Taurus Opinions

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Atc1man

Moderator
I've found a Taurus I like and might buy for Concealed carry. Its the 'Ultra-Lite' model in .38 spcl. MOdel number 850029UL. I'd like to hear some opinions, pros, and cons of this handgun. This would be my primary self defense home defense and carry handgun. If I purchase this gun I'll have to sell my Ruger P95, which isn't very practical for concealed carry, but that doesn't break my heart much.
 
I've had quite a few Taurus revolvers, and have really liked each one. One of them had a bad mainspring out of the box (caused some misfires), but they sent me a new spring, and it was then 100%. Just like any new or used gun, shoot it to determine reliability before trusting it.

I think Taurus are nice guns. BTW, I like S&W too. And Ruger. But Taurus has the edge with a large variety of revolvers, at a very good price.
 
I've been happy with my Taurus wheelguns. All have functioned perfectly. The Taurus guns my friends have bought have worked equally as well.
 
Both Taurus revolvers I've owned have been good guns. I had a Taurus 82 (4" medium frame .38) that was my first gun. I made the mistake of selling it about 6 months ago and I'm thinking about getting another. My 605 (2" small frame .357) is a good gun with a great trigger, in fact the trigger is nicer than those on many S&Ws I've tried. Both are more than acceptably accurate. The 82 was very comfortable, the 605 is a small .357 snub so it does give you a pounding (though that is to be expected).

I would wholeheartedly suggest to anyone considering a Taurus to get one. I would avoid the titanium guns until they've been out longer and the bugs are worked out, though I say the same about S&W as well (no S&W titanium or scandium).
 
IMNSHO

Since you asked...............


Suggest actually firing 'slap-weight' snub before buying one, because they are uncomfortable to shoot.

Perfect snub = S&W M38.

I don't much care for Taurus wheels.
 
Good guns

I have an 850 (steel, not the UL). I like it. Smooth trigger. I also own and like other brands but think Taurus has a lot going for it. So far it's been trouble-free. Keeping my fingers crossed (which makes shooting very difficult :p ).
 
My first Taurus revolver was an 85 in blue. I liked it. It shot very well for a 2 inch snub. Regrettably, I sold it when I "upgraded" to a Smith Centennial. When the 85 Ti came out, I got one of those and like it very much. Recoil is a bit stout with +P loads, but still and good value compared with the Smith titanium models. I've heard from alot of people who love their 85UL. I think it would be a good gun. PS, I also have a 650 (Taurus equivalent to a Smith Centennial) and I love it. You might see if this one is offered with an aluminum frame (I know they have it in Titanium).
 
I have owned 2 Taurus guns: a 2" .38 Special Model 85 snub that I sold off to buy a Colt Mustang, and a .40S&W PT-940 that I still own.

Both are good guns. The M85 did have 2 problems out of the box; a weak mainspring resulting in light strikes & a barrel that was turned in too far resulting in sight mis-alignment. Both were handled promptly by Taurus (this occurred in the early 90's). The gun was accurate & solid. I sold the gun to my boss, who still owns it to this day.

(I don't let the fact that I had a warranty issue bother me - my S&W 686 .357 revolver & Ruger MKII .22 semi-auto both were back for warranty repairs too.)

The PT940 is still in my battery, and is a favorite. Very accurate, handles all ammo I've tried without a hiccup, and has that great safety that allows either SA cocked & locked or DA hammer down carry.

If the gun fits your hand, application, & pocket book I would recommend you give it serious consideration!
 
I'd have to go with navigator. Taurus makes an OK revolver FOR THE PRICE. The price is rather low, so you're getting what you pay for - which is spotty quality control & inferior durability. If you're considering a gun for concealed carry, wouldn't reliability be a priority instead of saving a few dollars??
 
I really like my Taurus Tracker. From what I have read the Taurus line has gotten much better. Speaking with my friend/dealer he says he has seen a huge improvment in their guns and that they are right next to the new S&W's. The older Smith's are still better but if you want new don't leave Taurus out of the picture. I would stay away from Taurus' Auto's though....
 
Everybody loves my wife's SS 4" tracker. The only problem I've seen is that the front ramp sight has a think glue in orange insert..that simply fell apart under the assault of cleaning compounds.
 
hitthexring and navigator....Ive owned Taurus, S&W, Ruger..Rossi bla bla bla.....The Taurus is every bit as good as S&W or Ruger...The fit and finish is first rate, the lock up is better on the Taurus than just about any smith Ive handled or owned.
The 85 series in this thread is an excellent snubbie....
really recommend you take a look, feel and shoot....it will
surprise you. I just happen to like 357's.......oh well.
Shoot well
 
My wife carries a Total Ti 85...

..chambered for +P .38 special ammunition, but she usually shoots non +P. And I have a 731UL that is chambered for .32 H&R Magnum. Both are very good revolvers with no problems. Both are "ported", although I don't think it's really needed on the .32 mag. I really like the .32 mag. There are several of us on the board who like it. :) Chime in anytime here, guys. Low recoil, good load.

KR
 
I have the exact same model that you are considering. It is pretty light. It has a pretty decent kick to it, but definately not intolerable.

The only problem I have had with it is......Taurus ships 2 keys with their pistolas. 1 of the keys that came with my 85UL doesn't fit. I don't suppose this is a problem though, as I never use the lock anyway.

I often carry mine in a cheap clip on IWB holster, hardly know it's there. HKS makes a speedloader for it, if you're into that.

Total cost for the gun with 50rds of ammo was $300 tax included.
 
You asked for advice.

Rather than just advice let me relate to you my experience with Taurus. I have owned about six of them over the last decade. All were purchased NIB and all were either 38 spcl or 357/38 specl. Only fired factory ammo in them - no reloads.

Three of the revolvers had to be returned to the factory for major/minor work in order to make them function properly. In each case it took a long, long time to get it right and, in no case, was adjustment made correctly the first time.

That leaves three revolvers. Each of them performed flawlessly as long as I had them in my posession. Specifically, one was a Model 85 and it was an excellent revolver. The other two that were good were a stainless tracker and a Model 66.

Because of this spotty track record I have come to distrust Taurus products overall and don't opt to purchase them any more. I am much more confident of the performance of Smith and Wesson or Ruger revolvers. FWIW! Good shooting:)
 
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