Taurus 94...

A

AV1611

New member
Lately I've had a hankering for a .22 pistol. I love the idea of shooting all afternoon for less than $10. At first I thought I wanted a Ruger MK II. Now I've discovered that what I really want is a revolver. I've looked at the SP101 and the Taurus 94. I used to own a 3" stainless SP101 in .357. I really liked that gun and probably never should have sold it. It fit my hand like a glove. I also used to own a 4" stainless Taurus 607 (7 shot .357 on the .44 Mag frame). It was also a well made, nice handling pistol. I like both Ruger's and Taurus' revolvers and need some input on strengths and weaknesses of the SP and the 94. I'm sure either would be a good choice, but would like your input.

AV1611 out...
 
The Ruger is wildly popular and those who have them seem to love them but to me they look bulky.

I have had a Taurus M94 for about 15 years. Nice gun. Only complaint is that the checkering on hammer was like needles. Way too sharp for comfort. Took fine-toothed file to them and rounded off a bit.
 
I did notice that the SP101 weighs 34 ounces verses the 94's 25 ounces. That's a huge difference. I can get the 4" stainless 94 with full barrel underlug for $290 new. The 4" stainless SP101 would cost me $370 new. I know the the SP is beefier (9 extra ounces), but does that really matter with a .22lr?

AV1611 out...
 
I can identify with your position: I love shooting a Mark II, but there's just something about a revolver. . . .

Personally, as much as I appreciate the SP-101 in the .357/9mm calibers (it's the only small .357 I'd buy, and I'd love to find a nice one in 9x19), I would go with the 94. It's just a better value. You just don't need that much strength in a .22. There's no way the Taurus trigger could be worse than a heavy (but smooth) Ruger SP trigger (sure, you could drop aftermarket springs in the SP, but I don't want to mess with a revo's springs). Plus, you get more rounds in the cylinder.

And that's the .22 DA revo decision I personally arrived at. A while back I looked for a good used 4" 94 for my wife - - but then I ran across a S&W 34-1 at a price I couldn't say no to. [The Smith has a better finish than any 94 I've seen (can't say about the trigger, but it's pretty nice, too), but I'd sure would rather she had those extra rounds in the cylinder if she ever needs them. Oh well, everything's a compromise.]

Anyway, I think the Taurus 94 is the best deal in a DA .22 revolver out there right now. I agree you should get a 4" bbl - no harder to carry on a pseudo-j-frame plinker and you want some bbl length for the .22 cartridge.

JMHO. Have fun with it!
 
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