Taurus Options

[Bluhdow!]

So here's the deal:

I've already got a shotgun, AK, and .22lr plinker and it's time for me to add a pistol to the mix. Main purpose would be HD and plinking.

I'm not a huge handgun guy so I don't want to break the bank on a pistol. Looking to spend around $500 all-in. I'd like a full sized .40 cal and Taurus seems to be reasonably priced and I've had good experiences with them in the past.

Looks like my best option could be the Model 100. However, for an extra $50-$75 it looks like I could step up to their 1911 model.

I like the feel of both but love the look of the 1911s. I know it's not a Kimber, but it's still potentially a better option than the 100 for marginally more money.

Let me know your thoughts and/or alternative suggestions. I know Taurus has had mixed reviews in the past, but as I mentioned I've had pretty good experiences with them.

Thank you for your input.

[timmyb21]

The Taurus semi autos have a bad reputation for failure. I don't know how their 1911's are. In my opinion you should look at the Smith and Wesson M&P .40. They can be had very close to $500 and they're great. Just look around for a deal.

[Bluhdow!]

I'd like to stick to the Stainless Steel options. I just hate the look/feel of the "plastic" guns...so no Glocks for me.

[Bluhdow!]

No love on this thread? Come on, looking for feedback on the Taurus 1911s and 100s.

Which would you go with knowing that cost is marginally greater on the 1911?

[joelj320]

I have a Taurus 24/7 O.S.S. in. 40 s&w. It is a great gun and haven't had a single problem. Taurus gets a bad rap but have yet to personally see it.

[InGrAM]

I would get the 100 or 92 because of It's D/A feature. I find that a DA gun is better for HD. I don't like SA for HD. But I LOVE my 1911's.

I had a friend that I used to work with that shot competitively and he put 10,000 + rounds through his early 90s Taurus 92. Good guns as far as I am concerned.

I am getting a pt92 in a few weeks, Quite excited

[Cyc Wid It]

If you're getting a 1911, pick something better than the 2 makers you listed.

[Bluhdow!]

Well, that's part of my thought process. Why is Taurus' 1911 so cheap relative to most others? Is it a difficult gun to manufacture, so they do it cheaply? Cheaper parts? I'm suspicious of what appears to be a great deal.

The 100 is also cheap relative to sigs and a few others, but I feel that may be more brand-related.

[Old4eyes]

Get onto the Taurusarmed.net site and then register. When you register, you are then allowed to see the complaint section. It's HUGE. And I wish that I had done that before I bought my Taurus Tracker.

My out of the box experience was real bad. The gun was potentially dangerous to operate and should not have left the factory. It took two trips back to get it right. The shop had two other Trackers, all had severe problems. When the shop owner confronted Taurus reps about this problem, they basically blew him off. He stopped carrying their line.

It is a shame, they have some interesting designs but their reliability is suspect. My Tracker is working now, but I don't trust it for HD. It's a range toy. And I am constantly checking the lockup on it while shooting, just to make sure the repair is still working.

[1911Operator]

Taurus 1911's are off roster, and not too many ppl are gonna to go out of their way to get one, much less since its a Taurus! but, I do have a pt145 and for me, so far its been pretty reliable.

[robcoe]

for a general defensive gun I would look away from the Taurus, I know 5 people with them, and 4 have had to ship them back to the manufacturer for defects/failures.

For a basic defensive/plinking gun in that price range, I would look at Rugers P series(for an all metal gun) and SR series(for a polymer gun, actually they are the only polymer guns I have shot that I like). Not the prettiest or sleekest guns in the world, but they always work and it's unlikely you will ever break them.

Also in the same price range are the CZ guns(both polymer and metal frames), these are very nice guns for the money and I know they make a metal frame full size .40 caliber version of the gun.

EDIT: found the listing for it from the roster CZ 75B (Black) 01120 / Steel Pistol 4.58" .40 S&W 12/31/2011

2ND EDIT: as was said below, for a cheap 1911 get an RIA.

[hefedehefe]

The Taurus 911 in stainless with mother of pearl grips or the 92 with mop grips

[perpetual otter]

The best option for a Taurus is not having a Taurus.

[J.D.Allen]

PT 96. Reliable. Better than their 1911's

[Rekrab]

For a cheap 1911 you'd be WAY better off buying a Rock Island.