Perhaps More....
.... enlightened in your area, Bond. The shops in my general locale do not tend to carry much in the way of the Taurus line. And BTW, I make the rounds often enough to know when the changes in such happen. I may want one at some time, but it isn't at the top of the list(an it is a long list).
And yes, I well know about the web as a source, as that's how I picked up on three of my Beretta's(all Inox versions BTW; 92 Type M, 96 Compact L & 96 Brigadier
). I just prefer to handle some types before actually pursuing a purchase of same. Personal choice, no flame intended.
As to the Taurus line, I've owned four Taurus handguns; three semi's and one wheelie. These were: PT58(blued, late model w/3 position safety), PT940(stainless) and model 94 .22 RF(9-shot stainless). Yes, that's only three actual models, but the original PT940 cracked it's frame(at the 2001 IDPA PA State match no less). Taurus replaced it, but only after a nice letter to the pres of Taurus USA. It seems that even with me outlining the fractured areas with red indelible marker, along with a letter of explanation detailing where the fractures were, Taurus service reps still couldn't seem to find them(at least on first trip to them, which I paid the shipping on). Pictures and description in the letter to the Taurus USA pres got an immediate response. An overnight FedEx p/u at my house and a replacement within the week. Shouldn't have had to go to that length, but at least it was replaced, honoring their stated warranty. As an aside, the replacement PT940 was used as trade material for my Glock G20. Once bitten, twice shy. Oh yeah, while some reading this may think that Taurus choked on the CS(customer service) on this one, they can't even hold a candle to how I was handled by EAA(and that one really SU#K*D).
As a comparison, the PT58 was traded for and was a "previously owned" piece. Seems that one previous owner had throated the chamber a bit too aggressively. Taurus replaced the barrel, no charge.
Would I buy a PT38SS(Taurus .38 Super, stainless) should I handle one and find that I like it: Yes. A friend's PT945 has held up for multiple seasons of IDPA matches and another friend has one that is easily as old. Neither has had any problems. As I saw it, the PT940 was built upon the frame of the PT911 that was an out-growth of the older PT908. Perhaps the frame was a little overmatched with .40 S&W round. My original PT940 was a first run example and therefore, perhaps fell to the "first model year" bug. No real way to know, but on personal suspicion, I decided to use the new replacement as trade bait. C'est la vive......
On the Bersa front, I once owned a model 85 13-shot wide body .380 ACP. I really liked it and it would digest every type of ammo feed it, save Winchester 85gr Silvertips. I found that curious, but then again, with Hydra-shoks and CorBon around, I considered it no real loss. Unfortunately with between 2000 to 2500 rounds of all factory ammo through it, the frame suffered multiple fractures(three in total). Eagle Imports(Bersa USA importer and servicing agent) replaced that with a Thunder380 Deluxe(two-tone) and threw in a spare mag(7 rounder unfortunately, not the extended base 9 round mag that comes with a T380 Deluxe). BTW, I still have the T380 Deluxe, along with a Thunder22 and a Thunder 9 full size(satin nickel). I've found the T9FS to be a very pleasant surprise. Almost as accurate as my Beretta 92's and it has full ambi controls(except for the mag release, which can be switched if need be). The T9 feels like a cross between a Browning HP and a Walther 88. I like it!
As to the .38 Super isn't(for the most part) loaded to it's true potential. To be sure, there are some exceptions to this rule and those that like this round know who those manufacturers are. For me, the round I have a passion for is the 10mm Auto. The .38 Super is nice but is not in the same park for energy delivered. One thing on the .38 Super though, that being a Sig P220. I would really like to see a Sig P220ST in both the .38 Super and 10mm Auto.
