tarheel
Member
Which one would you get and why? The CIA is the titanium, ported model and I can get them for the same price. Thanks
Taurus CIA or S&W 642
- Thread starter tarheel
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I can only offer my own limited experience, but I'd buy the S&W over the titanium Taurus (and to be honest I've never handled the CIA model) every time. The weight differential is almost a non-factor, all my Smiths have been 100% flawless, and every Taurus I've dealt with (three) has had "issues." Others have had great experiences with Taurus, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
alamo
Member
I was in a similar situation a year ago. I decided on the Taurus simply because I was intrigued by the idea of having a titanium revolver. I was quite familar with the 642 but honestly hadn't priced it because I just assumed it would be more expensive. I didn't know at that time S&W was offering them at a great price. I've seen them since in the low to mid $300s. A friend bought one 2 weeks ago for $329. My 850 CIA was $400.
I ordered it thru a small dealer and had to send it back to the factory before firing a shot. It was so tight, the forcing cone was just touching the cylinder face, causing it to lock up frequently. It came back fixed up just fine. I've seen a couple of other postings about this with the Taurus titaniums. You might get some snap caps and dry fire the one you're looking at or closely examine the gap.
I must say the trigger is very nice. Smooth and not overly heavy. It is better than my friend's 642 but his is new - I dryfired it 20+ times to check it out.
It shoots fine and the porting is not an issue. I had never shot a ported pistol and was concerned that there might be a blinding flash shooting up from the ports - there was not.
I'm very happy with it. At times I wish I had gotten the 642 for no other reason than it is a S&W. My 4 other revolvers are S&W and I'm a fan.
I ordered it thru a small dealer and had to send it back to the factory before firing a shot. It was so tight, the forcing cone was just touching the cylinder face, causing it to lock up frequently. It came back fixed up just fine. I've seen a couple of other postings about this with the Taurus titaniums. You might get some snap caps and dry fire the one you're looking at or closely examine the gap.
I must say the trigger is very nice. Smooth and not overly heavy. It is better than my friend's 642 but his is new - I dryfired it 20+ times to check it out.
It shoots fine and the porting is not an issue. I had never shot a ported pistol and was concerned that there might be a blinding flash shooting up from the ports - there was not.
I'm very happy with it. At times I wish I had gotten the 642 for no other reason than it is a S&W. My 4 other revolvers are S&W and I'm a fan.
tarheel
Member
Thanks 
I have several Taurus handguns. An 85, 94, 605, 606 and a 9mm Millenium. I've put thousands of rounds through them without any problems. I have a couple more on my gonna get list.
Having said that, with both guns being priced the same, i'id go for the S&W.
Not because of any quality issues but because the S&W will keep more of it's resale value.
My 642 is my favorite snubby.
Having said that, with both guns being priced the same, i'id go for the S&W.
Not because of any quality issues but because the S&W will keep more of it's resale value.
My 642 is my favorite snubby.
tarheel
Member
Thanks Magsnubby!!
deputy tom
Member
tarheel,I own and love a S&W 642.I have handled Taurus revolvers and even reccomended them to persons looking to buy a good ,inexpensive firearm.I have no experience with ported bbls.but from what I have read I don't want one.Both are great guns but I'm biased toward the S&W's(been using them for over 30 yrs.).tom.
JerryM
Member
I have owned a couple of Taurus M 85s. I liked the trigger and handling a bit better than my Smiths. But I had to send them back to the factory, and one never got right. They ended up replacing it after about a year.
I would buy a Taurus if they had what I needed, and Smith did not. Otherwise I will always opt for the S&W.
I greatly prefer the 642. I have one and it is a great carry gun. I also have a M60 3inch, and a M 640. Both are .357 and I like them well also.
I don't think you will be sorry if you get the 642. You might be sorry if you don't.
Jerry
I would buy a Taurus if they had what I needed, and Smith did not. Otherwise I will always opt for the S&W.
I greatly prefer the 642. I have one and it is a great carry gun. I also have a M60 3inch, and a M 640. Both are .357 and I like them well also.
I don't think you will be sorry if you get the 642. You might be sorry if you don't.
Jerry
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Worthy of note, my FFL dealer sells the S&W 642 at a ratio
of 3:1 over the Taurus 85, 605, or 608.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
of 3:1 over the Taurus 85, 605, or 608.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
tarheel
Member
Gentlemen, thanks so much for the help!!
alamo
Member
So what's the decision? Let me guess.....a 642?
SouthpawShootr
Member
I have a 650 CIA in stainless and I considered the Titanium CIA when I wanted a small revolver for pocket carry. Ended up with the S&W 642. The S&W as a real value at $300, which was about what I could get the Titanium CIA for. I'm happy with the Smith. I do have an 85TI. I like it, it seems to be a little heavier than my 642. I don't like the blowholes in the top of the barrel.
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