Taurus or S&W
- Thread starter 357SIG
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infrared35
New member
You're probably going to get a lot of replies on both sides of the fence. Both have pluses and minuses. In my experience:
Taurus pro: generally less expensive than S&W, seems like more models are available with ported barrels if that's your thing, and the lifetime warranty.
Taurus con: build quality and attention to detail on Tauruses doesn't seem up to par with S&W (at least the Tauruses I've owned). Tauruses are fine, but I could just feel the difference. The trigger pull wasn't as smooth and when firing .38 +P, the action would lock up and the cylinder would only turn halfway to the next cartridge, etc.
S&W pro: quality seems better on the whole, more accessories available for Smith revolvers than Taurus (at last where minor design variances between the two mean that you can't use the same holster or scope mount and such), and decent factory support.
S&W con: More expensive, and the whole sellout-to-the-gun-grabbers thing.
A good compromise might be to find a used Smith in good condition if price is an issue. CDNN Investments and KY Imports seem to have a good variety.
For me, since it may be a personal defense piece and not just a range gun, I decided to stick with a Smith. I don't want to get caught in a situation where my revolver "jams" on me when I need it most. Many people have had trouble-free runs with Tauruses, but the two I had were worrisome.
Taurus pro: generally less expensive than S&W, seems like more models are available with ported barrels if that's your thing, and the lifetime warranty.
Taurus con: build quality and attention to detail on Tauruses doesn't seem up to par with S&W (at least the Tauruses I've owned). Tauruses are fine, but I could just feel the difference. The trigger pull wasn't as smooth and when firing .38 +P, the action would lock up and the cylinder would only turn halfway to the next cartridge, etc.
S&W pro: quality seems better on the whole, more accessories available for Smith revolvers than Taurus (at last where minor design variances between the two mean that you can't use the same holster or scope mount and such), and decent factory support.
S&W con: More expensive, and the whole sellout-to-the-gun-grabbers thing.
A good compromise might be to find a used Smith in good condition if price is an issue. CDNN Investments and KY Imports seem to have a good variety.
For me, since it may be a personal defense piece and not just a range gun, I decided to stick with a Smith. I don't want to get caught in a situation where my revolver "jams" on me when I need it most. Many people have had trouble-free runs with Tauruses, but the two I had were worrisome.
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As was previously posted, there are two sides. I carry a Taurus Model 80 .38 4" for duty every night and this gun has outperformed S&W's, Colts, Rugers, and high-dollar semi-autos. This gun has been beat around for over 20yrs and has never had a problem, except for the once-in-a-blue-moon short stroking which is my fault 
(shooting too fast). I also have several S&W's that have performed just as well. I've also seen barrels fall off at the range from brand new S&W's so they are not immune to quality problems at all. And yes, if I buy another brand new revolver it will most likely be a Taurus, due to S&W trying to make arrangements with the gun control people. To me, that incident was much more anti-American than buying a Brazillian Taurus. Keep your Taurus clean and it will keep you alive..
(shooting too fast). I also have several S&W's that have performed just as well. I've also seen barrels fall off at the range from brand new S&W's so they are not immune to quality problems at all. And yes, if I buy another brand new revolver it will most likely be a Taurus, due to S&W trying to make arrangements with the gun control people. To me, that incident was much more anti-American than buying a Brazillian Taurus. Keep your Taurus clean and it will keep you alive..Give us a little more information: What barrel length ? What features ? What finish ? How much are you willing to spend ? What for (target, defense etc...) ? What caliber / a little more .357 than .38 or visa-versa ?
That broad of a question could yield a long answer.
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An old west lawman once said when asked why he carried a .45, "because they don't make a .46"
That broad of a question could yield a long answer.
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An old west lawman once said when asked why he carried a .45, "because they don't make a .46"
Save yourself a TON of aggrivation and get the Smith.
I own a Taurus 650 and I love it, now. A few weeks ago I wanted to chuck it into a fireplace because it locked up on .357 mag. Sent it in to Taurus, they tell me two weeks tops. It took a full six and plenty of complaining before it landed back here. Now it is flawless, and I love the gun, but I cannot recommend them based on my experience. I won't be buying another Taurus until they get their act together.
I own a Taurus 650 and I love it, now. A few weeks ago I wanted to chuck it into a fireplace because it locked up on .357 mag. Sent it in to Taurus, they tell me two weeks tops. It took a full six and plenty of complaining before it landed back here. Now it is flawless, and I love the gun, but I cannot recommend them based on my experience. I won't be buying another Taurus until they get their act together.
ScoutinStAugustine
New member
Are you kidding me? Big Mac or Prime Rib. (SW being the rib)
RE: 41special
"Give us a little more information: What barrel length ? What features ? What finish ? How much are you willing to spend ? What for (target, defense etc...) ? What caliber / a little more .357 than .38 or visa-versa ?
"
I'd say around 4" in STS, new, for target, in 357/38.
Like their "Trapper" model for example.
Thanks
"Give us a little more information: What barrel length ? What features ? What finish ? How much are you willing to spend ? What for (target, defense etc...) ? What caliber / a little more .357 than .38 or visa-versa ?
"
I'd say around 4" in STS, new, for target, in 357/38.
Like their "Trapper" model for example.
Thanks
If at all possible, try shooting the ones you are considering. Often a gunshop will let you shoot a pre-owned gun, assuming it has already been fired. My first revolver was a new Taurus 357 snubnose. Firing 38sp through it is fine, but using 357 rounds bites the hell out of my hand. After 6 or seven shots my hand is done for.
Since then, I purchased a S&W Model 10. It dates back to 1974-1975, but was never shot outside the factory. I ABSOLUTELY love it. The pull of the trigger is so smooth, the aim is better, no recoil to speak of...and it is beautiful to look at. Spent out for the time being, but eventually I am going to look into a preowned S&W 357 snubnose and see if the recoil is any better than the Taurus. If not, I will go for 38sp snubnose. Either way, my next purchase will probably be another S&W.
Since then, I purchased a S&W Model 10. It dates back to 1974-1975, but was never shot outside the factory. I ABSOLUTELY love it. The pull of the trigger is so smooth, the aim is better, no recoil to speak of...and it is beautiful to look at. Spent out for the time being, but eventually I am going to look into a preowned S&W 357 snubnose and see if the recoil is any better than the Taurus. If not, I will go for 38sp snubnose. Either way, my next purchase will probably be another S&W.
There would be no question for me S&W.
Having said that I would like to remind everyone that S&W has a new owner. I was very upset they joined in with the anti's but the people who did that are no longer in charge. Just like I'm upset with Bill Rugar who said no body needs more than 10 rounds...that's gone now too. The anti's are busy enough trying to bankrupt the gun makers. As responsible gun owners and law abiding Americans, we don't need to help them out. Just my .02 peso's.
Having said that I would like to remind everyone that S&W has a new owner. I was very upset they joined in with the anti's but the people who did that are no longer in charge. Just like I'm upset with Bill Rugar who said no body needs more than 10 rounds...that's gone now too. The anti's are busy enough trying to bankrupt the gun makers. As responsible gun owners and law abiding Americans, we don't need to help them out. Just my .02 peso's.
Dave Sample
Moderator
I traded my S&W for a Taurus Model 66 .357 mag when they rolled ever for Slick. I will not go back regardless of who owns them. They pulled out of here so I know they aren't very smart.
I also have a neat Raging Bull .454 Casull that I like to shoot when the forums upset me. I love that feeling when your whole arm tingles up tp your neck!
I also have a neat Raging Bull .454 Casull that I like to shoot when the forums upset me. I love that feeling when your whole arm tingles up tp your neck!
I have owned Tauruses.....operative word is owned in the past tense.
I had a Taurus 669VR .357 4". Wasnt a bad gun, somewhat attractive. Shot well, until It lost timing, about 4-5,000 rounds from new. I traded it on something, cant remember what, exactly.
I had a Taurus 85 Stainless. What a joke as a snub. Bigger, heavier, and cruder than a Smith J-frame of any variety, and it was friggin polished, for Pete's sake.
I have also owned a lot of Smiths, and have never had one Ive ben unhappy with. You can get a used Smith for roughly a new Taurus price, so its kinda dumb to get a Taurus, IMO.
I had a Taurus 669VR .357 4". Wasnt a bad gun, somewhat attractive. Shot well, until It lost timing, about 4-5,000 rounds from new. I traded it on something, cant remember what, exactly.
I had a Taurus 85 Stainless. What a joke as a snub. Bigger, heavier, and cruder than a Smith J-frame of any variety, and it was friggin polished, for Pete's sake.
I have also owned a lot of Smiths, and have never had one Ive ben unhappy with. You can get a used Smith for roughly a new Taurus price, so its kinda dumb to get a Taurus, IMO.
FirstFreedom
Moderator
Big Macs are delicious, and a lot less expensive than prime rib. Plus, www.cdnninvestments.com has some smokin deals on them!
44mag@ucnsb.net
New member
.357sig,
I currently own 3 Taurus revolvers (12" Model 44, Model 85CH, and a Model 460SS .45 Colt Tracker) and 5 Smith's (Model 624, 4" Model 29, .44 Mag Mountain Gun, Model 19, and a Model 60). I would point out that all of my Smith and Wessons needed a full trigger job, my taurus's have had polishing done to smooth out some roughness, but not lightened. Being a handloader I can tell you that I do not load heavy loads in the Taurus', but neither do I load heavy loads in my Smith and Wessons. I have seen both fail from use and old age. Taurus has only started producing guns that are of better quality and materials over the last 10 years in my experience. Even then, that quality has varied from model to model with only the last few years becoming more consistant. I work in a gun shop and I can tell you that we test fire all of our used guns before selling them. This has allowed me the pleasure and pain of experiencing what a "used and abused" gun looks and shoots like from either brand. I have seen worn out ragged examples of both brands. I can tell you that the Older Smith's are gems (good), while in the last 3 to 5 years, Smith has not done a great job in my opinion at quality control and it shows after some use. I see that you mentioned "trapper" as a model from Taurus, I think you meant "tracker". I have a tracker in .45 Long Colt and have fired the .357 version of this gun. Even loading heavier factory loads in the Stainless Steel gun, it shot very nice indeed. The weight, grip, and porting do wonders on this model. At the end of the day, I would suggest you buy an older S&W (10 or more years) or a Taurus Tracker 4" Stainless Steel in .357 magnum with or without porting. If you are looking for something to shoot hot loads in and reload for, I would go with a Ruger GP100. Good luck and have fun with either one you buy.
.44Mag