Is Taurus a Good Brand for Revolvers

[Styx]

You can get a Rossi RP63 for half the price of a Ruger SP101. The Rossi is a six-shot .357 Magnum too. Unlike the Ruger. Taurus has improved their quality and their customer service. I've been to their new facility in Bainbridge, GA.

And Rossi is still a Taurus, and the RP63 still doesn't have the track record and isn't as robust as the SP101. While I agree Taurus has improved thier quality and customer service, their quality and warranty service is still problematic and no wear near the level of Ruger.

For a little more than the price of the RP63, you can get a used barely worn in SP101.

SP101 sold for $401.00
SP101 sold for $414.00
SP101 sold for $420.00
They sell can be found in the $400 +/- range all day everyday with the original box and still in great condition. Still 100% backed by Ruger's great customer service.

 

[Miami_JBT]

And Rossi is still a Taurus, and the RP63 still doesn't have the track record and isn't as robust as the SP101. While I agree Taurus has improved thier quality and customer service, their quality and warranty service is still problematic and no wear near the level of Ruger.

Meh..... with today's CNC machining. Quality has dramatically improved across the board. My Rossi R92 in .45 Colt is more reliable, smoother, has better wood fitment, and cost less than my JM stamped Marlin 194CSS. The difference is about a decade and half between production. The Marlin was made in the early 2000s and the Rossi was made in the 2020s. With modern CNC machining, the issues that used to plague some companies has pretty much come to an end.

And Ruger isn't exactly known for quality out of the gate either. How many recalls has Ruger had now? Pretty much if it is a new series of products from Ruger, it has a recall. The SR22, Ruger-57, Ruger American Pistol, Ruger Precision Rifle, Ruger MKIV, SR-556 AR, Ruger American Rimfire, LCP, and the SR Pistol.

 

[Styx]

Meh..... with today's CNC machining. Quality has dramatically improved across the board. My Rossi R92 in .45 Colt is more reliable, smoother, has better wood fitment, and cost less than my JM stamped Marlin 194CSS. The difference is about a decade and half between production. The Marlin was made in the early 2000s and the Rossi was made in the 2020s. With modern CNC machining, the issues that used to plague some companies has pretty much come to an end.

And Ruger isn't exactly known for quality out of the gate either. How many recalls has Ruger had now? Pretty much if it is a new series of products from Ruger, it has a recall. The SR22, Ruger-57, Ruger American Pistol, Ruger Precision Rifle, Ruger MKIV, SR-556 AR, Ruger American Rimfire, LCP, and the SR Pistol.

A recall is typically a design flaw that was later found. All companies have had recalls, including Taurus and Rossi. It wasn't that long ago that Rossi had a safety recall and was lost a lawsuit IIRC. That's why they briefly stopped making revolvers.

When it comes to Ruger revolvers that have been produced for approximately 35-40 years, they have been rock solid. Taurus revolvers, not so much. The Rossi revolvers haven't even been out for a year yet, so they don't have a track record. I can cite several issues that people currently have with Taurus revolvers and semiautos with regards to terrible QC and reliability. Even if Ruger has an issue, they will fix it and get it back to you ASAP. There are a plethora of reports of Taurus owners STILL having to wait months for repairs to be done. Furthermore, in the case of Rossi, I don't believe there's many, if any, spare parts or aftermarket upgrades. You can easily find spare OEM parts, aftermarket parts and upgrades, a plethora of grips, etc. for the SP101, and many gunsmiths work on them.

To claim Taurus or Rossi's QC, CS, reliablely, and/or robustness is anywhere near that of Ruger is to be completely disingenuous.

 

[Miami_JBT]

A recall is typically a design flaw that was later found. All companies have had recalls, including Taurus and Rossi. It wasn't that long ago that Rossi had a safety recall and was lost a lawsuit IIRC. That's why they briefly stopped making revolvers.

When it comes to Ruger revolvers that have been produced for approximately 35-40 years, they have been rock solid. Taurus revolvers, not so much. I can cite several issues that people currently have with Taurus revolvers and semiautos with regards to terrible QC and reliability. Even if Ruger has an issue, they will fix it and get it back to you ASAP. There are a plethora of reports of Taurus owners STILL having to wait months for repairs to be done. Furthermore, in the case of Rossi, I don't believe there's many, if any, spare parts or aftermarket upgrades. You can easily find spare OEM parts, aftermarket parts and upgrades, a plethora of grips, etc. for the SP101, and many gunsmiths work on them.

To claim Taurus or Rossi's QC, CS, reliablely, and/or robustness is anywhere near that of Ruger is to be completely disingenuous.

My Taurus made products have been rock solid. And I think the Taurus Executive Grade is a waste of money.

 

[Styx]

My Taurus made products have been rock solid. And I think the Taurus Executive Grade is a waste of money.

My Taurus 85 and 942 have been rock solid too. I never had any issues with my Taurus products as well, but at the same time, I never put thousands of rounds through any either. I still have been a happy camper based on my personal experiences with my examples. That said, just because I haven't personally had issues, I'm not going to pretend that issues don't exist and Taurus isn't still having problems. I defended them when I thought they were good to go, but it has come to my attention that they still have issues. I'm not going to tell the OP that everything is great, they've gotten better, and there's nothing to worry based solely on my examples when I know that many others are having an opposite experience.

Had that problem with my brand new 856. It was in my possession for less than a day before it was on the way back to them to be repaired. Came back still not right and I DIY'd it myself. Last Taurus I'll ever buy unless I can have it in my hands and give it a complete checkout before I lay my money down for it.

There are several members on TaurusArmed.net and videos on about Taurus revolver timing issues. Similar to @br549arkie problem. There are several reports where owners had to send their's back multiple times. It's a recurring issue that many, not all, are having. That's why if I was personally in the market for a new EDC self-defense revolver, I would rather buy a used Ruger or S&W vs a new Taurus at this current moment in time.

 

[TTv2]

And Rossi is still a Taurus, and the RP63 still doesn't have the track record and isn't as robust as the SP101. While I agree Taurus has improved thier quality and customer service, their quality and warranty service is still problematic and no wear near the level of Ruger.

For a little more than the price of the RP63, you can get a used barely worn in SP101.

SP101 sold for $401.00
SP101 sold for $414.00
SP101 sold for $420.00
They sell can be found in the $400 +/- range all day everyday with the original box and still in great condition. Still 100% backed by Ruger's great customer service.

Factor in the shipping and the prices for those shoot up to $450-475 and IMO, that's double what the SP is actually worth.

Step up to the GP100 and even used ones are $600+ and they're usually the 6 shooters. The Taurus 66 is a 7 shot that can be bought for under $450. Try to get the 7 shot GP100 and you're looking at nearly double the price.

 

[Mark_Mark]

My $350 .44 Tracker is coming in Friday! Range report SOON!!

 

[Targa]

Nice Mark! You are on a roll my friend. Great price on that.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Nice Mark! You are on a roll my friend. Great price on that.

That was 2 weeks ago, we have a 2 week waiting period here

 

[Targa]

Remind me not to complain to you about our three day waiting period in Colorado

 

[L-2]

I've read good and bad things with folks' Taurus revolvers.
I ended up buying a Ruger LCRX in .327 instead of the Taurus .327.
I'm also on a waiting list for an S&W 432UC, but don't know if or when one will ever be received between Lipsey's and my selected FFL, so I ordered and received the LCRX and had it within a week vs. possibly never getting the S&W 432UC.

I've only got 114 rounds through the LCRX .327, so far, but it's been good-to-go.
This is my 6th Ruger I've owned (previously owned were: Mini14, GP100, SP101, 1911, SuperBlackHawk).

{I did have problems with a Ruger 4.25" .45 1911. But that was with 11,800 rounds I put through it over 3 years. Various small parts kept breaking, particularly two front sights (MIM or cast, I think), a slide stop, and lack of accuracy issues.}

Ruger® LCRx® Double-Action Revolver Model 5462

ruger.com

Wholesale Firearms / Shooting Sports Distributor - Exclusive Firearms - Handguns, Shotguns, Rifles, Silencers, Shooting Sports Accessories - Lipseys.com

lipseys.com

Taurus 327

www.taurususa.com

PS: I've also read of Ruger LCR problems, but decided to go with the LCR due to being a prior Ruger owner and perceived less problems with the LCR vs going with Taurus (Taurus being totally unknown-to-me).

 

[Miami_JBT]

Remind me not to complain to you about our three day waiting period in Colorado

We've sadly had three day waiting periods forever in FL and the counties can extend them to five days. And holidays and weekends don't count. So, if you don't buy something on a Monday and happen to buy it in a county like Miami-Dade, you'll be waiting alright .

 

[Triggernosis]

Not everyone who purchases a Taurus revolver does so because they are cheaper than Smith/Ruger/whatever. Some people purchase them because of what they offer, such as the 856 Ultra-Lite Defender with a 3" barrel. Point me to another manufacturer who offers a 6-shot 3" revolver that is basically the same size as a J-frame S&W. I do have a S&W 3" Airlite J-frame 337-1, but it's only a 5 shot.

 

[maxxhavoc]

And Rossi is still a Taurus, and the RP63 still doesn't have the track record and isn't as robust as the SP101. While I agree Taurus has improved thier quality and customer service, their quality and warranty service is still problematic and no wear near the level of Ruger.

For a little more than the price of the RP63, you can get a used barely worn in SP101.

SP101 sold for $401.00
SP101 sold for $414.00
SP101 sold for $420.00
They sell can be found in the $400 +/- range all day everyday with the original box and still in great condition. Still 100% backed by Ruger's great customer service.

This is painful to see. I was trying to sell a pristine used SP101 in 9mm for $500...no takers on a gun that was hard to find at $675. Resale value on SP101s is horrible.

 

[Targa]

Again, the best deal from Taurus right now is the RP63. A 3", fixed sight, satin stainless, six-shot, round butt, K-Frame sized .357 Magnum with a hammer mounted firing pin and no lawyer-lock.

You can get them as cheap as $322 at the base price before transfer, shipping, etc. is slapped on.

Rossi RP63 Revolver - Black | .357 Mag | 3' Barrel | 6rd | Rubber grip

<p>• Black Finish• 3” Barrel• 6 rounds• .357 Magnum• Hammer block safety• Serrated front sight• Rubber grips• SA/DA</p>

lockedloaded.com

But the thing is, they sell QUICKLY. The guns are constantly out of stock because everyone sees them as a good deal.

If that revolver shows up in a .327, I won’t even ask the wife for permission!

 

[Styx]

This is painful to see. I was trying to sell a pristine used SP101 in 9mm for $500...no takers on a gun that was hard to find at $675. Resale value on SP101s is horrible.

It's a buyer's market, and 9mm revolver is going to have less interested buyers numbers wise than other calibers (38spc, 357, 327).... Even still, they're selling NIB at several retailers for around $624, and they aren't hard to find at all. They're everywhere online.

Gunbroker has them selling used from $505, $605, and in-between ($539.99). A $100-$150 drop from current retail (not what you paid in the past or at gun shop markups) is what you're going to see on most firearms in this price range. If you hold out until the panic buying starts when it's a seller's market again, you'll probably be able to get what you paid. It's not a great time to sell unless you have something rare and in high demand.

If you have the box and paperwork, it's still in good condition, and you take a lot of great pictures, you should be able to get over $500 of GunBroker.com unless you're a no rating seller.

 

[dawei]

I have twelve Taurus® firearms.............
• Mdl 85B2CH 38 Special - 1995
• Mdl 669SS4CP 357 Magnum - 1996
• Mdl 85B2 38 Special - 1997
• Mdl 617SS2 357 Magnum - 2003
• Mdl 605SS3 357 Magnum - 2006
• Mdl 85SS2UL 38 Special - 2007
• Mdl 605SS2 357 Magnum - 2010
• Mdl 605SS2 357 Magnum - 2012
• Mdl 425SS2 41 Magnum - 2012
• Mdl 85SS2UL 38 Special - 2012
• Mdl 992B4 22LR/22Magnum - 2013
• Mdl G3C 9mm - 2021

All have performed superbly and I continue to shoot them all almost every week.

I have only encountered these problems.........
• Mdl 85B2CH broke a firing pin (part# 19) after 11,000+ rounds. I replaced the firing pin & it's still going strong.
• Mdl 85SS2UL had the cylinder stop (part# 44) wear down after 10,000 rounds. I called Taurus® and they shipped the part right away. Installed new cylinder stop and now the gun works fine.

Anytime I had to send a gun in they fixed and returned it when they said they would. Specifically.....................
• Mdl 617 developed an excessive cylinder to forcing cone gap (.011") after almost 6,000 rounds. I sent it to Taurus® and they replaced the cylinder (part# 8) and adjusted the yoke (part# 9) *I've since put 5,000+ rounds through it and it's still going strong.
• Mdl 605SS2 Locked up after 5,500+ rounds. I sent the gun in and Taurus said the problem was not repairable. Taurus®, in turn, sent me a new gun.

I will not hesitate to buy additional Taurus® firearms. They are an outstanding value.

Here is the best resource for Taurus® information on the net...
http://www.taurusarmed.net

 

[golden]

My experience with TAURUS is a mixed bag. Their revolvers seem to be well thought out, but some have rough triggers. I bought a model 85 snubnose for my Dad as a present and he preferred my CHARTER ARMS Undercover. So we traded and I thought the model 85 was fine., I sold it when I decided I have too many snubnoses. I also have a TRACKER in .44 Special and it works fine, but the action is still rougher than I like.
I tried out a rental last wee,. It was a .357 medium frame, I do not remember the model, but after shooting a box of .38 Specials, I found my hand hurt. I blame the rubber grips which did not fit my hand well.

I think, like CHARTER ARMS and many of the other discount revolver makers, they need to improve and polish their triggers, but I have the same complaint with RUGER. The GP-100's are just not the equal of the old SECURITY SIX'S.

Jim

 

[jdc1244]

The 608 is an 8 shot .357 running about $625, the Redhawk .357's are a grand now. Taurus 66's are $500, 7 shot GP100's and 686 Plus are $800 now.

So we’re looking at a less than $200 difference in some cases, which really isn’t significant; again, just save up the extra $200 and get a Ruger or Smith – better quality, better resale value.

If the 8 shot 608 in .357 were selling for under $300, that would be a significant price difference.

 

[TTv2]

So we’re looking at a less than $200 difference in some cases, which really isn’t significant; again, just save up the extra $200 and get a Ruger or Smith – better quality, better resale value.

If the 8 shot 608 in .357 were selling for under $300, that would be a significant price difference.

If you did the math correctly it's a $300 to $375 difference, which is 30% more for the 7 shot Ruger/S&W, 60% more for the Redhawk vs the 608. However, looking up those 7 shot GP100's now, if you want a 4" barrel, they're $900 on Gunbroker, so double the price and that's because Ruger has slowed production on them.

Once Ruger starts producing those revolvers again, the supply increase will lower the price, so anyone paying $900 on one is going to lose hundreds when they sell. The Taurus? Might lose $50.

Ruger's are basically like cars the past few years with final prices at MSRP. Before Covid, that was not the case. The Taurus revolvers today are still selling below MSRP because Taurus is producing them to meet demand, Ruger apparently has given up.

 

[Buckeye63]

I’ve been waiting on Taurus to roll out with a
7 shot 9mm revolver 3 inch non-ported barrel

Honestly.. I feel just as comfortable in buying a current production Taurus revolver as a S&W .. especially a J frame …

I have owned a bunch of Taurus revolvers.. only thing I don’t care for are those dang ports on some of there models

 

[Shodan]

Look up Caleb Giddings on Facebook and Instagram. Granted he is now an employee of Taurus, but he provides a bunch of information and has documented many thousands of rounds through Taurus revolvers, many in high level competition.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I just got my $350 used .44 mag Tracker in, Old Logo. And the cylinder is loose (compared to S&W or Colt) with the trigger at rest and hammer down. But very tight with hammer back and and tigger pinned. I have reservations about the gun, not sure how such a light gun will handle Full House .44 Mag.

But I’ll have a gun & range report soon! Going H110 max Load!!! OUCH TIME

 

[TTv2]

I figure I'll just keep buying Taurus revolvers until I get one that has problems. Stainless 905 is on its way to me. Wanted the 692, but the stainless ones are difficult to get at a fair price. I'm willing to wait.

 

[CajunBass]

I just got my $350 used .44 mag Tracker in, Old Logo. And the cylinder is loose (compared to S&W or Colt) with the trigger at rest and hammer down. But very tight with hammer back and and tigger pinned. I have reservations about the gun, not sure how such a light gun will handle Full House .44 Mag.

But I’ll have a gun & range report soon! Going H110 max Load!!! OUCH TIME

I did 10-12 rounds of factory 180 grain 44 magnum in the Tracker I had. That was enough to convince me it was a 44 Special that COULD fire magnums, but I'd never do them again. Now, that's not an inditement of the gun. The Tracker is just a smal, light (reletively) gun. Also the "ribber" grips that came on the gun were awful for me. I swapped them out for a set of Hogues and it made a big difference, at least with 44 Specials. I never tried any more magnums. I don't shoot anything but paper these days, and it don't take a lot of killing so why bother?

I figure I'll just keep buying Taurus revolvers until I get one that has problems. Stainless 905 is on its way to me. Wanted the 692, but the stainless ones are difficult to get at a fair price. I'm willing to wait.

That's sort of the way I am. I just bought my next to the last Taurus I'll ever buy when I got another 327 model a few days ago. This time it's the 3" T.O.R.O. model. I plan to shoot it later today, maybe tomorrow. It's probably going to be a pretty much 32 Long gun for the same reason mentioned above, but I'll run a few magnums, H&R and Federal through it for grins and giggles.