First time pistol owner.

[GIJoe4500]

I'm looking into buying my first pistol (well...first that isn't a .22). I have owned guns my entire life. All have them have been used for hunting. I.E. Remington model 1100 12-gauge, savage stevens model double barrel 20-gauge, savage 7mm mag, etc.

Anyhow, onto my question. Would a Taurus PT145 Millenium Pro .45 ACP be a good pistol first a beginner? Are they good, reliable firearms?

 

[Ala Dan]

Good Evening, And Welcome To The High Road-

Well, it really depends on what the firearm will be used for? Probably
great for a CCW piece, but not much of a "target" firearm. I
think there are better choices out there. Look around and if you
can, attend a range session near you that allows one to shoot a few
different "rental weapons". See what is best for you, then make your
choice~!

 

[ColoradoKid]

First gun

Joe,
Because of the complexity of various models of firearms, I urge new owners and students to either buy a double action revolver of a .38 Spl caliber or, if you flavor is a semi-auto, a Model 19 Glock in 9mm is a good choice. Learn all the proper techniques of gunhandling and safety on these simple easy to learn on weapons, first. Then you can move on to the more complex and pricey weapon systems later. Be sure to get some professional firearms training immediately. Life is more simple and safer that way....

 

[ezypikns]

Welcome

Regarding the Taurus PT145, I will tell you that the second centerfire handgun I purchased was a Taurus PT111 (9mm). Very similar to the one you're looking at.
The problem was that these pistols are double action only, meaning that the trigger pull cocks and fires the weapon with the same stroke. There are many double action only handguns with very nice light smooth trigger pulls, but my PT111 was definitely not one of those.
Before someone jumps on me for this, let me say that I purchased my pistol several years ago. The triggers may have improved vastly by now.
My advice would be to try to shoot several double, single, and double/single action pistols before you make your purchase.
And get ready for the time of your life.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I also had a PT-111 that I was greatly disappointed with. Thin to be sure, but not extremely accurate and not a very good trigger. But the thing that most annoyed me was the very touchy mag release that got inadvertantly pushed by my thumb almost constantly, causing........problems. It was sold and replaced by a Glock 26. I am very happy with the Glock everywhere I was NOT with the Taurus, except that it is a bit blockier when carrying.

 

[GIJoe4500]

I guess I should have said this won't be my first time firing a pistol, by any means. In college (2 1/2 years), a friend of mine and I would go to the range and put through 2 or 3 boxes of shells each, through his Glock 9mm. I know how to handle/clean/etc a pistol, I just don't know which are good pistols in terms of quality, accuracy, and price. The reason I'm asking about the Taurus Millenium Pro, is because I'm buying one off a friend (will buy no matter what), but I don't know if I want to keep it for myself, or resell it and look for something of better quality/accuracy.


Thanks for the quick responses.

 

[C-grunt]

I have shot the PT 145 before and I thought it to be a good carry gun. Its definitely no target gun, but thats not what it was designed for. I found it to be fairly accurate, reliable, and well made. To compare it to something you know, its like a Mossberg 500; Its not as nice or as smooth as a Benelli or Berreta, but it is still a fine firearm.

 

[lawson]

I have shot the PT 145 before and I thought it to be a good carry gun. Its definitely no target gun, but thats not what it was designed for. I found it to be fairly accurate, reliable, and well made. To compare it to something you know, its like a Mossberg 500; Its not as nice or as smooth as a Benelli or Berreta, but it is still a fine firearm.

well put. the taurus millenium series are ugly and rather clunky, but they are affordable and reliable to hell and back.

i've owned two, the PT138 and the PT145. they wouldn't have been my first choice, but i got a screaming deal for the pair of them, both NIB. the feed ramps were done better than guns costing considerably more, and i haven't had a feeding problem with either of them. accuracy was good, not phenomenal, but definitely "good enough".

i traded off the .45, but i keep the .380 around, mostly for new shooters to use.

 

[mnrivrat]

because I'm buying one off a friend (will buy no matter what),

There ! That's settled . LOL Actualy in the land of a thousand opinions the best thing you can do in this case I think is to buy a couple boxes of ammo and see wether you like the gun or not. (and wether it functions well)

Handguns , like shotguns, seem to adhere to an individual fit & comfort criteria for people. That , and the old Ford vs Chevy thingy works to confuse the "right choice" for any individual.

In fact , any individual gun from any manufacturer can be problematic. Name the gun or the brand and someone will tell you of a bad experience with one.

Shoot it - you might like it. (or not)

 

[GIJoe4500]

Well...It looks like I'll be buying two guns and keeping one of them. I'm getting a hell of a deal on a that millenium pro AND on a PT-111.

Hooray for guns.