I can't make a judgment on the Taurus, as I don't own one and have never fired one. I've heard those who have purchased them say that they're a good gun for the money. I do own a Smith 1911, the all stainless 108282 model. I paid a hair over $700 for this gun on Gunbroker, from Bud's Gun Shop just a few weeks ago. The gun is a great performer, I've had no malfunctions with it using both 230 grain ball and handloaded ammo using 200 grain Hornady XTP bullets. The gun is tight, has a nice trigger pull and is more accurate than I am. Speaking for myself, I also like the looks of the Smith better than the Taurus. I'm extremely pleased with the Smith and can recommend it.
Personally, I think it comes down to what your situation is. What do you want to use the gun for? Either one should serve well as a range shooter. I think that Smith will have more models suitable for concealment, but I'm not that familiar with the variations of the Taurus 1911, if any. How important is customer service? That would definitely give a nod to the Smith. If you can't afford the extra $150 to $250 that the Smith will cost, go for the Taurus. I think if you want a little more refinement and a gun that'll hold resale better, the Smith is the choice. I have several other Taurus handguns, and they have all served me well, but the last one that I bought was in 1993, so I can't speak to their current production.
Posts: 326 | Location: KCMO | Registered: 23 January 2005
Neither would be my first choice in a 1911. Between the two, I'd buy the Smith and Wesson simply because they offer better warranty service if something goes wrong. For the grand or less 1911 market, I'm personally more partial to a Kimber (if you can live with the Series II safety) or a Colt. Otherwise just save yourself the aggravation and buy a boutiqe maker 1911 from a respectable company and be done with it. If you get into 1911s, you'll either end up with Colts or boutique ones sooner or late anyway.
I've owned Springfields and AutoOrdanace 1911s before and this spring I bought a Taurus PT1911 , its been the most accurate 1911 I've owned right out of the box . The only peev I have is that I wish it came with a better finish (the so called blue looks more like a very smooth park finish to me) , of course I need a SW1911 to go with the rest of my 1911 collection .
I kinda can't believe you even asked that! My only experience with a Taurus 1911 was last Thanksgiving weekend out looking at 1911's with the in-laws my brother-in-law asked to look at a Taurus (price was too good to be true) and the safety lever fell off in his hand when he tried to move it. Salesman said "Huh! I'm not too familiar with this one". And I never looked at another.
Posts: 10 | Location: Western WA. | Registered: 11 March 2008
If the additional cost isn't a problem then go with the S&W. I've had a 282 for several years now and haven't had a single problem with it. Back when I first got it I had it at the range and a young fellow was shooting a Taurus next to me....we exchanged guns and shot a few mags. The Taurus seemed well made and shot good groups but the better overall quality of the Smith was apparent.
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If you have the money the S&W is by far your better choice. Both have a lifetime warranty, however S&W's customer service is second only to Dillon's. They are THAT good!!! plus it is Made in the USA!! Buy it! You'll like it! Randy
NRA Certified Instructor Active Competitor in IPDA, USPSA, ICORE,SASS, Hi Power, Smallbore Rifle. Distinguished Rifleman
Posts: 213 | Location: Montana | Registered: 26 November 2006
I own both.The Taurus is a great shooter.Only problem was with the Mag. My S&W 1911 PD is now my carry gun,because it's smaller. I think with good mags either will be great. I got Wilson in both and don't have a problem.You can not have too many 1911's SLF
S&W 1911PD, is 100% GTG. Like comparing a Delta to a Grohe. I choose the best I can afford. I got the S&W 1911PD, 3 yrs ago, and have had ZERO problems, of any kind.
