Two .45 ACP revolvers considered.

D

Dusty Miller

New member
I've oogled both the Taurus 455 Tracker 5 shot at $523 and the S&W 625 six shot at $790. At about $250 more the S&W looks to be a big swat on my pocketbook. The Taurus is even ported. HOWEVER, I've gotten burned before trying to get by on the cheap and I'm just wondering if that's exactly what I'd be doing if I bought the Tracker. Does anybody here shoot the Tracker? If so what info can you give me about the gun.
 
Another thing, if I do in fact buy one of these guns I'd most likely load it with 300gr. bullets over plenty of powder. Maybe that tilts things into the favor of the Smith?
 
I have a 625 that I have used for several years. I initially used it for bowling pin shoots. I never shot 300 grainers but plenty of 255 grain bullets. The gun has held up well. As for porting-I don't feel like I need it for .45ACP. Obviously I favor the S&W. Also what are using the gun for, will the 5 vs 6 shot enter the picture? Nothing against Taurus but my experience with the EARLY Taurus guns was that they were not quite finished as nice nor as smooth as S&W.
 
I continue to believe that Taurus quality is problematic; you might get a flawless revolver or one with substantial problems (and Smith’s customer service is also MUCH better than Taurus’). I would opt for S&W, due to quality, fit, finish, accuracy, durability, and especially reliability.
 
The S&W without hesitation - even though I have not owned either particular model, I have owned many 'Smiths and have shot some of the Taurus. DA trigger on 'Smiths is far better as is overall quality of fabrication and finish. And I would avoid ported guns of any kind like plague - especially handguns.
 
Another thing, if I do in fact buy one of these guns I'd most likely load it with 300gr. bullets over plenty of powder. Maybe that tilts things into the favor of the Smith?
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Considering that the Tracker is an "L-frame"-sized gun, I'd definitely go for the beefier (and heavier) N-frame 625.
 
Another thing, if I do in fact buy one of these guns I'd most likely load it with 300gr. bullets over plenty of powder.
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Just don't try to turn either one into a "magnum". The S&W is the stronger of the 2, but still have it's limitations.
 
790 is too much for a 625. Shop used and you should come closer to 500.

However; even if it was 790, I'd pay it rather than buy a Taurus. I've pulled the trigger on three Tauri, and that was enough. The 625 is a whole nuther class of gun.
 
Another thing to consider is resale value. If you ever want to sell them for whatever reason, the smith will sell alot quicker and you may or may not lose money. The Taurus on the other hand will take much longer to sell, if at all, and you're definatley going to lose money. At least this is the experience I've had between the two. I'd go with the smith.
 
I have a 45 ACP Tracker and I have been very pleased with it (and the other Tauri I have owned). My only encounter with Taurus customer service was over a 45 Colt Snub, which they fixed in short order, no charge. The problem was probably due to one of my over-ambitious handloads, but they did not hesitate to repair to my satisfaction. I know this is counter to everybody else, but my experience has been great with Taurus. YMMV.

Tell me about these 300 grain 45 ACP handloads. I have never seen any such data, but would sure be interested if this is a real possibility.

Whatever you choose, best to ya'.
 
Well, I gave the matter more thought and finally decided on the Smith, in .44 mag! The S&W website put up an MSRP of $815 and Bilson Sporting Goods in Turlock (CA) got me one for $619 and I figure they ain't make'n a WHOLE lot of money at that price. I already have a scoped .44 mag. Anaconda with a 6" barrel but I wanted something to carry on my hip whilst out in the wilds, something that has some real stopping power (for dealing with four and two legged critters that do one harm). My standard load for the Anaconda is a cast lead gas checked 336gr. bullet over 19gr. of H110 and I figure that'll work in the 4" barrel as well. About the only modifications I'm considering is a port job and a laser grip. By that time I'll have about a grand in it and that's enough for a working lad.
 
OK FWIW.........I own the 5 inch 625, and the short barrel 625, both are wonderful weapons that are outstandingly accurate. So when the Taurus 455 came out I saw the chance to have a .45 ACP compensated snub revolver(fixed sights). I ignored my past problems with the Taurus revolvers and snaped it up. What a POS, really. Fired 5 rounds and found it to be out of time, it was also hitting three inched high, and three inches to the left at 20 feet. Took it and sent it back to Taurus with a discriptive letter. 5-6 weeks later got it back, timing fixed still shooting high and left as before. Sent it back. I recieved it back 4-5 weeks, now its only two inches high and 1 inch to the left. Sent letter, they said it was me not the gun........5 other expierence people fired the exact same pattern. I have since sold all of my Taurus revolvers and vowed never to buy another Taurus. If you want I'll sell this to you for a good price. Actually I have a Taurus .22 magnum revolver that I am going to sell also.
Buy S&W, its a wonderful revolver.
DA
PS I picked the 625-2 up for a little over $400.00 used.
 
If you are planning on shooting that heavy a bullet, why not go with the 625 in 45 LC? My main load for those is a 265gr SJHP at 1100 FPS.
 
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