New to semi autos. Taurus Spectrum

C

CoffeeShooter

New member
Im familiar with shotguns and revolvers but no experience with semi autos. I plan on purchasing a taurus spectrum .380 for 229.99 for the purpose of concealment and self defense. I am on a budget and it looks like a great deal but I hear people crap on Taurus so much Im a bit hesitant to buy. All the review videos on this particular pistol look positive. Thoughts on this firearm and alternatives in similar function
 
Go for it. If it doesn't work out, sell it off and get something else. You don't have to get the perfect gun the first time.

Re the Spectrum in particular, I hear some bad, some good. Don't believe everything you read on the Internet.

I don't think a really small pistol (ex Ruger's LCP and similar guns) is a good idea for a first gun.
 
Its not my first gun. Ive handled 45 revolvers before and pretty much every shotgun you can imagine. I mostly need a small gun for portability. Few months down line once Im making more money Im sure it would be easy to sell and buy new weapon if not a fan. My current revolver is nice but not exactly comfortable to carry around unless its holstered. Holsters are nice but something to just stash in pocket or jacket when out for a walk in the evening is what Im after
 
"You don't have to get the perfect gun the first time."

Some would argue that when it comes to self-defense, you darned well do. As someone once said, there are no second place winners in a gunfight.

Jim
 
I advise against Taurus based on my own experience with, and on years of reading about, the company’s issues with quality control and slow warranty service .You can find numerous threads here documenting these problems.

Pocket pistol? Ruger LCP Gen 2 ( Not LCP II, though that might be OK). My LCPs have been far more reliable than the other pocket pistols I have tried, and that includes most of them. No fun to shoot, the LCP can be made more comfortable by adding a Hogue slip on grip, the model that is attached by driving out the rear frame pin and installing with the longer pin Hogue provides. Also make sure to put finger-extension base plates on all your magazines, that aids with control and recoil.

Glock 42 and 43 can also be pocketed. Sound like Glock has fixed the issues that plagued my 42. My 43 hasn’t had any problems. The Glock 42 is very easy to shoot.

If you can go a bit bigger, the Smith Shield is excellent and a great value, and Walther’s PPS M2 and Springfield’s XD-s are also competitive choices.
 
The beretta pico seems to have better features at a reasonable price. One thing it lacks over the spectrum though is it felt pretty smooth in hand. Nothing to snag on when drawing from a pocket or jacket. I didnt see a pico available and would have to order online and hesitant as Id rather get a feel for weapon in person before buying
 
CoffeeShooter said:
The beretta pico seems to have better features at a reasonable price. One thing it lacks over the spectrum though is it felt pretty smooth in hand. Nothing to snag on when drawing from a pocket or jacket. I didnt see a pico available and would have to order online and hesitant as Id rather get a feel for weapon in person before buying
Click to expand...
I have many post and Pics on this forum with the Pico. Personally I am a total dedicated fan to that gun and shooting Pocket guns religiously for 10 years. The Pico IMO is hands down one of the best out there, top quality, mild shooter, and one of the most reliable guns I have owned so far. And they are built like tanks and will go the long run with a high round count.
That said, I would never recommend any pocket gun to a inexperienced shooter. They require a certain skill set and IMO a lot of practice and dedication.


I might consider, for yourself a Bersa 380 or similar and move down if you want a pocket gun.
 
I know nothing about the spectrum but I will vouch for the ruger lcp. My lcp eats everything. I can't believe how reliable it is for tiny gun. There are great deals on them right now too.
 
Currently my budget is about 250 and can get the spectrum at local shop for 229.99. I could spend a little more in about a month but trying to stay within budget. Several of these alternatives are better but shipping and cost online websites offer seem to be higher than what I’m going for. So far it’s either this or or the Beretta Pico down the line. I have been reading into Taurus more and they’re quite hit and miss. There’s very little about the spectrum at moment but what little I am finding seems to be positive about it it being relatively accurate for size and brand. Most of the negative I’ve seen is either jokes about colored varieties or concerns of rubber grips on side coming off.
 
I know I know. But I hear it depends on which model of Taurus. Some are realizable and others lemons. Thing is I’m mostly curious about Spectrum cause there’s barely any reliable sources outside a few youtubers saying it’s worth the purchase.
 
With Spectrum being main source of curiousity, allso am curious about the Ruger LCP. One gun shop owner called the Beretta Pico crap and wouldn’t sell em and said the Ruger LCP was superior. One guy said he can get a LCP 380 for 227 after tax. It’s an option as well I suppose
 
Considering your price range, I would recommend the Ruger LCP. Palmetto State armory had them on sale for $169. If you have a problem, Ruger will make it right. Taurus is not exactly known for exemplary customer service.
 
This is true. One I’m being offered is the LCP 1 and not the LCP 2. Is one less likely to malfunction than other or just slightly different features? I love the features on the spectrum is just the notoriety with the brand I’m concerned about
 
I suggest you find a local gun range that rents guns. Try a few of them out before you spend your hard earned money on something you may end up not liking very much. Those pocket pistols aren't easy guns to shoot, so they're not really a good option for a first handgun purchase. I know you have some experience with revolvers and shot guns, but those pocket pistols are a different breed than either.

As for Taurus semi-autos....well, they're kinda like Chrysler--you either get a really good one or a piece of junk that will give you problems. Have you considered a Jframe sized revolver? There are quite a few options to choose from, including from Taurus. Now...their revolvers have a decent reputation, so ya might look into what they offer.
 
If I was on a tight budget the Ruger line of pistols is what I would be looking at rather than Taurus. Ruger has a stellar reputation for customer service.
 
Yeah. Should I go with a Ruger LCP 1 or 2? I can get either but I’d be saving about 70 bucks with LCP 1. Are the changes with 2 worth it?
 
I’ll add another. A Bersa Thunder 380. Probably about $40 more than the Curve and a fine and reliable pistol.
 
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