Yes, it's true. You'd think I'd know better than to come here and admit it, but I bought another Taurus. I had a little I-frame, 32 Long that I bought just for giggles, but it turned out I kinda liked the little thing. It was too small for me to really shoot, so I thought about one of the new Lipsey's J-frames but didn't want to (1) Pay that much for something I might not like, and (2) wait for one to show up at the LGS.
So I ordered a Taurus 327 from Bud's. A steel frame, six shot, 327 Magnum, about the size of a J-frame, it fits the same holsters as my 642 anyway. It's got sort of an ugly flat black finish, but I wasn't expecting a Model 27 for around $300. Excuse the dust.
The trigger isn't bad. Not as nice as a Model 15, or even my 642, but it's smooth, if a little heavy. The S/A is about 6.5 or 7, but I don't use the S/A much if at all so that doesn't bother me.
The front sight is pinned in so you can replace if if you want to. They sell a night sight that I may order, but for now some orange nail polish takes care of it.
The grips surprised me. They're typical ugly rubber grips, but they work. Quite comfortable for me anyway. I can get two full fingers on them, with the pinky on there, but sort of half off. About like most guns this size.
How does it shoot? Well, pretty well for me shooting it. Someone else would do a lot better I suppose. I've put 175 rounds through it, mostly Fiocchi 32 S&W Long. Fifty wadcutters, and 100 rounds of 97 grain FMJ at an advertised velocity of 948 FPS. Pretty hot little load apparently. The other 25 were Hornady Critical Defense 80 grain FTX, 327 Magnum rounds. I had heard/read that this stuff was "snappy" and "loud". I didn't find it to be too snappy at all, but the Taurus is a steel frame gun that weighs about a 23 ounces on my cheap Wheeler trigger scale. (On the other hand my 642 weighs about a pound and kicks like a mule with 158 grain P+ 38's). I expected a really LOUD report from what I'd read, but I didn't think it was any more objectional than anything else being fired on the line at the range that morning. No one even glanced my way.
For accuracy, I can only say I didn't shoot it any worse than I do any other small frame revolver. If I took my time and lined up the sights, and got a good trigger release, I hit where I wanted to. If on the other hand I got sloppy, so did my groups.
So that's my report. It doesn't seem to be too bad for the money. Only time and rounds will tell anything else. I've got dies, shell holders, bullets and stuff inbound. It will mostly see 32 Long ammo I suppose. I've got a bit of that brass saved up already.
Oh and it has no lock, and uses a transfer bar type system.
I only have one Taurus; a PT1911 that has just been a really fine handgun. I'm not fond of the finish on your Taurus, but it does appear to be durable and utilitarian. I've been wanting another .32 revolver, so I may have to take a look at the Taurus. I have a S&W 31-1 and a H&R 733 which are both steel frame guns in .32 S&W L. Think I would like to have a .32 magnum.
I'm all in on Taurus for the past 20 years. Certainly had reserved feelings prior to the millennium but they certainly have not disappointed since.
Based on your report, you done good.
I carry an 85 Ultralite in a dark gloss blue with 5 Nyclad 38+P. It's a perfect utilitarian all time carry for me. I believe I changed out the springs too. I'm glad the OP likes his new toy too!
My first purpose purchased "carry gun" was a Taurus 85 UL (I think that's what it was called anyway). It had a factory bobbed hammer. Beautiful little gun with finish about like the 44 Magnum above. Another gun I should have kept.
I have owned and been shooting the Taurus products for more than two decades now.
I find them to be quite nice, very good and in configurations that Smith and Wesson does not offer. I actually very much like they're total titanium firearms
My 2 favorites are both L frame sized revolvers that weigh in at about 19 - 20 ounces. One is chambered in 41 Magnum and a second in 45 Long Colt. They carry very nicely all day long
The 45 Long Colt revolver is finished in what Taurus calls shadow Gray
Congratulations on the 327. I own a 856UL and an 856ULCH. Both have been great. I put a Wolff spring kit in the ULCH. Made a lot of difference in trigger pull. The Taurus night sight is well worth it. Inexpensive too.
I own two Taurus firearms myself, both excellent guns. I don't like their matte black finish either, so I always opt for Stainless Steel.
Taurus 4510 Judge Magnum with Altamont Super Rosewood Grips.
Taurus PT92AFS-D.
One thing which intrigues me is that you say your 327 has no lock? Are you certain of that? Taurus usually puts their lock on the hammer itself.
I actually prefer this arrangement to that of the Smith & Wesson frame lock and wish that they would adopt Taurus' hammer lock since it's more out of the way and doesn't affect the aesthetics.
I have an older, blued Taurus 445 in .44 Special that I really like. Sold to a friend years ago, and basically had to beg him to buy it back. Has a really nice blued finish, and shoots as well as my J frames.
I work part-time in a gun shop. We have 5-shot Taurus revolvers on display right next to S&W 5-shot revolvers.
Frankly, the display is embarrassing for S&W...
Eons ago I went to my LGS for a Chief's special. The clerk pulled one out of the cabinet, along with a Taurus 85. The Taurus had a transfer bar, and the fit and finish was awesome. The price was lower. He recommended it. I bought it.
Years go by and I still can't hit the broadside with it. Tried all kinds of different loads. Chalked it up to a 2" barrel.
Many years later I came across a Chief's in immaculate condition. Broadside? NO, a tack driver.
I suggest the dealer put targets under the revolvers. S&W surely wouldn't be embarrassed now.
I have owned and been shooting the Taurus products for more than two decades now.
I find them to be quite nice, very good and in configurations that Smith and Wesson does not offer. I actually very much like they're total titanium firearms
My 2 favorites are both L frame sized revolvers that weigh in at about 19 - 20 ounces. One is chambered in 41 Magnum and a second in 45 Long Colt. They carry very nicely all day long
The 45 Long Colt revolver is finished in what Taurus calls shadow Gray
Now that's a scary view I hope to never see in person!!
Great photo!
I own two Taurus firearms myself, both excellent guns. I don't like their matte black finish either, so I always opt for Stainless Steel.
Taurus 4510 Judge Magnum with Altamont Super Rosewood Grips.
Taurus PT92AFS-D.
One thing which intrigues me is that you say your 327 has no lock? Are you certain of that? Taurus usually puts their lock on the hammer itself.
I actually prefer this arrangement to that of the Smith & Wesson frame lock and wish that they would adopt Taurus' hammer lock since it's more out of the way and doesn't affect the aesthetics.
I've got the same PT 92. My first 9mm. Only negative is the safety flicks off way too easy so I would never carry it cocked and locked.
Eons ago I went to my LGS for a Chief's special. The clerk pulled one out of the cabinet, along with a Taurus 85. The Taurus had a transfer bar, and the fit and finish was awesome. The price was lower. He recommended it. I bought it.
Years go by and I still can't hit the broadside with it. Tried all kinds of different loads. Chalked it up to a 2" barrel.
Many years later I came across a Chief's in immaculate condition. Broadside? NO, a tack driver.
I suggest the dealer put targets under the revolvers. S&W surely wouldn't be embarrassed now.
I have had a Taurus 2” 85UL in .38 Special for over 20 years.
It shoots as good or better than my S&W J frames, and has a double action trigger pull that even tuned J frames could only dream of. Out of the box.
Eons ago I went to my LGS for a Chief's special. The clerk pulled one out of the cabinet, along with a Taurus 85. The Taurus had a transfer bar, and the fit and finish was awesome. The price was lower. He recommended it. I bought it.
Years go by and I still can't hit the broadside with it. Tried all kinds of different loads. Chalked it up to a 2" barrel.
Many years later I came across a Chief's in immaculate condition. Broadside? NO, a tack driver.
I suggest the dealer put targets under the revolvers. S&W surely wouldn't be embarrassed now.
Sounds like the problem is with your and your skill level and not the Taurus revolver. I know you'll never admit it though.
The current 856 is a hit or miss revolver that is notorious for having timing issues.Taurus customer service and turn around times are embarrassing. I wouldn't choose one over a S&W unless money was an issue which is why most people buy a Taurus revolver over a S&W, Ruger, Kimber, or Colt. It's all because they're cheaper and not because they are better.
Back to accuracy, that's not an issue I've heard others really complaining about old or new. Here's my old model 85 which I have no problems with hitting what I'm shooting at.
Last edited by Well Armed; 03-02-2024 at 10:20 PM.
I have been a joyful Tauri owner for over 3 decades.. no problems with any of them... some common some unique...
PT1911S, PT99AF, PT111-G2, 738-TCP, M450UL...
Sounds like the problem is with your and your skill level and not the Taurus revolver. I know you'll never admit it though.
The current 856 is a hit or miss revolver that is notorious for having timing issues.Taurus customer service and turn around times are embarrassing. I wouldn't choose one over a S&W unless money was an issue which is why most people buy a Taurus revolver over a S&W, Ruger, Kimber, or Colt. It's all because they're cheaper and not because they are better.
Back to accuracy, that's not an issue I've heard others really complaining about old or new. Here's my old model 85 which I have no problems with hitting what I'm shooting at.
Agreed! Mine had timing issues also. Two trips to the mothership didn't fix it.
If Ruger and their tendency to overbuild got together with Taurus and their "just enough" re spring strength and general sturdiness they'd have a heck of a gun.
I have it in 44 Special stainless, but this one is 41 Magnum Total Titanium -
If Ruger and their tendency to overbuild got together with Taurus and their "just enough" re spring strength and general sturdiness they'd have a heck of a gun.
If Ruger and their tendency to overbuild got together with Taurus and their "just enough" re spring strength and general sturdiness they'd have a heck of a gun.
I have it in 44 Special stainless, but this one is 41 Magnum Total Titanium -
I was ready to come in here and speak poorly of Taurus. I own several generally like them.
When the current management took over, initially they changed the warranty to the original purchaser only. That means mine, all bought second hand, magically weren't covered any more.
I see now that Taurus is again covering the older guns under the previous terms, so my Tauruses still have a safety net. That's reassuring.
That has turned me off to several tari's.....I prefer my handguns with NO termite holes in the barrel.
I more or less agree with you Mike. That 44 Magnum I pictured earlier is the only ported gun I've ever owned and I can't say it helped or hurt one way or the other. I'd have just as soon not had them.
If Ruger and their tendency to overbuild got together with Taurus and their "just enough" re spring strength and general sturdiness they'd have a heck of a gun.
To be fair, the Taurus Raging Bull kind of fits that description. Those things are absolute tanks, way overbuilt for what they come chambered in.
Also, I'd argue that the PT92 kind of fits that definition as well. The slide is thicker than a Beretta and I've never heard of one having a slide crack in half either, despite hearing from folks who have apparently owned them forever and shot the heck out of then.
In fact, the only part breakage I've ever heard of is the locking block, and as long as you swap it out every 5000 rounds, it's not a problem. Especially if you swap it out for one of the latest redesigned Beretta locking blocks which last much longer.
Heck, my Taurus Judge survived me accidentally putting 25+ rounds of loose overpressure .45LC loads through it, which it obviously isn't rated for without any signs of damage or accelerated wear.
Sounds like the problem is with your and your skill level and not the Taurus revolver. I know you'll never admit it though.
I'm not too proud to admit when I'm wrong. I wish someone would show me the errors in my ways.
All I can say is that I can't hit the target with the Taurus, while the same size S&W is a tack driver. I can't see where I'm doing anything different depending on which revolver is in my hand.
I recently bought my long suffering girlfriend a Taurus 942M 22 magnum revolver. She picked it out and in the last month or so has become very proficient with it. I like it too. Hits pretty much P.O.A. at 7 yards. That is far enough for her.
To be fair, the Taurus Raging Bull kind of fits that description. Those things are absolute tanks, way overbuilt for what they come chambered in.
Also, I'd argue that the PT92 kind of fits that definition as well. The slide is thicker than a Beretta and I've never heard of one having a slide crack in half either, despite hearing from folks who have apparently owned them forever and shot the heck out of then.
In fact, the only part breakage I've ever heard of is the locking block, and as long as you swap it out every 5000 rounds, it's not a problem. Especially if you swap it out for one of the latest redesigned Beretta locking blocks which last much longer.
Heck, my Taurus Judge survived me accidentally putting 25+ rounds of loose overpressure .45LC loads through it, which it obviously isn't rated for without any signs of damage or accelerated wear.
I guess I should refine my position - make it a bit more focused.
I have the Taurus 58S (version of the Beretta) and it is a solid gun, a little beefier than the Beretta. I've handled the Taurus version of the Beretta 21 and found the same applied there. They seem well made and reliable.
My other experience is with their smaller and mid size framed revolvers. Which actually I find easier to smooth out than Smiths in general. On those, I'd like their cylinder bolt spring to be stronger, the hand and hand spring to be more stout. A little less side to side wiggle on the trigger and hammer would help too.
Several Taurus here: pair of .44 Specials, 2.5" and 3" barrels; 9mm Chiefs Special-size; a GX4 9mm; a .22LR TX-22; and a couple Rossi revolvers.
I don't shoot them often, but when I do they are accurate. I don't feel like they're a "lesser" gun than my S&Ws. I didn't get them to replace anything (well, except for the 9mm revolver - finding an affordable Model 940 is a thing of the past) and at some point, I'd like to try out one of their .327 Magnums if I can find one.
Sounds like the problem is with your and your skill level and not the Taurus revolver. I know you'll never admit it though.
The current 856 is a hit or miss revolver that is notorious for having timing issues.Taurus customer service and turn around times are embarrassing. I wouldn't choose one over a S&W unless money was an issue which is why most people buy a Taurus revolver over a S&W, Ruger, Kimber, or Colt. It's all because they're cheaper and not because they are better.
Back to accuracy, that's not an issue I've heard others really complaining about old or new. Here's my old model 85 which I have no problems with hitting what I'm shooting at.
I’ve found totally opposite on their customer service. About 18 months ago I purchased a Beautiful 22 mag snub at a gun show for $150 because the seller told me it had ignition problems. He admitted he had altered the mainspring trying to get a lighter trigger and screwed it up. I tried about a dozen different springs and while it got better, it was still not 100% reliable. I contacted Taurus trying to purchase a spring after telling Customer Service why I needed one. I was advised it was a fitted part only and would have to be returned. After inquiring about the charge, the lady said it has a lifetime warranty. I reminded her it had been worked on and modified by 2 people knowing when it hit the repair department it would be discovered anyway. She said it didn’t matter. I sent it back in and 11 days later I had my gun back with 3 different brand fired cases and the gun was and has been 100% reliable since. There has also been at least 2 G2C models returned by guys that shot with me for different reasons and one G4X that was returned when the finish showed wear way too early. The 2 G2C models were repaired and the G4X was replaced and all 3 were back in less than 3 weeks. I thought in all 4 cases, the customer service was a lot better than most companies provide these days
When did they move from Miami to Ga? I haven't owned one for quite awhile so I'm out of the loop. I passed on an 8 shot .357 for $250 maybe 10 years back, wish I didn't. Joe
They've been in Georgia for at least a couple of years (2019 according to Wiki). I don't know if they manufacture anything there, or if it's just a courporate type thing. I've got a G3 (9 mm semi) that I got a year or two ago that's marked as Bainbridge, Georgia, but is also marked as "Made in Brazil."
I have several Taurus guns, both revolvers and semi-autos.
Never a problem with any of them.
The one I most recently picked up is a slightly older 327 like the OP's.
Neat little gun, but quite snappy with 327 Federal magnums.
They've been in Georgia for at least a couple of years (2019 according to Wiki). I don't know if they manufacture anything there, or if it's just a courporate type thing. I've got a G3 (9 mm semi) that I got a year or two ago that's marked as Bainbridge, Georgia, but is also marked as "Made in Brazil."
Taurus USA is mainly just the importer, although it is my understanding that they are setup to do repairs, and if Taurus is currently manufacturing anything that would be import banned as per the terms of the Gun Control Act, then it would be manufactured in GA.
Sounds like the problem is with your and your skill level and not the Taurus revolver. I know you'll never admit it though.
The current 856 is a hit or miss revolver that is notorious for having timing issues.Taurus customer service and turn around times are embarrassing. I wouldn't choose one over a S&W unless money was an issue which is why most people buy a Taurus revolver over a S&W, Ruger, Kimber, or Colt. It's all because they're cheaper and not because they are better.
Back to accuracy, that's not an issue I've heard others really complaining about old or new. Here's my old model 85 which I have no problems with hitting what I'm shooting at.
My views on buying a Taurus just because it is less expensive are changing.
I bought a pre Taurus Rossi 85 and liked it. It is as functional and reliable as any of my three S&W Model 36s.
I bought a Taurus 905 and discovered it would not accommodate the standard moon clips that came with it. The shop refunded my money and sent it back to Taurus. When it came back 3-4 months later I bought it again and it has been a superb revolver.
The 10 yard groups are not bad at all, and the DA groups are still credible.
I also bought a Taurus 856 Executive. Once I replaced the grips and modified them to resolve the ejection and speed loader interference issues it became my go to concealed carry .38 Special revolver. It’s accurate and has a superb DA trigger pull.
But what has really changed my position on Taurus has been a prior very negative experience with a 4.2” SP101 in .22LR and a March to October customer service saga, that also left me unreimbursed for $75 in shipping, and a recently purchased SP101 in 9mm.
I’m still doing some initial testing but so far, it’s being decidedly outshot by my Taurus 905. The SP101 had some QA issues, and while Ruger was rapidly responsive, it also partially blew it in its opportunity to wow me with good customer service.
I’ll have a full review shortly, but for now let’s just say it’s not as accurate as the Taurus 905, and is picky about ammunition.
It’s a $750 revolver getting beat by a $350 revolver.
One of my favorite revolvers to carry is this model 605. Back when Taurus still did custom work on their firearms they had a deal they sent in the mail that for $50.00 they would do an action job and port...I jumped on it. I'd put the double and single action up against any, the action on this revolver is as slick as glass.
I haven't shot their revolvers much but that's because I never found one I liked the trigger on. Their PT111G2 & 3s are good to go for self defense guns at self defense distances. The 1911s seem good. Along the way they've made some trash 9mm and 40s. I've always kinda liked their Beretta clones but I've never actually shot one.
I’ve found totally opposite on their customer service. About 18 months ago I purchased a Beautiful 22 mag snub at a gun show for $150 because the seller told me it had ignition problems. He admitted he had altered the mainspring trying to get a lighter trigger and screwed it up. I tried about a dozen different springs and while it got better, it was still not 100% reliable. I contacted Taurus trying to purchase a spring after telling Customer Service why I needed one. I was advised it was a fitted part only and would have to be returned. After inquiring about the charge, the lady said it has a lifetime warranty. I reminded her it had been worked on and modified by 2 people knowing when it hit the repair department it would be discovered anyway. She said it didn’t matter. I sent it back in and 11 days later I had my gun back with 3 different brand fired cases and the gun was and has been 100% reliable since. There has also been at least 2 G2C models returned by guys that shot with me for different reasons and one G4X that was returned when the finish showed wear way too early. The 2 G2C models were repaired and the G4X was replaced and all 3 were back in less than 3 weeks. I thought in all 4 cases, the customer service was a lot better than most companies provide these days
Which is odd because several others who dealt with Taurus CS had to pay to ship. Plus if Taurus's warranty is NOT only for the orginal owner, why would they have that text written into their warranty? I guess they want to purposely advise having a worse warranty than they actually have?
I know you are a Taurus fan, so you want to defend them, but the fact that, according to you, friends and yourself have had to use contact Taurus about issue doesn't look good for Taurus. Plus, I've seen dozens of independent post from members of various gun forums who says Taurus either had their gun for a long duration of time because they were waiting for parts to come in from Brazil, or their firearm shipped back to them with the same issue. The most recent problems from long time Taurus members on the TaurusArmed forum has been with the Taurus TH45. Another member contacted Taurus/Rossi about one the new Rossi's revolvers thst he purchased secondhand, and he was told by customer service that they only cover the original owner.
FYI: I've been buying Taurus firearms for over a decade. I'm not a gun snob, and I still own some Taurus firearms. I've also been a member of TaurusArmed.com for a decade. I am, unlike most people, simply being objective. Here's the latest amongst many Taurus victims. Notice he's been a member for over a decade as has many others who are having problems.
Last edited by Well Armed; 03-05-2024 at 01:53 AM.
I haven't shot their revolvers much but that's because I never found one I liked the trigger on. Their PT111G2 & 3s are good to go for self defense guns at self defense distances. The 1911s seem good. Along the way they've made some trash 9mm and 40s. I've always kinda liked their Beretta clones but I've never actually shot one.
The Taurus PT92 is perhaps the very best semiautomatic pistol they sell, which really shouldn't be surprised if you're aware of the history behind it.
Back in 1974 Beretta setup a factory in Brazil to supply the Brazilian army with Beretta 92 pistols, but once the contract had been fulfilled, they really had no reason to keep the factory running, so in 1980 they put it up for sale, Taurus bought it with part of the agreement being that they kept all of the tooling, blueprints, and workforce.
By then, Beretta's patents had expired, and the blueprints left behind were for older designs which had since been updated anyway, so Taurus was free to produce clones of Beretta pistols.
One of the main differences which sets the PT92 apart from the Beretta 92S of the time was that Beretta had moved the safety lever from the frame to the slide in response to requests by Italian Law Enforcement agencies, and so it has remained ever since.
The Taurus PT92 has since gone through multiple revisions over the years, but it retained the original frame safety.
Personally, I was on the fence when it came to whether I wanted a Beretta 92A1 or a Taurus PT92AFS, but ultimately chose the PT92 because I liked the location of the safety better, and I don't regret it. It's a fantastic pistol and I saved a good $225 going with Taurus over Beretta.
I could have saved even more if I had bought a used model, as there were some online for like $275, but I wanted a new one in Stainless Steel.
The Taurus PT92 is perhaps the very best semiautomatic pistol they sell, which really shouldn't be surprised if you're aware of the history behind it.
Back in 1974 Beretta setup a factory in Brazil to supply the Brazilian army with Beretta 92 pistols, but once the contract had been fulfilled, they really had no reason to keep the factory running, so in 1980 they put it up for sale, Taurus bought it with part of the agreement being that they kept all of the tooling, blueprints, and workforce.
By then, Beretta's patents had expired, and the blueprints left behind were for older designs which had since been updated anyway, so Taurus was free to produce clones of Beretta pistols.
One of the main differences which sets the PT92 apart from the Beretta 92S of the time was that Beretta had moved the safety lever from the frame to the slide in response to requests by Italian Law Enforcement agencies, and so it has remained ever since.
The Taurus PT92 has since go through multiple revisions over the years, but it retained the original frame safety.
Personally, I was on the fence when it came to whether I wanted a Beretta 92A1 or a Taurus PT92AFS, but ultimately chose the PT92 because I liked the location of the safety better, and I don't regret it. It's a fantastic pistol and I saved a good $225 going with Taurus over Beretta.
I could have saved even more if I had bought a used model, as there were some online for like $275, but I wanted a new one in Stainless Steel.
I have a Taurus 92 that somebody put an adjustable sight on. I decided to shoot some hollow point shells of unknown origin at 10 yards. No stoppages of any kind. The shots had some vertical stringing but the windage was pretty good.
I Bought Another Taurus.
Linear Mode
