What's wrong with Taurus?

[lapetrarca53]

I bought a PT738 last year and have put close to 500 rounds down the pipe without missing a beat. And it's got a better trigger than my friends S&W Bodyguard .380.

It's a great little gun.....and pretty damned accurate at 25' as well! My EDC.

What it's NOT is an S&W. But that doesn't mean it's junk.

[skoro]

Originally Posted by Sarge

I think the problems is that getting a good pistol is completely luck of the draw.

That's the essence of the situation, right there. I don't own a Taurus (and probably never will) but friends and family do. Judging from their experience and from what we read on these forums, it seems that if you get a good Taurus, it'll work well and you'll be happy with it. If you get a defective Taurus, sending it back often doesn't cure it and you'll end up hating the brand.

So, it appears to be a total crapshoot to me. I think anyone who purchases a Taurus w/o first trying it out is just rolling the dice. And I won't take that chance. I'm not made of money and I'm way too old to put up with a defective piece I've spent hundreds on.

[45_auto]

Originally Posted by Sarge

I actually like their 92 clones, but avoid the adjustable sight models. They are fragile as eggs and the firing pin block bears up on them with each trigger stroke.

I'll second that opinion. I've had one experience with a Taurus handgun, that was enough for me.

I bought a brand new PT99 (the adjustable sight version of the PT92).

The gun was very inaccurate. It wouldn't shoot groups, they were more like patterns. I returned it to Taurus, they replaced the barrel and sent it back in a couple of weeks.

A couple of months later the rear sight broke. I sent it to Taurus, they replaced the rear sight and returned the gun in about 2 weeks.

A couple of months later the rear sight broke again. I returned it again and requested that they replace the slide with a PT92 fixed-sight slide. They did as I requested, and returned the gun in about 2 weeks.

Originally Posted by Skans

Stay away from older PT99's and PT92's. The locking blocks break and when they do, you may find that the only way to disassemble your gun to replace the broken part is to cut the barrel.

A couple of months after getting the adjustable-sight slide replaced with the fixed-sight slide, the locking block broke. I returned the gun to Taurus, and they replaced the locking block. The gun was returned in a couple of weeks.

I never had any problems with Taurus customer service. They fixed the gun every time and returned it in a couple of weeks. However, I sold that gun shortly afterwards, never even thought about buying another Taurus pistol.

Several months after I sold him the gun, the guy I sold it to had his house broken into by a bunch of teenagers who stole movies, video games, and the handgun safe that contained the Taurus. He gets a call from the cops once a year verifying that the gun is still stolen and has never been recovered. Maybe it was just an unlucky gun!

On the other hand I have several of the Taurus Model 62 pump 22 rifles (Winchester 62 clones) that the kids and grandkids love. They don't have a disconnector so they fire every time they're pumped if you hold the trigger down. The kids think that is hilarious for some reason. They have not been treated gently and have been perfect for literally tens of thousands of rounds.

[Eppie]

Here my story:
I had been looking to add a 9mm to my tiny 1911 collection. I searched for a stainless 9mm 1911 single stack and I kept getting the "out of stock" response. I was focused on a Colt, SA, Kimber or Para but none were to be found for a reasonable price.

Than I saw a used stainless Taurus PT-1911 in 9mm (only two months old) my first response thought was: "What's wrong with it?"

When I met the seller the gun was oily, a big red flag for me. He was asking $500, I offered him $400 and he took it. So, I knew there was something wrong with the gun. When I got it home I discovered that the firing pin block was frozen in place. With a little effort and a hammer I got it out. I put it on polishing stone and moved back and forth for two minutes and then dropped it back in. This was something that was done wrong at the factory.

It has a full guide rod (no tool required), ambidexterous safety, front strap checkering. And it shoots like a 1911 should, and I haven't even polished anything on it yet.

Imagine my surprise, I thought I was making a big mistake for settling for second tier gun. An interesting addition to my Colt Gold Cup Trophy and SA Long Slide.

Bottom line is this: If you know guns and how they work, Taurus can be a great buy. But if you're a newbie and want something that works right out of the box then you should get a Glock.

[Skans]

A couple of months after getting the adjustable-sight slide replaced with the fixed-sight slide, the locking block broke. I returned the gun to Taurus, and they replaced the locking block. The gun was returned in a couple of weeks.

The locking blocks break often. Sometimes, you can get the gun open and see that your locking block is broken and needs to be replaced. But, other times, it locks up the gun, just like a stuck cartridge might stop the slide from moving back. This can happen if both "ears" on the locking block shear off, like what happened to my PT99 in 1989. There are several problems with this from my perspective:

1. Taurus was still in denial at that point that there was a problem with the locking blocks on their PT99's/92's. There was no "memo" telling gun owners about the locking block failure, what to do about it, and explaining that the gun should be immediately shipped back to the manufacturer if the slide locks up.

2. There was no internet, so you couldn't find anyone who knew anything about your problem with a Taurus PT99. Twenty plus years later, if you google "locking block" there is now tons of information available on this.

3. Because the alloy frame is soft, the shards from the locking block gouge the frame rails if you try to open the slide. Of course, you are going to try and open the slide if you have what you think is a stuck cartridge or failure to eject.

4. My gunsmith had to order several locking blocks before he got one from Taurus that was close enough to spec for him to fit to the gun. He showed me the crap that they were sending him - very poorly cast part - looked like it got peeled off of a parts sheet for a plastic model airplane kit.

5. The "fix", as reported many years after my PT99 broke is to cut the barrel in half, replace the barrel and locking block. REALLY? Is this acceptable to anyone? A gun locks up because a part is known to routinely break, and you have to figure out how to saw the barrel in half to get it apart without damaging the frame. My Jennings J-22 has way more rounds through it and it has outlasted the Taurus PT99 by 20 years!

6. Beretta (very slow on the uptake) recognized and fixed the problem with a beefier locking block. From what I understand, Taurus still hasn't adopted the beefier locking block.

Bottom line: After my PT99 was "fixed", I traded it + some cash for a Smith & Wesson 659. Now, that's a real gun. The lesson I learned was that real guns will last a lifetime, and then some; while poorly designed, cheap knock-offs just suck!

Epilogue: I still have my S&W 659 that I received in trade for the PT99. Over the 20+ years I've owned it, I've put many many rounds through it. And, although I only shoot it occasionally now, it's been a perfect performer. S&W is a good company that makes good products, and it owns the 659 design.

[VinnyT]

When Taurus first came out with the 1911, I bought one. The thumb safety was broken. Replaced myself. Sold it. 4 months ago bought another brand new Taurus 1911. Nice looking gun, polished blue with rosewood grips. Guess what, another broken thumb safety. Replaced that one. Sold it. I now have a Glock 22.

The end.

[Sevens]

I have had enough hands-on experiences with Taurus to know that most of the sentiment in this thread is dead-on. They do make some decent guns, but they allow -FAR TOO MANY- with troubles, issues and problems out the door. They also have made a lot of noise with their "lifetime warranty" but most folks find out the hard way just how painfully ridiculous their warranty service typically is. Huge expanses of time, money spent in shipping, and problems often not resolved.

I can't think of many (any?!) scenarios where I can confidently recommend someone go out and spend money on a new Taurus. Too much of a gamble, odds are too high that you'll have problems.

However, snagging a used one for a price that reflects the quality of the gun can net you useful tool.

[Tactical Jackalope]

Bottom line is this: If you know guns and how they work, Taurus can be a great buy. But if you're a newbie and want something that works right out of the box then you should get a Glock. Or SIG, Hk, M&P, FN.

There. I fixed the silliest comment on TFL.


Seriously, the comment is hilarious. So someone is a "newbie" because they shouldn't have to put up with a cheap manufacturer with horrible QC that lets "guns" roll out of their company in a high rate of hit or miss functioning capabilities?

These are tools to preserve your life if God forbid you're ever in a position where you feel you need to use them. Why should I have to fix what should already be functioning as intended? There's modifying and there's making it work...If you need to "make it work" outside of the box, I think the newbie is the person willing to sacrifice a huge hit or miss for just a few hundred dollars or less and thinks he's getting a deal.

[L2R]

Probably not a lot but.........

While shooting my Taurus, I kept wondering, " did I get a good one or is this one about to break?"


a. Do you trust your weapon?

b. Do you feel you have to explain your purchase to everyone who sees you with it.

c. If 'b', then 'a' followed by 'd'

d. Sell it because you're just not sure.

It boils down to confidence maybe more than the quality of the actual gun you own.

[James K]

"But they are never going to be equal in quality to a Sig or CZ or any one of several other manufacturer's products."

Why not? Their designs are OK, their materials are fine. The answer seems to me to boil down to employees who don't really care about making a good product.* Without motivated employees, no company, no matter what they make, will turn out quality goods.

*Possibly because under Brazilian laws it is very difficult for Taurus workers to buy the guns they make, but the same would be true in Germany, for example, or in dictatorships like New York and Maryland.

Jim

[dwhite]

I just sent my 24/7 back. It's in need of a firing pin spring assembly.

This item has been placed on Taurus' "restricted parts" list so they
WILL NOT send me one. Seems any "internal" part that needs to
be replaced is now restricted so you have no choice but to send
your gun in. This "restricted" list covers darn near every component
on all their revolvers. Since I had to send it in,I'm out $25 shipping
for a $8 item.

The rod that holds the spring in place is plastic. It's a well
documented weak link in the system They break pretty
frequently. I cannot however acquire any spares as they're
"restricted"

I sent it through a Taurus dealer. If I'd sent in on my own
shipping would have been closer to $60.

Now, I worked on this trying to fix it myself. This may have voided
my lifetime warranty. If so, I'll have to pay $35 to have it re-instated.
That though will cover any repair parts to $20. Anything over that
I still have to pay for.

Honestly, it's a great gun. Accurate. Comfortable to shoot especially
for a .40 compact.

Really thinking about dumping it when it comes back. Good price
up front. Pretty expensive down the road. If it comes back with
a steel rod in place of the plastic one I may just keep it. I'm not going
to keep something I'm going to have to ship back every six months.

All the Best,
D. White

[Mystro]

This sums up alot of Taurus owners I have met including myself. You do tend to question if you got a good one. Especially if you already had to have it fixed before. Life is way tooo short to question your sidearm. I did get a decent early production Raging Bull in 454 but traded it in on a S&W. I was really trying the caliber out and didnt want to spend alot of money. I got raped in the trade in which is another minus to Taurus ownership.

Probably not a lot but.........

While shooting my Taurus, I kept wondering, " did I get a good one or is this one about to break?"


a. Do you trust your weapon?


b. Do you feel you have to explain your purchase to everyone who sees you with it.

c. If 'b', then 'a' followed by 'd'

d. Sell it because you just not sure.

It boils down to confidence maybe more than the quality of the actual gun you own.
__________________

[4runnerman]

This item has been placed on Taurus' "restricted parts" list so they
WILL NOT send me one. Seems any "internal" part that needs to
be replaced is now restricted so you have no choice but to send
your gun in. This "restricted" list covers darn near every component
on all their revolvers. Since I had to send it in,I'm out $25 shipping

Did you ask the about a letter of Liability release?. Savage is the same way,but if you write up a letter of Liability release then they can sell you the part.

I blah blah release Tuarus from any liability for selling me this part-sign your name and your done

[dwhite]

Yeah. Taurus is pretty firm in this policy. No chance of
a liability release. They won't send restricted parts to a
certified gun-smith.

They told me they want to be sure I get a functional
gun back. I told them Taurus will NEVER put it through
what I'll put it through to assure its function.

I got kind of short with their customer relations liaison.

I had ordered 4 of these assemblies back in February without
issue. Six months later though they still had not come in. I
expect they would have held them until I sent my gun in as
they'd become restricted parts.

My bet is they've got quality issues on parts coming in from
Brazil. If so, they're trying to avoid multiple shipments of
parts to finally get the customer something that works. Taurus
USA is really at the mercy of the Brazil operation. Whatever
is shipped to Miami is what Miami is stuck with.

All the Best,
D. White

[Sarge]

Originally Posted by James K

Why not? Their designs are OK, their materials are fine...

Their designs are innovative as heck. Materials for barrels, frames etc. are generally pretty good. Materials for their small parts, and some high-stress ones, are pretty sorry.

[dwhite]

You're right Sarge. And in all seriousness, they've got
some real thinkers in Brazil. They're very creative and
innovative. They have some great overall products.
I really liked my 24/7.

Problem is parts availability. Heck, there are a thousand places
I could get a G22 firing pin and spring from. There is no
aftermarket availability for Taurus products except their PT92
and PT1911 which are just Beretta and Colt clones.

One of the guys on the Taurusarmed.net forum has been
waiting 11 months for a couple magazines.

Mark Kresser, the new CEO in Miami, he took on a heck
of a job trying to turn Taurus around.


All the Best,
D. White

[Shadi Khalil]

Everyone keeps talking about getting a "good Taurus". Problem is a good Taurus is still no where near the competition.

[Babychief]

Old Taurus revolvers copied after model-10 Smiths were nice guns for price.

I would never buy a new semi-auto taurus poly pistol nor a taurus 1911 (M.I.M. Parts) poor fit and finish,lock up isnt tight and because an IVER JOHNSON 1911 EAGLE is better bar none and costs $500 NEW.

If you dont want a 1911, buy a glock 19 or 17.

There are too many manufacturers that make a better firearm in same price range so why settle for taurus?

You can buy BLACKHAWK holsters for GLOCKs and 1911s at WALMART..you can buy glock and 1911 mags on ebay/amazon etc..you can modify a better 1911 than a taurus with that terrible GIANT BILLBOARD "TAURUS" written on slide.
I wouldnt want to announce im running a taurus even if someone gave me one it would go on gunbroker and i would buy a GLOCK or Iver Johnson.

[dwhite]

Some more flexibility from them regarding parts would go a LONG
way to improving their place in the market. This restricted parts
thing has only been in place since March. It's NOT making them
any friends. Far from it.

How many parts on a Glock are interchangeable between models?
Probably at least 85% when it comes to springs, pins, trigger
mechanism. Taurus has made so many different models of guns
and many revisions of each model. I imagine they've created
their own inventory nightmare.

All the Best,
D. White

[whip1]

It's simple. You get what you pay for.

[Babychief]

WHIP1 couldnt have said it any better.

Watch video of this safe,reliable Taurus in action and you tell me why you wouldnt have faith in this company!!


http://www.sbt.com.br/jornalismo/not...l#.Uj30k2t5mK3







P.s. Does that pic say TAURUS on the slide, gee the font is so small i could barely read it............that was sarcasm b.t.w.

[BuckRub]

I have had a Taurus model 66, I bought this gun about 24 years ago and shot it quite a bit through the years with not a bobble of any kind. About 2 weeks ago it got where the cylinder wouldn't hardly open. I took the side plate off to see what the problem was. Well it was the bolt bent. I looked online and found for 25 dollars I then called Taurus to see if they'd make it right. Woman told me to send it in and that would've costed like 3 dollars and some change for FedEx but I wanted 300 dollars of insurance so it costed me like 11 dollars total. It took about 4 days to get to FL from TX and they fixed the gun in two days and the gun is in LA now and should be at my gate by Monday. So 1 1/2 weeks total with 11 dollars total on shipping. Wish they would have covered shipping but all in all I am very pleased.

[Babychief]

Sure Taurus can copy a smith wheel gun, i thought we were talking pistols only.

Buck what if you got home from the range and you had an armed drugged up intruder in your house?you shoot 6times hit him three not fatal shots, you go to reload with your speed loader and, oops the cylinder didnt open..i hope its a heavy wheel gun because it would have been good only to throw at an intruder at that point.

Im glad they resolved it for $11..
How did It bend in the first place? What did Taurus attribute it to?

[BuckRub]

I guess if an intruder was in my home and it would have locked up I could beat him with it. But I would have hated to be him if he would have broke in the last 24 years.
All kidding aside I carry a Glock 22 everyday. I just bought this gun second hand 24 years ago because it was a great deal. And real happy with Taurus service. I love smith & Wesson but I did have to send one of those back about 12 years ago. Every gun maker may make a gun that has to be adjusted or breaks and has to be fixed. Every gun maker. I don't know why the bolt finally bent but if the gun blew up next week I wouldn't care as long as no one was hurt. If you knew the price I paid for it and known how much ammo I shot through it , it would amaze you. It still puts all in a ragged hole at 15 yards. Shoots about 2 inches high but that's fine too. I would trust my life with this gun.

[Babychief]

I collect 1911s...but yes after decades of hating "lego guns" i bought a glock-19 and its my E.D.C., then i bought a Glock 17-C...they are ugly but they always work...i havent had a failure yet..glocks and smith wheel guns are pretty much 99% reliable carry options