Author Topic: Brazilian Taurus vs USA Taurus revolvers (Read 5694 times)

Terbltim · « **on:** November 01, 2009, 11:57:28 PM »

While considering the purchase of a Taurus Raging Bull in 480 Ruger, I was advised by a couple of revolver-smiths (one whom I know to be quite good,) that I should try to find one made BEFORE Taurus came to America.
The caution stated flatly that the American-made Taurus-product would not hold up to a lot of use and would spend much of its useful life at the factory getting warranty-work.
Also, that the American product would be fine if I just sighted it in and then only occasionally shot it or hunted with it.
This caution was given because both of these guys know that I shoot my guns a lot.
They say the Taurus products made BEFORE the move to America are excellent.
Anyone out there have any thoughts [to share] on this subject?

Savage · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2009, 12:18:27 AM »

Taurus makes handguns in the US?
Savage

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2009, 02:56:04 AM »

Nope. Taurus has NEVER EVER and NEVER EVER WILL make a revolver in the US. What is really meant and was likely misinterpreted was before Taurus USA began to be the importer of them. I think they are located down in Miami area and they import them from Brazil and supposedly give them a look see before selling them to wholesalers. In reality they do nothing good and mostly only bad. They are the warranty repair station for them but refuse to honor warranty and don't seem to have a clue.

Savage · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2009, 10:10:29 AM »

It seems the alleged "Revolver Smiths" are clueless as well.
Savage

teamnelson · « **Reply #4 on:** November 02, 2009, 10:43:19 AM »

I've got a 66 that is pre Taurus USA, and as fine a revolver as I've seen (I have a small herd of S&Ws for comparison). I've also got a 94, 606, and 1911 that were most likely imported through Taurus USA, and I can't speak to their customer service as I've never had occaision to call them ... as in "no problems."

However, were I in the market for a 480 Ruger, I'd be looking at a single action by Ruger. Unless its for bear defense while walking, I'm not certain how often I'd use a double action cannon. But I'm a pessimist - I figure the bigger the bore the smaller the number of moving parts that should be involved.

Mahalo, Chaps

Luckyducker · « **Reply #5 on:** November 02, 2009, 11:36:49 AM »

TN, if you can find one of them Single Action Rugers I would like one myself. As far as I know Ruger only made them in Super Redhawk double action. If you want a SA you will have to get yourself a Freedom Arms model 83 in this caliber.

teamnelson · « **Reply #6 on:** November 02, 2009, 12:36:30 PM »

Wow, didn't realize that. I'd figure since its 480 Ruger they'd have had a SBH or Bisley Hunter with an unfluted cylinder. Never made guns, but I've worked in private industry before and if I were rolling out a cartridge I'd make sure my potential customer base was saturated with opportunities to shoot things with my name on it.

As much as I love my Tauri, a big boomer like that might rattle all my DA parts around.

rawhidekid · « **Reply #7 on:** November 02, 2009, 01:41:17 PM »

What alot of companies do, and not just the firearm market, is import parts and assemble in the USA. But if my memory is correct, the Raging Bull series came after the Florida plant opened.

shortround · « **Reply #8 on:** November 02, 2009, 02:14:55 PM »

I live in Atlanta and about 6 or 7 months ago they had an article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle that talked about Taurus moving it's operations from Miami(actually a suburb called Hialeah) to Atlanta.

I got the impression from the article that this was a manufacturing company, but I could be wrong. I know that Taurus has been made in Brazil for quite some time now. Add that to the fact the media gets things wrong all the time, and that only increases when firearms are the subject.

Regardless if it's manufacturing things in the US, the article said the reasons behind the possible move were economic. They would get some type of a tax break and according to the Taurus spokesman it would be cheaper to run it from here.

They said no firm decision had been made yet and they still had a year or so before they were going to have to make decision

That was the only thing I've read or hear and don't know if they're staying or coming to Atlanta.

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** November 02, 2009, 06:08:29 PM »

They do not make or assembly guns at Taurus USA in FL. They claim to inspect and test fire them all and do any minor adjustments that might be needed but in my opinion that is BS as I've had two of their guns that came thru FL that there is no way anyone test fired or even inspected before passing them on.

BTW the one bright spot in the Taurus line is the Raging Bull. I've yet to see a bad one and have never heard any stories of them being bad that I was able to substantiate. Oh sure an internet rumor or two but not from anyone I was sure I could trust to tell me truthfully about it. The RB454 and RB480 I had were fine revolvers and super accurate. They are made tough and should hold up as well as any.

I sure won't say that about anything else in their product line tho.

Terbltim · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:07:43 AM »

Hey Gang,
Thanks for all these replies.
I'm beginning to think those "revolversmiths" were adding a lot of bad taste they got after dealing with Taurus.
One of those guys will go on at length on that subject if you encourage the conversation in any way.
We were talking about Raging Bull revolvers, by the way.
Everyone that I've met that owned one said they are "sweet" to shoot, especially when compared to the RSR.
Thanks again.

rawhidekid · « **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2009, 06:00:16 AM »

The Taurus PT1911 38 Super I purchased is as good or better than any other I have handled. Being able to purchase it at $504.oo new in box was pleasent also. I have owned Taurus 92's in 9 mil and my wife carried a Taurus 40 S&W for several years. Neither ever gave a bit of trouble or failed to feed. My wifes present carry is a Taurus Millineum Pro 45 ACP. I guess we have just been lucky but if so it is the only good luck I have had.

Just finished six days of Whitetail hunting with the only whitetails seen being a hooded shunk and two jackrabbits.

greenjeans · « **Reply #12 on:** November 15, 2009, 02:54:00 PM »

Not a revolver, of course, but my PT22 clearly says Made In USA on the slide.

Ultra25-06 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 16, 2009, 01:00:14 PM »

Quote from: greenjeans on November 15, 2009, 02:54:00 PM

Not a revolver, of course, but my PT22 clearly says Made In USA on the slide.

You are correct the pt22and pt25 are made in the USA.
http://www.americanrifleman.org/Video.aspx?vid=1869

rawhidekid · « **Reply #14 on:** November 16, 2009, 03:27:47 PM »

My PT1911 38 Super says made in Brazil on the slide.

The gun functions fine and I have no problems with that.

omcforever · « **Reply #15 on:** November 21, 2009, 07:52:29 PM »

If you want to test(chance) their warranty center and process just go ahead and buy one,,,,,

rawhidekid · « **Reply #16 on:** December 12, 2009, 09:36:53 AM »

omcforever; If you read through these forums, you will find some Taurus owners who have had their guns 20 years without a problem. PT 92, PT140, PT1911, Raging Bulls all seem to be fine well made guns. Oh yea, 44 Man seems to love the Guachos,(single action revolvers). I used to work as a customer service rep, (go between for customer and gunsmith). Horror stories can be told for every gun maker out there as well as some great returns from the same ones that have horror stories. Colt and Winchester were the worst in my experiance. I had some customeers that had stocks crack when shot from a sand bag, Weatherby's. Weatherby simply said their rifles were not ment to be shot from sandbags!

poppie · « **Reply #17 on:** December 16, 2009, 10:36:30 AM »

Quote from: TeamNelson on November 02, 2009, 10:43:19 AM

I've got a 66 that is pre Taurus USA, and as fine a revolver as I've seen (I have a small herd of S&Ws for comparison). I've also got a 94, 606, and 1911 that were most likely imported through Taurus USA, and I can't speak to their customer service as I've never had occaision to call them ... as in "no problems."

However, were I in the market for a 480 Ruger, I'd be looking at a single action by Ruger. Unless its for bear defense while walking, I'm not certain how often I'd use a double action cannon. But I'm a pessimist - I figure the bigger the bore the smaller the number of moving parts that should be involved.

Mahalo, Chaps

.................................I also have a model 66 in 357,4 inch,blue that i bought new in 1987,i think it's a smith 66 clone,never ever had any issues in 22 year's,can't say the same for my SS PT 1911,the safety fell off the 1'st time out!!!!,sent it in and all has been good.

rawhidekid · « **Reply #18 on:** December 16, 2009, 11:26:06 AM »

I have had no problems as stated with my PT1911 38 Super. I had a customer that had the Colt 2000 nine mil, the guide rod broke, after being on order 60 days I called Colt and had to swear it was warranty to get them to issue the part. I also had customers who's front sight fell off their 1911A1s first time firing them. Had a Ruger single action blackhawk was sent back four times before fixed right. They all play the same song.

Oh, poppie; Ruger has never made the 480 in single action, many wish they had.

BoomLover · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2010, 09:28:48 PM »

My 1988 Model HG-M669-B6 .357 has been used for almost every year since I bought it, never any problem... fired .38 Specials, .357 Mags, most any brand, shoots best of all I own. Kept it clean, and after thousands of rounds, still looks and shoots almost like new. Guess I just got lucky with this Brazilian made piece. Don't know if I'd want another, think I'd go for a Kimber .40, if anything. But, at my advanced age, this one will last my lifetime! LOL

NickSS · « **Reply #20 on:** April 25, 2010, 07:07:42 PM »

I guess I am not your typical Taurus owner (or maybe I am) I have a PT 99, PT 1911, PT 111, PT 145, A model 84, Model 94 and a 22 tracker. I have had zero problems with any of them.