Taurus 431 in 44 Special

The only advice I can give is if you find any more of these, I'm in!

If it is truly new in box I would jump on that with both feet. Do you reload? Back in the 90s I worked at a shop where we sold and repaired Taurus revolvers (and other brands). While the Taurus was not built to S&W standards they were still very good revolvers for the money and I don't remember seeing any issues with them that was not easily fixed. If I had to pick between your Rossi or the Taurus I'd grab the Taurus.

357smallbore

I would be all over that! Missed out the first time around when they were still in production. Love to have one in .44 Special and another one in .45 Colt to keep it company.

I would do it. I have owned some very nice Taurus revolvers from that time period. Also, like the OP, I have heard nothing but good things about that model.

I've owned 2 over the years. Only issue I had was the trigger spring had to be replaced in one. Solid revolvers, just keep your reloads to respectable levels and don't treat it like it's a 44 mag and it will give you years of service. Price is reasonable

I have one. Mine is in excellent condition and it shoots quite well. I paid 400 for mine too. I don't regret buying it one bit.
From what I have read, the Taurus 431 fixed sights and the Taurus 441 adjustable sights are one of the better Taurus revolvers. There are a number of Taurus boxes out there without labels. No big deal. Be careful with the blued finish, I suspect certain cleaning products are not good for it. There are a couple tiny discoloration spots on mine. Maybe from cleaning, maybe a factory flaw.
See them above the trigger?



It's your money. Good luck.

I have a 431 I bought new years ago. No problems at all with it. Carry it concealed often.

You can never have too many 44 specials.

A poor man's Smith 696, I suppose, but it shoots great. Mine shoots more than an inch high and left, and Taurus said that was in spec when they checked it, so expect you may need a little Kentucky windage without adjustable sights like my 441.

I had one a few years ago, and it is one of the guns I truly am sorry I sold. Darn good gun.

I had one years ago and regret selling it all the time. At that price in that condition I would jump on it. Kind of chunky and heavy for a concealed carry piece but it is excellent for HD. With reloads it was very popular when teaching newcomers to shoot DA revolvers and surprisingly accurate for a fixed sight. Wish I had kept it.

Jeff