Taurus .44mag

camosteve243 · November 5, 2009, 03:22 PM

Hey all. Was checking out revolvers and came across the Taurus MODEL 444 ULTRALITE .44 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN TITANIUM BLUE.

Was wondering what ya'll think about Taurus. Hear good and bad things. If anyone has one or has shot one lets hear the reviews!!

technician1 · November 6, 2009, 04:08 AM

hello steve, I am a Charter and Ruger fan. because there customer service. That makes a huge difference to me. Mistakes happen. Everbody makes lemons. It's a hard fact and one who fav's a brand doesnt like to say it but it's true. I also like the look of taurus revolvers and i have never owned one but here is why. I have heard really bad things on there customer service. like waiting 2-3 months to even hear from them. That's not careing about your buyer/ backing your product. to top it off there not made in the states. if the coast of a taurus is to your likeing just hold back 4-5 boxs of ammo and you got it. If it's for EDC a ruger for me is to keep bedside, because of the money I spent. For EDC Charter is a gun meant to use everyday. Just think of it, in my opinion honada, dodge, chevy. Just my .02 on the subject.

whiplash · November 6, 2009, 05:28 AM

I know you were asking about a specific Taurus. But I have the M44. The only thing I thought could have been a little better was the grip. But other than that, its a good gun. You will find here quickly, a lot of people think its a sport to bash on Taurus. I have heard some questionable customer service. But I asked my local gun store. A lot of guns go in and out his door. And he said he has no problem with Taurus service. My M44 is just fine. Is it a $2,000. custom gun....no of course not. Did I get a very good for ME gun? Yes, and it didnt bankrupt me. Just remember for about every 1 compaint about Taurus there are many more who dont complain, they just dont post.

azredhawk44 · November 6, 2009, 10:07 AM

I will refrain from opinionated Taurus bashing with my words, and simply let pictures do the work for me:

Nothing is "wrong" with this gun. The shooter that owns it reports that it works fine. But, let your eyes do the judging for yourself.

Look at the beginning portion of the barrel called the forcing cone.

The purpose of the forcing cone is to "catch" the bullet as it leaps from the cylinder and into the rifling. It is subject to the abuses of bullets impacting it if they are not centered, 35,000psi pressures, and extreme heat.

Now, look at the forcing cone on this Redhawk:

It's nearly twice as thick.

Taurus deliberately designed their gun in this picture to have a very small and comparatively weak forcing cone.

If you're going to shoot a .44 magnum 300gr "hot" load, which would you rather have in your hand?

JAG06 · November 6, 2009, 12:53 PM

Wow - that's a big difference. I was thinking about a Raging Bull in .454 - does it have the weak cone as well?

spacecoast · November 6, 2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Taurus deliberately designed their gun in this picture to have a very small and comparatively weak forcing cone.

That's a great illustration, thanks.

rickyjames · November 6, 2009, 01:59 PM

"I will refrain from opinionated Taurus bashing with my words, and simply let pictures do the work for me:"

i have both a 7 1/2" redhawk and a 4" taurus 6 shot mod 44. your pic prompted me to look at my guns. there is no measurable difference between the forcing cones on either of my guns that i can see. maybe the difference between them is because your taurus pic is of a different model, a lighter weight 5 shot compared to the 6 shot ruger. maybe the difference is simply because the distance and angle are clearly different. anyway my taurus works as well as my ruger. although i havn't done a formal bench test i can hit anything i can see with either gun. the recoil on the taurus actually seems less to me, the taurus is ported and has rubber grips while the ruger isn't ported and has wooden grips. my taurus is my go to 44 mag simply because it is a 4" barrel. the ruger is a fine gun and i am thinking of scoping it simply because it it already too large to carry comfortably and with a scope it might be fun for deer and such.

azredhawk44 · November 6, 2009, 02:07 PM

Ricky, can you post a pic of your forcing cone?

I've been looking for a pic of a Raging Bull or other large frame Taurus .44 forcing cone and can't find one anywhere.

I do admit that the Taurus in the picture is a lighter model... it is built on a large .357 frame similar in size to S&W's L-frame 686 model.

But, that's part of my point. There's nothing "wrong" with that gun. It is a specimen that is "perfect" according to its manufacturer. Except for the fact that S&W doesn't make a 5-shot L-frame .44 magnum... only .44 specials. Because they know it's irresponsible to make such a weak forcing cone for a 1000ft/lb cartridge. But to Taurus... it's perfectly okay. Then they publish their manual for the gun and say "yeah, we stamped the gun as .44 magnum... but you probably shouldn't shoot certain types of .44 magnum loads from this gun."

What other corners get cut with other guns from Taurus?

I had no control over the camera angles of the Taurus, since I don't own it and I borrowed it from another thread on this forum. The Redhawk is mine, though.

farmall · November 6, 2009, 02:11 PM

My M44 has the thin forcing cone too, like the one illustrated previously. Weak spot, perhaps, but I bought mine for mid range 44spl cast bullet shooting and have had ne real issues, other than the grip, and a set of Wolff springs.
YMMV
Andy

rickyjames · November 6, 2009, 03:47 PM

"Then they publish their manual for the gun and say "yeah, we stamped the gun as .44 magnum... but you probably shouldn't shoot certain types of .44 magnum loads from this gun."

i see you use "" marks in your statement to make it look like an official taurus statement. i would bet money that your "quote" is not a direct quote from the taurus manual. it is careless internet statements like this that fuel the misinformation about this and other gun companys.

ruger and taurus

rickyjames · November 6, 2009, 03:55 PM

ruger

rickyjames · November 6, 2009, 03:56 PM

taurus

Xdac · November 6, 2009, 07:49 PM

Heres my m44 Taurus..seems bigger than the first pic of the Taurus you posted.

rickyjames · November 6, 2009, 08:30 PM

i'm not sure about the properties of titanium but i think it is supposed to be stronger than steel so maybe the cone is less massive....or maybe it is an optical illusion created by the distance and angle of the picture. pictures don't always tell the true story. when i look at my ruger and taurus the cone is about the same thickness or at least very close without micing it and i have the advantage of looking at them side by side, not in a picture.

my taurus is a substantial gun, it is smaller and lighter than the redhawk and being 4" it is also more well balanced. the raging bull series is evn more substantial.

all i can say is i shoot the same ammo in both. both guns are solid. both are accurate. i like the taurus more, because of it's size i am more likely to carry it in the field. the ruger may be a better long range shooter with a scope.

someday i would like to be drawn for deer or elk and use both guns. i would use the ruger with a scope in a shoulder rig for longer range and the taurus in a belt holster for shorter range and the combined weight would be less than a rifle

rickyjames · November 6, 2009, 09:09 PM

i know taurus gets a bad rap on boards like this. i'm not saying they are always perfect. i once ordered a 9mm 24/7 model. when it arrived it came in a 9mm box and gun matched the ser # but the gun was stamped 40 cal. the dealer didn't have ammo to see what caliber would fit so i passed on that gun.

of the taurus models and products i did buy i have been happy. i have a:

357 taurus mod 605, kind of harsh with 357 loads but accurate and reliable
44 mag taurus mod 44, accurate and pleasant to shoot, reliable
357 mag rossie (made by taurus), accurate, easier to shoot than the 605
9mm taurus mod 92 blue, accurate, reliable, easy to shoot
9mm taurus mod 92 stainless, same as above
45 taurus mod pt145 blue, nice sd pistol, realiable, have to get used to sights
45 taurus pt1911 stainless, i own 5 colt and springfield 1911's this is at least equal to them in accuracy and reliabilty.

Xdac · November 6, 2009, 09:37 PM

Howd you like your model 44? I just picked mine up and havent had a chance to shoot it.

rickyjames · November 7, 2009, 07:16 AM

"Howd you like your model 44? I just picked mine up and havent had a chance to shoot it."

i think my mod 44 is a fine gun. as i said earlier it is easier to carry than the ruger. it is as accurate as the ruger at the ranges i shoot. it is also more pleasant to shoot than the ruger because of the porting and rubber grips. when i go shooting i take both guns so i can compare them side by side. i enjoy shooting them both, the accuracy is about equal for the shooting i do. when i am rifle hunting or hiking i carry the taurus simply because of the size. as i said earlier i would like to scope the ruger and see what difference that makes. i could see myself carrying them both at the same time on a hunt, the scoped ruger in a shoulder holster and the taurus on my hip for longer and shorter ranges. congrats on your taurus, i think you will like it.

rickyjames · November 7, 2009, 09:20 PM

i guess azredhawk came to bash taurus. he was happy thinking his cone was bigger, until it wasn't. a simple case of cone envy

on a more serious note i see 2 other az people here. i am from nw phx myself and do my shooting in the desert or at ben avery.

November 5, 2009, 03:22 PM	#1
camosteve243 Junior Member Join Date: February 24, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 2	Taurus .44mag Hey all. Was checking out revolvers and came across the Taurus MODEL 444 ULTRALITE .44 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN TITANIUM BLUE. Was wondering what ya'll think about Taurus. Hear good and bad things. If anyone has one or has shot one lets hear the reviews!! __________________ "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst and always keep your powder dry"

November 6, 2009, 10:07 AM	#4
azredhawk44 Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 5,146	I will refrain from opinionated Taurus bashing with my words, and simply let pictures do the work for me: Nothing is "wrong" with this gun. The shooter that owns it reports that it works fine. But, let your eyes do the judging for yourself. Look at the beginning portion of the barrel called the forcing cone. The purpose of the forcing cone is to "catch" the bullet as it leaps from the cylinder and into the rifling. It is subject to the abuses of bullets impacting it if they are not centered, 35,000psi pressures, and extreme heat. Now, look at the forcing cone on this Redhawk: It's nearly twice as thick. Taurus deliberately designed their gun in this picture to have a very small and comparatively weak forcing cone. If you're going to shoot a .44 magnum 300gr "hot" load, which would you rather have in your hand? __________________ Blog: http://azredhawk44.blogspot.com Updated... whenever I feel like it. Are you a Rifleman? Appleseed Information: http://www.appleseedinfo.org Smarmy loquatious signature lines ® WildAlaska, Ken at Wild West Guns. Used with permission.

November 6, 2009, 02:07 PM	#8
azredhawk44 Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 5,146	Ricky, can you post a pic of your forcing cone? I've been looking for a pic of a Raging Bull or other large frame Taurus .44 forcing cone and can't find one anywhere. I do admit that the Taurus in the picture is a lighter model... it is built on a large .357 frame similar in size to S&W's L-frame 686 model. But, that's part of my point. There's nothing "wrong" with that gun. It is a specimen that is "perfect" according to its manufacturer. Except for the fact that S&W doesn't make a 5-shot L-frame .44 magnum... only .44 specials. Because they know it's irresponsible to make such a weak forcing cone for a 1000ft/lb cartridge. But to Taurus... it's perfectly okay. Then they publish their manual for the gun and say "yeah, we stamped the gun as .44 magnum... but you probably shouldn't shoot certain types of .44 magnum loads from this gun." What other corners get cut with other guns from Taurus? I had no control over the camera angles of the Taurus, since I don't own it and I borrowed it from another thread on this forum. The Redhawk is mine, though. __________________ Blog: http://azredhawk44.blogspot.com Updated... whenever I feel like it. Are you a Rifleman? Appleseed Information: http://www.appleseedinfo.org Smarmy loquatious signature lines ® WildAlaska, Ken at Wild West Guns. Used with permission.

November 6, 2009, 03:47 PM	#10
rickyjames Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 161	"Then they publish their manual for the gun and say "yeah, we stamped the gun as .44 magnum... but you probably shouldn't shoot certain types of .44 magnum loads from this gun." i see you use "" marks in your statement to make it look like an official taurus statement. i would bet money that your "quote" is not a direct quote from the taurus manual. it is careless internet statements like this that fuel the misinformation about this and other gun companys. ruger and taurus Last edited by rickyjames; November 7, 2009 at 09:46 AM.

November 6, 2009, 04:08 AM	#2
technician1 Junior Member Join Date: October 29, 2009 Posts: 13	hello steve, I am a Charter and Ruger fan. because there customer service. That makes a huge difference to me. Mistakes happen. Everbody makes lemons. It's a hard fact and one who fav's a brand doesnt like to say it but it's true. I also like the look of taurus revolvers and i have never owned one but here is why. I have heard really bad things on there customer service. like waiting 2-3 months to even hear from them. That's not careing about your buyer/ backing your product. to top it off there not made in the states. if the coast of a taurus is to your likeing just hold back 4-5 boxs of ammo and you got it. If it's for EDC a ruger for me is to keep bedside, because of the money I spent. For EDC Charter is a gun meant to use everyday. Just think of it, in my opinion honada, dodge, chevy. Just my .02 on the subject.

November 6, 2009, 05:28 AM	#3
whiplash Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 242	I know you were asking about a specific Taurus. But I have the M44. The only thing I thought could have been a little better was the grip. But other than that, its a good gun. You will find here quickly, a lot of people think its a sport to bash on Taurus. I have heard some questionable customer service. But I asked my local gun store. A lot of guns go in and out his door. And he said he has no problem with Taurus service. My M44 is just fine. Is it a $2,000. custom gun....no of course not. Did I get a very good for ME gun? Yes, and it didnt bankrupt me. Just remember for about every 1 compaint about Taurus there are many more who dont complain, they just dont post.

November 6, 2009, 12:53 PM	#5
JAG06 Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 27	Wow - that's a big difference. I was thinking about a Raging Bull in .454 - does it have the weak cone as well?

November 6, 2009, 01:59 PM	#7
rickyjames Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 161	"I will refrain from opinionated Taurus bashing with my words, and simply let pictures do the work for me:" i have both a 7 1/2" redhawk and a 4" taurus 6 shot mod 44. your pic prompted me to look at my guns. there is no measurable difference between the forcing cones on either of my guns that i can see. maybe the difference between them is because your taurus pic is of a different model, a lighter weight 5 shot compared to the 6 shot ruger. maybe the difference is simply because the distance and angle are clearly different. anyway my taurus works as well as my ruger. although i havn't done a formal bench test i can hit anything i can see with either gun. the recoil on the taurus actually seems less to me, the taurus is ported and has rubber grips while the ruger isn't ported and has wooden grips. my taurus is my go to 44 mag simply because it is a 4" barrel. the ruger is a fine gun and i am thinking of scoping it simply because it it already too large to carry comfortably and with a scope it might be fun for deer and such.

November 6, 2009, 02:11 PM	#9
farmall Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2004 Location: Beatrice Nebraska Posts: 456	My M44 has the thin forcing cone too, like the one illustrated previously. Weak spot, perhaps, but I bought mine for mid range 44spl cast bullet shooting and have had ne real issues, other than the grip, and a set of Wolff springs. YMMV Andy

November 6, 2009, 03:55 PM	#11
rickyjames Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 161	ruger

November 6, 2009, 03:56 PM	#12
rickyjames Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 161	taurus

November 6, 2009, 07:49 PM	#13
Xdac Junior Member Join Date: November 6, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 5	Heres my m44 Taurus..seems bigger than the first pic of the Taurus you posted.

November 6, 2009, 08:30 PM	#14
rickyjames Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 161	i'm not sure about the properties of titanium but i think it is supposed to be stronger than steel so maybe the cone is less massive....or maybe it is an optical illusion created by the distance and angle of the picture. pictures don't always tell the true story. when i look at my ruger and taurus the cone is about the same thickness or at least very close without micing it and i have the advantage of looking at them side by side, not in a picture. my taurus is a substantial gun, it is smaller and lighter than the redhawk and being 4" it is also more well balanced. the raging bull series is evn more substantial. all i can say is i shoot the same ammo in both. both guns are solid. both are accurate. i like the taurus more, because of it's size i am more likely to carry it in the field. the ruger may be a better long range shooter with a scope. someday i would like to be drawn for deer or elk and use both guns. i would use the ruger with a scope in a shoulder rig for longer range and the taurus in a belt holster for shorter range and the combined weight would be less than a rifle

November 6, 2009, 09:09 PM	#15
rickyjames Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 161	i know taurus gets a bad rap on boards like this. i'm not saying they are always perfect. i once ordered a 9mm 24/7 model. when it arrived it came in a 9mm box and gun matched the ser # but the gun was stamped 40 cal. the dealer didn't have ammo to see what caliber would fit so i passed on that gun. of the taurus models and products i did buy i have been happy. i have a: 357 taurus mod 605, kind of harsh with 357 loads but accurate and reliable 44 mag taurus mod 44, accurate and pleasant to shoot, reliable 357 mag rossie (made by taurus), accurate, easier to shoot than the 605 9mm taurus mod 92 blue, accurate, reliable, easy to shoot 9mm taurus mod 92 stainless, same as above 45 taurus mod pt145 blue, nice sd pistol, realiable, have to get used to sights 45 taurus pt1911 stainless, i own 5 colt and springfield 1911's this is at least equal to them in accuracy and reliabilty.

November 6, 2009, 09:37 PM	#16
Xdac Junior Member Join Date: November 6, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 5	Howd you like your model 44? I just picked mine up and havent had a chance to shoot it.

November 7, 2009, 07:16 AM	#17
rickyjames Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 161	"Howd you like your model 44? I just picked mine up and havent had a chance to shoot it." i think my mod 44 is a fine gun. as i said earlier it is easier to carry than the ruger. it is as accurate as the ruger at the ranges i shoot. it is also more pleasant to shoot than the ruger because of the porting and rubber grips. when i go shooting i take both guns so i can compare them side by side. i enjoy shooting them both, the accuracy is about equal for the shooting i do. when i am rifle hunting or hiking i carry the taurus simply because of the size. as i said earlier i would like to scope the ruger and see what difference that makes. i could see myself carrying them both at the same time on a hunt, the scoped ruger in a shoulder holster and the taurus on my hip for longer and shorter ranges. congrats on your taurus, i think you will like it.

November 7, 2009, 09:20 PM	#18
rickyjames Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 161	i guess azredhawk came to bash taurus. he was happy thinking his cone was bigger, until it wasn't. a simple case of cone envy on a more serious note i see 2 other az people here. i am from nw phx myself and do my shooting in the desert or at ben avery.