Taurus Reliability - Actual Numbers

Status
Not open for further replies.
PT92

Wish I had my PT92 back. I traded it off after reading too much Taurus bashing and listening to "know it all" friends. It was one of my worst ideas concerning guns. I have had four 9mm pistols since trading it off and none have been as accurate or trouble-free, but I didn't spend a $1000 on any of them. Maybe that is the problem. The only 9mm I have now is a Ruger P95 and IMO it is an insult to a company that is supposed to have a reputation for working guns. But then I have never liked plastic guns since I quit playing with water guns.That is why I won't buy Glock. No offense to happy Glocksters. Whatever does it for you.
 
KMAX

PT92
Wish I had my PT92 back. I traded it off after reading too much Taurus bashing and listening to "know it all" friends. It was one of my worst ideas concerning guns.
Click to expand...

That hurts (the older you get the less vulnerable you become...we live and learn as 'they' say...).

The only 9mm I have now is a Ruger P95 and IMO it is an insult to a company that is supposed to have a reputation for working guns. But then I have never liked plastic guns since I quit playing with water guns.
Click to expand...

I actually love my P95 (it's a freaking 'tank' of a gun if you will)--Won't win any beauty contests or IPSC events, but I think I could fire 5K rounds, drop it on concrete etc. and she would not skip-a-beat.

That is why I won't buy Glock. No offense to happy Glocksters.
Click to expand...

Never owned one but have shot many. Not averse to them and I have one on my bucket list....

Whatever does it for you.
Click to expand...
Therein lies the key to the reason why we need not 'argue' about gun tastes.
My gem may be your 'safe-queen' and vice versa. Provided the debate is mutually respectful, so be it!

-Cheers
 
I have a Taurs 85. My wife and I have only put maybe 300 rounds through it, but it has worked flawlessy thus far. Double action doesn't compare to a Ruger or S@W, but the single action is sweet.
 
I have a pt111 pro. have had no more malfunctions with it than with my beretta and it has been very few. One or two out of 500 id say. All were ammo related I shoot lead reloads.
 
PT1911

My PT1911 was just the second center fire handgun I owned and blissfully unaware of any reviews or on-line forums I put a Pachmeyer on it and shot a couple of hundred rounds thru it without a problem.

2009-2010 I suffered a lack of ammo availability at my usual places, and pretty much shot anything in the PT1911 I could lay hands on or order online. I didn't know better. The Taurus just worked no matter what ammo I put in it. Around that time I joined this forum and was dismayed to learn what a piece of junk my Taurus was. I figured I'd blast off the rest of the ammo I'd bought and then sell the poor thing. Get a "real" 1911 since the Taurus was such a terrible pistol. Somehow, all the nasty junky ammo just shot without a glitch. I'd get mad, a re-load the mag, jerk the trigger over and over daring the thing to mis-feed, have a part fall off or whatever I read must happen eventually. It never did.

If you're thinking about a purchase I'd advise you to spend the extra $ and get the Kimber, Colt, Springfield, whatever. You won't have the second thoughts or have to explain the decision to your gun-buddies or a forum, like I have. For now, I'm stuck with this damn PT1911 and as soon as I have a glitch I'm going to get rid of it! In the meantime, it seems to be decently accurate when I slow down and really try to shoot well.

Resale value is a real concern if you make a purchase with the thought you'll sell or trade the gun someday. Not an issue for me.
 
I've owned two of their auto pistols and 4 revolvers. One of the pistols (PT-99) wore out quickly and was repaired for free. One of the 44 mag revolvers had a hitch which made shooting DA impossible and the other a 22 mag I never shot and returned to the dealer because it locked up then wouldn't index. So it's about 50%. The PT 945 was a good pistol though and I shot it alot. Some good ones get through production.
 
Hello all, as to the Taurus brand of handguns. Well there are several in this family, let me list them for you and problems with each.
PT145 None
85UL None
85 None
941 None
82(older) None
605 None
460(45colt) None

I guess you could say that Taurus makes a pretty good SD/Trail gun. As a retired LEO, the 85UL was my backup to the SA loaded 1911 on my hip. I have seen bad reports of Taurus weapons, maybe it was just conjector on there part and what they have heard.
Be safe and careful.
Jim
 
A neighbor had a Taurus raging bull in .454.
it locked up with less than 200 rounds through it, three trips back to Taurus still did not get it back to 100% reliable. He sold it for a heck of a loss.

There are so many other choices that are only slightly more expensive.
 
Well, having just had a bad experience with a Taurus, I'll throw in my 2 cents.

I have a model 851 revolver (a variant of the little 5-shot model 85) that is STELLAR. Very accurate and reliable as the sun. I have about 1850 rounds through it now.....with NOT ONE failure or malfunction, except by my fault. I tried lighter springs in the gun and got around 3 FTF's per hundred rounds. As well, lots of FTF's with the light springs AND CCI primers. But, NO problems of any kind with the standard springs. I trust the 851 at least as much as I trust my S&W's. It is my primary CC weapon now, until I get my auto-pistol issues solved.

I had, for a few months, a Taurus PT-845 (semi-auto in 45 acp). A good and reliable gun, especially considering the price.....at least for the 400 + rounds I put through it. But, not a good DA trigger (SA is fine). I can't comment about long-term reliability, but the gun is in the hands of a good friend. So, I will keep track of this.

Finally, a Taurus PT-145. Basically, IMO, a good design spoiled by poor execution (at least, the one I have). A major malfunction (a small broken part caused the gun to go full-auto). A loose, rattly slide and poor lockup, which seems to be getting worse. A loose ejector (riveted in place, but now loose). Now that I have converted the gun to DAO, I think it is safe and probably mostly reliable. But, IMO, it could have been constructed better. I don't think it is ultimately up to the hammering it gets from full-power 45 acp loads (but, it shoots quite low with lighter loads, so full-power loads are needed to get it to shoot to POA). 500+ rounds through it.....and I'm not sure it will make it past 2000. Frankly, for what you get with this one, it should sell for maybe $200-250 new (instead of $350 or more). Oddly enough though, I paid only $300 for my model 851 revolver, so go figure.
 
Depending on the 'condition' of which can be discussed via skype, cell and pics etc. (nowadays it's not necessary to be local like 'back in the day'), if anyone of whom is seriously unhappy looking to sell a Taurus semi (not really a revolver guy relatively speaking), PM me and we can talk.

-Cheers
 
I have owned two Taurus’s and both had problems. One had several. I still own the one because I like the gun so much (445) but I would never trust it.
Taurus basher, a term I find humorous, Taurus, hi-point fans seem to use it so often that it’s become part of the internet language so OK,2 things make me a Taurus basher.
First the 445, I’m not a gun smith so I had my friend (A great gun smith) repair it. I was there when he opened the side. I was dumb founded the amount of metal shavings and poor fitting parts that were in the gun. This was not from wear but crap left in during manufacturing process.
Second. Last year Taurus supplied the NRA for the “Rifleman” magazine two of their new models. I don’t remember which. Both guns had major failures. If a gun company supplies a gun to a major firearms writer for evaluation and you have a 100% failure rate then what is the remainder of their products like?
I found it funny that even with all the problems Rifleman still gave the guns a positive rating but if you get the magazine and read through it you won’t be surprised since the magazine is full of Taurus adds.
Tom Servo: I had similar experience as you. I worked in a large gun store in the 80’s and 90’s and although we didn’t carry Taurus. What I remember from that time is that when one came in for trade the owner of the store decided the value of all guns coming in. Taurus were never given more than 30 to 40% the cash value that he would give to like guns from Ruger or S&W. Autos he wouldn’t take at any price.
We also had a lot of people bring in guns that needed repair since we had a gun smith on hand that had a great reputation.
The only gun that came in in higher numbers than Taurus was the Backup 380. I know because the store owner kept records on all guns that came into the store for repair. I remember asking him why he didn’t take Taurus in on trade. He showed me his records.
 
I work part time at a LGS which is part of a chain that is the country's #1 gun retailer. We carry the full Taurus line and I cringe every time someone buys one. I never tell them not to buy one, just point out that their quality control is severely lacking. I also say that when you get a good one they are fine guns; it's just getting a good one that's the problem.
Also - And I'm not lumping everyone in here but from what I see of Taurus buyers they are usually part of the lower economic class who just don't have the money to buy a higher quality gun so they buy Taurus even after knowing about their quality control problems.
Just my opinion here of course but we sell dozens of Taurus guns every month where I work and this is what I see.
 
On paper Taurus does have some pretty tempting options for a gun buyer. The prices sure help, too. They are tempting, especially some of their revolvers (to me). But any research online is sure to set up lots of doubts. I know that many online complaints take on a life of their own and may not be always justified but in Taurus's case there just seem to be too many of them. The ones that really make me take notice are ones from dealers and gunsmiths who have much more experience with a large sample of the guns. When dealers stop selling them and gunsmiths don't want to work on them, there has to be a real problem there. The one quote that I remember is where a gunsmith said Taurus saves money by contracting out the quality control segment of the business to its customers. They'll fix it, but you find it and pay with the headaches for having to send it back. I've bought 10 guns covering most of the manufacturers and never had an issue yet with any of them. I'll keep saying no to Taurus and be glad I can afford to pay a couple hundred dollars more and buy something with a better reputation. Maybe some day I'll take the gamble and hope I get one of the 87% that are okay.
 
I think that Pianoguy makes a good point. To add a bit to this:

Internet ratings of ANY product or device are always suspect - because you never know the true "agenda" (if any) of the writer. As well, complaints about any brand or model must be understood, from the context of the person making the complaint. Does he/ she know what they are talking about ? How much understanding do they really have as to what is "normal" operation of the gun....and therefore what is abnormal ? Does the complainer have a hidden agenda ? Etc., etc.

In respect to Taurus specifically, if you go to a certain Taurus-devoted website.....most all is rosy. The vast majority of users say that they've had very few or no problems whatsoever. But, I wonder. Do they have an agenda ? Is that site simply a "Taurus fanboy" site, so to speak ?

Yes, the "horror" stories have a life of their own - and that is likely part of the problem. SOME of the complaints are probably not justified - or made by those who have little knowledge or understanding. MOST Taurus guns are probably fine when they leave the factory. Unfortunately, no one wants to be the one (of however many) to get a "bad one". I've noticed that people are VERY touchy about gun reliability issues....probably more so than with other products. This makes sense, because one does not tend to depend on one's kitchen appliances for self-defense......but guns, yes.

The real problem for companies like Taurus, as I see it, is that once the bad perceptions/ stories are spread around, it is VERY hard to overcome them. Some people who've had ONE bad experience.....or have merely been TOLD of a bad experience by someone they trust....will NEVER consider a Taurus from that point forward. Some of us try to deal with these things on a case by case basis - one bad experience we don't allow to completely colour our judgement. Neither side is wrong - because it is a matter for personal judgement - completely up to the individual. Anyone who will spend his/her hard-earned money has an absolute right to be SURE of the purchase.

As for myself, based on my experiences with Taurus products.....I would consider buying one again. However, you better believe I would be VERY careful before laying my money on the counter (perhaps more so than with some other brands). If I had any doubts about a particular model or example, I'd pass it up. But, in NO way do I subscribe to the notion that "Tauruses are junk" or can't be trusted. That, for me, is taking a leap of judgement without enough facts. I DO believe that the vast majority of Taurus guns are probably fine - I don't see how they could stay in business (and grow as they have) if that were not true. I can say though, that, if I ever purchased another Taurus.....and had a really serious problem with it.....I MIGHT well avoid them in the future, simply on the theory of avoiding the potential hassle.
 
I have several tarus handguns in my collection & they have been great.
I have a tarus 85 snub, 661 357 revolver , & another 38 caliber.
I bought them used & they were well kept & continue to be so under my ownership.
Anything will & can break from time to time , proper care is the key.
Most name brand items get bashed ie Fords, Chevy, Harley, Craftman ..... ;)
 
I have owned 7 Taurus handguns, 5 bought new and two were used before I bought them. Two of the new ones had problems out of the box. The used ones ran well.

One new revolver had problems with the trigger not returning. The bought new rimfire revolver requires two men and a small boy to sucessfully fire double action - alot more effort than I think reasonable even to ignite rimfire cartridges. Cylinder on the rimfire binds often. PT22 worked well for several hundred rounds but then broke a plastic buffer; TAurus replaced the buffer for free.

So, I am wary of buying any more Taurus firearms.

Tom
 
Taurus 1911 issues

A few years ago I bought a 1911 Taurus. Second time to the range the safety fell out. 8 weeks later, I got it back. Off to the range again. This time the front sight walked right and if I had been using the thing to control an intruder, I would have been shooting the victim he might have had in his right arm! I tried to sight the gun in and lock the front sight better. No luck! Back to Taurus and another eight weeks later (and after a lot of arguing about the night sights they said could not be replaced), I finally got it back. They simply slapped another slide on it. Fortunately, it had night sights, but no serial number. The slide was not fitted and was sloppy. In spite of this, the gun is reasonably accurate. And I find it to be an economical "range toy"! I do NOT keep it at bedside. And I do NOT carry the damned thing. The next time it fails, I will fix it myself. I have MINIMAL gunsmithing experience. But I can do better than the jokers they've got in Miami throwing these things together. And I can probably buy QUALITY replacement parts for what the shipping might cost to return it. Another Taurus for me??? NEVER !!!! Especially after seeing the 13% reject stats here.....WOW!
 
I have an older Taurus .22 Revolver I have had for quite a few years. I purchased on of their semi-auto Compact pistols a few years go. Thing put a blister on my trigger finger. I traded it off a few weeks after buying it.
 
Someone earlier had posted that a majority of Taurus buyers were "part of the lower economic class". I really don't think that is the case. For instance, agreed I am usually strapped for cash, that is absolutely not the reason I bought my Taurus. I had tried all the .380 pocket guns by the different makers and the TCP was the one I liked the most for multiple various reasons. When I finally decided to purchase it I actually traded in a Beretta that I hated. This gave me enough store credit that I could have got any of the other pocket guns I wanted (except the Sig). For many people I feel they buy a Taurus because it is the one that truly offers everything that they want.

Now this is not to say that I am a member of the Taurus fanclub. I knew that I was taking a bit of a gamble on it. I feel that if I were ever to want to buy another Taurus I would go into it with the same mindset.

But, after being a member of this forum for a while and reading other members issues, buying any gun is a gamble.
 
Two different 85s and a titanium Tracker in 41Mag. All accurate and flawless. The trigger pull on one of the 85s was a bit heavy, a spring set cured that.

I used to be concerned that I was lucky, then I frequented a Smith forum and found the level of complaints surprisingly high (a cylinder fluted for 6 cylinders bored for 7 and making it out of the factory? Really?). I own two Smiths as well, honestly the quality appears a little better in finish but in function they have as many small flaws as the Taurus.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top