Taurus 431

GerSan69 · Sep 5, 2015

Seeing Tex 1001's thread about the 431 got me looking for one on GB. "Probably none on there," I said. "If there is, they probably want too much," I guessed. "I'd rather have a 696, anyway." Yeah, sure. People in H--- want icewater, too.
Sure enough, there WAS a 431. A very nice one. And the seller only wanted $370...
Long story short, I picked it up this morning from my friendly neighborhood FFL. Wow! This thing is in pristine condition. A couple tiny marks on the frame above the trigger, otherwise not a scratch. The grip looks to be reworked factory, sanded way down and shaped similar to aftermarket boot grips from Eagle and others. The action is very smooth and "Smith"-like. Overall, nothing to dislike.
Got a couple hundred .44 rounds delivered today as well. Just have to find time in my "busy" schedule to take it out and shoot a few.

rjm6120 · Sep 5, 2015

Nice 431! If i ran into one that looked like that at that price I would snag it. Just can't afford the S&W .44 spls...

k22fan · Sep 5, 2015

I have a couple of Tauri double action revolvers that are keepers but had one they could not make worth owning with one warranty repair trip. I'll be interested to hear how this one performs. So far I've only heard good things about 431s.

Locally I've seen more 431s with adjustable sights than fixed sights. That does not count snub noses which may or may not have the same model number.

One of the LGS I frequent has a box of miscellaneous used stocks that always has a few factory stocks that look like they would fit. Original stocks are pretty common and with patience you can probably find a pair for $10 to $15. However, I'd try them for fit before buying just in case the frame went through some changes before being superseded by Trackers.

Let us know how accurate it is.

Otreb · Sep 5, 2015

Taurus can make a good revolver, the 431 was proof of that.
It can hold up pretty well as a shooter, decent accuracy too.

Tex1001 · Sep 6, 2015

Both of my 431s had mangled rubber Pachs on them when I got them. They looked bad and felt even worse. That was what what originally started my quest to make them round butted.
_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.

ColbyBruce · Sep 6, 2015

I often thought a Taurus 431 would make a decent trail gun here in bear country. I just can't find one for sale at a reasonable price. I used to have a stainless Charter Arms Bulldog I used for that purpose. Now I carry a S&W 65-3 or 65-5 with Buffalo Bore ammo around the house.

k22fan · Sep 6, 2015

That raises a question. Can a black bear accelerate to 25 mph faster than you can draw and aim your revolver? To stop a charge my guess is a .44 mag or larger would be a better choice for likely imperfect marksmanship.

ColbyBruce · Sep 6, 2015

k22fan said:
That raises a question. Can a black bear accelerate to 25 mph faster than you can draw and aim your revolver? To stop a charge my guess is a .44 mag or larger would be a better choice for likely imperfect marksmanship.

I have a plan. If charged, I will bunny hop to one side, let the bear slide past when it hits the pile of excrement that just blew out of my pants leg, and I will draw and fire at said bear before it regains it's footing and comes back for me.

ColbyBruce · Sep 6, 2015

Of course, I do have one of these old things lying around...

CajunBass · Sep 6, 2015

I'm pretty fond of my blue Taurus 431. I got it a few weeks ago and have really enjoyed shooting it.

There was a 4" one, with adjustable sights in my dealers case a couple of days ago, but it didn't last long.

Shorty 45 MK2 · Sep 7, 2015

Congrats on your newest!

That is a nice one.

Jessie · Sep 9, 2015

Any time you can get a short barreled .44 under $400, you're doing ok. They're few and far between. Some are great, some are so-so. Either way its a potent pocket full.

rangemaster · Sep 9, 2015

I had a blued 431, but discovered the Rossi 720 in stainless trim with adjustable sights. I much prefer them. I now have three of those. I highly recommend buying one whenever you run across one.

mistermills357 · Sep 9, 2015

Nice guns.
I had a Rossi .38 Special snubnose and two Taurus 9mm's.
I love 'em, the Rossi converted me to snub .38's right on the spot.
And, I became a fan of the 9mm because of the Taurus M99.

gaucho1 · Sep 10, 2015

Just purchased this on GB.

This thread made me look................

CajunBass · Sep 10, 2015

That's a nice one. I'd be willing to bet you'll like it.

gaucho1 · Sep 10, 2015

I have two of the Rossi .44s. One with a smooth cylinder.

They are bank vault solid and somewhat heavy. Actions are
smooth and decent.

I like the looks of the fixed sight Taurus. More like a Smith

Seems like they are pretty well made......hopefully this one will
not be a good looking functional lemon.

GerSan69 · Sep 11, 2015

Bought some smooth target stocks for the 431 off eBay. I liked the shaved-down set that came with the gun, but I discovered that the previous owner had shaved too much off and broke thru into the indexing pin space. These look pretty good for $29.
Very nice, Gaucho. I think you'll like it a lot. Especially where all your K-frame holsters fit it.

kaveman · Sep 12, 2015

gaucho1 said:
Just purchased this on GB.

This thread made me look................

Yes, thanks for the thread. It got me looking again and I came up with something too. I've been looking for years off and on for a Taurus or Rossi .44 and kind of got out of the habit after picking up a Charter earlier this year. This thread sent me to GB with a lust in my heart and it paid off.

As a perennial bottom feeder,.............I settled on a 720 that I turned up after a 'deep' search. Kinda beat, rubber grips are shot, front sight insert is missing,..............but for $185 Buy Now I figured it was worth a try. I think I can replace the front sight blade with not too much effort and the grips would be replaced regardless AND I've been wanting to try the Scotchbrite treatment or bead blasting so the condition doesn't bother me at all(as long as it's structurally OK). Not much of a description and only the one auction pic, but I've wasted more money on less,.............

I'll still be competing for a fixed sight 3" 431, especially for a DAO.

.455_Hunter · Sep 12, 2015

I had a blue 431. It was a very high quality piece, but did shoot significantly high with "normal" 240 to 250 grain .44 special ammo. I sold it to fund more S&W purchases.

Taurus 431

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