Taurus Police trade in guns

[RevolvingGarbage]

Has anyone had any trigger time with the recent crop of ex-police Taurus revolvers? These are the blued 4" K-frame type guns with the lanyard ring on the butt of the grip.

A small shop locally just got some in and they are priced $220 on the tag, and I think i might be able to walk with them for $230 or so. I am looking for a revolver to carry as an alternative to my 1911 on some days. I really want a Smith model 36, or better yet a Colt Agent/DS, but I don't think I am going to find one for that kind of money, and thats about all I can spend.

 

[rklessdriver]

Someone bought one and did a review on it a few weeks ago. He seemed happy. These as I understand it are trade ins That Century Arms imported from various South American PD's. The ones I have seen were pretty used up looking and had whatever PD markings milled off which took away and collectibilty/desireability they would have had.

There are alot of Smith and Wesson M10's and M64's police trade ins for like $270 and IMO they are a whole lot better deal.

http://www.jgsales.com/handguns-c-16_211_431.html?stID=19&sort=3a

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/654_910/gunbar

http://www.gunsamerica.com/96188602...el_38_Special_Police_Trade_In_Older_Model.htm

Will

 

[sidheshooter]

Hard to go wrong with a K-frame LEO trade in. I'd save the extra 50 or 100 bucks and do a nice model 10/64 S&W. You will not regret that purchase.

 

[Guillermo]

RG

Since u like rough and tumble guns, I would hold out for something like a DS.

Sure it will be a little less than pristine (by a LOT) but you might find what you want.

BTW, this old Cobra was bought for $225. Ugly? You bet. Mechanically outstanding.

Also, I have an idea about where to look. W PM in a bit.

 

[Onward Allusion]

jgsales.com and gunbroker.com has Taurus 82's from 3rd world countries for $149 all day long. Finishes on these things are rough. Some have rust. Wood is banged up. They'll need a bit of TLC to make 'em presentable.

Take a look at the Armscor (Rock Island Armory) M206 (or M200 4") 6-shot revolvers in 38 special. Around $200 new. Less if you look hard enough. Has a warranty, too.

 

[Quoheleth]

From the Armscor revolvers I've seen and handled at gunshows, I would rather take a chance on the used Taurus revolvers.

That said, I'm a die-hard K-frame lover and I would try hard to save the extra $50 for a model 10 vs a Taurus.

Smith > Taurus > Armscor > Sharp stick

Q

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

Thanks to some help from Guillermo I have resigned myself to a search for what I really want, which is a Colt snub, basically exactly what he pictured right there, bare aluminum and all. Its really the only correct sidekick to a Colt 1911 after all.

 

[oldfool]

cannot disagree with any of the above advice
but I would be more prone to gamble on an old/used Taurus than a brand new Taurus
(on any other but a few select "new" models, and then only if 1st person inspected)
They did turn out some decent guns, still do if you are real careful

but I too would chase a old S&W heavy barrel model 10 or 64/65 in preference
(or get G to find me a great-for-function old Colt with honestly earned wear on it, da' man do know what they oughta' be, and pretty is as pretty does)

 

[JR47]

Your dealer has priced the gun well above what others are selling them for. Look around, and you'll find them for around $130.00. Considerably less than the near mythical police trade in Model 10s of yesterdays world.

 

[Guillermo]

RG

I am keeping my eyes open for a D frame for you.

We will find you something.

Although sometimes it takes time.

 

[smokey30725]

I bought two of them recently from a dealer for 300 out the door for the pair. They both had the hogue grips and I was surprised by how accurate they were. I trust them enought that I gave one to a family member who lives out in the middle of nowhere for a home defense gun.

 

[19-3Ben]

There are alot of Smith and Wesson M10's and M64's police trade ins for like $270 and IMO they are a whole lot better deal.

While I wouldn't argue that the S&W will likely be a more durable gun and have a better chance of being a good working gun, I'm going to play devils advocate for a second here. First off, J&G has the Taurus marked at $149 right now. So we're talking about a $120 price difference. It's not like you're chipping in an extra $30 for the nicer gun. You're coming pretty close to doubling the price.

The other thing, is that, yes, Taurus puts out lemons. But as a police gun even only getting fired twice a year (just to throw out an arbitrary number) you'd think they would have weeded out the ones that don't work after a few decades of service, right? I'd bet the Taurus surplus guns are pretty reliable. If i had the money right now, I'd be sorely tempted.

 

[JR47]

The other thing, is that, yes, Taurus puts out lemons. But as a police gun even only getting fired twice a year (just to throw out an arbitrary number) you'd think they would have weeded out the ones that don't work after a few decades of service, right? I'd bet the Taurus surplus guns are pretty reliable. If i had the money right now, I'd be sorely tempted.

I'm thinking that the myth of S&W is built on this a lot more than anything they currently make. Note that everyone is told to buy an older version. You know, the ones that survived. That doesn't make the brand any better than Jimenez, if you can only trust the used guns that have managed not to fail.

 

[19-3Ben]

Exactly. Hence the reason I'd be more comfortable buying one of these, than a brand new one. The bad ones would presumably have been weeded out by the South American PD's over the course of two decades (or however old they are).