Taurus spectrum

Status
Not open for further replies.
The folks over at taurusarmed.net have been talking about them. I haven’t paid much attention though because I’m not an auto loader guy. I did see some in the case at academy, and they looked nice for what they are.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Denis tells it like it is. If he doesn't like something, he'll say so, in no uncertain terms. Likewise if he does like it.
 
I've seen a couple posts on here from folks that have them and like them.

Skimmed through a review in the current G&A issue and they seemed to like it. Imagine that.

Other than that I haven't heard a whole lot on it.
 
I've heard some good and bad. I'd be willing to give the Spectrum a chance. They are inexpensive enough to take a gamble on, just be sure to give it a decent break in period
 
I have not shot the Spectrum, but I carried and shot the TCP for a lot of years. The TCP was flawless, and even though the sights looked like blobs to my tired old eyes, put the blob on where you wanted the bullet to go and that’s where it went. It finally started dropping magazines. The mag catch had worn. Used of could buy parts for the TCP, but it had been discontinued by this time, and I traded it for a LCPII. As good as thevTaurus was, the LCP was better.

Based on my experience with the TCP, I would not be afraid to try the Spectrum, but I would give the "Elsie Pea Dos" a look too.
 
I've been eyeing those myself, especially with the new price of $144 ($179 with $35 rebate). My wife might like this one. I don't know why I have to supply a reason to purchase a pistol with an eccentric color scheme, but I do. Most of the reviews I've read have been favorable. A few have experienced issues, but the same can be accurately said about every other manufacturer.
The Taurus products I own or have owned in the past include the PT99, PT908, PT111G2, PT238 (TCP), M669, M85, M44 and I may be forgetting some.
I have never personally had any real issue with any Taurus pistol or revolver I've owned, so I'm certainly not scared away by the brand. Heck, every time I receive an email advertising the PT111 G2 for under $200 (I believe I've seen them for as low as $169 during flash sales), I'm tempted to purchase a 2nd even if I have no particular use for it.

This one will probably be in my paws in a couple weeks.

415004685_1.jpg
 
Same for me can't speak for the Spectrum but my PT99 has a lot of rounds thru it and BTW the safety is in the Right place:)
 
If you really want to fine out about the Taurus Spectrum then just go to TaurusArmed.com and read. They have a whole sub-forum dedicated to the Spectrum.
 
Can't speak on the spectrum but the Taurus bashing is just gratuitous. I have owned of their 3 revolvers and a pt92 with no issues. If you like the look and feel go for it.
Their revolvers are generally good if you aren't picky about trigger pulls, the PT-92 is not their design and fully equal to the Beretta in my experience.

But if you'd had one of the Millennium series subject to the class action lawsuit settlement and experienced their handling of it, I expect you'd agree the Taurus bashing is justified.
 
Last edited:
Their revolvers are generally good if you are picky about trigger pulls, the PT-92 is not their design and fully equal to the Beretta in my experience.

But if you'd had one of the Millennium series subject to the class action lawsuit settlement and experienced their handling of it, I expect you'd agree the Taurus bashing is justified.

This is the correct answer. Pt145 sold at a loss. Glad to upgrade anyway to an xd.

Also non millennium models are subject to the will and whim of the Taurus repair department. Had an 85 go back 3 times for a forcing cone issue that was never fixed.

Sorry but yet again I'll say dont get a Taurus, dont get a Taurus spectrum, and take the money and buy a different gun.
 
The main complaint with the Spectrum on the Taurus forum is light primer strikes. Some have reported that after disassembling the pistol and giving it a thorough cleaning the light strikes go away or diminish significantly. The S&W Bodyguard 380 which is also a true DAO has been known to have light strike issues as well. Nobody wants a 12 pound DA trigger pull but if you lighten it too much then you end up with reliability issues.
 
Thanks Makster im not looking for a pocket pistol or any others in that category just liked the looks and it was cheap.
 
I've thought about the Spectrum as I'm a bit of a pocket pistol junky. I had a BG that I kinda regret selling. It was accurate and I liked the double strike. The lcp II will shoot circles around it for me since the trigger is so much nicer. However I liked the heavier trigger for pocket carry.

The spectrum is a really cool looking gun. I don't think I'm all that jazzed about customizing the colors and would be just fine with one in black. However, my experience with Taurus has been spotty enough that I think I would pick up a pico or bg again.
 
Had I not already been invested in two Smith M&P Bodyguards to fill a pocket when indicated, I would have bought the sample Spectrum I had here.
I ALMOST did anyway, but I'm at an age where I have to start slowing down on extraneous gun purchases. :)

Keep in mind, for those who insist ANY gun up for defensive carry consideration MUST be subjected to 200 rounds at the range EVERY Saturday of the year, this is not the gun for you.
But, as a fire-a-few now & then for familiarization & then drop it in your pocket or purse gun, it's very do-able.
Denis
 
I received mine on Friday (this thread reminded me I intended to buy it).
It's the slide/frame/insert color scheme as the sample picture I posted above.

It feels good in the hand and looks good as well. The trigger is not as nice as my TCP. It has a heavier pull and the reset is essentially the resting position of the trigger; all the way forward. It's not a super smooth pull either, but this may improve as I break it in. In essence, the trigger isn't impressive nor should you expect it to be. It's not excessively gritty, certainly not heavy or horrible in any particular way (other the length of pull and reset), it's just not going to wow you. For the price, you probably aren't expecting it to do so anyway. It is, however, acceptable for a pistol you intend to pull and fire in a hurry. If you can imagine the trigger pull on a Taurus 85 or similar, but lighter, you may get the picture.

On the bright side, it is a double action trigger with second strike capability should you encounter a hard primer rather than defaulting to a TRB drill.
I can also confirm that the extended magazine with the "pinky rest" does indeed hold an extra round, increasing the capacity to 7. The use the extended magazine, while improving the ergonomics for some, may negate its use as a "pocket gun" by most.

The sights, though dismal like most others of the same ilk, are still a tad better than the TCP. They stand taller than those of the TCP and thus provide a bit more contrast that affords for a slight edge in sight acquisition. Personally, I doubt I'll make much use of the sights for the role this pistol may serve. All edges are rounded, unlike the TCP. It slides out of the front pocket with ease from a DeSantis Nemesis and hangs up on nothing. Though, so does the TCP. It is however a bit thicker in the slide. Not to say it's a fat little handgun, just not as... svelte... as the TCP.

I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but plan on a short and simple range report after I do. I am hoping to avoid any light primer strike issues. I plan on mostly reloads using Winchester small primers, though I will also take a some Geco, S&B and Underwood (102gr Golden Sabers +P and 95gr Extreme Penetrators +P).

One thing that I've noticed about this pistol that I like, an aspect that some may not notice or care much about if they do, is the profile of the slide when viewed from the top.
It has a distinct taper reminiscent to the 1 7/8" barrel profile of a S&W J-frame. It's a subtle thing to be sure, but it's those subtle things that sometimes help me decide whether I like a handgun or not.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top