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Taurus Millenium PT-111 pistols

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cocojo

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Feb 11, 2003
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Looks like a nice pistol but I have read that Taurus has had many problems with these guns, ie. frames cracking, pins breaking so on. Does anyone know if Taurus has addressed these problems. I like the new Pt-111 Titaniam pistols may be intereseted in one. I also like the size smaller than a Glock 26 with more grip area. Any feedback on these guns coming out of the factory today?
 
Mine works great. As does my PT-145. Both are the older "non-Pro" models. I'm not fond of DAO guns but the trigger on these work well for me. I got the PT145 because I was impressed with the performance of the PT-111 I bought on a lark just to add to my collection of small guns. Liked it enough I got the PT-145 for a 10+1 carry gun for those times I might have to leave it in the car (something I'm loathe to do with my $800+ Kimber).

The Millenium Pro models are "safest" to buy as these are sure to have the fixes.

Do a forum search, links to serial number ranges of problem guns have been published here.

--wally.
 
Taurus has done a tremendous amount of improvement in their handguns over the last couple of years. They have a lifetime warranty and from what I have heard, they do a good job with customer service if you need to have warranty work done.

I just bought a Millenium Pro PT145 that will be a carry pistol once I finish with ammo trials. I will shoot at least 200 rounds of Remington GS in 230gr and another 200 in 185gr to see if there will be any problems. So far after 100 rounds of the GS 230gr, there have been no problems of any sort. Accuracy at 15yds is not too bad with consistent 4" groups. The groups are about 4" low from POA but a slightly taller front sight should clear that up.

I would go with the Pro model just for the extra 2 round capacity and the better grips.
 
I had one for a couple of years. It was a pretty reliable gun, except it kept breaking take-down pins. Once I could understand, maybe, but after three, it was gone. Replaced it with a Kahr. The PT-111 is a good carry gun. It's light, feeds any ammo you put in it and is well made, save what I mentioned above.
I still own a Taurus 85 and might consider another Taurus sometime, but not untill Taurus' customer service improves. It can take weeks and or months to get parts from them. I shot my PT-111 a fair amount and always replaced the recoil springs at approx 750 rounds. I had to buy more than one set because it might take several weeks for them to get around to sending them.
 
I had a PT-111 a few years ago. It had the same issues as peashooter's. Mine went the same route. After breaking the pin three times and waiting for what seemed like forever, it got sold.

It was a good shooting gun. Very comfortable to shoot, and accuracy was more than adequate.

I might at some point in the future give another one a try.
 
I bought a pair of them about 4 or 5 years ago...one for me, one for SWMBO. Seems like I paid $225. each for them. I've used it for my CCW, but it's largely relegated to 'dinky gun' duty these days.

First off, I've never had a problem with either one. I have about 1500 rounds through mine, the other has maybe 400. I DID work on the internals a bit to smooth out the pull, which has been previously described as trying to drag a piano down a gravel road with one's fingertips. I smoothed down all the 'parkerizing' (if you could call it that) on the striker, then chucked up a thin strip of well-worn emery cloth on a slotted stem and polished up the striker channel...very carefully. The second pistol has not had this modification and has smoothed up quite a bit with cycling/firing and dry firing.

I did have an issue on replacement springs with Taurus after one of the dogs decided to sneeze on my work area while I had the thing completely disassembled. I finally took the corresponding parts from the intact pistol, Xeroxed them on 1 and 2x enlargement and mailed the image to Taurus. The third time they sent me the correct springs.

Yes, it's an inexpensive pistol. I think mine is a good bargain, but if I were to buy it over again I'd buy the Millenium PRO model because they got the trigger right at the factory and save myself the trouble of doing it myself. Just a note for the used-market buyer. It's comparable to a Kel-Tek but it's sure better than a lot of others I could name.

I do understand the frame cracking problem was more prevalent with the very early first year of production up to and including some made the second year. Mine has no signs of frame stress or cracks. The PRO model does not suffer the same tendency to crack as I understand they modified the polymer compound and process. Search for username denfoote and Taurus to see the truly critical reviews and experiences with Milleniums.

Regards,
Rabbit.
 
It was my understanding that the frame cracking problem was only with the PT-145. Did it also extend the whole PT -XXX line?
 
I have carried and shot my PT111 for over 2 years with only one FTF. (Probably my fault.)

I have tried to replace it with something else but I have not been able to find anything that feels as good in my hand (for CCW) AND that I can shoot as well.

For some reason I am very accurate with it. I seem to do better than with my Full-size Beretta!

The only reason I wanted to replace it is that I had heard of polymer troubles with the early models but mine has been just fine.

As soon as I find something I like more I will replace it - just haven't been able to find anything I like better. (And I HAVE been looking!)


FWIW
 
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