Well, I was in the market for a snubbie for CC and while I was window shopping at the local candy store (gunshop), I asked to see the Taurus 651 Protector. Now, I am well aware that there has been some pretty damning reports on Taurus Quality issues here, I am no Taurus expert nor have I ever owned one. But, after some carefull examination of the piece and the the quality of fit and finish I decided to buy it since the price was right and it appeared "quality". I could always sell it right? (I almost considered it a gamble after some of the horror stories I read on this forum). So, I cleaned the snubbie up and hit the range.
I was actually surprised at how the range session went! First off the single action trigger pull, as well as double action was excellent. Impressive actually. Point of impact was dead on (21 feet). I put through a box of 125 gr .38 +P with excellent results. I also put 100 rounds of Magtec 158 gr RN "el cheapos". Again, the results were outstanding. Another range session I put 100 rounds of cheapo white box Winchesters (FMJ), and I was again impressed. Bang-bang-bang, just like it is supposed to do. Next week I will put some 125gr .357 through it for the hell of it. I was kind of thinking on just limiting the use with just .38 +P for carry. Maybe not.
Now I know this wasn't a long term test. I wouldn't actually be putting thousand of rounds through a snubbie anyway, or any snubbie for that matter. So far i am VERY impressed with this piece! Anyone else have the 651 Protector? I need an inside the pants j hook type concealment holster and I am finding it a pain to find.
Oh, as to being flamed by a gun manufacterer? I am a Ruger fan, but they fried my rear end over the SR-9 fiasco. That gun is now "Gone with the Wind"! This 651 might just be a keeper
