I think Taurus has a huge menu of guns - definitely more models than Glock and Ruger combined. This is a lot of guns to look after, and it works for them, and against them in many different ways. On one hand, Taurus might have a model that is so popular like the 85 revolver, and they are experts at building that particular model, and those guns are coming out the door in brilliant shape. On the other hand, Taurus may come with a newer or different model like the 24/7 auto and they might have a recall, or return, or you know, "whatever the story was with that."
Keep in mind, "smith, springfield, not without their recalls."
So, just like any restaurant with a huge menu, for Taurus they may have so much cooking in the kitchen that sometimes a plate comes out a little cold.
I think this is important to note: There is no gun manufacturer right now, that I am aware of, that is making so many different style and choice and options of double action revolver.
I am genuinely interested in a lot of Taurus revolver products. You can not find those guns elsewhere.
I have another comparison, this time with cars. Remember in the 1990s, Kia's would save you a ton of money over an American or European car, but Kia's were flat out garbage. Fast forward to 2014.. Kia's may save you slightly, over an American or European car, there may be a slight quality issue with some models, then again there may not be, and the overall quality and even cost is no longer that much different.
I can accept the fact, that years back, in 1970s, or the 1980s, or even the 1990s Taurus may have had a reputation for being a cheap gun. If you really wanted a nice gun, you bought Smith or Colt. However, no way this is the case right now. Smith and Wesson quality to cost and expense ratio is easily argued; you can even say that, "folk are just paying for brand name," and Colt is not currently making DA revolvers so we can't even compare.
I'm not big on Taurus semi-automatic weapons, you know.. Its not my thing to have safety's on auto pistols (save for the 1911)... But the guns are ergonomic, well made, and nice shooters. Also.. I realize not all the pistols have safetys, some of the pockets may not have safety's I am not 100% sure.
So, the way I see Taurus? To me its kind of like Kia. You may save a few bucks, lol you may not. You definitely can't buy everything they make, some models totally rock. Modern manufacturing evens quality out a lot.
I'm way interested in Raging Revolvers and the 617? Wow!! Is that a gun! I want to check one out soon.
Edit = Maybe I should get this as my next carry gun. OMG, this thing is totally radical.
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=260&category=Revolver&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=
I was thinking about an XDS but, ya know.. I'm happy I didn't buy one yet, cause I could totally carry a Taurus Revolver confidently.