Taurus

[gb6491]

I've a little Taurus model 85. It's an older gun with the large upper side plate screw (reminiscent of the 5 screw Smiths). It's been a wonderful little gun for me. I once held an impromptu shoot out of my snubbies and shot the 85 the best that day. It can more than hold it's own.
http://i46.tinypic.com/snf2h2.jpg
However, it's not the main focus of my post. Visiting my favorite local gun shop, I found they had a pretty much pristine Taurus model 431 of the shelf. Outside fit and finish is as good as many of the S&W revolvers I've owned over the years. Lockup is solid, timing is right on, the DA is smooth, and the SA is crisp with no creep. The only way I can see to test the durability of it, is to buy it and a $289 price tag helped with that decision. Did I mention the the 431 is chambered in .44 Special? :)
https://i.postimg.cc/8P9fd0R9/431a1000.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
The Uncle Mike's rubber grips it came with make shooting "Cowboy" loads quite enjoyable. Speaking of which, once I figured out the elevation with the particular load the shop had on hand, it seems to shoot well enough at ten yards (excepting, of course, operator error :o).
https://i.postimg.cc/nLLHd68p/trgt.jpg (https://postimg.cc/3kP5NfJc)
While the rubber grips make for soft shooting, I don't find them as pleasing to the eye as grips made from other materials. I found a nice set of wood grips on Ebay and have them installed now. I need to make a range visit with them, but I think they will do just fine.
https://i.postimg.cc/7b8G4CZD/431c.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Regards,
Greg

Forgot to mention that I picked up a nice metal poster at the swap meet this weekend.
https://i.postimg.cc/0Qszy9bx/pl1000.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Bawanna]

Another great find to add to the collection. Love the metal poster too, that's awesome.

[68Firebird]

A couple of nice Tauri there, Greg. Have you considered posting the photos and description over at taurusarmed.net? A great group of gun fans (all brands) over there.

[JohnR]

That's a beautiful firearm! My S&W 67 came with those grips (or ones that look just like them), I like them well enough that I haven't even considered changing them.

[kenemoore]

Off topic, is that creamer in your coffee? Seems sacrileges for a Gunny to drink any thing that is isn't hot, black, and thick enough to float a horseshoe in. This is coming for an old Salty Dog, that still likes it straight from the pot.

[Bawanna]

Probably some sort of mix for Parkerizing left over. Don't want to waste it so he drinks it.

Most folks don't like my coffee, I like it pretty full flavored, not just colored water.

[ltxi]

No knowledge regarding today's production but those older Taurus revolvers were very nice guns.

[yqtszhj]

I’m finding that nice handguns less than $300 are hard to pass up recently.

[JohnR]

Full house magnum coffee for me, too.

[gb6491]

Another great find to add to the collection. Love the metal poster too, that's awesome.
I really like the poster myself!


A couple of nice Tauri there, Greg. Have you considered posting the photos and description over at taurusarmed.net? A great group of gun fans (all brands) over there.
Thanks! I did post some photos there in a thread about 431 grips. I keep seeing recommendations for medium frame grips, but mine definitely takes large frame grips.

That's a beautiful firearm! My S&W 67 came with those grips (or ones that look just like them), I like them well enough that I haven't even considered changing them.
Thanks!
They are nice grips for shooting and the look isn't bad. I just preferred something else, but I can see why you stick with yours.


Off topic, is that creamer in your coffee? Seems sacrileges for a Gunny to drink any thing that is isn't hot, black, and thick enough to float a horseshoe in. This is coming for an old Salty Dog, that still likes it straight from the pot.
LOL, it's half and half...a habit I picked up when I made Master Gunnery Sergeant. I did take it black when I was a young Gunny, but as a Master Gunny folks know what you are about and you hardly ever need to raise your voice. You're just naturally more urbane; like half and half in your coffee...or is that Bailey's. Sergeant Majors, on the other hand, still have something to prove and are guzzling their swill black while still barking at folks.
No disrespect to Old Salts intended, Marine Corps Sergeant Majors will know the deal

Probably some sort of mix for Parkerizing left over. Don't want to waste it so he drinks it.

Most folks don't like my coffee, I like it pretty full flavored, not just colored water.
Yep, no wasting that. I keep the solution in a big plastic Arizona Tea bottle.

No knowledge regarding today's production but those older Taurus revolvers were very nice guns.
I have to agree, especially where this one is concerned (circa 1992).

I’m finding that nice handguns less than $300 are hard to pass up recently.
Me too boss:)


Full house magnum coffee for me, too.
Special coffee for me ;)

Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

Lets stick with Bailey's. More manly.

[gb6491]

Lets stick with Bailey's. More manly.
Even though I did like a touch of Bailey's on occasion, I think I'll just call it what it is. :yo:

[340pd]

As a range officer that is exposed to a lot of various gun manufacturers, I find Taurus to be a hit or miss maker. I think before purchase of a new of used model, have someone competent carefully look over the gun. There are times when saving a few dollars especially resale dollars may not be the best way to go. Now for fun, I still have the itch for a Bulldog in .44 Special.

[Bawanna]

I had a Bulldog for awhile, one of the ones I regret terribly parting with. It was a good one. Don't recall why it left me, funds for something else probably.

[gb6491]

As a range officer that is exposed to a lot of various gun manufacturers, I find Taurus to be a hit or miss maker. I think before purchase of a new of used model, have someone competent carefully look over the gun. There are times when saving a few dollars especially resale dollars may not be the best way to go. Now for fun, I still have the itch for a Bulldog in .44 Special.
Thanks for the input. You probably have been exposed to the brand more than I have. I've no experience with Taurus semi-automatic pistols and only with the three revolvers I own (almost forgot about the Ultralight 85). I've had the two 85s completely stripped down and their internals give me no reason for concern. From what I see and feel with the 431, I doubt it will either.

Charters are good if you stay away from several periods of their manufacture. I have a few myself and they always go bang when I want them to.
My Bulldog is the "Target" model. I mostly feed it a diet of .44 Russian:
http://i46.tinypic.com/16a1r1s.jpg
My favorite in an old 3" Undercover:
http://i43.tinypic.com/suzl7o.jpg
It'll sling'em pretty good at 10 yds. if I do my part:
http://i44.tinypic.com/6s5oxk.jpg
Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

Man you got some variety, I think you got at least one of everything and nice examples, every one I've seen.

[AIRret]

WOW, the convict and I really enjoyed your thread Greg......................Sure wish we would have been in your neighborhood this winter!
The visit would be great and we wouldn't be freezing our butts off!!
Say hi to the wife!!

[ltxi]

Thanks for the input. You probably have been exposed to the brand more than I have. I've no experience with Taurus semi-automatic pistols and only with the three revolvers I own (almost forgot about the Ultralight 85). I've had the two 85s completely stripped down and their internals give me no reason for concern. From what I see and feel with the 431, I doubt it will either.

Charters are good if you stay away from several periods of their manufacture. I have a few myself and they always go bang when I want them to.
My Bulldog is the "Target" model. I mostly feed it a diet of .44 Russian:

My favorite in an old 3" Undercover:

It'll sling'em pretty good at 10 yds. if I do my part:

Regards,
Greg

Your Charters are of the same era as mine...original company, late '60s. Can tell by the frame finish. I now only have one....Undercover with bulldog grips...same as yours but short barrel. First lw snub I ever owned, and I still, never part with have it.

Took a look at run at new production Taurus revolvers today. No thanks! I'll stick with the early-mid 90's production ones if I ever get another.

[AIRret]

The convict and I were talking AND wondering if you have ever used those snake loads on the real thing? We have carried those loads on a hike but no luck.
We would LOVE to harvest a rattler. Hubby has a fiddle that needs a rattler tail for good luck.....or some folks say to keep the cobwebs out of the instrument.
We've been in TX, AZ, and NV with no luck. Of course it's probably to cold in the winter for the rattlers to be out and about.

Years ago Hubby's Dad killed a Missauga in Michigan and it's tail went into His Father's Fiddle.

[Bawanna]

I'll have to check my desk, I had a small skinned rattler with rattle. Been hanging on the cubicle wall for years. I don't have a fiddle so might as well protect yours. I'll check tomorrow and see if it's worth sending.
I imagine Greg could get a sack full of big ones any day of the week down there.

I'm plumb skeered of snakes, love to check out the desert down yonder but I'd be on high alert the whole time.

[ltxi]

The convict and I were talking AND wondering if you have ever used those snake loads on the real thing? We have carried those loads on a hike but no luck.
We would LOVE to harvest a rattler. Hubby has a fiddle that needs a rattler tail for good luck.....or some folks say to keep the cobwebs out of the instrument.
We've been in TX, AZ, and NV with no luck. Of course it's probably to cold in the winter for the rattlers to be out and about.

Years ago Hubby's Dad killed a Missauga in Michigan and it's tail went into His Father's Fiddle.

Can't speak for Greg, but I sure have. With good results. A goodly number of years, early '80s, back while often hiking in AZ desert country outside of Tucson. Wasn't looking to harvest. More just to git them afore they got me. Interesting/ironic is my desert hiking arm at the time was my aforementioned Charter Pathfinder. Identical to Greg's other than barrel length.

[gb6491]

Man you got some variety, I think you got at least one of everything and nice examples, every one I've seen.
Naw, I've got a little bit, but nothing real fancy. I do have a .22 Magnum Pathfinder that goes well with the Undercover :)
https://i.postimg.cc/wTHgCfrR/DSC1295.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Regards,
Greg

[gb6491]

WOW, the convict and I really enjoyed your thread Greg......................Sure wish we would have been in your neighborhood this winter!
The visit would be great and we wouldn't be freezing our butts off!!
Say hi to the wife!!
A visit would have been great! It's a bit chilly now, but not freezing. My better half says "hi" back at you two. :)

Your Charters are of the same era as mine...original company, late '60s. Can tell by the frame finish. I now only have one....Undercover with bulldog grips...same as yours but short barrel. First lw snub I ever owned, and I still, never part with have it.

Took a look at run at new production Taurus revolvers today. No thanks! I'll stick with the early-mid 90's production ones if I ever get another.
You've a good eye about the Charters:yo:
Seeing the craftsmanship on my 1992 build 431, I can see why you would stick to early~mid 90's Taurus revolvers.


The convict and I were talking AND wondering if you have ever used those snake loads on the real thing? We have carried those loads on a hike but no luck.
We would LOVE to harvest a rattler. Hubby has a fiddle that needs a rattler tail for good luck.....or some folks say to keep the cobwebs out of the instrument.
We've been in TX, AZ, and NV with no luck. Of course it's probably to cold in the winter for the rattlers to be out and about.

Years ago Hubby's Dad killed a Missauga in Michigan and it's tail went into His Father's Fiddle.
Nope, I've not had to use the snake loads on any critters. I have done in some paper plates with them
7zKs9NDWCuY

I'll have to check my desk, I had a small skinned rattler with rattle. Been hanging on the cubicle wall for years. I don't have a fiddle so might as well protect yours. I'll check tomorrow and see if it's worth sending.
I imagine Greg could get a sack full of big ones any day of the week down there.

I'm plumb skeered of snakes, love to check out the desert down yonder but I'd be on high alert the whole time.
Come on down!! You run across snakes during the warmer weather, but not as often as folks think...at least where I mosey about.


Can't speak for Greg, but I sure have. With good results. A goodly number of years, early '80s, back while often hiking in AZ desert country outside of Tucson. Wasn't looking to harvest. More just to git them afore they got me. Interesting/ironic is my desert hiking arm at the time was my aforementioned Charter Pathfinder. Identical to Greg's other than barrel length.
A big thanks for the info on the shot shells! It's good to read they are effective on rattlers. My hiking piece usually has one chambered or first up in the rotation.

Regards,
Greg

[AIRret]

I'll have to check my desk, I had a small skinned rattler with rattle. Been hanging on the cubicle wall for years. I don't have a fiddle so might as well protect yours. I'll check tomorrow and see if it's worth sending.
I imagine Greg could get a sack full of big ones any day of the week down there.

I'm plumb skeered of snakes, love to check out the desert down yonder but I'd be on high alert the whole time.

Thanks Bawanna, we will see what happens!!!!

[AIRret]

itxi, good to know. I've put snake loads in my Ruger 357 LCR (2 snake 3 357) and hubby carries (on a hike) the Governor with 3 410 rounds and 3 45 long colt.
But we are usually in snake country during the winter (not this year) and we never see them.

[AIRret]

Nice look at shot shells out of and semi........I always thought that a semi with shot shells was "likely" to fail, I'll have to rethink that.

[Bawanna]

I've meant to look for some of them shotshell in the auto but haven't seen any. Guess I best go online.

I know them 357/38 shotshells are quite effective on mice and rats, should work just fine on a snake. A little more forgiving in the aiming part too.
Shot one a couple years ago with my 45, didn't have the 38, had to shoot twice. Imagine having to shoot twice with a 45, I was embarrassed.

FYI horses DO NOT LIKE shooting guns in their little barn. They were not pleased, thought they was gonna make a new door. Guess they aren't ready for mounted shooting yet.

[Bawanna]

Greg, your gonna have to go snake hunting for my cyber wife. I don't know what happened to mine. I rearranged my cubicle a year ago or so and remember I moved it, might have tossed it (I hate snakes). The rattle was good but didn't like the skin, should have just kept the rattle.

We don't want the convict having an unprotected fiddle on my watch.

[Barth]

Wanted a Bulldog 44 for years.
Ended up getting a S&W 629-2 Mountain Revolver
38 oz 44 Mag runs 44 Special like a kitty cat ;)
https://i.imgur.com/PI2rXui.jpg

[jeepster09]

Revolvers are awesome. I have looked at several 44 specials over time and just found ammo to hard to find so I have always passed.
By all I have read it is a fantastic caliber. If ammo was available I would have one or two.

[AIRret]

I've meant to look for some of them shotshell in the auto but haven't seen any. Guess I best go online.

I know them 357/38 shotshells are quite effective on mice and rats, should work just fine on a snake. A little more forgiving in the aiming part too.
Shot one a couple years ago with my 45, didn't have the 38, had to shoot twice. Imagine having to shoot twice with a 45, I was embarrassed.

FYI horses DO NOT LIKE shooting guns in their little barn. They were not pleased, thought they was gonna make a new door. Guess they aren't ready for mounted shooting yet.


We've watches mounted shooting.....it was great!!!! Those horses wear ear plugs!!!! If you think about it the gun goes off right next to there ear!!! I guess some horses never get used to it.

[ltxi]

Revolvers are awesome. I have looked at several 44 specials over time and just found ammo to hard to find so I have always passed.
By all I have read it is a fantastic caliber. If ammo was available I would have one or two.

Hard to find or simply expensive? .44 Spl isn't for me an often shot caliber and I haven't needed more ammunition for quite awhile. But last I bought some it was readily available.

[leadcounsel]

Congrats on the gorgeous wheel gun.

My first revolver was a Taurus 607 chambered in .357 and I still have it. It was on clearance for $220 a couple decades ago. Huge beast of a revolver. And an addiction!

I've owned and shot a number of guns since, and have Smiths, Rugers, and Taurus wheelies. Taurus can make (or rather generally clone) some good guns/revolvers and I was just admiring my Model 66 and Model 627 (Tracker). Well made. Paid under $300 for each of those. Haven't shot the 66 but it looks new, and the Tracker shoots like a dream.

Problem is the company is probably dying on the vine and I cannot recommend their inhouse new semi-auto guns any more, and would only recommend a wheel-gun at "disposable gun" pricing (e.g. I wouldn't pay more than probably $300 for ANY Taurus and probably far less and would ONLY buy upon extremely close inspection.)

I based that on personal experience, having had serious issues with THREE of their semi-autos. Dealing with their CS is the worst in any industry. I basically I took a bath on all three. And I base it on reliable complaints and growing discontent over on TaurusArmed from even long time die hard Taurus fanboys who are finally fed up and jumping ship. Taurus customer service has gone to the dogs, they've dropped their lifetime warranties on all new designed and production guns, dropping models left and right, poor leadership, and the lawsuit recall royally burned all their owners. It's becoming more common for gun stores to refuse to carry their products due to the endless complaints.

Contrast that with experiences I've had with other guns:
* I recently had a 1975 Ruger Security Six trigger spring break. Ruger sent me one for free promptly with a phone call or email.
* Walther, FN, and CZ all had a minor voluntary recall, paid for shipping both ways and either fixed the gun or replaced it.
* Keltec pistol could not be fixed so KT replaced it no charge.

Yet Taurus' latest debacle with trigger drop safety issues was to under promise a fix, fail to make a fix, offer customers 1/2 value cash or undesirable trade-ins, reportedly has taken years to resolve these issues, and broken promises to repay shipping and FFL transfers... it's all over TaurusArmed...

I would only buy a older designed (10+ years) revolver in excellent condition upon extreme careful inspection and ideally test firing, and wouldn't put more than $300 max into one. You're not likely going to get good CS, parts, replacement, etc. for it, unlike Ruger or Smith etc.

[gb6491]

https://i.postimg.cc/hvg6P4vG/lestemr.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bDC3mhQX)

[Bawanna]

Help me back in the chair, that bowled me over. I want something catchy like that when the time comes.

[ltxi]

Yeah...I really like that one, too...:)

[gb6491]

https://i.postimg.cc/1XKPZKny/9ef.jpg (https://postimages.org/)