The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has elected not to provide any written warranty, either “limited” or “full”, rather than to attempt to comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Act and
the regulations issued thereunder. There are certain implied warranties under state law with respect to sales of consumer goods. As the extent and interpretation of these implied warranties varies from state to state, you should refer to your state statutes. Sturm, Ruger & Company wishes to assure its customers of its continued interest in providing service to owners of Ruger firearms.

If you should buy a Taurus® (or a Rossi®), you have a LIFE TIME LIMITED WARRANTY. The gun itself is warranted, not the purchaser. You could be the 2nd owner, 20th owner, or 200th owner and the gun still carries a LIFE TIME WARRANTY! See the following..............

TAURUS LIMITED WARRANTY
What Does This Warranty Cover?
This warranty covers any service and repair needed by any product
manufactured by Forjas Taurus SA. and imported by Taurus International
Manufacturing, Inc. or manufactured in the United States by Taurus
International Manufacturing, Inc.
How Long Does Coverage Last?
This warranty is of unlimited duration.
What Will We Do?
Taurus will service and/or repair all covered products free of charge.
What Does This Warranty Not Cover?
This warranty does not cover grips, sights, accessories or cosmetic defects
after one year, or damage caused by customer abuse at any time.
This express limited warranty is the only warranty on this product. This
product is sold “as is” and has no implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose. There are no warranties which extend beyond the description on the face hereof.
How Do I Get Service?
To simplify repair and service Forjas Taurus and Taurus International products
are serviced and repaired by Taurus International. Questions regarding the
products of either company can be directed to Taurus International in Miami,
Florida at 1-305-624-1115 or in writing to:
16175 N.W. 49th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33014
in care of the Consumer Affairs Department.
In order to obtain warranty service or repair you must first complete and
return the enclosed warranty registration card within 10 days of the date of
purchase. Then, if a problem should arise, describe the problem in writing
and send the firearm to Taurus International at the above address, insured
and pre-paid with the written description of the problem enclosed. Within 4
business days of our receipt of your firearm our Customer Service
Department will contact you in writing advising you of when to expect your
gun back. We will ship guns serviced because of defect in materials or
workmanship insured and pre-paid. We will ship guns repaired out of
warranty COD. There will, of course, be no charge for parts or labor if the
repair work performed is covered by this express warranty.
How Does State Law Apply?
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.

If you want accurate, informative, and TRUTHFUL information about Taurus® firearms, and not internet BS; go here...........

Click It!

I own seven (7) Taurus® revolvers..........

• Mdl 85B2CH 38 Special purchased 1994
• Mdl 85B 38 Special purchased 1997
• Mdl 85SS2UL 38 Special purchased 2007
• Mdl 605SS3 357 Magnum purchased 2005
• Mdl 605SS2 357 Magnum purchased 2010
• Mdl 617SS2 357 Magnum purchased 2003
• Mdl 669SS4CP 357 Magnum purchased 1996.

ALL of these guns function flawlessly.

Taurus® doesn't make cheap guns, they make inexpensive guns; there is a huge difference. Smith & Wesson® revolvers are exorbitantly expensive, Taurus® guns are affordable.

I have carried a Taurus® revolver or two since 1994. These guns have NEVER FAILED ME. I presently carry two (2) Taurus® revolvers every day and feel that I am well armed.

 

[Dnaltrop]

Mu old man's 9 shot Taurus broke and lost it's timing, had horrible lockup within 100 rounds. Sent in, sent back, have not shot it myself since it came back, but Dad says it's cycling properly now. (was trying to lock-up between cylinders, hand was freezing)

My friend of 20 years has been carrying a taurus .357 snubby for about 10, it's rusted, ( or was till I got my hands on it and made it shiny again) timing was perfect even before I cleaned it up.

Very smooth DA trigger, surprisingly light. Enough so that I accidentally got a double-tap out of it shooting .38

Remember the recent video of the guy shooting himself in the head with the snubby on accident while shooting that clerk? I was Ok with the idea of losing SOME hearing with a decent mid-long barrel .357. Snubby Mags give me a bit of pause now. I have big loose hands, hard enough to hold small stuff already.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aghZBNGwi5k

 

[evan price]

Taurus quality tends to be hit or miss. There are definitely those who love or hate them.

I have a 605 357 snubbie, it's one of my ccw guns and so far I have had no trouble with it even with fullpower magnum handloads (but it's too small to shoot those a lot comfortably!). It's a good choice if having a full hammer is not a problem for you, or you can just bob the hammer.

It's not the same league, finish & feel, as a classic Smith & Wesson but then again new modern S&Ws are not even to that standard anymore.

I will say the Taurus hammer-lock dealie is more visually appealing than the S&W frame hole lock.

IMHO modern S&Ws are too expensive for what you get. A Taurus equivalent is about the right price. Warranty is good but service is slow.
I'd buy one if the price were right.

 

[Dnaltrop]

Agreed on the Hammer-lock hole the SW's have now. Taurus wins that one.

My Victory model 10 must weep for it's grandchildren and their Piercings.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm a big fan of the S&W J frame revolver with the Bodyguard frame. I would suggest buying either a M638 or M438. Right now I'm carrying a M642 because my son apparently likes my M638 as much or more than I do. :banghead:

 

[weregunner]

Let me set a few things straight. Taurus has quality revolvers. These are featured in numerous police,civilian, and tactical journals as guns that have saved lives. That includes books by Mas Ayoob, R.K Campbell.

I own 10 Taurus revolvers and 4 are snub nosed Taurus. Add a Rossi 462 into the mix. All of them work and have had no hiccups. Two of the snub revolvers and 2 full sized revolvers are over 25 years old and still running strong.

I also own Ruger and many other brands of firearms as well.

The 85 is the bread and butter snub revolver in the Taurus line and sell like hot cakes.

Here's the scoop on Taurus snub revolvers from the people who actually own them.

There are links within the links. I can bring over 20 pages of links of the satisfied Tauri snub revolver users. That does not include the 85UL owners. That's another 10-15 pages of links alone.

In the links provided are other links with pertinent data.

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=13.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=4786.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=15969.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=36428.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=13955.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=9286.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=35585.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=33807.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=29608.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=22756.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=22010.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=31689.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=19054.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=36047.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=39732.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=8478.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=12417.0

 

[Deus Machina]

If you're going to carry on your belt, and have $350 to spend on either a Ruger SP101 or a Taurus 85, get the Ruger.

That said, I own a 2.5" 85UL, it's probably about half the weight of that Ruger, and it's worked flawlessly even after I cut the hammer spur off.

My one complaint is that I have felt the trigger on that Ruger and, while smooth, the Taurus trigger is amazingly stiff. I'd care more if it wasn't in my pocket.

 

[CajunBass]

I've owned three Taurus revolvers. All three did just what they were supposed to do, and looked pretty darn good doing it too.

Check that. One of them, the first one years back, did have an UGLY set of grips. Looked like they'd been carved out of a 2x4 with a Swiss Army knife, then checkered with a hacksaw, but they worked.

 

[skoro]

Anyway, was wondering about the Taurus line of revolvers.

If you get a good Taurus, you'll be happy with it. If you get a bad one, Taurus will really struggle to make it right. And getting a good one is a crapshoot. They ship a lot of defective handguns.

 

[DMZ]

I have a Taurus 605 and it has been a very good revolver. A lot of power in a small frame.

The key for shooting .357 Mags out of it is to replace the OEM grips with some nice wood combat grip.

 

[CHEVELLE427]

good little gun
CIA 850 FULL TITANIUM