Taurus .357 Mag descision.

[hanzy4200]

I am on the market for a mid priced revolver. I own numerous semi auto handguns, but no revolvers. I've basically narrowed it down to the Taurus model 66. Each of the two shops I frequent have one. The first is blued, with a 4" barrel, for $450 (transfer included). The second is a stainless, with 6" barrel, for $460 (including transfer). The stainless model also has a orange insert in the front sight, and the grip has less of a gap at the seam. I like the shorter barrel of the 4", but that's no deal breaker. Any advice? I'm stuck between the two.

[ManyFeathers]

What are you going to use it for??

What loads do you plan to shoot??

I prefer the longer barrels (6+) in the magnum revolvers but I don't use them for personal defense. I've got a 8 3/8" in 357 and 7.5" in 44 but I do lots of longer range shooting

The 4" may be the better carry gun unless you are hunting.

Shooting hot magnum rounds have a lot more bark and bite out of the shorter barrels. You may not like the hot loads too much!

You can shoot 38 Special and +P rounds out of the shorter barrels nicely though.

[hanzy4200]

It will primarily be a range gun. I may decide to use it as a nightstand gun if it proves itself. I will be shooting 125 gr cast .38 specials primarily. Another aspect to owning it is that a am trying to own a pistol in all major calibers, as to be able to utilize any and all ammo come SHTF. My father lent me his Taurus model 608 (similar gun, with ported barrel and nicer finish) this past week. I rolled up some handloads and was amazed at the accuracy and how much fun it was to shoot. I think I've been bitten by the weelgun bug.

[slicknickns]

It's a Taurus, should be good.

[2wheelslave]

6" is more versatile since you already have the semi-autos covered but that's just me. Tauruses are decent little guns but for the price of a couple boxes of ammo you might be able to find a Ruger Gp100.

In the end, it is whichever you prefer, and I don't think there is a wrong choice here.

[WGSNewnan]

for that kind of money I'd look for a used S&W, Ruger, or Colt on Gunbroker. Lots of them out there.

[rice paddy daddy]

I paid $250 for a lightly used Taurus 65, blue 4" 357 magnum. The blue is flawless, the action as smooth as my S&W. I really like it, and it rides in the console of my truck.
Taurus has come a long way in the last decade, they are good guns.
I'm a revolver guy. My nightstand gun is a Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt that's loaded with Corbon +P JHP's.

[vicdotcom]

Originally Posted by hanzy4200

I am on the market for a mid priced revolver. I own numerous semi auto handguns, but no revolvers. I've basically narrowed it down to the Taurus model 66. Each of the two shops I frequent have one. The first is blued, with a 4" barrel, for $450 (transfer included). The second is a stainless, with 6" barrel, for $460 (including transfer). The stainless model also has a orange insert in the front sight, and the grip has less of a gap at the seam. I like the shorter barrel of the 4", but that's no deal breaker. Any advice? I'm stuck between the two.

I like the shorter 4inch barrel also. It is more versatile IMO. I have two Taurus model 82's and never had a problem with them. Just as accurate but a little smaller sight picture. You can carry it around with you if you had to or even conceal carry it. Harder to do that with the 6 inch. Now if it were a hunting gun, then I would say 6 inch would benefit you better.

But I will be honest. I also have a Ruger GP 100. And if you are going to shell out 450-460... I would just go ahead and look at a Ruger GP for a few bucks more.

The truth is that you can probably find a used taurus 66 that is not abused for a lot less. And if you are going to pay that price anyways might as well get something with a little more durability and better trigger. I am not a Taurus hater but at that price, I would certainly think twice.

[hanzy4200]

Originally Posted by vicdotcom

I like the shorter 4inch barrel also. It is more versatile IMO. I have two Taurus model 82's and never had a problem with them. Just as accurate but a little smaller sight picture. You can carry it around with you if you had to or even conceal carry it. Harder to do that with the 6 inch. Now if it were a hunting gun, then I would say 6 inch would benefit you better.

But I will be honest. I also have a Ruger GP 100. And if you are going to shell out 450-460... I would just go ahead and look at a Ruger GP for a few bucks more.

The truth is that you can probably find a used taurus 66 that is not abused for a lot less. And if you are going to pay that price anyways might as well get something with a little more durability and better trigger. I am not a Taurus hater but at that price, I would certainly think twice.

Good advice. I was starting to think the same thing. I'm probably just going to be patient and see if anything comes my way.