Opinions on a Taurus .38 Special, Model 82, Blue 4 inch barrel.

[bluegrassrules]

A question for the collective wisdom of this forum.

I am looking at a Taurus .38 Special, Model 82, Blue 4 inch 1979 Pre-Lock Heavy Barrel 6 Shot Steel Frame TT TH from a dealer in Henderson, TN.

What are the opinions on this gun? What I need is a gun to open carry on my property, a work gun. Would this fit the bill? Or perhaps a better year, many are available.
Thank you for your remarks in advance.
Cheers, Brian.

 

[OKFC05]

I've had several Taurus revolvers, and the quality has been hit or miss, generally functional but not smooth. My gunsmith charges about $150 to clean up the Taurus action. I would consider that in the price unless it is exceptionally smooth.
My personal preference for a "walk around" belt gun is a used 4" 686 in a synthetic belt holster with .357 handloads stout enough for hogs.

 

[holo]

I have had bad luck with Taurus guns my semi-auto would not hit hard enough to dent the primer and my .357 would lock up after a few shots. I would look for a nice used model 10 smith, they can be had for under $300.00 on the internet.

 

[oldafsp]

Some of the older Taurus revolvers were very functional and good guns.

As said before, they are inconsistent as far as action smoothness goes.

Check it carefully just to make sure that "Bubba" didn't do a kitchen table
action job on it....

 

[CajunBass]

I had one from about that time. Shot just fine. If the price was good I'd get one.

 

[JAREDSHS]

if the asking price is even remotely close to a used S&W K frame say like a four inch 66 or 64,I would look for S&W, having said that ,I was issued a T==82 back in the seventies by an armed security company,that particular 82 was a very nice gun.

 

[bluegrassrules]

It is below 200...with shiping plus... the 20 to my FFL = 220. That puts me at about 150 under a model 10...thats not very much the more I look at it. But it could be 150 in ammo.

Cheers, Brian

 

[Hapworth]

It is below 200...with shiping plus the 20 to my FFL = 220.
But I do not want to spend even a penny on somthing that will not work well.
Cheers, Brian

You came to a Smith & Wesson board to ask if you should by a Taurus?

Certainly the price is nice, but consider that you have to ask whether or not to buy it at all...

No one wants to lay down dollars on something that might not work well, and there's always some risk no matter what brand you buy -- the question is how much risk, and is it worth it with so many other options?

In this case, I'd say no it isn't.

General consensus, which isn't always right but often is, reflects what you've gotten in this thread: Taurus is very hit-and-miss.

You're looking for an open carry, average-sized .38 Special working gun?

For a few bucks more than the Taurus, there are many shooter-grade 4" heavy-barreled Model 10s and 64s that perfectly fit the bill; if you do the proper pre-purchase checks, you'll be buying yourself a piece that you wouldn't have to ask these kinds of questions about.

Consider the replies you've gotten in this thread, and compare them to threads on this forum asking about buying a Model 10 or 64; everyone says as long as it checks out mechanically, do it. There are rarely caveats or qualifications.

That tells you something.

Best of luck no matter what you choose -- the specific Taurus in question might be a fine purchase.

I'd opt for a Smith and take a great deal of the uncertainty out of the equation.

 

[bluegrassrules]

Well said Hapworth...
I am going back to the model 64-5...not much more and it is the gun I want.I was thinking I was being frugal but perhaps I was being cheap.
Cheers, Brian

 

[Hapworth]

Well said Hapworth...
I am going back to the model 64-5...not much more and it is the gun I want.I was thinking I was being frugal but perhaps I was being cheap.
Cheers, Brian

I was going to come back and emphasize the 64 because it's stainless; stands up a little better to outdoors work.

Glad to see you're ahead of me.

Do your pre-purchase checks; if you need a brush-up on what to look for, some excellent threads onsite about it. Good threads here on what various grades of 64s are selling for now, too.

Good luck and enjoy.

 

[holo]

sent you a idea in a p.m.

 

[caryg]

I have had 3 Taurus's all 3 junk, you get what you pay for, stick to Smith and wesson.

 

[Ptarmigan]

Bluegrass

SOSS is shipping LE/Corrections turn-ins for $249. I understand these are 64-5 and 64-6 models. They are calling them mechanically excellent. There's your stainless S&W .38 Special +P rated for only $50 more than the Taurus.

By the way, I'm not Taurus bashing, but the fact that you're asking that question on this forum means you obviously have some subconcious reservations yourself about that Taurus.

 

[Will Carry]

I always cringe when someone asks about a Taurus revolver. I have shot some great pistols from Taurus but the one I bought was a piece of junk. I know that Taurus has pledged to make better quality guns and I think they will......but I always cringe. If you want a good revolver buy a Smith and Wesson. If you cannot afford a Smith buy a Ruger, if you cannot afford a Ruger buy a, Charter Arms or a Taurus.
Before you buy a revolver, do your homework. Know what the specs are........

 

[bluegrassrules]

Got it, thanks holo

 

[EldoEsq]

Model 10's by me are $250 for a shooter...for $30, there really isnt much to think about.

Model 10's are $370 by you???

 

[M3Stuart]

I posted this thread last week - used model 10's for $199 or $219. Plus shipping and FFL puts you a few beans higher than your deal.

My experience with Taurii is not great. IMHO; I would not buy another Taurus. YMMV.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/257400-inexpensive-10-5s-10-6s.html

 

[sixpointfive]

I had two of them, both junk.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I have a model 85 from about 1990. Not a Smith by any stretch but a good servicable gun. I think I paid about 275 for it new. I would buy another for that price. Jim

 

[CO_Kid]

I bought a Taurus 66 2.5 inch (copy of the S&W gun of the same design) on Sunday for $250.

A) because they didn't have a 2.5 inch model 19 at the gun show

and

B)they knocked $100 off the asking price since I also bought a new S&W 442.

All of the function tests/problem checks. I'm taking it to the range either Thursday or Friday. I'll let you know how it goes.