Author Topic: 357: Smith vs. Taurus (Read 1668 times)

357Wannabe · « **on:** April 24, 2005, 11:00:05 AM »

Hello all. 1st time poster here and a newbie to the six-gun world. I"m hoping you can give me some advice on a 357 purchase.

I'm trying to decide between the 357 SS Smith or the Taurus Tracker in platinum.

Eventually I would like to get a CCW permit so the lightweight Tracker is very appealing. However I've read so many Taurus QC horror stories, I'm having second thoughts on the Tracker. Also I have read that because of the porting, the gas can blow back in to your face. Is this correct?

I've shot a 686 before and really liked the gun. It struck me as the kind of gun that, while not the sexiest thing on the range, it could always be depended upon.

As to barrel length, I'm thinking of the 4/5" models. I don't intend to use this piece for hunting or target shooting, I have rifles for that. I'm just looking for a good, reliable self-defense gun.

Opinions and comments are greatly appreciated.

~357Wannabe

HappyHunter · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2005, 12:51:52 PM »

357,

Welcome to the best forum on the net. Hope you can stick around.

You mentioned a Taurus Tracker in Platinum...perhaps you meant Titanium? If this is the case that is the biggest trouble with Taurus in my opinion after owning a 357 Ti for a while and then dumping it to find another. Well I never did find another Ti Tracker that was up to my specs so I gave up on the quest. In fact I sold my other two Taurus products and concentrate mainly on the Smith & Wesson products now.

The porting will not blow gas in your face unless you are perhaps struggling with someone and your face is over the porting. It will, however cause temporary blindness due to the fireworks if shot at night.

If self defense and a revolver are what you want, I believe that the .357 Mag is a great choice. You can shoot all the 38 specials you want in it, this will save you $ over the mag rounds and make it easy to develope skills with your new gun.

The Smith model 686 is a very good gun, it is a L frame and will shoot any ammo you feed it. The gun that I prefer for self defense is the M19 in blue or the M66 in Stainless.

The M19/M66 is a great way to go and will feature adjustable target sights. These guns are available in various lengths including 4 inch. I am in the process of changing the wife's bedroom gun from a M15, 4 inch 38special to a M19, 2-1/2 inch in .357 with crimson trace laser grips. This and a good flashlight are great for the night stand for a man or a woman.

The 66 is a great gun and was used by many police agencies. I have one stamped Indiana State Police, and it is a great shooter gun.

Just a word of warning...you said that Smith's were not the sexiest gun at the range. This could be considered fighting words by many.

Good luck with you decision, you know my vote is S/W.

Fred

357Wannabe · « **Reply #2 on:** April 24, 2005, 02:20:52 PM »

Fred: Thanks for your comments. Yes I did mean the Taurus in titanium...the platinum would be a tad pricey!

I didn't know shooting a ported barrel at night could cause blindness. That isn't good. Another thing to keep in mind.

The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning toward the Smith.

I saw those laser grips...great idea someone came up with.

Apologies for the "not the sexiest gun at the range..." comment. I guess I was trying to say that you see a lot more guys with plastic Glocks than SS six-shooters.

~357Wannabe

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #3 on:** April 24, 2005, 02:58:51 PM »

Quote

I guess I was trying to say that you see a lot more guys with plastic Glocks

You say it like it's a bad thing!! Ever shot a Glock? It's a wonderful thing :-D

Dogshooter · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2005, 03:33:06 PM »

Go for the Smith. Even though there is a lot of complaining going on about the agreement they entered with the Clinton administration, they are still an Americam company and their factory service is hands down better than Taurus. But the fact is you probably won't need Smith's service and you most likely WILL need it from Taurus.

unspellable · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2005, 02:35:42 AM »

Tauri are variable. Good ones are good. Not good ones aren't. Be picky if selecting a Taurus and give it a good inpection. As an example I have seen the snubby titanium 44 Special with chamber alignment problems.

The Raging Bull seems to be the model with the most consistant quality.

Rustyinfla · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2005, 05:48:33 AM »

Howdy 357, welcome. My personal choice is for the S&W, but not a 19/66. If I wanted a K frame for CCW I would go with a 13/65 instead. I have a 3" RB 65. The reason being the lack of adjustable sights. For ccw the 13/63 is much more rounded and less likely to snag on something at the wrong time.
My personel CCW is a S&W 640 that has no hammer at all. They look ugly at first but you get used to it. Most close in work will be DA anyway.

Good Luck,
Rusty <><

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2005, 07:21:48 AM »

Go with the Smith & Wesson. Great gun and holds it's value better than the Taurus.

Also Welcome to Graybeard. :-)

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2005, 01:49:15 PM »

I own a 4" Colt 357 that was the original bedside gun. I still have it, but it was replaced long ago by a 1911 45 acp. Not to confuse you the revolver is a good choice for those have not shot alot of pistols. A 357, at least mine has a recoil that stings. I have a 44 sp Taurus 2" that is far more pleasant to shoot. I am only suggesting the 44 line for a defensive round as "its a bigger hole" and S&W has them.
Jim

ajj · « **Reply #9 on:** April 26, 2005, 07:18:25 AM »

People who are serious about a handgun for defense eventually get a revolver. People who are serious about double action revolver shooting eventually get a Smith. You might actually like shooting the wheelgun and find that you use it more than just now and then. Make that experience more enjoyable. Save money by doing it right the first time. JMHO.

azmike · « **Reply #10 on:** April 26, 2005, 09:30:08 AM »

Welcome 357.

You mentioned using the revolver for CCW. I used to have a 4" model 586 (the blued version of the 686). I am 5'11", 190 lbs. and would have a hard time keeping a 4" L frame concealed, I think. Possible with the right holster, and dressed properly, but if you are going to carry concealed, you may wish to consider a K frame, like a 3" model 65, like a previous poster mentioned.

Personally, I would buy the 4" 686, and then start saving for the 2.5" barrel version for CCW. But I look for any excuse to go to the gun shop :roll: .

LDThornton · « **Reply #11 on:** May 30, 2005, 12:50:05 PM »

I agree the 686 is the way to go. S & W quality is superior. As for being sexy ............
http://usera.imagecave.com/LDThornton/Hand/SmithWesson64-2.jpg'>

http://usera.imagecave.com/LDThornton/Hand/icth_SmithWesson64-2.jpg.jpg'>
this is a sexy revolver. Check the gun auction sites and buy an older used revolver without the pc wart on the side.
Here is a S & W 686 square butt w/ 4" barrel (top) and the S & W 64-2 round butt w/ 2" barrel (bottom)
http://usera.imagecave.com/LDThornton/Hand/SWM686M64-2-copy.jpg'>

http://usera.imagecave.com/LDThornton/Hand/icth_SWM686M64-2-copy.jpg.jpg'>
My nephew bought a taurus last month then traded it off last week. He's learning....LOL

HappyHunter · « **Reply #12 on:** May 30, 2005, 02:33:56 PM »

LDThornton,

Very nice pics, and I agree 100% on the wart issue (I call them zits).

Fred

Old Griz · « **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2005, 07:20:44 PM »

:cb2: As with the majority here, buy the S&W. Since you like the 686, I'd suggest for a personal defense weapon the 686+ (7-shot) with the 2.5 inch barrel. It's superbly balanced and is as easy to aim as pointing your finger. Don't worry about the 2.5" barrel not being accurate, either. I have a M19 with a 2.5" barrel and always scored 100 when I had to qualify with it. (Thank goodness only 15 rounds were at 25 yards, but very few self-defense situations take place at that distance.) If your local dealer has one, pick it up and handle it. I think you'll be impressed with it. My second choice is the 6-round model!

Forget the Taurus idea. That was just a brain fart.