Para, Taurus, or Ruger?

[Legasat]

Of those 3 choices, easily Ruger. I have had two Rugers for 30 years, and never failed, never a problem. Ruger revolvers are built like tanks.

[stinkboto]

My wife likes our SP 101, we practice at our local range with .38 special, a little more recoil with that 2" barrel, but it is managable with practice. How about the Ruger LCR? I would look into that as well...

[tiko]

Ruger GP100 Or maybe even SP101 for a revolver or a P series pistol
Rugers are built like tanks and just plain work.

This, #1 for GP100.

[paintballergb]

No to the Taurus, eh to the Para, and go for it to the Ruger.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Your wife should select the weapon if she's going to be the primary user. Going to a range that rents firearms and trying out various revolvers and semi-automatic pistols are a good way to start.

That being said, when my wife (about 10 years ago) said she wanted to attend a CCW course, she selected a Taurus 85 (I think) stainless 2 1/2" revolver. She scored very well on the final shoot... and posted the target on our bedroom wall (can't imagine why...).

I have/have had three Paras - all good to me, but there's too many horror stories out there regarding quality control to ignore. If you're going to buy a Para, make sure it's an older version without Para's "Power Extractor" (link for reference and a photo). Para came up with this little gem to replace the tried-and-true Browning extractor design (which is what withdraws a fired case so the ejector can push it clear of the weapon). It's junk. My LDA Carry .45 wouldn't run reliably until I retrofitted a standard extractor.

It's also hard to beat Ruger revolvers for durability. Their semi-autos don't have as good a reputation. I have had Ruger revolvers, Security Sixes, Blackhawks and a Vaquero, and can say that each one lived up to their rep. I haven't had any first-hand experience with their semi-autos, except for the few shown me by other deputies who had experienced failures of various sorts.

[Soul TKR]

Your wife should select the weapon if she's going to be the primary user. Going to a range that rents firearms and trying out various revolvers and semi-automatic pistols are a good way to start.

That being said, when my wife (about 10 years ago) said she wanted to attend a CCW course, she selected a Taurus 85 (I think) stainless 2 1/2" revolver. She scored very well on the final shoot... and posted the target on our bedroom wall (can't imagine why...).

I have/have had three Paras - all good to me, but there's too many horror stories out there regarding quality control to ignore. If you're going to buy a Para, make sure it's an older version without Para's "Power Extractor" (link for reference and a photo). Para came up with this little gem to replace the tried-and-true Browning extractor design (which is what withdraws a fired case so the ejector can push it clear of the weapon). It's junk. My LDA Carry .45 wouldn't run reliably until I retrofitted a standard extractor.

It's also hard to beat Ruger revolvers for durability. Their semi-autos don't have as good a reputation. I have had Ruger revolvers, Security Sixes, Blackhawks and a Vaquero, and can say that each one lived up to their rep. I haven't had any first-hand experience with their semi-autos, except for the few shown me by other deputies who had experienced failures of various sorts.

Thanks for the info!

She wouldn't be necassarily the primary user. But I'd like her to be able to handle it if the need arose. She already mentioned intrest in going to the shooting range so I found that comforting.

[WWDHD?]

Ruger GP100 if its not to heavy. Otherwise SP101 with 3" barrel is very good(this is my primary HD gun). .38 hollow points (any name brand) is fine around the average home. Skip the .357 mag rounds, they will make you deaf and blind (flash) if fired inside a house.
Ruger P95 if you want semi-auto. Great price and reliable but a bit more complicated. Both need practice from time to time but semi-auto a bit more. Good luck & be safe!

[randy]

The only choice for me would be something from Ruger. Para and Taurus are lower quality guns or better known as friends of the gunsmith.

[dshortone]

Para and Taurus are the ONLY manufacturers that I've seen, who routinely have issues straight out of the box. From personaly experience rates as much as two times more (still less than 5%). At least they'll fix it quickly with a smile.

[IrishPirate]

get some range time undr your belt with 5-10 guns, then decide. I'd second going with a .357 revolver, you'll be surprised how easily you or your wife can handle it. There probably wont be a need to load it with .38 other than for cheaper practicing. keep .357HP in it for HD.

[subijitsu]

Currently my work gives me some nice discounts on these 3 brands. I also get a discount on Benelli, but the wife said she'd feel a lot more comfortable with a pistol/revolver than a shotgun so...

Just curoious what gun you'd recommend from these 3 brands and why?

Damn, gun discounts, where do you work? That is awesome! I only get a discount on my cell phone from my job. :lol:

I dont have any experience with Para but I have a lot of experience with Ruger and some with Taurus. I have not been super impressed with the Taurus products I have handled and shot.

Ruger on the other hand has been great to me. I own 2 Ruger .22s and a Redhawk revolver and all are great. I have shot a lot of Ruger 10/22s and Mini 14s which are also great. I dont have much experience with the Ruger auto pistols though.

Make sure whatever you choose, your wife likes shooting it too. It makes it easier to get her to go with you to the range and practice, which is key.

[RedFord150]

I have owned both Ruger and Taurus. I would trust my life to any Ruger I have owned.
The Taurus was a failure. After getting it repaired by Taurus, I sold it to a dealer. I will never own another.
Good luck.

[Oldnoob]

For Semi auto pistol:

Para>Ruger>Taurus

For revolver:

Ruger>Taurus (don't recall any Para revolver).

[1911Operator]

I think the only taurus id ever own would be a pt1911 or the new polymer protector when it comes out.