Model 65. Sacrilege: S&W v taurus?

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bczrx

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Saw a Taurus model 65, in decent shape. Did some reading.

Did i understand it right: Taurus 65 doesn't have flat spot milled on barrel for cylinder clearance, so less chance of cracked barrel mouth than S&W model 65?

I have gp100, blackhawk and Colt 357.

Kind of lime a smith action design in 357 also, but not for $700+. In california-used is limited.

Any thoughts on these two?

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I don't know much about either of those but a model 60 S&W is also an alternative and maybe for a little less $ than the 65.

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The net is filled with Taurus horror stories, but I really don't think they're revolvers are that bad. They're aren't S&W's, but I've owned a few other the years and they performed fine.
 
Many years ago, I once considered picking up a Taurus revolver despite numerous recommendations to avoid them. I read an article that stated Taurus revolvers shouldn't be dry fired or the firing pin might break. I thought that might be Internet nonsense, so I called Taurus customer service and they confirmed it and indeed recommended I don't dry their revolvers or the firing pin mighty break. That was all I needed to know about their quality and durability, so no Taurus wheelguns for me.
 
I read an article that stated Taurus revolvers shouldn't be dry fired or the firing pin might break.
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Personally I don't believe ANY handgun should be dry fired so I simply do not do it. However I had a Taurus 605 that was a great gun - accurate and as smooth as a 'classic' S & W.
 
I only have experience with one Taurus revolver, a Model 83. This is basically similar to a S&W Model 15.

No, it's not "that bad" I guess depending on your standards. Mine is not accurate. Well it's accurate enough for defensive use and is reliable. But shooting for accuracy I find it inadequate. It adds a couple of inches to my off-hand groups compared to my S&W's. No doubt due to the .361 cylinder throats. I might buy another but I'd have to slug the barrel and take my pin gauges to check the throats.

Now that lack of precision accuracy isn't going to make any difference on a man-sized target at 10 yards. But I'd think twice about trying a head shot.

Plus I keep seeing things like....
 

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I have a number of S&W revolvers. Love them. I also have some recent Taurus and Rossi revolvers that are remarkably well made. The triggers and fit and finish are excellent. They must have updated the factory in Brazil.

BTW, all hammer-nosed firing pins weaken with extended dry-firing. Most Taurus revolvers though use frame mounted firing pins as does S&W. Many Rossi firing pins though are hammer mounted.
 
I have a pair of Taurus model 431s, the 5-round 44 Specials made in the 90s. One's a 3" stainless, the other is the 2 1/2" blue. I like them both. The fit and finish is excellent and they're pretty darn accurate. Guess that means I'm lucky...
 
Had one Taurus back in the day. 441 44 Special.
Overclocked barrel Taurus fixed (sound familiar?)
Decent shooter. Let it go after a 696 came along.
taurus.jpg
 
I have this 2 1/2 inch Taurus 65. This is a gun that I wish Smith had made.
 

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I had a few Taurus revolvers in the late 80's to early 90's, and I had problems with most of them (I got rid of ALL of them and will likely never purchase another).

I have various S&W, Ruger, and Colt revolvers and can't remember ever having problems with any of them, not related to ammo.

I'll let you figure out what I think of Taurus.
 
Mister X said:
Many years ago, I once considered picking up a Taurus revolver despite numerous recommendations to avoid them. I read an article that stated Taurus revolvers shouldn't be dry fired or the firing pin might break. I thought that might be Internet nonsense, so I called Taurus customer service and they confirmed it and indeed recommended I don't dry their revolvers or the firing pin mighty break. That was all I needed to know about their quality and durability, so no Taurus wheelguns for me.
Click to expand...

I HAVE OWNED 3 TAURUS WHEELGUNS, LURED BY THEIR COSMETIC BEAUTY AND LOW PRICE. THEY WERE INTENDED FOR TACKLE BOX, TRUCK GLOVE BOX USE, ETC. NONE WERE TROUBLE FREE, AND I SOLD EACH AT A GREAT LOSS, @ KITTERY TRADING POST, IN MAINE. NO LGS WOULD TAKE THEM IN TRADE, OR ON CONSIGNMENT. I FELT FORTUNATE TO BE RID OF THEM.......

IMHO, YOU SAVED YOURSELF A LOT OF GRIEF BY DOING SOME RESEARCH, AND AVOIDING THE BRAND
 
bczrx said:
Saw a Taurus model 65, in decent shape. Did some reading.

Did i understand it right: Taurus 65 doesn't have flat spot milled on barrel for cylinder clearance, so less chance of cracked barrel mouth than S&W model 65?

I have gp100, blackhawk and Colt 357.

Kind of lime a smith action design in 357 also, but not for $700+. In california-used is limited.

Any thoughts on these two?

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

K frame is fine if ya keep it clean like you should any gun. Shooting lead bullets and letting buildup is what caused problems
 
I have only had 1 Taurus revolver. Just a 990 .22. It was super accurate. It looked great, and never had any problems. It sold at a decent price too, when I could not get any ammo. In general from what I've seen, people tend to shy away from Taurus be it right or wrong. Bob
 
Mistered said:
Personally I don't believe ANY handgun should be dry fired so I simply do not do it.
Click to expand...

So, you never dry fire any of your guns, even with snap caps?

I take it you don't own a Glock, because you have to dry-fire it to field strip it.
 
I've owned three Taurus revolvers that I thought were outstanding. A seven shot Model 66, a Model 65, both 357's and a 431 in 44 Special. I owned several others that were pretty good, but those three were not only good guns but they had finishes that I would have put up against any Smith & Wesson I've ever owned...and I've owned a few.

I didn't know about not dry firing them, but I've owned Colts with a frame mounted firing pin, and you're not supposed to dry fire them either.
 
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