More from the Taurus (no) View micro snubby .38

[Otreb]

I was finally able to shoot the Taurus View (without the view) at an indoor range today. Up to this point, I've really only shot the thing over the chrono and at 25yrds, not really doing anything consistent with the gun's intended use....at nostril range.

For those not familiar, this was a smaller-than-small five shot .38sp snubby introduced and promptly poopcanned over about a years duration by Taurus. Originally they came with a see-thru Lexan sideplate so you could 'view' the inner workings, it didn't go over well. Last half or so of the production guns came with conventional alum side plates matching the aluminum frame.

I had a little less than a box of ammo total, between some leftover Magtech 158fg JFP and PMC 132gr ball, so I just banged out a five shot group at 5,7,10yrds and 50ft with rate of DAO triggered fire slowing from 1/sec as distance increased.
X marked the POA I used to keep groups reasonably centered on paper. For realistic purposes, the fixed sights are adequate for good centered hits at close range. Beyond 30-40ft....not so much.
Still, if you hold it tight and steady, it will deliver good groups. Three inches at 50ft...but 10" above POA.
All shooting except at 50ft was PMC ball. The magtech 158gr was used at 50ft, fifth shot was just starting to jump the crimp after four rounds downrange. Even jacketed heavier weight loads will creep in this gun due to violent recoil...and the Magtech is loaded a little warmer than the PMC.

I'm at approx 150 through the gun now, still tight as a tick, smooth trigger.

 

[6thtexas]

I will say one thing for Taurus-they aren't above trying out "interesting" ideas.

 

[BC38]

Yeah, and I think that's about the smallest 5-shot 38 package anybody has ever come up with - smaller than an I-frame from what I gather.

I imagine putting almost a full box of ammo through it in one sitting would be pretty BRUTAL.

But it seems like it would be OK - for a belly gun.

 

[Lonestar57]

Thanks for a great review but no thanks for me. Shot one awhile back but my shooting hand started bleeding between the 15th and 20th round of Winchester white box 38 target. Like stated; it's a close range better than a sharp stick kind of gun but people that decide to carry one will tend not to practice with it very much. It's more of a novelty gun IMHO....

 

[Otreb]

Yeah, and I think that's about the smallest 5-shot 38 package anybody has ever come up with - smaller than an I-frame from what I gather.

I imagine putting almost a full box of ammo through it in one sitting would be pretty BRUTAL.

But it seems like it would be OK - for a belly gun.

Recoil is pretty stout with all but wadcutters and the range 130gr stuff- for me, at least. Using std or +p 110gr seems to be the way to go in these guns based on shooting and chronoing the stuff through this gun. It shoots closer to POA with those lightweight bullets vs 148-158gr.

 

[Otreb]

Thanks for a great review but no thanks for me. Shot one awhile back but my shooting hand started bleeding between the 15th and 20th round of Winchester white box 38 target. Like stated; it's a close range better than a sharp stick kind of gun but people that decide to carry one will tend not to practice with it very much. It's more of a novelty gun IMHO....

I suspect many would agree with you, it's certainly not for everyone. My own experience hasn't been as harsh on recoil...though it does definitely kick. I'd consider it over the tiny .380 pistols, personally, as it's much more shootable than derringers or NAA minis- guns that could be more fairly considered novelties.