Taurus vs. Smith & Wesson

DD · Jan 18, 2004

Hi Guys:

This subject has probably been addressed more times than one can count. However, I'm new here The High Road and would appreciate a few moments of your time and your opinions.

Thinking about a 44 Mag. What is your opinion of either the S&W 629 or the Taurus Raging Bull in 44 Mag? There's about a $165 difference between the two at retail.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Dan

LoneWulf · Jan 18, 2004

If you get a good one, Taurus us just fine.
If you have my luck and get the ones that light strike and require work, then they suck.
Smiths are generally more reliable.

I know that didn't help a bit, sorry.

Shootcraps · Jan 18, 2004

The Taurus is a great deal for the dollar. And with a lifetime warranty no matter who owns it, that sweetens the deal. I've owned a couple of them and always enjoyed them.

If money isn't a problem, go with the S&W. The model 29 is a great gun.

stiletto raggio · Jan 18, 2004

I know you didn't ask, but Ruger. I prefer the Redhawk for aesthetic reasons, and the 7.5" version has integral scope mounts. They are the toughest double actions out there, good triggers, good sights. I ahve a 5.5" Redhawk in .45 Colt that is a blast to shoot.

JDSlack · Jan 18, 2004

I have never owned a Taurus, but have fired several owned by friends. I found them to be good serviceable revolvers (have no experience with their semis). They are priced great too. I have always been a Smith revolver fan, and still am, but if there was a caliber revolver I wanted and taurus made it, I might go for it...especilly since it don't got that stoopid lock!

liliysdad · Jan 18, 2004

Smith and Wesson, hands down. I like Taurus stuff, but it doesnt compare quality wise.

You can get a slicker than greased owl ???? used 29/629 for less than a new Taurus.....thats what Id do.

cxm · Jan 18, 2004

Tarus

ONly owned one... which was given to me... it was pretty bad... got rid of it muy pronto.

FWIW

Chuck

stans · Jan 18, 2004

When I was shopping for my first 44 Magnum, I looked at the Taurus offerings, S&W, and Ruger. I settled on the Ruger Super Redhawk. It was $100 less than the S&W and seemed to be of higher quality than the Taurus revolvers I saw. I have only one Taurus revolver, a model 96 which is very similar to a S&W K-22. But the trigger and accuracy are certainly not up to a K-22.

DD · Jan 18, 2004

Thanks Guys:

I didn't think of the Redhawk. Your comments confirm my thoughts about the Taurus; kind of in that maybe maybe not category. I own a Smith and a Ruger, so don't have any misgivings about their quality. I am concerned about Taurus though.

Thanks again for your thoughts. I appreciate your time.

Dan

Arub · Jan 18, 2004

Taurus and Rossi are both owned by Braztech. Same customer service organization. Braztech's customer service, based on personal experience, leaves a great deal to be desired. I sent a Rossi revolver back to Braztech 3 times for a timing issue. Three times they sent it back to me 'fixed'. Never timed out in DA rapid fire mode. I finally destroyed the revolver rather than put more money into it for more frustration out of them.

If you get a Taurus that functions well, no problem. If you get one that needs work, look out!.

I also had to return a Smith model 60 for a leading problem. From drop off at FEDEX to perfectly functioning revolver at my front door was less than a week. No problems with it to this day.

Anyone can turn out a lemon once in a while. You should deal with a company with very good to excellent service - Smith and/or Ruger (personal experience with Ruger, also - they were great also).

SnWnMe · Jan 18, 2004

I have never owned a Taurus, but have fired several owned by friends. I found them to be good serviceable revolvers (have no experience with their semis). They are priced great too. I have always been a Smith revolver fan, and still am, but if there was a caliber revolver I wanted and taurus made it, I might go for it...especilly since it don't got that stoopid lock!

Tauri have locks too.

HSMITH · Jan 18, 2004

If you are a single action shooter 98% of the time, plinker or want to shoot he-man loads all the time get the Ruger, no doubt about it.

If you want a nice double action 44 magnum handgun the S&W and the Taurus both are good. The Taurus has pathetic resale value, most of it because of internet discussion groups in my opinion but I digress. The S&W has good resale value. The Taurus Raging Bull is stronger and will hold up to heavy loads longer than the S&W will, but still not like the Redhawk. Each has strong points and weak points.

What do you plan to do with it? Makes a difference on which one will fit best.

Flipper · Jan 18, 2004

Get a Ruger Redhawk or Blackhawk, That's the kind of delivery system you want for the 44 Mag.

mustang45 · Jan 19, 2004

100 bucks = 300 rounds of .44 magnum rounds.

If SW is better, go for it. The price different will be forgotten after 3 range trip. I have the Ranging Bull in .44 magnum and it is more reliable than me. That gun should last 134 years. I have shot 13k rounds through it and it still look brand new.

I now want a Ruger. I don't have a clue which is better between Redhawk, Blackhawk, and Vaquero. Can anyone help me out here. Which one is more durable and better?

the_return_of_thanos · Sep 12, 2008

Taurus is decent

I too am considering a .44 magnum. S&W is the best in my opinion, but I also would be just as comfortable with a Taurus or Ruger.

IMHO, people who say they ONLY will have an S&W, especially when it comes to the .44 is because they want to have that "Dirty Harry" gun. S&W is great, and you can't go wrong, but Taurus is under-rated, IMHO.

I have owned a taurus .38 snub 5 shot (got it for $280 new), and currently own a Taurus .357 magnum 7 shot (Got it for $350 new) model 66. It is very similar to my dad's police service revolver, a S&W Model 64 .38 special. In my opinion, is just as accurate, and quality is just as good.

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but my understanding is that many Taurus guns are actually older S&W dies Taurus purchased from them.

When I get a .44, I will definitely look at Taurus, if I can't afford a model 629.

tinygnat219 · Sep 12, 2008

Gyuh...

Get the Smith if the price difference is that small. You will save at least that much in shipping costs over buying the Taurus.

machinisttx · Sep 12, 2008

Taurus is not now, and probably never will be the equal of a S&W. They turn out way too many lemons and their customer service, by many accounts, is unsatisfactory.

IMO, if you intend on using the gun a lot with heavy loads, buy a Ruger. If not, buy the 629.

MikeWSC · Sep 12, 2008

Hey DD

Are you gonna hunting with the .44? Have a 629 in 6" and its a great gun, but you can really load the Ruger Super Redhawks/Blackhawks with some ground pounder loads. I've shot more deer with my Ruger SB than any other.

If you can find a used Dan Wesson .44 mag in the same price range, another nice shooter.

The S & W have a bit lighter frame..... Just something to keep in mind.

Best....... Mike

lanternlad1 · Sep 12, 2008

Taurus and Smith were both owned by the same company at the same time, hence the great similarities in the weapons they make. That said, I have seen better quality in Smiths than Taurus, and Smith's service is top-notch. If you get a good Taurus, great. If you don't, be prepared for a long wait for them to fix it.

Norstrog · Sep 13, 2008

If your concerned about money buy the Taurus they are solid reliable weapons with a good warranty. If you can spare the extra bucks buy the Smith.

However, I have to ask. What are you shooting with a 44 magnum? Maybe it's because my .357 experience is with my SP101 with a 2.25" barrel but I flat ass don't enjoy shooting .357's out of it. I tried to like it and definitely see the advantages over the .38 special but I've decided it's just not worth it! Maybe I'm just wussy who knows.

Oh yeah, I agree with the others buy a Ruger. Smith guys well argue all day long but you can't beat 'em!

19-3Ben · Sep 13, 2008

Hey DD

Are you gonna hunting with the .44?

Look at the date of the post. If he were still considering which .44 he wanted over 4.5 years later...

Norstrog · Sep 13, 2008

Ben. You win the gold star for being most observant! I didn't even look at the date. I picked the thread up by looking at recent postings! I kind of have to agree putting the thought into it 4 years later doesn't seem worth my while.

weregunner · Sep 13, 2008

Yes, indeed. Seems a bit odd to drag a ancient history thread back out.

If anyone wants the links for legit reasons on the Taurus Raging Bull line or for the Tracker please PM me. Otherwise I'm wasting my time on a long ago dead thread.LOL

Maybe there should be an exorcism? LOL

weregunner · Sep 13, 2008

Ala Dan · Sep 13, 2008

I would seek out an older (used, but not abused) S&W model 29; in ANIB
condition. Probably will be kind'a pricey; but well worth every dime spent~!

Taurus vs. Smith & Wesson

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