Author Topic: Taurus Tracker/Ruger (Read 1191 times)

ASA · « **on:** August 31, 2003, 05:49:06 AM »

I'm looking for a hunting handgun for my wife. It will be use for only on pigs , (she won't shot cute buck, but ugly pigs are ok). I'm thinking 45 LC, either a Ruger or Taurus Tracker. I have several handguns that I hunt with, two Freedom Arms (475 and 454) and a Ruger 480, but for some unknown reason she doesn't enjoy shooting them. Its actually not just the recoil (I can down load the 454) but also the weight. they all have 7 1/2" barrels. That is why I'm thinking a 45 LC might just fit the bill. I'm sure I can come up with a handload that work on the pigs and keep the forehead dents to a minimum.

The 6" Taurus looks like it might just fill the bill. It's light, has a full barrel lug, and it's ported. I've heard a little about the Raging Bulls haven't heard much about the Tracker line. I know the rugers are strong, have a good reputation, and can be loaded heavy if needed. I'm interested in opinions/experience's of the users out there.

DzrtRat · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2003, 08:55:42 AM »

These are the same two handguns that I considered recently. I chose the Ruger because it's a lot stronger and I want to shoot heavy loads through it, but the Tracker is nice.

The gunshop owner where I bought the Ruger is a friend of mine, and he own's both handguns so I had the chance to shoot them both. They're both nice and shoot really accurately, but I can't help but wonder about the longevity of the Taurus. I have an earlier model in .357 that's starting to have some problems, but it's also seen some use.

The Ruger I bought had a clunky feel to he action, the trigger had some creep and was too heavy, and the bright stainless (it's a vaquero) didn't turn me on much for hunting. After a wolf spring kit, bead blasting, and some work to smooth up the action and trigger though, it's GREAT. I love it!

The basic guns both cost about the same here, and I think both are good firearms. With the work I had done, the Ruger cost me a little more but IMO it's now a lot better gun than the other.

I'm not sure if that will help, but maybe it'll give you something to consider.

~Rat

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2003, 10:36:43 AM »

If weight is the major consideration you might want to hold out a bit longer until Taurus comes out with the Tracker Total Titanium version in .45 Colt. I'm told by the Taurus USA folks they hope it is out by the end of year but if not maybe early next year.

With a 6.5" barrel the Ti version will weight an even 28 oz. The current SS version with same barrel weights 40 oz. My 5.5" SS Bisley in .45 Colt weights 48 oz. It might be a bit heavier because of being a Bisley but the Rugers (both BH and RH) are gonna be very heavy guns. Strong yes but very heavy.

Taurus says their Trackers are rated for the .45 Colt loads from Buffalo Bore. That's pretty dang hot. I sure recall that in the FA97 they sting as much as a full house .454 Casull load does in the FA83.

GB

ASA · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2003, 05:17:31 PM »

Do you think the titanium Tracker would be so light the recoil would be uncomfortable for her? At 40 oz the stainless steel is not overly heavy. Hows the quality and accuracy of the trackers?

TScottO · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2003, 05:19:57 PM »

Have you considered a 41 Magnum?

Good luck and be safe,
Scott

ASA · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2003, 05:46:20 PM »

Thats one cal. I have not shot. I have two S&W, a 44mag 357.she can shoot the 44 with 240 gr at about 1000 fps pretty well. Thats why I thought a ported 45 LC might do the trick. Where does the 41 fit in?
ASA

TScottO · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2003, 06:13:47 PM »

I don't know how recoil sensitive your wife is. You stated the recoil was manageable with the heavy guns but she didn't like them because of the heft. Heft helps manage recoil but if you are going to the lighter guns to please her I was thinking recoil will become more of an issue. I haven't had alot of experiance with the 41 but it's the less potent of the bigger calibers. You can still get bullets with respectable weight with a little less recoil. Maybe some of these guys with 41 magnum experiance could help you more than I can.

You can reolaod 210gr bullets between 950fps and 1450fps.

Maybe I'm off base by suggesting this. If I am I'm sure some of these other guys will help out. If I were trying to get a lady into a bigbore handgun, the 41 magnum is the route I would take.

Good luck and be safe,
Scott

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2003, 06:58:46 PM »

Quote

Do you think the titanium Tracker would be so light the recoil would be uncomfortable for her? At 40 oz the stainless steel is not overly heavy. Hows the quality and accuracy of the trackers?

The Taurus guns are really amazing the way they deal with recoil. I have the Ti 627 in .357 Mag. with 4" barrel. Weights about 18 oz. or so I think. Even the heaviest loads using 180s is mild in comparison to a much heavier S&W. The porting really works.

While I've not shot the larger bores in the Tracker Ti yet I will when the 6.5" becomes available. I just don't see the 40 oz SS version saying me anything much over my Ruger Bisley 5.5" at 48 oz. I really don't think I'd know the difference between 40 and 48 oz on my hip.

The .41 Mag is available now I believe at least in a 4" if not a 6" as is the .45acp.

Quality and accuracy of them is excellent. I use and highly recommend Taurus revolvers.

GB

ASA · « **Reply #8 on:** September 01, 2003, 04:34:27 PM »

Thanks alot for the feedback. On the Taurus website it looks like the Ti. Tracker is available now in the 6" 45 LC, but only 4" in the 41 mag. Thanks again, ASA

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** September 01, 2003, 06:07:10 PM »

As of today when I called and again spoke with Ron at Taurus USA the Tracker Ti in .45 LC with 6.5" barrel is now available. Dang it! Wasn't a couple weeks or so ago when I wanted it. I go and spend my money on another and now it is available.

GB

ASA · « **Reply #10 on:** September 06, 2003, 06:38:44 PM »

Well apparently our esteemed governor, Gray Davis, heard of my delema and thought he would make the desicion for me. The Trackers are not available in the great state of California.

Thanks for the replies, ASA

subfan · « **Reply #11 on:** September 06, 2003, 07:17:47 PM »

Boot him out, vote yes on the recall, then vote for Mclintock, as he is pro-gun and the actor is not...

Old Griz · « **Reply #12 on:** September 13, 2003, 06:44:29 PM »

I'd go with the Ruger. Taurus has a lifetime warranty, but each time I have to ship the stupid thing back it costs $25 bucks. It just ain't worth it anymore. Mine's for sale. You guys can play shoot and ship, but I'm through.