Taurus CIA or S&W 642

[tarheel]

Which one would you get and why? The CIA is the titanium, ported model and I can get them for the same price. Thanks

 

[SteelyDan]

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]

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.

 

[tarheel]

Thanks

 

[magsnubby]

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.

 

[tarheel]

Thanks Magsnubby!!

 

[deputy tom]

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]

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

 

[ruger357]

Go with the 642.

 

[Ala Dan]

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

 

[tarheel]

Gentlemen, thanks so much for the help!!

 

[alamo]

So what's the decision? Let me guess.....a 642?

 

[SouthpawShootr]

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.