Toughest Taurus revolver
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MachIVshooter
Member
Taurus and Rossi revolvers are essentially Brazillian rip-off's of S&W guns, save some of the newer models. Durability is fine if they're used within their design parameters, but they are not on par with Ruger and S&W for quality. That's why they're cheaper.
Taurus markets their tracker line as...
"The Taurus Tracker family includes a full range of calibers and sizes to perfectly suit any hunting adventure. Chambered in everything from .17 HMR to .22 LR to .44 Magnum, these rugged, durable revolvers also make a practical choice for backpacks and tackle boxes, especially where there are bears and other predators around. Extremely comfortable to fire and easy to control - the Tracker Series continues to grow in popularity thanks to its high level of accuracy, rock-solid performance and near-indestructible construction."
you can get most calibers in 4 and 6.5 inch barrels. I currently have a 4" 627 (SS 357 mag) on order. I played with a few at stores over the last few months and felt that it was a very solid (and heavy) tool. I look forward to receiving it, as it may become my new carry piece.
"The Taurus Tracker family includes a full range of calibers and sizes to perfectly suit any hunting adventure. Chambered in everything from .17 HMR to .22 LR to .44 Magnum, these rugged, durable revolvers also make a practical choice for backpacks and tackle boxes, especially where there are bears and other predators around. Extremely comfortable to fire and easy to control - the Tracker Series continues to grow in popularity thanks to its high level of accuracy, rock-solid performance and near-indestructible construction."
you can get most calibers in 4 and 6.5 inch barrels. I currently have a 4" 627 (SS 357 mag) on order. I played with a few at stores over the last few months and felt that it was a very solid (and heavy) tool. I look forward to receiving it, as it may become my new carry piece.
Armored farmer
Member
I have a 4" 627 tracker that is my current carry gun.
Good enough quality (not up to Smith, Colt, or Ruger standards)
accurate
I have rugers and colts, but I choose the tracker to carry because of the extra round. The 627 is a 7 round cylinder.
not easily concealed tho...
Good enough quality (not up to Smith, Colt, or Ruger standards)
accurate
I have rugers and colts, but I choose the tracker to carry because of the extra round. The 627 is a 7 round cylinder.
not easily concealed tho...
Chasing Crow
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I have a Titanium Tracker in 357 mag. With the ported barrel and the ribbed grips this pistol is extremely easy and comfortable to shoot. And yes it is acurate. I have backed packed with it in a shoulder holster several times and it is light enough to go virtually unnoticed. I have owned it several years and fed it thousands of rounds. Great pistol. It is not on the level of an old Smith for fit, finish or silky operation. However, it is a beauty in my eyes.
Triggernosis
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- Jan 11, 2010
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Please note the use of the word "old" here. I, personally, think the newer Smith's aren't any better than the current Taurus or Rugers.
Voodoo1951
Member
Heres my discontinued Model 606 w/ factory porting, chambered in .357 Magnum. It is an excellent piece of hardware and harder to find then hens teeth...I will never sell it. It doesen't have the fit and finish of S&W or Colt but it goes bang every time and the muzzle flash alone will scare you out of your pants...
JR47
Member
Hmmmmm, when did S&W start using a transfer-bar action? The fact that there are only so many forms for a revolver to take doesn't make them a rip-off. Is S&W, then, a rip-off of Colt? After all, they BOTH are revolvers.
Taurus doesn't use 2-piece barrels, or have that ugly hole in the side, either.
Nor are the NEW Smith offerings, except in price. There, they lead the old offerings by a handy margin.
Who'd have thought? This is also mirrored in the S&W offerings when compared to Ruger. The Model 29 is NOT as strong as a Super Redhawk. Nor was the older Model 19 as durable with design loads as the Security-Six.
I own a Model 82, .38 Special, 4", Blued. It has literally thousands of .38 Special rounds, from 148 gr. Wadcutters, to +P and +P+ rounds through it. Timing is great, lock-up is solid, and the fit and finish are more than what one would expect at the price point.
MachIVshooter
Member
I've obviously peed in someones wheaties by calling a spade a spade regarding Taurus
That's why I said "essentially". No one's gonna argue that the beretta Stampede by Uberti is a SAA copy, even though they, too, have incorporated a transfer bar.
Well, there were alot of litigious actions back then on exactly that matter. I believe S&W actually had more infringements of their rollin white patent than Colt did of any single design. S&W had to wait for certain Colt patents to expire before moving forward. Otherwise, the Model 1 would have existed several years sooner.
Not quite the same thing. The Ruger guns are dimensionally larger. The SRH is bulkier and a half pound heavier than the 629. One could just as easily argue that the SRH is not up to par with the .460 X-frame. Duh. It's a bigger gun intended to fire a more powerful cartridge. That doesn't really take away from the SRH.
That's why I said "essentially". No one's gonna argue that the beretta Stampede by Uberti is a SAA copy, even though they, too, have incorporated a transfer bar.
Well, there were alot of litigious actions back then on exactly that matter. I believe S&W actually had more infringements of their rollin white patent than Colt did of any single design. S&W had to wait for certain Colt patents to expire before moving forward. Otherwise, the Model 1 would have existed several years sooner.
Not quite the same thing. The Ruger guns are dimensionally larger. The SRH is bulkier and a half pound heavier than the 629. One could just as easily argue that the SRH is not up to par with the .460 X-frame. Duh. It's a bigger gun intended to fire a more powerful cartridge. That doesn't really take away from the SRH.
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captain awesome
Member
nope, they put an uglier one on the back.
Don't get me wrong, I don't like any of the ILs, but the taurus IL's look really shoddy, you have to admit. I am not opposed to owning taurus revolvers, and will own a couple of them some time in the near future.
MCgunner
Member
Here goes the bashing. 
I read a couple of replies and just skipped down to give my opinion. I have a couple of 66s, Taurus 66s, and an ultralite stainless M85 .38 carry. They're great shooting revolvers and very accurate. The 66s I'll address for strength. They're stronger guns, IMHO, than the K frames they mimic. They have more beef in the frame around the forcing cone allowing for a round forcing cone. I've had a K frame forcing cone split, not impressed with that design. I sold my 19, still have the old M10, great gun in .38. I bought my 3" gun used, is a late 80s design. The lockwork is hammer block, floating firing pin, and is NOT a copy of anything Smith and Wesson. If anything, Smith and Wesson copied the floating firing pin of TAURUS in recent years. This gun, when I bought it for 180 bucks at a gun show, was loose. I got a deal on it, got it home, and figured out the previous owner put the wrong frame screws in the wrong holes. No doubt when it did that and it was loose and out of time due to the lack of a screw impending upon the crane, he probably got on THR and bashed Taurus for being crappy. Anyway, that gun had been fired enough with hot loads that the back of the Pachmayr gripper it came with was worn smooth from the recoil. I put a Hogue on it for carry. This gun is extremely accurate and quite tight now that the screws are proper and times perfectly.
My 4" gun is newer, early 90s. It has the new to Taurus ...dare I say Ruger rip off?.....transfer bar trigger and the trigger is as good as any K frame, or at least the two I've owned. It is even slightly MORE accurate, puttiing all shots from the bench into 1" at 25 yards with its favorite .38 or .357 ammo. I carry that gun when hiking, usually, though the 3" is a carry and I sometimes have it along when I'm on my place. I was walking back to the truck one day when I found this guy in an oak mott staring at me from about 15 yards. I put one 140 grain Speer JHP on his forehead. It killed him as dead as any Smith or Ruger could and I own both those brands, have owned more Rugers than any other single brand.
And, here's a test of the titanium 85. I have the alloy one with several thousand rounds through it over the years. It's still tight and accurate and has a fantastic trigger, never messed with it, fantastic right out of the box.
http://www.smallarmsreview.com/pdf/taurus.pdf
Yeah, I'm a Taurus fan. You can find GREAT deals on a used one, too. My 4" 66 was 200 bucks 10 years ago and my 3" I got for 180 about 4 years back.
I read a couple of replies and just skipped down to give my opinion. I have a couple of 66s, Taurus 66s, and an ultralite stainless M85 .38 carry. They're great shooting revolvers and very accurate. The 66s I'll address for strength. They're stronger guns, IMHO, than the K frames they mimic. They have more beef in the frame around the forcing cone allowing for a round forcing cone. I've had a K frame forcing cone split, not impressed with that design. I sold my 19, still have the old M10, great gun in .38. I bought my 3" gun used, is a late 80s design. The lockwork is hammer block, floating firing pin, and is NOT a copy of anything Smith and Wesson. If anything, Smith and Wesson copied the floating firing pin of TAURUS in recent years. This gun, when I bought it for 180 bucks at a gun show, was loose. I got a deal on it, got it home, and figured out the previous owner put the wrong frame screws in the wrong holes. No doubt when it did that and it was loose and out of time due to the lack of a screw impending upon the crane, he probably got on THR and bashed Taurus for being crappy. Anyway, that gun had been fired enough with hot loads that the back of the Pachmayr gripper it came with was worn smooth from the recoil. I put a Hogue on it for carry. This gun is extremely accurate and quite tight now that the screws are proper and times perfectly. My 4" gun is newer, early 90s. It has the new to Taurus ...dare I say Ruger rip off?.....transfer bar trigger and the trigger is as good as any K frame, or at least the two I've owned. It is even slightly MORE accurate, puttiing all shots from the bench into 1" at 25 yards with its favorite .38 or .357 ammo. I carry that gun when hiking, usually, though the 3" is a carry and I sometimes have it along when I'm on my place. I was walking back to the truck one day when I found this guy in an oak mott staring at me from about 15 yards. I put one 140 grain Speer JHP on his forehead. It killed him as dead as any Smith or Ruger could and I own both those brands, have owned more Rugers than any other single brand.
And, here's a test of the titanium 85. I have the alloy one with several thousand rounds through it over the years. It's still tight and accurate and has a fantastic trigger, never messed with it, fantastic right out of the box.
http://www.smallarmsreview.com/pdf/taurus.pdf
Yeah, I'm a Taurus fan. You can find GREAT deals on a used one, too. My 4" 66 was 200 bucks 10 years ago and my 3" I got for 180 about 4 years back.
MCgunner
Member
Don't ever notice it on the 85. The 66s are pre-lock. The Taurus lock is superior, works perpendicular to recoil forces, can't turn themselves on as the J frames have been known to do. Frankly, I lost the key.
bluetopper
Member
The toughest and best Taurus revolvers are their Raging Bull Models, without a doubt.
Armored farmer
Member
my 627 Tracker has:
accompanied me on several adventures into bear country;
taken 2 deer during firearm deer season;
fired hundreds of rounds without a glitch;
waits patiently in a safe next to the bed with 2 loaded speedloaders;
If it says anything for Taurus...my 4" Python plays 2nd string to my Tracker for my everyday uses.
accompanied me on several adventures into bear country;
taken 2 deer during firearm deer season;
fired hundreds of rounds without a glitch;
waits patiently in a safe next to the bed with 2 loaded speedloaders;
If it says anything for Taurus...my 4" Python plays 2nd string to my Tracker for my everyday uses.
BrucefromWis
Member
I purchased by first revolver a couple weeks ago and it was the Taurus Tracker, 44 magnum, SS, with a four inch barrel. I wanted one gun that I could use for both home defense AND to carry out west when I hike in grizzly country (NW Montana). So far I'm delighted with the gun. I tried my friends Taurus Raging Bull 454 Casull before I bought the 44 mag, but it was WAY to big to carry when hiking and, truth be told, too much gun for me! I like the look and feel of the gun and the recoil (even with magnum loads) is manageable. I HAVE had two misfires in approximately 200 rounds. Both of these loads fired on the second attempt, so I'm wondering if it was an improperly seated primer...don't know for sure. Anyway, I'm very happy with it so far!
I have a Taurus 669, 4" 357 I bought new in 1989. It's a K frame size gun. I've put at least 10,000 rds through it maybe half of them magnums. The only problem I ever had is when the screw for the rear sight came loose (mostly my fault for not noticing it) and the rear sight came off. That was when the gun was about 10 years old. Taurus replaced it no charge with a 2 week turnaround. I never had a S&W M19 that went that long with no trobule. Am I saying the Taurus is a better gun? No, I'm saying that Taurus is a better gun than any K frame S&W I've owned.
I also have Taurus 85 2" 38 of the same vintage with probably 5000 rds through it with zero issues. I have used standard pressure loads in it, only a limited number of +P.
At the time I paid $85 for the 669 and $75 for the 85. I'd say I got my money's worth long ago.
I also have Taurus 85 2" 38 of the same vintage with probably 5000 rds through it with zero issues. I have used standard pressure loads in it, only a limited number of +P.
At the time I paid $85 for the 669 and $75 for the 85. I'd say I got my money's worth long ago.
The Bushmaster
Member
Out of 25 firearms there are no taurus' in my safe. And for a good reason...
sonier
Member
lol well my next carry gun may be the tracker series in 44 mag or 357, i think there designs are not copies from S&W or any others i mean seriously how different can you make revolvers? they all are just simple modifications off the original single actions and double actions. in the revolver world its not fair to say people are stealing patents cause its hard enough to make them diverse from others in the first place. for me i need to pick up a taurus here soon
roaddog28
Member
Hi,
I have only had a one Taurus. A 627 Tracker. Brand new out of the box and shell casings were sticking so bad after firing the revolver I had to take a screwdriver and pliers to take the casings out. And yes I cleaned the revolver before I went to the range. I only use factory ammo. I had my gunsmith look at the revolver and his quote was "that's the worse machining I have seen on the cylinders bores in a long time". I sent the revolver back to Taurus. After two months I got the revolver back. Went to the range again. Same result. Sent the gun back to Taurus again. After six weeks wait the revolver came back. Not much better. You would think Taurus would simply replace the cylinder and sent it back. Probably would of solve the problem. But no, Taurus keep polishing the cylinder and sending the revolver back saying "its good to go". This story has a happy ending. I traded the Tracker for a S&W 28-2 4 inch. I have never looked back.
Regards,
roaddog28
I have only had a one Taurus. A 627 Tracker. Brand new out of the box and shell casings were sticking so bad after firing the revolver I had to take a screwdriver and pliers to take the casings out.
And yes I cleaned the revolver before I went to the range. I only use factory ammo. I had my gunsmith look at the revolver and his quote was "that's the worse machining I have seen on the cylinders bores in a long time". I sent the revolver back to Taurus. After two months I got the revolver back. Went to the range again. Same result. Sent the gun back to Taurus again. After six weeks wait the revolver came back. Not much better. You would think Taurus would simply replace the cylinder and sent it back. Probably would of solve the problem. But no, Taurus keep polishing the cylinder and sending the revolver back saying "its good to go". This story has a happy ending. I traded the Tracker for a S&W 28-2 4 inch. I have never looked back.Regards,
roaddog28
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
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- Nov 14, 2007
- Messages
- 13,146
That's the answer to the question asked.
Generally, Tauri revolvers are very good, IMO.
The Raging Bull is their large frame revolver and certainly will handle the cartridges they are chamberd for. They are heavy duty - and heavy.
I have owned several Taurus revolvers and still do. I have owned a lot of S&W, Colt, & Ruger wheel guns over the years as well.
I think the Taurus Tracker will take care of the needs of the average shooter. Mine in .44 Mag is a great gun, and doesn't have to step aside or trail behind any of the other revolvers I owned over the years. It is a very good firearm.
The Taurus Models 94 & 731 I own are just fine as well. I don't recommend them over other brands, but I sure don't think you need to steer clear of them either.
I have owned several Taurus revolvers and still do. I have owned a lot of S&W, Colt, & Ruger wheel guns over the years as well.
I think the Taurus Tracker will take care of the needs of the average shooter. Mine in .44 Mag is a great gun, and doesn't have to step aside or trail behind any of the other revolvers I owned over the years. It is a very good firearm.
The Taurus Models 94 & 731 I own are just fine as well. I don't recommend them over other brands, but I sure don't think you need to steer clear of them either.
Armored farmer
Member
after reading some of the newer posts I realized I also own a 6" 669. Ported with Hogue grips it is a great shooter, and has the best trigger of any handgun I have owned. I used it to take a couple of does during handgun only season here in Il. It was my official truck gun until I nearly deafened myself trying to dispatch a skunk.
Just another positive vote for Taurus to anyone considering one.
Just another positive vote for Taurus to anyone considering one.
MCgunner
Member
I'm pretty sure a .38 will kill a skunk and would save your hearing.
But, I mean, a carbine will fit in a truck, even a shotgun.
BMF500
Member
The barrel of my .17HMR Tracker is sleeved, does that count as 2-piece? I still like it just the same.
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