Taurus Revolver Quality

I own two Taurus revolvers.

My steel 85 is the first I gun I ever bought, about 15 years ago ... it was perfect out of the box and still is, shoots straight, never had a problem with it, it's the gun I carry in my car every day, with Hogue wood grips courtesy of the Missus.

My steel 617 (7-shot .357 snubbie) had troubles out of the box; a gravelly trigger and a tendency for the cylinder to lock up after just a few rounds fired ... rather than send it back to Taurus, I spent $85 with a gunsmith I know; he gave it a buttery trigger job and opened the gap between the cylinder and barrel just a tad. The gun is now fantastic; loaded with 100gr PowR'Balls, it's the gun I drag around the house when I'm home (I'm retired, so that's a lot). I don't like the idea of having to cure factory problems after purchase, but nobody makes a perfect machine, so I'm willing to try to make things work the way they should ...
 
Stick with Ruger and S&W for revolvers

I would stick with Ruger or S&W for revolvers. I prefer Ruger. The new LCR is getting really great press as a lightweight .38. I wouldn't get a 357 that weighs less than 25 oz or so. A good gun can last for decades with regular use. Yeah, you pay a little more, but you get a better product.
 
Taurus revolvers. I had mine years ago and went through the usual stages: hope, disbelief, defeat.
Click to expand...

I saw a guy send his revolver back twice for valid issues (nothing he was causing).. the 3rd time it happened he was convinced to purchase a S&W instead.
 
What you have to remember is that the people who **** and moan about how all Tuaruses are junk because THEY had a bad experience with one are the same people who would tell you that all Colts, or Rugers or Smiths are junk because they had a bad experience with one.

These characters take the cake, by the way.

They never seem to understand that EVERY maker lets loose a lemon from time to time. Instead of making the lemon right, these jokers often swap the lemon in on something else or sell it to somebody and don't point out there's a problem with it.

I have a VERY low opinion of such individuals, by the way. I can't
understand how somebody will pay tens of thousands of dollars for a new vehicle and will gladly put up with multiple trips back to the dealership for repairs to get the bugs out, but throw a sissy size hissy fit when a gun that cost a couple hundred bucks malfs and refuse to do the intelligent thing.


The reality is that Taurus handguns quality control is probably somewhat BETTER than S&W was back during the Bangor-Punta years.
I have three that I have had no problems with. On the other hand, I once had a 629 that needed the forcing cone/barrell clearance fixed. After I had to have a burr removed from the extractor star.

Nothing made by the hand of man is perfect. Thats a fact of life. Thats why guns and cars have warranties.
 
Have yet to shoot my newly acquired 689. I may take it, my Dan Wesson, and my Redhawk .357 tomorrow and spend some money blowing up paper. It will be interesting making comparisons.
 
Well, I have six Taurus Revolvers, 3 in 357 Magnum and 3 in 38 Special. I had two "incidents": a broken firing pin after 15,000 rnds+ in a Mdl 85. Had a smith put in a new one in about 5 min; 10,000 rnds later it's still going strong. Had excessive barrel to forcing cone gap on a 357; sent to Taurus, they adjusted the yoke & replaced the cylinder & returned in about 1 month. I've since put a couple of thousand rounds of 357 Mag through it w/nary a hiccup. I am more than satisfied w/my Taurus® revolvers & would buy another in a heartbeat.
Click to expand...

I also have several Taurus handguns, and have never experienced a single problem with any of them. I called Taurus support one time, for a minor issue, and was completely impressed with the quality and speed of the call.

I suspect that a detailed analysis of all companies would show that there is a similar rate or problems with Taurus compared with all other handgun manufacturers. In the past, there was certainly a problem with quality control, but I think it's been resolved. Personally, I have experienced quality problems with Glock and Beretta, but not with Taurus. Sensitivities are high, though, because of previous problems with Taurus, so that whenever anyone has a problem with one, it's because Taurus is "crap". However, when someone has a problem with a different handgun, it is just a fluke.

I am totally satisifed with my Taurus handguns, and would not hesitate to buy another.
 
Have a Taurus 85ULB 1000 rds thru it now not one problem had a trigger job done on it only because I wanted to, love this little snub! couldnt tell you about there CS never needed to use them!
 
I think the lifetime warranty makes a taurus worth buying.You buy a taurus,and you know you will always have a taurus.That to me is worth having to put up with a little irritation with the company for being slow
 
Have 2 Taurus now, an M44 44 Mag with 6" Ported Barrel, never had a problem with it at all. Have a 96 Taurus with 6" Barrel, that has shot approximately 10,000 22 rounds and never a problem. Seems like a lot people who have problems with any kind of gun, is one of their family members.
 
Taurus handguns I've owned (at least those that I can think of at the moment, there may have been others)...

Taurus 605 - Very nice gun, no problems.
Taurus 94 - Again nice gun, no problems.

Both of the above were mid-90's production. From there it was down hill.

Taurus PT111 - total piece of crap, with multiple trips back to the factory to no avail.

Taurus 85 - Back to the factory for misfires.

Taurus 905IB - Cylinder binding and locking up. Back to the factory, returned with same problem.

Taurus 650 - cylinder to forcing cone too tight, back to the factory. About 2 months later it came back fixed.

Factory repairs were problematic. Shortest return time was a month. More often it took at least two months for a gun to be returned. Often I had to call in order to get them moving on a repair. Also, I should mention that all of these guns were purchased brand new.


Oh, I also had...

2nd Taurus 650 - appeared to be alright, but I sold it after about 100 rounds, so I can't say for sure. Didn't malfunction in first hundred rounds anyway.

After experiencing the above, I gave up on Taurus. Too many problems in my opinion, just not worth the hassle. Some people get a good one, but more people seem to have problems. These Taurus threads are common, and some people like to claim it's only an Internet phenomenon. I tend to think they result from an inordinate amount of Taurus problems. If not, how come you don't see similar threads popping up all of the time concernign S&W and Ruger. Just my two cents.
 
I picked up an original model 80 for 100$, I couldn't go wrong.

Oops, I did not mean this to be first post. I realize now no one will believe me since I'm new.
 
Taurus probably isn't on the same level as S&W quality-wise. Ruger designs are more modern and reputedly more durable than either S&W or Taurus. If you bought a Taurus, it'd probably do what you need, but the S&W is worth the extra money if you're sure you want a gun of that type.


I bought a M85SSUL as sort of an entry-level snubnose when I had no experience with that type of gun. Now, I'm pretty sure they'll bury me with a snubnose .38 in my pocket. The Model 85 is good enough, so I've got no reason to upgrade. But if I hadn't been just experimenting, I'd have bought a S&W.


I'd probably stay away from Ruger's polymer revolver because it's new and unproven; it's butt-ugly; and there's no upside to polymer over aluminum. The SP-101 has a great reputation, but it might be a bit heavy for pocket carry.


So, I say S&W 642 or similar. Plus, if you got a Taurus, you'd have to spend time on this BB defending the brand. Much easier to have no dog in that fight.
 
I've been reading this board for some time and am sometimes informed, sometimes amused, and sometimes not so amused. I just now joined to post and I know I have no credibility (whatever that is on a forum such as this) but I do have and shoot revolvers. My colts, rugers, and s&w entertain me on the range often and have taken deer and a bear and will blow hell out of any intruder foolish enough to intrude, but last year I needed a carry gun and did some research. I looked at airweights and UL's of different makes. I'm an engineer and believe any of these light guns could develop troubles if pounded repeatedly with heavy loads. Heavy duty work requires heavy duty tools. I have money to buy what I need but I didn't get it by throwing it around. I love made in USA but my gunshop owner told me to look at Taurus 85's. Two of the three sheriff deputies I asked carried 85ul's as backups. I bought mine last summer. Its a stainless model and I like it more and more as I get to know it. I guess I don't shoot it much; 50 rounds each month or two, double action 99% of the time. I like it and have had no troubles. I just added laser grips. I love my U.S. made guns, but in these lightweights I don't believe the quality differences equal the price differences, if there is any quality difference at all. 'nuff said.
 
Taurus Revolvers

I have owned two...two too many. The first, you couldnt get the cylinder open or shut without EXTREME pressure. Closing was near impossible.
Sent it back after never having been fired. It was gone three months!!
When I got it back it was still very hard to open. Sent it back and requested my money returned. They said no, sent it back and I traded a brand new gun for another at a dealer taking a $225.00 loss.
The new one I traded for I took to the field to practice. Encountered some coyotes on my land. Pulled the revolver, one of the coyotes was not backing down as I saw a small deer they were feasting on. Pulled the trigger for the first time ever, CLICK CLICK CLICK....NOTHING!
There I am with the revolver on the ground and my knife in my hand wondering what would happen next. He snarled and I slowly backed away, coming back the next morning to pick up the POS Taurus revolver.
Im not sending this one (brand new) back to Taurus but am taking it to a local gunsmith to see if it can be fixed. The hammer spring is not strong enough to light the primer. It puts a TINY dent in the cartridge.
Hey, I can put up with a lot but when your life may be at stake, I will never buy another BRAND X firearm and would strongly suggest that no one else ever buy one either.
Save a little longer and go for a quality firearm. I own S&W and Rugers and have NEVER had any problems with their products.
A WORD TO THE WISE IS SUFFICIENT....
Regards,
SILVER BULLET
 
taurus posts are entertaining.you have 4 types of posts. notice i said posts because some posts are from people that have never owned a taurus but....

post type #1.
i had a friend that had a taurus, my uncle had a taurus, i overheard a conversation about a taurus and they had nothing but problems. the only place hearsay evidence is accepted is on boards like this.

post type #2.
i bought a taurus had a problem would never buy another. this type of post has credibility. if i bought a gun brand and it sucked i would NEVER buy another either.

post type #3.
i have purchased 3,4,5...fill in the blank taurus and they all sucked. each one broke, the customer service sucked. i would never buy another taurus.....now after my 3,4,5....fill in the blank purchase. my question to these people is if you bought 2 taurus guns and you had problems with both why on earth would you keep buying more? i tend to take these posts with a large grain of salt. an old saying comes to mind. fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.......fool me 3,4,5 times or more than i am just a fool.

post type #4.
i am a taurus owner. i currently own 1,2,5....fill in the blank taurus guns. i have fired 100.....1,000....10,000 rounds thru mine. i would tend to think these posts are credible. they are current owners, they are relating their experiences good, bad or indifferent.


on a personal note i have bought a number of taurus guns. i have been happy with all and would continue to buy more taurus products. i can't comment on the customer service because i have never needed it. i can't comment on all their models because i don't own all their models. the models i do own i am satisfied with.
 
I have owned two...two too many. The first, you couldnt get the cylinder open or shut without EXTREME pressure. Closing was near impossible.
Sent it back after never having been fired. It was gone three months!!
When I got it back it was still very hard to open. Sent it back and requested my money returned. They said no, sent it back and I traded a brand new gun for another at a dealer taking a $225.00 loss.
The new one I traded for I took to the field to practice. Encountered some coyotes on my land. Pulled the revolver, one of the coyotes was not backing down as I saw a small deer they were feasting on. Pulled the trigger for the first time ever, CLICK CLICK CLICK....NOTHING!
There I am with the revolver on the ground and my knife in my hand wondering what would happen next. He snarled and I slowly backed away, coming back the next morning to pick up the POS Taurus revolver.
Im not sending this one (brand new) back to Taurus but am taking it to a local gunsmith to see if it can be fixed. The hammer spring is not strong enough to light the primer. It puts a TINY dent in the cartridge.
Hey, I can put up with a lot but when your life may be at stake, I will never buy another BRAND X firearm and would strongly suggest that no one else ever buy one either.
Save a little longer and go for a quality firearm. I own S&W and Rugers and have NEVER had any problems with their products.
A WORD TO THE WISE IS SUFFICIENT....
Regards,
SILVER BULLET

Amen Silver Bullet,

I only bought on new Taurus new and never fired but 50 rounds in it. It spend the last three months in back at Taurus. They never did fix the revolver. My gun shop took the revolver back and sold me a nice S&W 28-2. I will only buy Smiths or Rugers.
roaddog28
 
Taurus revolvers. I had mine years ago and went through the usual stages: hope, disbelief, defeat.
Click to expand...

My experience is 100% opposite of this. From what I've seen with my Taurus guns - they're brilliantly designed, crudely manufactured, reliable.
 
they all are letting some junk slip out... I had a S&W I bought new that was "unsafe" to shoot as it came out of the factory, & it took 3 return trips back to the factory to get fixed correctly... I've personally never had a problem with a Ruger yet, but there are plenty of people out there that have as well...

"generally" the Smiths & Rugers are going to be better quality, but as witnessed, they have their problems too...

I think the key is, how do they deal with those problems, Taurus's customer service pretty generally gets a failing grade, I had a question for them, ( I own 2 Tauri & have never had any problems with those two ), but I feel my questions were handled professionally & cheerfully... granted I was not dealing with a repair, but...

... & I was treated pretty badly on the phone ( I think 2nd call tag on the same gun ) from S&W, & after the gun came back that time, still in an "unsafe to fire condition" ( this was determined by S&W CS ), I had to talk to the local area service rep before the 3rd trip back to S&W...

I guess what I'm getting at, is in todays day & age, "how" a company makes the gun affordable might have alot to do with how many guns they get back, but how, & "if", & can they even fix the problem is more important to me...

IMO, regarding revolvers, the S&W's are not worth what they are charging today... Rugers seem a "good value" today, Taurus, Rossi, Charter, etc. may be better values, but only if the gun is built well enough to serve it's purpose, functions, & the company will stand behind it's products... all are making lemons right now :mad:
 
I bought an old, beat up 4-in .38 spc from a Pawn shop about 8 years ago and it shot great with no trouble at all. I also had a 4-inch .44 mag that shot great. If your gun ever breaks they'll fix it free of charge. Not bad at all.

I'd rather have a Ruger or S&W but you get more bang for your buck with Taurus IMHO.
 
IMO, regarding revolvers, the S&W's are not worth what they are charging today... Rugers seem a "good value" today, Taurus, Rossi, Charter, etc. may be better values, but only if the gun is built well enough to serve it's purpose, functions, & the company will stand behind it's products... all are making lemons right now

Magnum wheel, I tend to agree with you. S&Ws new are not worth the extra money for what you can get Rugers for. And I am not a fan of internal lock mim part revolvers. My Smiths are prelock and older. I have one older Ruger and a new GP100. As far as Taurus goes, their revolvers have good features but they seem to have more out of the box issues than Ruger or Smith. And the service is not good. Three months went buy and when my revolver came back from Taurus it still had the same issue. Any person can't have confidence in a company when you wait longs periods of time to get a product fixed and then when it gets back it still has the same issue.

I would never buy a Taurus firearm. I will buy older Smiths and I feel Ruger makes the best "out of the box" revolver in the gun world now.

roaddog28
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top