How bad is Taurus

R

rgc

Inactive
Hello all, I am brand new to this forum and have a question. I am looking for a 9mm to shoot at the range and use for concealed carry, however, budget (wife) indicates I have to be very $ wise. My questions are - I just looked at the Taurus PT111, it was nice in my hand yet I've been told to stay away from Taurus (especially autos), is the bad hype about the Milennium all that? Or, should I just wait until next week when I get to see the Kel-tec P11 in person? Any other inexpensive 9s that I should look into?

Thanks in advance for any and all info.
 
Do a search on the PT111, you'll be suprised!!! Take a look at the baby eagle polymer. I have one in 40 S&W and love it, I use to own a PT140 but that came apart on me.
 
Welcome aboard rgc,

From reading post on the Taurus PT-111, I definitely would
stay away from it. Some member's here report having some
good results with other Taurus auto's; but I don't believe
that the PT-111 is among them? I beleive that if you are
looking for an economical auto; then you owe it to your-
self to look at the "P" series of Ruger's. Quality guns at
an affordable price. Do a search of Ruger auto's, and I
don't think you will find too many bad write up's.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
You should also look at the CZ75B. One of the best inexpensive 9mm's on the market. Also look at some used handguns, a used gun for around 400$ is just as good as a new gun for 500$ in my book.
 
Taurus isn't bad, just the PT series is. Quality varies like a flip of the coin.

Use the "search" function at the to right of this forum for research.

In addition to Ruger P89s and P95s, look into a CZ-75 pistol. Very few complaints from owners of these pistols. Price is very reasonable. They're nowhere near as small as the KelTec P11, but their quality, accuracy & trigger feel might help you reconsider. You'll have more fun shooting either of these than a KT, which is not a 'range gun', but more of a 'backup' firearm.
 
Taurus isn't bad, just the PT series is. Quality varies like a flip of the coin.
Click to expand...

That may be true of their polymer guns, but not of all of their semiautos. The PT92/99 and PT100/101 series pistols are very good guns.
 
The most common problem ive heard about with the PT111 is the trigger. I believe alot of the PT145 problems carry over in the minds of other people and they associate them with all PT guns.
Ive shot a couple and they were honestly nice guns...I passed on a NIB gun last week for 240$ at a local store. Theres a clean used one with a trigger job for sale here somewhere for cheap too. I like them and IMO, most of them are good if not great guns.
The Poly frame the 145 has so many problems with was designed for the 9mm. Thus I think its plenty strong generally speaking...not that some wont have problems..like all guns do.
But they get more "air time" because of the PT145....flame away..just my opinion.
If you shy away from the PT111...take a look at Keltec P11.
They are generally thought of as a pretty solid gun..cheap too.
If you have the cash...I HIGHLY recommend a Kahr. Smaller than the Taurus and the Cadillac of minis.
Shoot well
 
If it's gonna be your only gun, you want it to be extremely reliable, regardless of price.

In the same size/price range, is a used S&W 3913; an excellent handgun. There's lots of used ones around Atlanta, with lots of holster wear (cop trade in's?).

Personally, I'd much much rather have a used 3913 than a new PT111 or P11. Heck, I have bad enough luck with "good" guns to even consider trying a "questionable" one. Or for under $200, you could buy a Makarov and have enough left over to buy lots of practice ammo. Either way, you get a concealable gun that's very reliable and fun to shoot.

If it's your first gun, it's hard to go wrong with a mid-size revolver, too (s&w 19, 65, 66)! No need to worry about jam clearing, and easier to shoot well than a semi.

Sorry to ramble so much, but you wanted to hear advise.
 
I was actually looking at a PT-22 the other day. Are they all steel? Was debating between that and the little Beretta 21. Pros and Cons? I know they don't have an extractor, but if they are reliable.
 
Avoid Taurus Plastic and you will be just fine. Don't be tempted due to price. Those guns are not worth it if given to you for free.

Lots of other nice 9MM guns that are good for range and CCW. Do some shopping and make a short list. Come back and use the SEARCH function here and research each option. TFL can be a great resource for that.

Just don't make the mistake of coming in to TFL saying "Hey, I just picked up a Taurus Plastic, what can you tell me about it?" Because at that point it's too late to help you.

What other guns have you considered?
 
Thanks for the info . . .

I did a search on the PT111 and I will not pick up the gun again! I have been warned about Taurus autos (some say the revolvers are fine) and will remember what I have been told and what I have read here the next time I am in the store.

I looked at some of the Rugers mentioned, however, they seem a bit large and heavy for ccw.
 
After owning SEVERAL Taurus firearms over the last 12 years, I can sum it up in just a few words:

Metal = GOOD :)
Plastic = BAD :mad:

My experience consists of PT92, PT99, PT100, PT911, PT940, PT111, and 85UL. The only dud was the PT111.
 
As other have pointed out, Taurus autos that don't utilize a polymer frame are just fine.

My PT-99 was purchased used and it's still tight after a few thousand rounds... no telling how many it's seen before following me home.
Even the ill-fated PT-908 (apparently replaced by the PT-911) worked well for me while I had it.

Some haven't had a lick of trouble from their plastic Taurus handguns, but the number who have seems to make the investment quite dicey. I believe their bugs will be worked out of their polymer line shortly... patience is the virtue.

As for revolvers, my M85CH, M669 and M44 have never offered anything but flawless performance.
 
Keep your eye open for used guns, especially at a shop that caters to law enforcement. You'll find good used ones that are either confiscated or you can find good deals on used police guns. One shop in Columbia, SC has used Glocks for around $440.00, including at least one factory rebuild. Another has a Sig 9mm for about $440.00. Keep in mind many manufacturers warranties stay with the gun, no matter if you are the original owner or not (Springfield Armory and Ruger are two examples - Smith and Wesson's warranty is the same I think).

As far as new guns are concerned, the two kings in the bang-for-your-buck category are probably (as many have suggested) the Ruger and the CZ. Fine new examples of each often go for under $400.00 around here. Used should be even cheaper. Springfield Armory now has a new polymer gun as well that looks pretty good. A good DA revolver also runs about $4-450 around here, but used can get pretty low (I was offered a used SS Ruger Service Six for $200.00, but I didn't have the $200.00). Revolvers make great bedside guns too - no mag springs to get weak and can fire bone-dry (although I don't reccomend it).

Avoid the Taurus Millenium line. I've shot one - the most miserable experience of my life. They are very hard to shoot well with that long, heavy, creepy, crappy, feels-like-it's-gonna-snap-in-two-before-it-fires-why-the-he!!-did-I-waste-my-money-on-this-POS trigger.

I've also shot the Ruger .40. One word.
Exxxxxxxxccccelent.
 
have a Tarus PT111. have to say it has never, ever, choked on anything i have put in it. after a simple trigger job, it is acceptable there too. would i recommend it to others, no, too many tales of woe. too easy to get a lemon. think i got lucky.

for the least money, look at a Markorov. kinda big for caliber, but it is a dandy gun.

if you have more money, check out CZs. more calibers, more gun.

if you have even more money, all the rest recommended.

hos
 
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