How do Taurus snubbies compare to Smiths?

M

MRH

New member
I'm looking at some .38 or .357 snub-nosed revolvers, and there are quite a few Taurus's and Rossi's, but only one Smith and Wesson ... and it's a Ladysmith (if it wasn't for the "Ladysmith" written on it, I'd buy it).

How does a Taurus compare in quality and accuracy?

Many thanks.
 
My experience may be atypical, but while I'd go with S&W for any other category, I had better luck overall with Taurus snubbies.
 
Smith and Wesson is still my favorite and they make several different "snubbies". Take a look at the following models all snub nose revolvers:

1. Model 36 Chief's Special.
2. Model 37, Chief's Lightweight (blued)and my favorite but discontinued.
3. Model 637, Chief's Airweight
4. Model 638, Bodyguard Airweight
5. Models 442, 642 Centennial Airweight
6. Model 342, Centennial TI
7. Model 342PD, TI Personal Defense
8. Model 337, Chief's Special TI
9. Model 640, Stainless Centennial
10. Model 337PD, Chief's Special Personal Defense
11. Model 60, Stainless Chief's Special
12. Model 649, Stainless Bodyguard

And the list is not complete.
 
We have two .38 snubbies at our house. (And my wife can outshoot me with either one!) One is a S&W Chief's Special and the other is a Taurus Total Titanium. The Taurus is my wife's concealed carry gun. Both of the little wheel guns shoot well. The Taurus is lighter, has better grips, is ported, and more colorful. (Matte spectrum blue) The load that we use is Federal 125gr. Nyclad hollowpoints. Also the Taurus seems to have less muzzle blast.

Will

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Mendacity is the system we live in.
 
I bought my wife a S&W M-65 Lady Smith a couple of years ago, and I'm so impressed with it, I think I may buy one for myself one of these days...

S&W sells a replacement sideplate for the LS without the etching, if such things bother you...

A buddy of mine bought a Taurus M-606 for his wife at about the same time. It's a nice little gun, but it ain't no Smith. The trigger is certainly passable, but not nearly as smooth. The fit-&-finish isn't as good. The front cylinder gap is a bit too small, causing occasional cylinder lock-up. The timing is slightly off, causing the gun to occasionally shave bullets.

The Taurus cost about $70 less that the Smith did. It's a decent gun to shoot, and if not for the problems I listed, I'd probably want one for myself. But how much cheaper is it really, when you factor in the shipping for the necessary repairs, plus a possible trigger job...

I'd take the Smith.



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--Rich
 
S&W makes more different types of snubbies than just about anybody and while I have nothing but good things to say about their pistols, I can't say the same for their revolvers. I would go with Taurus snubbies over S&W snubbies any day of the week.

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Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD.
 
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