Do I want a Taurus ?

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  • firemn260

    Active Member
    Sep 15, 2015
    354
    Harford County
    So in my impulsive trading and reloading supplies scheming I have managed to stockpile a hefty amount of 357 and 38 components. So i got to thinking, instead of moving this stuff along for something I need more, why don’t I just pick myself up a 357 revolver right?
    I’ve always lusted over a model 19, 27, and of course the python. Problem is I doubt anytime soon I could shell out for any one of those especially the colt.
    Well that brings me to my current train of thought. Why not look for a Taurus 66. One of the older ones that I’ve seen recently bringing around 4-5 bills. Surely there are deals to be had for a bit less maybe.
    I admit I’ve kinda looked down my nose at them since my whole pt92 experience. I acquired a older 4” 22 mag( can’t remember the model) a while back and it’s not hateful. Didn’t pay a dime for it so I figured I had nothing to lose.
    Anyway, I’m figuring this route could get me into the 357 game for now. By the way if the cartridge has the word magnum in its name that’s how I like to load and shoot them so this revolver will see some horsepower.

    Or send all 38/357 stuff on its way so I get back to feeding all my other impulse guns?
     

    TheOriginalMexicanBob

    Ultimate Member
    Jul 2, 2017
    32,177
    Sun City West, AZ
    The only Taurus I've ever owned is a PT-99...bought it cheap...tried it and traded it away quick. I've no experience with their revolvers but from what I understand any Taurus product depends on when it was made and under what ownership. Many love Taurus products...some have cursed them. Then again...you can say that about most any gun maker. They all have their high and low periods of quality control.
     

    ADR

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 17, 2011
    4,171
    What was your PT92 experience? If anything, the PT92's are usually held in high regard compared to the other offerings.

    I understand the cost issue but I will say my Model 27 is one of my favorites. I actually had a Taurus 66 years ago that I didn't keep long. Never personally had an issue but definitely no comparison to the Smith.

    Perhaps save a bit longer and maybe add Ruger to the list as well.
     

    TheOriginalMexicanBob

    Ultimate Member
    Jul 2, 2017
    32,177
    Sun City West, AZ
    The PT-99 I had was the same as the 92 but with adjustable sights. No matter what ammunition I had to crank the sights completely to one side and it still wouldn't go to point of aim. It grouped ok but the groupings were way off.

    The only reason I bought it it was from a co-worker who was relocating and wanted to sell it...he sold it to me for gun store trade-in value. Since I was unhappy with it I traded in for a DCM (at the time) M1 Garand and got $100 more in trade than I gave for the pistol.
     

    ADR

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 17, 2011
    4,171
    The PT-99 I had was the same as the 92 but with adjustable sights. No matter what ammunition I had to crank the sights completely to one side and it still wouldn't go to point of aim. It grouped ok but the groupings were way off.

    The only reason I bought it it was from a co-worker who was relocating and wanted to sell it...he sold it to me for gun store trade-in value. Since I was unhappy with it I traded in for a DCM (at the time) M1 Garand and got $100 more in trade than I gave for the pistol.

    That sucks. I've never owned the Taurus version but have known a few who do/did and all seemed to like them.
     

    guzma393

    Active Member
    Jan 15, 2020
    736
    Severn, MD
    I've always been a purveyor of "you get what to pay for". I own a Taurus model 80 38 spl. It shoots decent, but it's definitely rougher, fit and finish wise, compared to the ruger gp100s I own. I'd save a couple more bills and get a ruger gp100 or smith and wesson. Those Gp100's are built like tanks; I've ran everything from full power magnum loads to casual cast plinking loads in them with no hiccup.
     

    joppaj

    Sheepdog
    Staff member
    Moderator
    Apr 11, 2008
    46,455
    MD
    The GP-100 is the gun you seek. There are loads for Rugers only. You want to load hot, that's how you do it.
     

    AlBeight

    Member
    MDS Supporter
    Mar 30, 2017
    4,372
    Hampstead
    So in my impulsive trading and reloading supplies scheming I have managed to stockpile a hefty amount of 357 and 38 components. So i got to thinking, instead of moving this stuff along for something I need more, why don’t I just pick myself up a 357 revolver right?
    I’ve always lusted over a model 19, 27, and of course the python. Problem is I doubt anytime soon I could shell out for any one of those especially the colt.
    Well that brings me to my current train of thought. Why not look for a Taurus 66. One of the older ones that I’ve seen recently bringing around 4-5 bills. Surely there are deals to be had for a bit less maybe.
    I admit I’ve kinda looked down my nose at them since my whole pt92 experience. I acquired a older 4” 22 mag( can’t remember the model) a while back and it’s not hateful. Didn’t pay a dime for it so I figured I had nothing to lose.
    Anyway, I’m figuring this route could get me into the 357 game for now. By the way if the cartridge has the word magnum in its name that’s how I like to load and shoot them so this revolver will see some horsepower.

    Or send all 38/357 stuff on its way so I get back to feeding all my other impulse guns?
    I have a M44 wheelgun, and a Raging Bull 454 Casull, and love both of them to death. On the subject of the 357 magnum, I do also have a model 605 snubby and wanted so badly to love it, but I don’t. I just mentioned this gun in the “Worse recoil I’ve Ever Felt” thread. The gun is only a 5-shot, and is very small and extremely lightweight. That doesn’t add up to a pleasant experience when shooting 357 magnum rounds, and quite frankly even 38 special isn’t all that comfortable to shoot either. The magnum rounds aren’t snappy, it isn’t a wrist torquer, just too small and light to hold onto that massive explosion. I imagine it’s somewhat similar to holding onto an M80 and closing your fingers around it when it explodes. It just plain hurts to shoot, magnum cartridges especially. I still want a 357, but next time I’ll make sure to get a full size frame with snubby barrel, like the Rossi my buddy has that made me want one in the first place.

    Good luck in finding a 357 you like. I like the cartridge itself, but just don’t have one in a gun that I own or like (my dumb mistake).
     

    Batt816

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Dec 1, 2018
    4,087
    Eastern Shore
    I have a Taurus 1911 and G3-C, I’m very pleased with both. The finish on the 1911 isn’t the cats meow, but I figure I’ll have it redone in a few years. Both are very reliable, with no issues.
     

    Mini14tac

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    May 14, 2013
    2,146
    North County
    I own a PT92 that I purchased back in 92. It was built in the old Beretta factory that Taurus purchased in Brazil. Great pistol. Reliable and accurate with a great trigger. Don’t have any experience with a Taurus revolver but own 4 Smiths. Can’t go wrong with a Smith.
     

    pop-gunner

    Ultimate Member
    May 8, 2008
    2,270
    No you do not want one.
    They do have a lifetime warranty, but if you ever need it you may be SOL.
    For a couple hundred dollars more get a Ruger. Either GP100, or one of the Six series used.
    You will be much happier.
     

    4g64loser

    Bad influence
    Jan 18, 2007
    6,381
    maryland
    Any smith n frame will do you proud. Any l frame should be fine. A k frame is sweet just watch what you feed it. A solid diet of hot rod light bullet 357s is bad news.
     

    j8064

    Garrett Co Hooligan #1
    Feb 23, 2008
    11,635
    Deep Creek
    firemn260:

    Like always you'll get many varied opinions on Taurus handguns. I can only add my personal experience about the 2 in my collection.

    - I bought my Model 689VR .357 new in 1995. It's seen a lot of range time since then. It's one of the most accurate revolvers I have.
    - A few years later I picked up its little brother -> a Taurus Model 80 .38 SPL. It was used, inexpensive then and not as accurate as the 689, but it would get the job done if I ever needed to rely on it.

    Like anything else, it's ultimately up to what suits your needs best.

    :thumbsup:
     

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    zoostation

    , ,
    Moderator
    Jan 28, 2007
    22,857
    Abingdon
    Their standard frame revolvers tend to be good and I do have a bit of experience with them :) . They and S&W used to both be owned by Bangor Punta which is where the sharing of products and tech took place and why their revolvers look so similar. I wouldn't mind owning one. One neat thing they do have is a fairly good selection of 7-shot .357 revolvers. Then again I might be tempted to save a bit extra for a Ruger or used Smith as others have suggested. But I don't think you'd go wrong with a 66.
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,733
    Socialist State of Maryland
    So in my impulsive trading and reloading supplies scheming I have managed to stockpile a hefty amount of 357 and 38 components. So i got to thinking, instead of moving this stuff along for something I need more, why don’t I just pick myself up a 357 revolver right?
    I’ve always lusted over a model 19, 27, and of course the python. Problem is I doubt anytime soon I could shell out for any one of those especially the colt.
    Well that brings me to my current train of thought. Why not look for a Taurus 66. One of the older ones that I’ve seen recently bringing around 4-5 bills. Surely there are deals to be had for a bit less maybe.
    I admit I’ve kinda looked down my nose at them since my whole pt92 experience. I acquired a older 4” 22 mag( can’t remember the model) a while back and it’s not hateful. Didn’t pay a dime for it so I figured I had nothing to lose.
    Anyway, I’m figuring this route could get me into the 357 game for now. By the way if the cartridge has the word magnum in its name that’s how I like to load and shoot them so this revolver will see some horsepower.

    Or send all 38/357 stuff on its way so I get back to feeding all my other impulse guns?

    I wouldn't buy an older model like a 66 but I would highly recommend the newer Tracker models. They are strong, accurate and don't cost an arm and a leg. I trusted my life to a Tracker .44 Mag for a few years and only gave it up due to getting old.
     

    PF Flyer

    Member
    Sep 8, 2010
    43
    IMHO, I would not. My only Taurus is a PT 1911, it looks pretty, but I can't wait to unload it. I'm old school, love revolvers, haven't yet been able to afford a S&W, but I love the heck out of my Ruger GP100 4 incher, worth every penny more than I would have paid for a comparable Taurus wheeler.
     

    smokedog

    Ultimate Member
    Sep 10, 2009
    4,810
    Frederick Md
    I bought a taurus 44 spl years ago. Still have it and don't shoot it hardly at all but it always went bang and accuracy wasn't bad. Carried it as a back up in bear country for a few years.
     

    Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    32,881
    Taraus are Love/ Hate .

    Do they have issues more than say S&W ? Yes , but not to the extent implied by the internet , or overworked Taraus warranty stations .

    A legit gripe is that Taraus is Too Innovative . They introduce new designs , and new materials too quickly without enough beta testing , and by the time they work out the bugs in production , they're discontinued , and replaced by the next latest and greatest model .

    The flip side ? On certain core models they've been making forever , they have figured out . To wit :

    Steel Frame Chief Special analogs
    Steel Frame K Frame analogs

    The cliche is not quite as pretty as S&W , not quite as smooth as S&W , but generally go bang , and work adaquately .

    Notwithstanding the PT-99 above with misaligned sight cut outs , the 92 family is their strong suit . Originally set up by Beretta to make 1st Gen M92 for Brazil Military , since then they have legitimately evolved in parallel , slightly different path than subsequent Berettas .

    John mentioned the Tracker family . If you want a .41 Mag , .44 Mag , .45 Colt on a Detective Special sized frame , the Tracker is unique . Everyone I know with one likes it . The only real gripe is due to the compact size, the cylinder is short , just barely handling SAAMI spec COL ctgs . That means too short for Keith bullets seated in crimp groove , and also too short for many othet Keith Inspired SWC .

    I would have loved to get ahold of an M431 , a K Frame size .44 Spl . But alas , they were discontinued before I found one in the wild .

    Before Clandestine evolved into an All AR , All the Time Guy , he also dabbled in the world of 1911 . Chad had surprisingly good things to say about the PT1911 , given his feelings about everything else from Taraus .

    Pretty much any Taraus pistol I didn't mention , I would avoid . I fairness , I did briefly own a PT 111 9mm . It was reliable and suitably accurate for its type , but the size just didn't work for me . Too big for pocket gun , too small for my hand to be worthwhile as a belt gun . I traded to an MDS member , and we were both very pleased .

    Lest I seem to like everything , I'll mention what totally sucks ... Rossi revolvers before being bought out by Taraus . I was acquainted with an entire fleet of them , plus several friends owned them .

    The next Rossi I see that goes Bang every time will be the first . At best , they went bang intermittently . If they would go bang or click 5 or 6 times in a row without locking up , they would be ahead of the curve . Even if they went bang 6 times in a row , they were prone for the cylinder to lock in place , and not open without intervention from a hammer . The next Rossi that I see with headspace within the same zip code of specification , will be the first .
     

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