Taurus PT1911

Mindprey · April 28, 2013, 11:55 AM

So I am on the hunt my my second pistol, and I am considering the Taurus PT1911. I have read mixed reviews on it, and a good friend of mine speaks highly of the PT1911 (he also has a Colt 1911 and says he likes the Taurus just as much). My first gun was a Taurus PT92, and I love it. I have about 500 rounds through it and it has worked flawlessly. Both pistols will be for home defense and range, as getting a CCW in CA is nearly impossible. The Taurus is attractive to me from a price/option standpoint. I'm hoping to hear from some other Taurus owners and of their experiences with the PT1911 against some of the similarly priced competition. Tanks in advance.

thedudeabides · April 28, 2013, 04:05 PM

For the money it isn't terrible, but it's not a great 1911.

If you're on a budget, get a Sig 1911.

Super Sneaky Steve · April 28, 2013, 04:10 PM

Mine sucks, been back to the factory a few times.

Springfield Armory has one around the same price. I'd get one of those or a Ruger SR1911.

thedudeabides · April 28, 2013, 04:12 PM

Keep in mind that Springers have a 6 o'clock sight picture, if you've never shot one before.

KMAX · April 28, 2013, 04:20 PM

Never had a problem with mine in eight years and thousands of rounds. Taurus does not hold resale value like some others but if you are going to keep it it is fine usually unless you tend to have problems with everything.

+1k ammo · April 29, 2013, 09:39 PM

Constant debate. I guess there QC is spotty, but I have pt1911 and pt-99 and both are some of my favorite guns. the pt-1911 I like better and shoot better than my expensive custom Springfield Armory 1911?
I don't know why?

I would buy another if in the market. I would buy a Ruger sr1911 too if I could find one, but never have.

Mosin44az · April 30, 2013, 12:45 AM

Mine broke its hammer and its thumb safety within the first 300 rounds. Cheap parts, replaced by my local 1911 gunsmith with quality aftermarket parts. It has run fine since, but still, cost me an extra $200 plus, because I didn't want to ship it back to Taurus and wait 8 weeks to get the same cheap parts put back in it.

Taurus service may be a little better these days, but they still don't sound as fast as Smith and Ruger, and I doubt they pay shipping both ways like the others do. Correct me if I'm wrong.

For just a bit more, get a Springfield or Ruger. Better rep for both quality and service. Also Remington or Magnum Research maybe, and STI Spartan definitely.

Taurus isn't always bad, but they are never first rate in quality, and their service department has never been considered top class either.

Technosavant · April 30, 2013, 09:44 AM

Mine was quite accurate. When it actually worked. Seemed to have a problem of giving a "click" instead of a "BANG."

IMO, there's better options in that price range. Remington, Ruger, Sig (if you get a good deal... they tend to go for more but they're my favorite in the just under $1000 range), all good guns. Many have great experiences with Rock Island Armory (the one I've dealt with didn't impress me one bit, but I seem to be a minority on that) as well.

Mindprey · April 30, 2013, 10:32 AM

Thank you all for your input. I took a Sig 1911 out the other day and was damn impressed with it. Trying to find a local range that has a Taurus 1911 for me to shoot (slim chance, I know).

Eppie · April 30, 2013, 04:01 PM

I has stayed away from Taurus because of people saying bad things about them but I wanted a 1911 in 9mm and I found the Taurus used for $500.

Although it had a minor issue, when I got it, it has turned out to be an excellent pistol, in sevral ways better than my Springfield or Colt at a much lower cost.

Valerko · April 30, 2013, 09:43 PM

For what it's worth , my first and only (so far) 1911 is dual tone PT1911 , just over year old and about 3k rounds ( mostly reloads ) with zero issues.

therifleman556 · April 30, 2013, 10:50 PM

Mine broke an ambi safety and had too light a sear spring. Fixed myself for around $60. Has run almost perfect for over 2k rounds and just now got a full set of Wilson Combat springs.

Rinspeed · May 1, 2013, 10:06 PM

Much better choices, some of them work great but if you have issues their customer service has a horrible reputation.

BigTex308 · May 1, 2013, 11:52 PM

Not a fan of Taurus. Look into the STI Spartan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sme...e_gdata_player

Ike

treg · May 2, 2013, 09:24 PM

Quote:

and a good friend of mine speaks highly of the PT1911

People who actually own them tend to.

Onward Allusion · May 2, 2013, 10:53 PM

QC spotty. Worst when they first came out. Mine sucked, but I've also heard very good things about 'em. Again, QC iffy.

Personally, I'd spend the extra $150 and get a Ruger 1911. Either that or a basic Rock Island Armory 1911 for around $400-$450.

BTW, the PT92 is Taurus' flagship in terms of reliability.

franco45 · May 3, 2013, 12:12 AM

I traded for a used PT1911. The extractor broke after 100 rounds. I replaced it with a Wilson Combat Bulletproof extractor. I then replaced the sights with Hi-Viz fiber optic sights and added a set of Raasco grips. 2500 rounds later it is one of my favorite shooters.

Mindprey · May 5, 2013, 08:33 PM

Yeah, so after a few weeks of considering this as my next piece, I found out yesterday that this is not on the California Compliant list... Learned the hard way that I need to start with that damn list prior to considering any gun. I think I might change directions and go with a Sig P229 Enhanced Elite .40 (if I can find one).

superspirit · May 5, 2013, 10:04 PM

Sorry about your luck on the Cali list, but I'm another thats had excellent luck with my PT1911, however the last 2 taurus's I've purchased and the round I went with their repair center, I will never buy another taurus product. but will never get rid of my PT1911 either.

therifleman556 · May 5, 2013, 10:19 PM

Why on earth is a single stack 1911 on Cali's "not ok" list?

twhidd · May 5, 2013, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therifleman556

Why on earth is a single stack 1911 on Cali's "not ok" list?

Lack of a mag disconnect or loaded chamber indicator. Who knows with California.

Mausermolt · May 6, 2013, 07:59 AM

its illegal because its a "new/modern/assault style/scary" gun.

Tucker 1371 · May 6, 2013, 08:09 AM

I has one and it was great for $575, I wouldn't pay what they're going for now though.

Mindprey · May 6, 2013, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therifleman556

Why on earth is a single stack 1911 on Cali's "not ok" list?

That's what I said!! Apparently the "extortion fee" that Cali charges to have a gun on this list was not economically viable to Taurus...

Mindprey · May 6, 2013, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedudeabides

For the money it isn't terrible, but it's not a great 1911.

If you're on a budget, get a Sig 1911.

Even out here though, the Sig 1911's are going for around $900-$1100

April 28, 2013, 11:55 AM	#1
Mindprey Junior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Posts: 6	Taurus PT1911 So I am on the hunt my my second pistol, and I am considering the Taurus PT1911. I have read mixed reviews on it, and a good friend of mine speaks highly of the PT1911 (he also has a Colt 1911 and says he likes the Taurus just as much). My first gun was a Taurus PT92, and I love it. I have about 500 rounds through it and it has worked flawlessly. Both pistols will be for home defense and range, as getting a CCW in CA is nearly impossible. The Taurus is attractive to me from a price/option standpoint. I'm hoping to hear from some other Taurus owners and of their experiences with the PT1911 against some of the similarly priced competition. Tanks in advance.

April 28, 2013, 04:20 PM	#5
KMAX Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 1,185	Never had a problem with mine in eight years and thousands of rounds. Taurus does not hold resale value like some others but if you are going to keep it it is fine usually unless you tend to have problems with everything. __________________ This is my gun. There are many like her, but this one is mine. I'm not old. I'm CLASSIC!

April 30, 2013, 10:32 AM	#9
Mindprey Junior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Posts: 6	Taurus PT1911 Thank you all for your input. I took a Sig 1911 out the other day and was damn impressed with it. Trying to find a local range that has a Taurus 1911 for me to shoot (slim chance, I know).

April 30, 2013, 04:01 PM	#10
Eppie Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 802	I has stayed away from Taurus because of people saying bad things about them but I wanted a 1911 in 9mm and I found the Taurus used for $500. Although it had a minor issue, when I got it, it has turned out to be an excellent pistol, in sevral ways better than my Springfield or Colt at a much lower cost. __________________ "Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State.” -Vladimir Lenin "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson (An early warning to Obama care)

May 1, 2013, 11:52 PM	#14
BigTex308 Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 259	Re: Taurus PT1911 Not a fan of Taurus. Look into the STI Spartan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sme...e_gdata_player Ike

April 28, 2013, 04:05 PM	#2
thedudeabides Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2012 Posts: 1,031	For the money it isn't terrible, but it's not a great 1911. If you're on a budget, get a Sig 1911.

April 28, 2013, 04:10 PM	#3
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	Mine sucks, been back to the factory a few times. Springfield Armory has one around the same price. I'd get one of those or a Ruger SR1911.

April 28, 2013, 04:12 PM	#4
thedudeabides Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2012 Posts: 1,031	Keep in mind that Springers have a 6 o'clock sight picture, if you've never shot one before.

April 29, 2013, 09:39 PM	#6
+1k ammo Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2013 Posts: 235	Constant debate. I guess there QC is spotty, but I have pt1911 and pt-99 and both are some of my favorite guns. the pt-1911 I like better and shoot better than my expensive custom Springfield Armory 1911? I don't know why? I would buy another if in the market. I would buy a Ruger sr1911 too if I could find one, but never have.

April 30, 2013, 12:45 AM	#7
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	Mine broke its hammer and its thumb safety within the first 300 rounds. Cheap parts, replaced by my local 1911 gunsmith with quality aftermarket parts. It has run fine since, but still, cost me an extra $200 plus, because I didn't want to ship it back to Taurus and wait 8 weeks to get the same cheap parts put back in it. Taurus service may be a little better these days, but they still don't sound as fast as Smith and Ruger, and I doubt they pay shipping both ways like the others do. Correct me if I'm wrong. For just a bit more, get a Springfield or Ruger. Better rep for both quality and service. Also Remington or Magnum Research maybe, and STI Spartan definitely. Taurus isn't always bad, but they are never first rate in quality, and their service department has never been considered top class either.

April 30, 2013, 09:44 AM	#8
Technosavant Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 4,040	Mine was quite accurate. When it actually worked. Seemed to have a problem of giving a "click" instead of a "BANG." IMO, there's better options in that price range. Remington, Ruger, Sig (if you get a good deal... they tend to go for more but they're my favorite in the just under $1000 range), all good guns. Many have great experiences with Rock Island Armory (the one I've dealt with didn't impress me one bit, but I seem to be a minority on that) as well.

April 30, 2013, 09:43 PM	#11
Valerko Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2012 Location: NY Posts: 184	For what it's worth , my first and only (so far) 1911 is dual tone PT1911 , just over year old and about 3k rounds ( mostly reloads ) with zero issues.

April 30, 2013, 10:50 PM	#12
therifleman556 Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 43	Mine broke an ambi safety and had too light a sear spring. Fixed myself for around $60. Has run almost perfect for over 2k rounds and just now got a full set of Wilson Combat springs.

May 1, 2013, 10:06 PM	#13
Rinspeed Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2000 Posts: 1,505	Much better choices, some of them work great but if you have issues their customer service has a horrible reputation.

May 2, 2013, 10:53 PM	#16
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	QC spotty. Worst when they first came out. Mine sucked, but I've also heard very good things about 'em. Again, QC iffy. Personally, I'd spend the extra $150 and get a Ruger 1911. Either that or a basic Rock Island Armory 1911 for around $400-$450. BTW, the PT92 is Taurus' flagship in terms of reliability. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

May 3, 2013, 12:12 AM	#17
franco45 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: Toledo Ohio Posts: 474	I traded for a used PT1911. The extractor broke after 100 rounds. I replaced it with a Wilson Combat Bulletproof extractor. I then replaced the sights with Hi-Viz fiber optic sights and added a set of Raasco grips. 2500 rounds later it is one of my favorite shooters.

May 5, 2013, 08:33 PM	#18
Mindprey Junior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Posts: 6	Taurus PT1911 Yeah, so after a few weeks of considering this as my next piece, I found out yesterday that this is not on the California Compliant list... Learned the hard way that I need to start with that damn list prior to considering any gun. I think I might change directions and go with a Sig P229 Enhanced Elite .40 (if I can find one).

May 5, 2013, 10:04 PM	#19
superspirit Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 211	Sorry about your luck on the Cali list, but I'm another thats had excellent luck with my PT1911, however the last 2 taurus's I've purchased and the round I went with their repair center, I will never buy another taurus product. but will never get rid of my PT1911 either.

May 5, 2013, 10:19 PM	#20
therifleman556 Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 43	Why on earth is a single stack 1911 on Cali's "not ok" list?

May 6, 2013, 07:59 AM	#22
Mausermolt Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2007 Location: Ory-gun Posts: 508	its illegal because its a "new/modern/assault style/scary" gun. __________________ Molon Labe

May 6, 2013, 08:09 AM	#23
Tucker 1371 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 2,649	I has one and it was great for $575, I wouldn't pay what they're going for now though. __________________ Sgt. of Marines, 5th Award Expert Rifle, 237/250 Expert Pistol, 382/400. D Co, 4th CEB, Engineers UP!! If you start a thread, be active in it. Don't leave us hanging. OEF 2011 Sangin, Afg. Molon Labe