ssteven1
Member
I am thinking of getting my first 44 mag. The taurus tracker look good for a decent price. Does anybody have one? How do they like it. How is the recoil.
Taurus Tracker 44 mag opinions?
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MrTuffPaws
Member
Maxinquaye
Member
I've got one in .45ACP and it's a solid gun, well built and of good quality.
I'd want to know how well the Taurus Tracker was holding up before I got one. Instinctively, I would not think it as strong as an N frame Smith or any Ruger. It appears to be made for carry; not everyday use.
Smith does make a MT gun- or did.
Ruger has the Blackhawk shortie which is pretty light and carryable, and would take a lickin and give one out too.
munk
Smith does make a MT gun- or did.
Ruger has the Blackhawk shortie which is pretty light and carryable, and would take a lickin and give one out too.
munk
MrTuffPaws
Member
Munk,
Some gun mag just did an article and ran 2500 357mag and 2500 38 +p rounds through one of the Taurus Trackers 627s (357 mag) in Titanium. They pretty much tried to break the thing. Only cleaned every 1000 rounds. The only issues that came up was one of the face plate screws worked lose, and the one of the screws on the adjustable sights sheered off. The gun was fine and held up well other than the above mentions, and Taurus replaced the broken screw for free.
Keep in mind that titanium is not stainless and vise versa, but they are solid guns. They also have a lifetime warranty, regardless of owner. That right there can't be beat.
Some gun mag just did an article and ran 2500 357mag and 2500 38 +p rounds through one of the Taurus Trackers 627s (357 mag) in Titanium. They pretty much tried to break the thing. Only cleaned every 1000 rounds. The only issues that came up was one of the face plate screws worked lose, and the one of the screws on the adjustable sights sheered off. The gun was fine and held up well other than the above mentions, and Taurus replaced the broken screw for free.
Keep in mind that titanium is not stainless and vise versa, but they are solid guns. They also have a lifetime warranty, regardless of owner. That right there can't be beat.
I'm sorry they did not test a 44 mag, which is quite a step further up the abuse ladder for that frame size. The original Smiths did not take full pounding on the N frame forever. The refinements Smith made in the 1990's helped the longevity of that frame a lot. If an N framed Smith dealt with these issues, why wouldn't a Tracker?
I am not a Taurus knocker. I had a Raging Bull in 45 Colt if I'd kept would have been a collector's peice. It did have a problem with how the crane was attached. ( I had some cartridge setback, and the gun had problems- but that's another story) That was a weakness in the Taurus.
So, if I were buying a 44 mag, particularly because it's a 44, I would ask myself what I intended to do to it, and how much money I wanted to spend. Guns do wear out. And unfortunately, true or false, Taurus still has the rep of not being as strong as either Ruger or Smith.
On a side note, I wish Ruger would take a page from Taurus; the Brazillian company keeps coming up with great ideas for a changing marketplace- the Tracker is a good example, while Ruger is slow.
Many of us 41 fans would love to see a "Tracker" built on the GP-100 frame.
munk
I am not a Taurus knocker. I had a Raging Bull in 45 Colt if I'd kept would have been a collector's peice. It did have a problem with how the crane was attached. ( I had some cartridge setback, and the gun had problems- but that's another story) That was a weakness in the Taurus.
So, if I were buying a 44 mag, particularly because it's a 44, I would ask myself what I intended to do to it, and how much money I wanted to spend. Guns do wear out. And unfortunately, true or false, Taurus still has the rep of not being as strong as either Ruger or Smith.
On a side note, I wish Ruger would take a page from Taurus; the Brazillian company keeps coming up with great ideas for a changing marketplace- the Tracker is a good example, while Ruger is slow.
Many of us 41 fans would love to see a "Tracker" built on the GP-100 frame.
munk
stans
Member
2500 rounds of 357 magnum and 2500 rounds of 38 Special +P is not much of a test for a 357! Shoot 10,000 rounds of magnums, that is a decent test and is still well short of what a great many of us will shoot in a lifetime.
Browns Fan
Member
I like my Ti Tracker (.357), too! I just wish they would make one with a 6" brl for legal hunting in NC.
Love the ribber grips, it tames the hottest loads!
Love the ribber grips, it tames the hottest loads!
MrTuffPaws
Member
Munk, just to let you know, I have the SS version of the 627, and only 150 rounds of mixed 357 and 38. I will post if I have a problem.
taurus tracker
I have a taurus Tracker 44 snubbie (2 in), and a 4in 629. The craftsmanship of the Smith is far superior. But I bought the tracker for the purpose of OCCASIONAL carry, and to keep in my glove box. Since hikers are being murdered around here, I wanted a gun that was light enough, and small enough to take along. The 629 is just too big. I checked out a BUlldog PUg too. It felt really cheap, with lots of cylinder play. It seemed like it would blow up in your hand, or fall apart when you needed it the most. I hear it is extremely accurate though.
What I like about the Tracker:
Cheap
GREAT GRIP! Looks hokie in the pic, but feels super comfortable.
Sights are FANTASTIC for quick target acquisition! Much better than the 629
Fits nice in your back pocket, front pocket, or back of the waiste.
Negatives?:
It's not a Smith...
Accuracy is ok
The porting will blind you when you shoot
The 629 is so big and heavy, it resides in its bag most of the time. But the Taurus in more comfortable to handle, and practice holstering, drawing and aiming. It is great for quick presentation, and the sights are well set up for quick aiming.
BTW, 696 is a much better shooter. But it is twice the price.
I have a taurus Tracker 44 snubbie (2 in), and a 4in 629. The craftsmanship of the Smith is far superior. But I bought the tracker for the purpose of OCCASIONAL carry, and to keep in my glove box. Since hikers are being murdered around here, I wanted a gun that was light enough, and small enough to take along. The 629 is just too big. I checked out a BUlldog PUg too. It felt really cheap, with lots of cylinder play. It seemed like it would blow up in your hand, or fall apart when you needed it the most. I hear it is extremely accurate though.
What I like about the Tracker:
Cheap
GREAT GRIP! Looks hokie in the pic, but feels super comfortable.
Sights are FANTASTIC for quick target acquisition! Much better than the 629
Fits nice in your back pocket, front pocket, or back of the waiste.
Negatives?:
It's not a Smith...
Accuracy is ok
The porting will blind you when you shoot
The 629 is so big and heavy, it resides in its bag most of the time. But the Taurus in more comfortable to handle, and practice holstering, drawing and aiming. It is great for quick presentation, and the sights are well set up for quick aiming.
BTW, 696 is a much better shooter. But it is twice the price.
quality?
Well I got my 44Tracker a few months ago and only shot it once before my elbow surgery. I put 50 rounds of cheap range reload crap through it with no problems. Fired it both single and double action. acuracy was not good but thats the ammo. Harldy a test at all, but what sucks is since Ive been off work I have read alotta dirt on Taurus quality. Makes me rethink my decision to go with Taurus instead on Ruger. I like the feel, the size, its looks and its quick sight acquisition. Packs like a dream wich is what I got it for, a back up to my Contender, or for those close shots in brush. One thing I did before I shot it was put a hogue mono grip on it as the ribbers realy bugged me both in feel and looks. I have just been seeing so much crap on Taurus that I have never seen written about any other manufacturer. I have a few posts on other boards trying to get a feel from other Taurus owners. One is on "Greybeards" other on "sixguns" and one on "leverguns". greybeards has a poll you may wanna look at. I just started today so it has a month till it ends. I have so far had a 50/50 on wether taurus is good or bad.
OH, if I hadnt read so much crap about Tuarus these last few days I would have said it's a perfect packing gun that has a great design and great feel but you cant shoot anything too heavy bullet wise as the cylinder is a bit short BUT there is plenty of ammunition available that will work for ANY purpose you have for it , be it protection from animals or people or just plinking.
Well I got my 44Tracker a few months ago and only shot it once before my elbow surgery. I put 50 rounds of cheap range reload crap through it with no problems. Fired it both single and double action. acuracy was not good but thats the ammo. Harldy a test at all, but what sucks is since Ive been off work I have read alotta dirt on Taurus quality. Makes me rethink my decision to go with Taurus instead on Ruger. I like the feel, the size, its looks and its quick sight acquisition. Packs like a dream wich is what I got it for, a back up to my Contender, or for those close shots in brush. One thing I did before I shot it was put a hogue mono grip on it as the ribbers realy bugged me both in feel and looks. I have just been seeing so much crap on Taurus that I have never seen written about any other manufacturer. I have a few posts on other boards trying to get a feel from other Taurus owners. One is on "Greybeards" other on "sixguns" and one on "leverguns". greybeards has a poll you may wanna look at. I just started today so it has a month till it ends. I have so far had a 50/50 on wether taurus is good or bad.
OH, if I hadnt read so much crap about Tuarus these last few days I would have said it's a perfect packing gun that has a great design and great feel but you cant shoot anything too heavy bullet wise as the cylinder is a bit short BUT there is plenty of ammunition available that will work for ANY purpose you have for it , be it protection from animals or people or just plinking.
tracker..
Well, the Taurus will never be mistaken for a Smith. But is sounds like you and I got the gun for the same reason; occasional carry. I trust a 44 to keep me safe from ALL predators. And althought the action is not as smooth as a 624, I think it will get the job done if I call upon it. I read at 'sixguns' the one guy had 2 in groups at 25 yards!!!!! I think I just need more range time. Still love the grip, and the sights. I too had the cylinder lock up on me while I was playing with it. And I had the clyinder latch get stuck forward. But is fired 50 rounds with no hangups. I assume it needs a little break in time, and cleaning, and lube. I still regret not spending the extra $ for the 696, but the 696 won't shoot MAG rounds when you are in Bear country. So tit for tat. Plus, if this gun gets lost, or stolen from my car, it is easy to replace. No heartache (just police reports, lol). Anyway, it is a purposeful gun, meant for personal protection. If you wanted a target gun, you wouldn't have bought a 44. I already have a 629, so I didn't need another large frame combat/target gun. But I love the caliber, and shoot it fairly well. (in both MAG, and special). I will hit the range again this weekend, and report back.
Well, the Taurus will never be mistaken for a Smith. But is sounds like you and I got the gun for the same reason; occasional carry. I trust a 44 to keep me safe from ALL predators. And althought the action is not as smooth as a 624, I think it will get the job done if I call upon it. I read at 'sixguns' the one guy had 2 in groups at 25 yards!!!!! I think I just need more range time. Still love the grip, and the sights. I too had the cylinder lock up on me while I was playing with it. And I had the clyinder latch get stuck forward. But is fired 50 rounds with no hangups. I assume it needs a little break in time, and cleaning, and lube. I still regret not spending the extra $ for the 696, but the 696 won't shoot MAG rounds when you are in Bear country. So tit for tat. Plus, if this gun gets lost, or stolen from my car, it is easy to replace. No heartache (just police reports, lol). Anyway, it is a purposeful gun, meant for personal protection. If you wanted a target gun, you wouldn't have bought a 44. I already have a 629, so I didn't need another large frame combat/target gun. But I love the caliber, and shoot it fairly well. (in both MAG, and special). I will hit the range again this weekend, and report back.
DWARREN123
Member
I have owned Ruger and S&W DA revolvers only and out of these two brands the S&W is prettier but if my life depended on it I would have to go with Ruger!
Redneck with a 40
Member
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Based on my experience with my Tracker 357 mag, I'd buy the 44 in a heartbeat. My tracker 357 has been an awesome gun. In my opinion, they are solid, well built guns. From what I've been reading lately about S&W revolvers in gun test's magazine, I'd pass on one of those. From their perspective, S&W's quality is going downhill.
Well you don't have to worry about Taurus quality going down hill cause thats where its been from the beginning!!You get a life-time guarantee cause your going to need it! Never seen gunblaster criticize anything they have tested so somebody is greasing the skids.
Don't compromise your standards, save your money until you can buy quality that will stand the test of time!!
Don't compromise your standards, save your money until you can buy quality that will stand the test of time!!
Redneck with a 40
Member
- Joined
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Well Bob, I guess I've been very lucky, since I own THREE taurus handguns, a tracker 357 mag, a millenium pro 40, and a 24/7 in 40. I'd put these guns up against anything out there, bar none. I'd rate my millenium pro right up there with my XD 40, its a quality gun. My tracker has a very tight cylinder lockup, thanks to the yoke detent, there is virtually no play, its very accurate, and the ported barrel really tames recoil. The finish on my tracker is first rate also. Right now, Taurus is the most innovative gun maker out there, in terms of calibers and configurations, their quality has gone up leaps and bounds in the last five years. You have your opinion, but my opinion comes from personal experience.
I'm a believer in Taurus.
I'm a believer in Taurus.michiganfan
Member
I have one . Seems like a solid well built gun. I have only put about 150 through it. About 20 rounds a session is all I can do. it has gone to the range with me every trip I have made since I bought it . It is fun.
I have had no problems with the 3 Taurus revolvers in my collection. My 627 has become my favorite 357 and pack it when hunting, hiking or exploring in the boonies. I have absolutely no reason to buy one of these new 5 shot compact 44mag revolvers. I'll probably wind up owning one soon though.
tracker range report....
Hi All! I just returned from the range and fired 100 rnds of 44 special thru the tracker. I included a pic of my best group. This was fired at 25 ft (remember, this is a snub nose). I initially complained about being blinded by the porting. I didn't even notice it this time. The sights take some getting used to because of the curvature of the rear groove. And I find that my aging eyes are a detriment to the task. But all and all, not bad.
I did pick up both the 629 and the tracker to compare trigger pulls. the difference is immense! Smith is smooth and crisp. The taurus is not as polished. That probably had an impact on my accuracy.
I have come the the following conclusions concerning the product:
1) I love Smith & Wesson
2) 44 ammunition is too expensive to shoot regularly
3) My Next gun will be a Smith & Wesson
The Taurus only disappoints in the fit and finish dept. It's moving parts stick, and drag. It is not fluid like the Smith.
If all you want is a gun for self defense, the tracker will get it done, probably. If you need a target gun, or find yourself in need of a serious combat wheel gun (Does anybody use a wheel gun for combat anymore, besides the French???) then you need a Smith.
Of course, this is JMHO : )
Hi All! I just returned from the range and fired 100 rnds of 44 special thru the tracker. I included a pic of my best group. This was fired at 25 ft (remember, this is a snub nose). I initially complained about being blinded by the porting. I didn't even notice it this time. The sights take some getting used to because of the curvature of the rear groove. And I find that my aging eyes are a detriment to the task. But all and all, not bad.
I did pick up both the 629 and the tracker to compare trigger pulls. the difference is immense! Smith is smooth and crisp. The taurus is not as polished. That probably had an impact on my accuracy.
I have come the the following conclusions concerning the product:
1) I love Smith & Wesson
2) 44 ammunition is too expensive to shoot regularly
3) My Next gun will be a Smith & Wesson
The Taurus only disappoints in the fit and finish dept. It's moving parts stick, and drag. It is not fluid like the Smith.
If all you want is a gun for self defense, the tracker will get it done, probably. If you need a target gun, or find yourself in need of a serious combat wheel gun (Does anybody use a wheel gun for combat anymore, besides the French???) then you need a Smith.
Of course, this is JMHO : )
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