Taurus 445 DAO .44 Special snub

[mc5aw]

Anyone have one of these who can share some thoughts? I know this model was discontinued, and is the size of a K/L frame. I saw one today and it felt solid, the cylinder spun cleanly, and the trigger was smooth (albeit a bit heavy, which I understand is par for the course). The blue finish was quite nice too, and the whole package appeared to make for a nifty belly gun. Yes, I know it's not a S&W, but .44 Special snubs of any make are a rare species indeed. Feedback is much appreciated.

 

[JaPes]

I wish I had any experience with it. Sounds like a .44 Special snub would be fun. I bet that someone over here would know:

Taurus Revolvers

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have a M431 2.5" SS.

It's Ok, but my M696 is so much better.
Was going to CC it but now use my M49 mostly.
If I CC a .44, it's my M696, only .5" longer.
First thing were the grips sucked!
Had to replace them. Action is ok, about like my Colt DS.
Shoots to POA for close range.

 

[ColbyBruce]

A co-worker has a Taurus 431 .44 special, a blue steel, DA/SA. It is a solid built gun, accurate and reliable.

Co-worker's gun looks like this one.

 

[ArkieVol]

My new 445 is very accurate, light weight and comfortable to shoot but locks up tight every 3-4 shots. Have to open the cylinder to free it up. I only use it to test new hand loads. Not interested enough to send it in for repair.

I have a S&W 396 Night Guard, a mod 24, and mod 624 and that work just fine.

 

[mc5aw]

This Taurus piqued my interest for various reasons. Finding a 696 or 396NG for less than a grand is wishful thinking (thankfully I already own a 696), I've never stumbled across a Rossi 720, and as much as I want to patronize Charter Arms, the QC is too spotty. A 296 is a rare bird too, and for < $500 the Taurus (though used) fits a niche at an acceptable price point, and is smaller than my 624 snub. Slim pickins for anything else in the .44 Special snub dept. I'm going to do some more research on this medium-sized hand cannon.

 

[Otreb]

Another guy with a 431 like the blued model pictured above.
Good shooter with strong lockup and fair DA trigger. I'd prefer it didn't use a wide serrated trigger, especially on a DA gun, the sights are a bit smallish too.
I came across a 445 that piqued my interest, but lockup was borderline crappy. Try before you buy....but if you find a nice one, it's a neat revolver.

 

[paco04]

Older Charter Bulldogs can be ok if you get a good one.

 

[eb07]

The newer charters are good as well:

The Charter Arms Bulldog 44 Special | The Desert's Edge

I personally will never own a Taurus again. Twice was enough. Taurus sucks.