I put Taurus on par with Ruger, rugged guns that work. Not the nicest finish or machining of parts but far from junk status.

Wow, you'd think some people rate Taurus right up there with Hi-Point or Lorcin!

I've owned 2 Taurus 689's, one blue and one stainless. They were both decent shooters. They didn't have the finish of a Smith, but they shot pretty good. No problems with either one. I currently have an older stainless Model 85. It has a nicer finish, and a sleeker look, than the newer ones, in my opinion. It goes bang every time I pull the trigger, and it shoots to the point of aim with my ammo choice.

Most of my collection are S&W and Ruger, with a couple Colts also, so I am familiar with true quality. I haven't had a Taurus lemon so far, and if another one appeared at the right price, I'd probably buy it.

I did lube my taurus 94 inside with moly. When moly is applied inside any gun its lessens the trigger pull and smooths it out. It feels like an expensive trigger job was done with just a lube. I just picked up a pre 1938 H&R 922 revolver in 22cal.

I've owned one for years and IMO anyone that calls them junk is an idiot

They're not nearly as nice as a S&W but hardly junk either. Evidently a lot of these guys that only drive Porches and Maserati's sneer at the commoners that drive around in Fords and Chevys.
Like a previous poster stated, I own mostly S&W, Ruger and one (in my case) Colt and can recognize quality. But I not only also own a few Tauri, I even have a Charter Arms Bull Dog.
All of them function just fine. It may be true that a Taurus may not hold up to 10,000 rounds but I don't shoot these small frame guns that often just as I don't shoot my j frames that often compared to kframes and L frames and N frames as they aren't all that pleasant to put a lot of rounds through.

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Old revolvers are works of art

Just a passing thought since most of us are concerned with the need to protect ourselves with firearms if needed: If I use my gun in a shooting, the first thing I have to do is turn it over to the police as evidence. I'll get it back, if I do, months of even years later or perhaps never. The problems with Taurus seem to appear when they are shot a lot. I expect a gunfight to be over in a couple or three rounds. I don't expect a firefight. When I hand that gun over to the police, I would much rather hand over a Taurus that I paid a couple or three hundred dollars for and not a thousand dollar custom made work of art.

I read with some interest, many of the comments up to this point. I am a S&W collector, and I am very fond of, especially, older S&W's, but I have 2 holers, and it really does not concern me in the least what someone else thinks about what I do or don't own/like/dislike/collect, ad infinitm. Taurus, et al, does not have to be "bad" in order for S&W to be "good." But just for fun, here are a few high lites of my Taurus experience: I have a Taurus 441-44 spl-that I bought from an acquaintance dealer who is a life long S&W adherent, and holds Taurus in disdain, probably simply because they are Taurus. He's certainly privilaged to his own views, but he sold me this pristene 4 inch revolver for 215.00 dollars otd. Georgious bluing. I put some of those wood and rubber Packmeyers on it-made the gun. Later when I was doing some other business with this dealer, the subject of this gun came up, and I quietly mentioned that it had one of the best double actions I had ever experienced. Well, his eyebrows rolled up like an old fashioned windw shade, and he kind of froze there for a moment. I have known this man for about 20 yaers, have purchased many guns from him, and I don't know it, but I would say he has probably never shot a Taurus anything. I am even more certain that he never shot that one. One of my other early Taurus revolvers is a model 44-44 mag. Kind of looks like a cross between a Colt Annaconda and a model 29, kind of a nice mix in my view, but of course, it's stainless, has factory porting-the long barrel. I put some oversize hogue Lamo-Camo's on it, and what a hog leg. Accurate, shoots real nice, a favorite of mine. I bought it on lay-a-way for 469.00 bucks. Then about a year ago, I became aware that Taurus was building an 8 shot 357 mag on the same frame as my model 44. I thouight, "my, what a nice idea" so I bought one of those on lay-a-way-the model 608. It also has the factory porting, which makes it handle sweet. I got the 6 1/2 inch. I put some Hogue top fingers on it, beautiful gun. It has the best trigger, out of the box, that I have ever experienced, and is better than, or as good as, some of my Smiths that have taken extended vacations up at headquarters in New England. I only wish my experience with the Taurus service U.S. HQ in Miami was as good as my experience with their products, kind of hit and miss, but I can't pin that all on the folks in Brazil, can I? But I'll just keep enjoying these fine guns. Why, I might even buy another one sometime, probably on lay-a way though. Flapjack.

I carry a beat up, rust pitted Ruger .38 Service Six for the very reason stated above......I wanted something utilitarian and reliable, to get knocked around in my IWB holster and if Heaven forbid I ever had to use it, I wouldn't be turning something irreplaceable over to the police.

I trust the Ruger lightyears ahead of my Taurus' to function when needed, and I paid $200 for the Ruger which is less than any Taurus I have ever seen.

If I were involved in a shooting, one of the first things I'd think about is either going to jail or being sued, losing my gun is not even on the radar. I have plenty to replace any held up in an evidence locker, it's only a gun afterall. And the gun I carry needs to work all the time, everytime. If there's any doubt about one of these "sub par" guns why would anyone carry one in the first place?

My local dealer has drastically cut back on stocking Taurus models due to a significant problem with quality control over the past year. Too many Taurus guns she has sold have malfunctioned and required service. That's not a commentary on brand preference or bias, but a simple fact directly from a person who makes her living selling a variety of firearms. If I'm going to stake my personal safety and well-being on the quality and functionality of a product, it's going to be with the product that has the best track record of quality and functionality. I stay with S&W exclusively, and don't begrudge anyone else for their respective choices.

Agree with ladder13. My $2k pistol given up to the poloce after use is insignificant. Perhaps the only valid argument that can be made is that it is not able to be pawned to pay for legal bills.

The two I have owned make me an idiot.The others I have been around and shot will keep me from making that mistake again.
For folks to compare them with Chevy, Ford or Ruger makes me smile. If any of these companies had quality control issues like Taurus they would have a like reputation.
I am sure some people have had good ones but a lot of their reputation is based on owners experience, mine is.
If they worked and held up better than they do they would have a good reputation. I bet most folks would overlook a few little fit and finish issues for a dependable, durable, performer. Taurus has the reputation that their products have earned them and not one that a bunch of gun snobs decided to make for them
Twice bitten and a idiot for buying the second one.
Thanks
Mike

I have owned one Taurus. I bought a Judge right when they first came out. That's when I was definitely an idiot. It had timing issues right out of the box. The machining looked like a kindergartner had done. I traded it within a month, and will never own another. I am an idiot, because IMO Taurus is just that, junk.
I keep having thoughts on this.
I wonder what they're saying over on the Taurus forum about S&W's? What is Taurus Collector's Association membership numbers up to these days? How do you go about lettering that vintage Taurus?
I won't ask the question that begs asking in consideration of absolute statements like "you're an idiot if.......".

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Pat Henson

Comparing Taurus to Ruger is not a fair comparison.......it is unfair to Ruger. The two are not even in the same ballpark.


Ruger cuts costs by using casting, and not making cosmetic issues a priority, but they have been building strong,reliable guns since the 1950's and have a very strong customer base. Taurus cuts costs by trying to make the guns look good on the outside, but leaving them roughly fitted on the inside.

I am on the fence with Taurus, I am not a fan, but if another $120 used Model 82 falls in my lap I would think about it. Bad or Good,whether it matters or not, but Taurus makes the only fixed sight 4" medium frame .357 on the market right now. The frame size for the 65's, 66's, 82's etc. falls somewhere between a K and an L frame. Smith dropped the 619 and Ruger dropped the fixed sight GP's for the most part except for the runs of 3" guns.

The pluses to Taurus are they have the "any owner lifetime warranty" but I hear it's a major hassle to use and it takes forever to get your gun back. Theoretically, you could buy used, beater Taurus' for next to nothing and have them fixed for free, but I would be wary of how well the warranty center actually fixes them.

I got burned bad by an Armscor 4" .38 revolver I bought a few years back..........$230 seemed a good deal for a NIB .38 I could use as a beater carry gun or a glove box gun. The thing went out of time after less than 200 rounds and out of the box it wasn't very good. Armscor says they will fix it,assuring me I must have got a "lemon" which means, I hope they just destroy my old gun, renumber me a new one and send me that one...

I have a handful of both of them....Smith and Taurus. I like some for some reasons and I like some for other reasons. Taurus makes some good shooters, but the part I like the most is.....the IL is in the back of the hammer and not the side of the frame on a Taurus.

I certainly do not think (as a general rule) that the Taurus line is as cosmetically aesthetic as the Smith, but they have their place. The real thing with the Taurus is that you may have to buy more than one to get a good one, or send it back-n-forth to Miami for warranty work and you may get it back in worse shape that it left. BUT....for what it's worth, they do have a lifetime warranty to whoever happens to own it at the time and it is not restricted to the original purchaser.

This is the ONLY Porshe that I like:

And when I'm at a show selling and buying and someone brings junk up and ask me to buy it ---- I tell them that we don't deal in "JUNK". If the shoe fits - wear it .

Which is why I'd rather have my $700 Smith sitting in an evidence locker rather than me laying on a slab, down at the coroner's office.

We whupped them Viet Cong into democracy because they tried to use Chinese junk and Nagant revolvers against our superior Colt weaponry. Those Afghans using those rough hand forged black market Kalashnikov junk rifles will soon be eating apple pie too and religious fanatics will be a thing of the past over there by next year.
Them junk users always learn their lesson sooner or later.

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Old revolvers are works of art

It's a bit difficult firing those Colt's when some politician puts handcuffs and leg shackles on you. Jus' sayin.

I like Taurus simply because it competes against S&W. If S&W didn't have the competition from a look alike product the cost of buying a brand new S&W would be prohibitive.

Taurus make great car guns. I'd prefer one of my classic S&W's riding along in my center console but when my car is parked in a public parking lot. I'm not going to be nervous worrying about a $200 357 being stolen that I bought used and paperless.

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Dave

"There's a certain quality in quantity".
-Joe Stalin
Not only was he talking about weapons, he was also talking about people.
Them Viet Cong, and Chinese and what we like to call Afghans used inferior equipment because it's cheap and their fighters are expendable. Take a look at casualty figures for the Soviet Union and China in WWII. They make up about 70% of Allied casualties. The Viet Cong ceased to exist after the Tet Offensive in 1968. The North Vietnamese took 40,000 casualties as opposed to our 1000 in the same battle. North Vietnam never won a single major military engagement against the US. They defeated us politically. Which Afghans are you talking about? The Mujahadeen, the Taliban, Al Quaeda, Northern Alliance, Pashtuns, or Uzbecs....? Seems they defeated the Soviets with US money, and stinger missiles in 1979, if that's the "Afghans" you're referring to.
Although I do not think in terms of my old S&W's for tactical weapons, I do teach theories of insurgency and counterinsurgency at the graduate level.

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Pat Henson

If you need to shoot someone in self-defense, you had better have a solid, reliable firearm backing you and not some hit-or-miss piece of junk that you don't care whether you lose to the cops or not. A Glock 19 or 26 would be and excellent choice.

Don't beat yourself up about it. When you get into firearms, unless you have a lot of good advice, you are going to learn a lot of things the hard way. I know quality, and I just couldn't afford it while I was in my 20s, so that led to a lot of dumb purchases--a Charles Daly 1911, total ***, an EAA Witness 9mm, utter junk, and a Taurus 669, also junk. You just don't realize all the ins and outs of these things until you experience them for yourself.

Let's not forget to mention the Korean War where the Chinese often could only arm 1 out of every 10 men and would massively assault our troops carrying sticks carved to look like rifles and the men in the front carried the real rifles. As the BAR's would mow down the men in front, the stick carriers would pick up a real rifle and keep coming.
I have no wish to disparage the valor of the US military in any engagement especially on Memorial Day weekend.
Just pointing out that a cheaply made weapon that reliably goes bang will kill you just as dead as a S&W Performance Center gun will.

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Old revolvers are works of art

Well now, the taurus advocates have resorted to name callin, that's class right there, LOL

All of them?

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Old revolvers are works of art

I must admit that seeing this thread's one degree of separation from Taurus' questionable quality to battling ill-equipped hordes of Communist heathen fighters made me laugh.

Isn't that how most conversations go?

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Pat Henson

That's what happens when the argument is lost.

I own 4 Tauri. All were purchased at a too good to pass up price. They are all small frame revolvers and none have ever failed to fire. I own several Smith & Wesson revolvers, a handful of Ruger revolvers, one Colt Revolver, one Nagant, even a lowly H&R. None of them has ever failed to fire.
As far as Semi Auto's,I have a couple of Glocks, a couple of Kahr's, a Seecamp, a Makarov, a Sig Sauer, a Ruger, a few S&W's, a lowly Star and more.
None of these guns have ever failed to fire and I enjoy them all.
If that is what you somehow see as a lost argument, so be it.
If you want to hear something really heretical, I used to Have a Colt 1991 and sold it because I just didn't enjoy the 1911 platform.
Even worse, I once had a very clean S&W model 57 and traded it because I just didn't like shooting 41mag. That was over 20 years ago, before they were sought after like they are today.
And I would gladly drive a Volkswagen as well. In fact I do have a very clean nice running 1995 Volvo 850 that I am not too proud to drive. And like with guns, I don't limit myself to one vehicle, and I don't insist on having luxury cars only.

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Old revolvers are works of art

Well folks....there is plenty of pain to go around. S&W advocates won't own a Taurus because they think their junk. Even some S&W advocates won't own a new S&W for political reasons. Some don't like the hole and cottage industries have sprang-up all over the place to hide the hole. Some folks love the hole. Many folks don't like the MIMS parts. Taurus owners poo-poo S&W because of the cost. I don't think anybody wants a Charter....in some models anyway.....and on and on it goes. That's what makes the world go around I guess.

As I recall....the AK-47 that has probably killed more Americans than any other weapon (and still is) contains many stamped-out parts for goodness sake.

I really wonder how many of us actually own some of both for particular reasons, but just won't admit it? I do...I use my cheaper ones (that actually shoot well) as toss-away guns. If it gets lost or stolen...who cares. Big or small...I like them all (except a Charter) and each one has it's place.

I really didn't think of it as an argument, more of a debate, because beliefs aren't usually changed except by personal experience. I believe what I believe and you may believe something else. I did take exception to being labeled an idiot, however, for what I believe, without a valid argument to back that up. Looking back on my life, I may very well have been an idiot several times, but for reasons that have nothing to do with personal choice in revolvers. On second thought I probably shouldn't have even entertained it.
Actually, the AK47 and its variants have killed more people than any other weapon in the history of the world. The Soviets tested it to make sure it was idiot proof (Taurus bashers could disassemble and reassemble it quickly and without mistake). I won't go into what the real test consisted of here, but you can read about it, its totally non-PC.
I do own a Japanese Winchester 1885 Highwall in 45-70. One of the finest guns I have ever owned. I got told I was pretty much a non-patriot for buying a Japanese gun in that discussion. Makes one wonder.

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Pat Henson

I've owned a 85. I liked it, but sold it after my Smith and Wesson only faze.

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Don't look, reload and shoot!

"If you want to hear something really heretical, I used to Have a Colt 1991 and sold it because I just didn't enjoy the 1911 platform. Even worse, I once had a very clean S&W model 57 and traded it because I just didn't like shooting 41mag."

It would only be considered heresy if you said that you had traded that very clean S&W Model 57 for a Taurus.

I have about 7 Taurus guns.I think they are great guns for the price.I have a 45 acp model PT945 semi auto that I love,another 45acp,model Millennium Pro 145 semi auto,a Taurus Tracker revolver in 41 mag,a 4" model 44 in 44 mag, a 4" model 66 in 357 mag,a 3" model 65 in 357 mag,and a 2" model 85 in 38 special.I have never had any problems with any of them.All of the revolvers are used a lot,fishing,hiking,bathroom gun,nightstand gun and so on.Here are a couple of pictures of the blued revolvers minus the model 44.

I actually traded it for a nice old 16ga Stevens Double Barrel that I still have. Back then Double Barrel shotguns were sort of in demand in this area, and used revolvers were languishing in gun shop counters unwanted during the wonder nine era.
I'm pretty sure that the 57 would sell for more than the shotgun today.
Edit: I just went and took the Stevens out of the safe. A nice clean gun in VG condition. The Standard Catalog of Firearms values it at $450 and dates it as 1955. The Model 57 would certainly be worth more today.

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Old revolvers are works of art

In 1989 I had a ss model 66 taurus copy that new out of the box shot way off to the left.my friend held paper on each side and it was throwing lead out one side of the cylinder gap.I shined a light down the barrel and you could see it was out of alignment. so I took it back to the gunshow that sunday and traded it for a model 10. then later I said I would take another chance and got a blued taurus beretta 92 copy.it was only $200.and now that was a sweet shooting gun. I liked it.but that was in my tradeing phase and it went months later.now I would own one of those again if I run across a old one. but that is my experince with taurus.I havent had one since they quit shipping them in the burlap looking box.I stay with S&Ws since then

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God save the SOUTH

I would rather buy a Charter than another Taurus.......if I buy a cheap gun, at least it's an American made cheap gun

People call my Rugers "cheap" but whatever, I have a pile of them right next to my S&W's.

I was looking for a second 9mm, and since I kind of enjoy revolvers a bit more than semi-autos, I considered the Taurus 905 (used S&W 940's were out of my price range...and rare.)

I have to admit, I was a little scared away by some of the things I read on line about the 905 (problems getting spent casings out of the cylinder.) Too bad...I liked the concept. I would love to have tried one out, but 9mm revolvers aren't exactly a big range rental gun around here.

I hate to judge the thing based on other peoples' opinion, but what else are you going to do?

I DO love my Rossi Model 88 snubnose, though. An unsung classic, with a pinned barrel and all.

for my next cheap beater gun I want to get another tokorev.they are sweet shooting guns.and better than taurus in my book.

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God save the SOUTH

For me, it ceases to be a discussion, or even a debate, when folks lose their perspective and begin to behave as other than gentlemen or ladies. I am relatively new at forums like this, have never been in a "chat room," whatever that is, because I am basically a private person, and hold myself to a fairly uncompromising set of standards as to how I endeaver to address others, and what I will endure as to how others address me. I wonder how the tone of this discussion would change if it were conducted face to face? Would folks resort, so quickly, to name calling and inuendo, even with people they were familiar with? I really don't need anyone to agree with me to strengthen my convictions, and I only have one story as to my experience with Taurus Guns, which I stated earlier. There were MANY things I read that I didn't agree with-most were off the original subject-but that's life. I am responsible for my own actions, and that includes "what I say." With that in mind, hopefully I will arrive at the end of this day without offending someone, or being sorry for something I did or said. Goodnight! Flapjack.

I own several Taurus revolvers, semi's and I own several S&W 3rd generation semi's. I like them all equally. I don't think any of them are cheap or junky. They're all mid-priced handguns that have long service lives and excellent factory warranties.

My friends love shooting my stainless .44 Mag Raging Bull (444SS8). Heavy, 8.375" ported barrel, fit and finish is fine. It's accurate, easy to shoot and a lot of fun.

I recently grabbed a PT1911 9mm stainless. I haven't had a chance to shoot it too much yet but so far so good. These guns have a lot of good reviews as being reliable and accurate.

I carried the 6906 for a long time and just recently decided to give it an occasional rest alternating it with a stainless Taurus 651SS2 .357 revolver. I owned one of these before (the 651B2) and it was as reliable as can be. I practice a lot with .38 special loads. The trigger is a little heavy but not too bad for me.

I have had very good luck with the Taurus guns I've owned. I don't think the build quality on them is bad at all. I've only owned stainless versions of the Taurus guns, maybe that's why I think they look and operate pretty well.

They aren't museum pieces but I honestly do not see what is bad about these guns. Maybe it's because I've never owned any Taurus that has a polymer frame, I don't know.

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John F. - recovering Statist

Keep things in perspective,be patient, and the used gun market is a great source of quality guns. Unless you demand mint condition or rare stuff, there are still some great deals out there.



I got this GP100 that was a personally owned duty gun carried by a retired local LEO. He traded it to a dealer, and I got it for $320. For the price of a new Taurus 66, I got a heavily carried but mechanically tight Ruger that will last me the rest of my life, rather than a gun of unknown quality.



This is a Taurus "in disguise"



Got this Taurus 80 for dirt cheap. It goes bang and is one of the better ones I have, out of my 4. I didn't "need" it, but I'm an impulse buyer and a wheelgun nut, so when a dealer told me he just got a bunch of beat up Taurus trade-ins for $120 a piece I couldn't resist.



I guess I am an idiot sometimes Why I felt the need to spend about $400 for these 3 is beyond me, but I made some use out of them and if nothing else they are neat to have as "poor man's Model 10's" There are some that call my Ruger GP100's "poor man's 586's" but oh well, I don't buy guns to please other people. Whether you have Taurus, S&W's, Rugers, Colts, Charters, or a bunch of all of them.....if they shoot, and you are happy, it's a win in my book.

Have a Taurus PT145. Its light, easy to tote & conceal, packs 11 rounds 230 gr. hollow points. What's not to like? Sold a nickel 39-2 for $600 to get the money for the PT145 which cost me $450 otd. Spent the rest on beer and bullets.

As an owner of both the S&W and Taurus revolvers and having hands-on experience with both, I will honestly say that I think Taurus just reaches in a barrel and pulls one out to send to you. If you are lucky...you get a good one. I don't know what the statistics are on how-many-of-what brand gets sent home for repair, but you can also find posts concerning a new Smith that is out of time and spits led, shoots off POA, or has ejection (sticking case) issues.

I totally agree the Smith revolver is a much better made weapon, especially in the fit-n-finish category, but you can get a good shooting Taurus and for those who have never been inside one...it looks remarkably like the lock-work on a Smith. Yes...there are some short-cuts the trained-eye can detect, but it's pretty much the same.

The only reason I stay away from the Charter is that I will not own a gun that I cannot dissemble/assemble without sending it back to the factory.

My batting average on getting a good Taurus right out of the box is around 66% and the first thing one should do is pop-off the side plate and clean it out before you fire it. QC is their biggest problem and you will find mill-shavings, or a heavy grease in some of them.

The ones I keep function and shoot well. The ones I did not keep didn't.

In today's world of 750 to 1000 dollar S&W revolvers, I think the Taurus is a good option......for the money.

Especially in the past few years, Taurus has established itself as an innovative manufacturer of quality firearms, albeit perhaps, not quite the quality of the S&W.

That is just my take on it, I am no gun expert.

I guess I am one of the lucky ones..I have owned several Taurus handguns in the past, and still do have a couple. None have ever given me problems, all were nice looking weapons, and all fired when the trigger was pulled. Cannot ask for much more than that. And accuracy was as good as I am or ever could be at my age, 60 Plus! JMHO of course..

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PREDATORMASTERS

60-plus here too and I agree. For my marksmanship abilities....either will do the job.The only issue I have ever personally had with a Taurus is the sticky-case thing (which can be easily remedied with a little chamber polishing) and a severe machining error on the frame of an 85 that should never have left the factory. I think if Taurus would pay more attention to what they put in the box and ship...most of their issues would go away. I would pay another $50-$75 for one that was adequately inspected and tested before it left the factory and still cost 1/2 the price of a similar piece in a Smith.

The one I have close at hand in the truck, on the tractor, or in the pocket is a good shooting Taurus. When I want to show-off, or think there is some remote possibility that I may be caught-up in a gun beauty contest...I'll have one of my Smiths.

I tried taurus twice over the years. Both broke. One more that once. I won't use them anymore.........Hey! That leaves more of them for you guys.

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S&W Accumulator

Per snubbiefan: "I would pay another $50-$75 for [a Taurus] that was adequately inspected and tested before it left the factory and still cost 1/2 the price of a similar piece in a Smith."

A Taurus 851SS2UL is factory priced at $500. The S&W similar version is the loved-by-many 638, factory priced at only $449.

If you added $50 to $75 more for an "adequately inspected and tested" basic Taurus 85B2UL, you would be in the $480 to $505 range, which is higher than the $449 factory-priced S&W Models 442, 438, 637, 638 and 642.