BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[SoCoKHntr]

Well, if I'm able to sweet talk my wife enough, I just might be able to purvey some of my tax return for myself and use it in the acquisition of a new handgun. I've been wanting to get a center fire handgun round in addition to my Ruger MII 22. This would be used primarily for backpack trail gun in Bear/lion country. I talked to my local gun dealer and he said he has a Taurus Tracker in 44 mag that comes standard with a 4 inch ported barrel. I pulled up a picture online and really like the way it looks and think if I can pull off the speech to the wife this gun would fit the bill. He said the price would be $475 which is in my price range. I know a Ruger would be more and Smith much more. What can you all say about the Taurus?

[ChesterGolf]

I have heard good things about the taurus handguns in general but I don't know the one you are looking at.

[SoCoKHntr]

http://www.taurususa.com/produ.....y=Revolver

Check out the link and tell me what you think?

[ChesterGolf]

Excellent looking revolver and ported barrel as well. A lot of gun for the price. :thumbsup1:

[BunnySlayer]

I have to say SoKo intellectually I know there's nothing wrong with the Taurus I've handled and shot them quite a bit when I was in the retail end of the gun hobby. They're O.K. But the Smith's are simply marvelous. There's no comparison. I have four smiths currently. I bought my 586 in 1985 as a duty gun. I shot the hell out of it between plinking. qualifications, competitions and hunting I put probably 20,000.00 rounds through the gun before I began to experience lead shaving out the side. As the gun was bought before S&W's lifetime warranty and had the hell shot out of it I was under no illusion when I returned it that they would do the work free. The gun hadn't broken, it was just worn out. Even with the lead shaving the old gun still managed to qualify me in first place! Upon returning it to S&W they basically rebuilt the whole gun including a new cylinder and barrel work and returned it without charge. Buy the Taurus and you will probably be happy. But the Smith and you will be the Proud owner of same as long as you have it. Yes it will cost a bit more. It may even entail a bit more saving. Do it.

[WesternHunter]

bunnyslayer, you're talking about smith revolvers from 1985. I agree that those older smith were pretty unbeatable revolvers. I can't in good faith say that about what's being made today. What I do praise smith&wession for is that they are still manufacturing most firearms here in the USA, and have succeeded in pulling themselves (as a company ) up from the slump they fell into during the period of the 1990's, and still remaining viable in todays marketplace....(unlike Colt).....

I think that Taurus today has reached a pinnicle where they really are making exceptional firearms.

[SoCoKHntr]

BunnySlayer wrote: I have to say SoKo intellectually I know there's nothing wrong with the Taurus I've handled and shot them quite a bit when I was in the retail end of the gun hobby. They're O.K. But the Smith's are simply marvelous. There's no comparison. I have four smiths currently. I bought my 586 in 1985 as a duty gun. I shot the hell out of it between plinking. qualifications, competitions and hunting I put probably 20,000.00 rounds through the gun before I began to experience lead shaving out the side. As the gun was bought before S&W's lifetime warranty and had the hell shot out of it I was under no illusion when I returned it that they would do the work free. The gun hadn't broken, it was just worn out. Even with the lead shaving the old gun still managed to qualify me in first place! Upon returning it to S&W they basically rebuilt the whole gun including a new cylinder and barrel work and returned it without charge. Buy the Taurus and you will probably be happy. But the Smith and you will be the Proud owner of same as long as you have it. Yes it will cost a bit more. It may even entail a bit more saving. Do it.

Ah, that's very cool that they did that for you Bunny! Being a Dirty Harry fan at a young age, a Smith and Wesson Model 29 seemed the pinnacle in revolvers to me for a long time and I always wanted one. Now that the 454 Casull and other bigger rounds exist Dirty Harry can longer say "The most powerful handgun in world and will blow your head clean off!.". Now, I will likely get one at some point in the future, but as WesternHunter said I've heard good things about Taurus as of late and I really like the looks of the Tracker in addition to it's size and compactness. With a four inch barrel, I could likely still use it on Deer at close range if, I ever decided to give that a try. I'm going to go with the Taurus for now because I'm an impatient bastage and I can get it fairly quickly and I really like the looks of it.

That 586 is a bad *** looking revolver though, how does it compare to a Colt Python?

[WiskeyJaR]

nice looking pistol, Taurus has a good rep. there is a local "pawn shop" that has the exact same Revolver with a 6" barrel for sale for $425. Is in great shape as I looked at it just yesterday. Might take a look in your local gun shops for a used (less money) Revolver.

Good Luck,
WiskeyjaR

[Romey]

I have that Taurus as well as several others, you wont be disappointed. The muzzle break is hard on ears so double up ear protection when practicing with it if yours have a brake.

[SoCoKHntr]

Hey, good to hear guys, thanks for the responses. Now, what factory loading do you recommend for black bears in the 44 Mag? May get into reloading for it in the future, but will start with factory ammo.

Edit: Reading good stuff about the Hornady 240 gr XTP.

[BunnySlayer]

SoCo wrote,
Quote: That 586 is a bad *** looking revolver though, how does it compare to a Colt Python?

Since you asked the Python is a bit slicker out of the box action wise. It's a bit more prone to breakage and not as hardy as the smith. I'ts also roughly twice the money being well over a grand. Nice gun but nowhere near worth what they charge. Being the owner of four Colt's I am painfully aware that someone else makes a better Colt than Colt in any catagory these days.

[BunnySlayer]

Wester Hunter wrote,
Quote: bunnyslayer, you're talking about smith revolvers from 1985. I agree that those older smith were pretty unbeatable revolvers. I can't in good faith say that about what's being made today.
I have to disagree with you. For the most part Smiths are even better than some of the older stuff what with the retro series of 1917's and Model 22 .44 specials they have not to mention the 1911 series and even J frames are going retro. The metallurgy and machining is even better than the old days. One proviso I would agree with you on the the barrel sleeves they are using on some models purely suck. The problem with them is that you cant even get a gunsmith to remove them as it takes a special tool only available at the factory. Just stay away from models with these sleeves and youll be fine. Even with the sleeve its not bad, you just cant modify or improve them except at the factory.

[Jay F]

I have the Taurus .44 4" barrel Its a good amount of Gun for the price. Fire it a lot so you get used to it. Accuracy can be attained but it takes some getting used too.
At our camp it is the side arm of choice for those late night jaunts to the outhouse in the dark.

[CVC]

I have heard good things about Taurus and it is a nice looking gun.