Sidearms & Scatterguns Taurus 1911 compared to others?

[brentsurace]

Hey All,
In light of all the posts re: 1911's, I wanted to pose a question for your feedback. Ive been looking hard for a good 1911 in a moderate price range and have found the Taurus 1911 ALR which I like very much. I know that many say Kimber is one of the best but right now I cant stomach paying $1k+ for it. Anyone have any experience with the T-1911? Any other suggestions in the medium to medium-high price range?

Many Thanks!
- VortexTikka308

 

[springerjb]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

How about a suggestion in the LOW-mid range? I owned a Taurus 1911 for a short time. Wasn't impressed. Purchased a RIA 1911 Tactical (they can be had for under $450) and haven't looked back. It ain't the prettiest thing in the world but it sure does function well. Do some research and you'll find there is a cult following for RIA. Good luck in your decision making...

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...085#Post2433085

I also have a full review/update at http://valueshooter.com/?p=22.

 

[brentsurace]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Thank you Sarge! I havent much experience with RIA. I will def give it a once or twice over in the near future.

 

[brentsurace]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Come to think of it....can you tell a bit as to WHY your taurus 1911 experience was sub-par?

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

In my personal experience I would not want to own any firearm that has TAURUS engraved on it.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

i'm liking my RIA, jus sayin

 

[Shooter21]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

only RIA I have seen in action was a junktastic piece of work with jam-o-matic slide fitting.... but good luck...



save your $$$ and get a SA or maybe a Para. just expect to put some elbow grease in either one to make it "right"

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drunkhumpinmonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">only RIA I have seen in action was a junktastic piece of work with jam-o-matic slide fitting.... but good luck</div></div>

stop limp wristin and you will be good to go nancy

 

[Shooter21]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VAJayJayPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drunkhumpinmonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">only RIA I have seen in action was a junktastic piece of work with jam-o-matic slide fitting.... but good luck</div></div>

stop limp wristin and you will be good to go nancy</div></div>
I wasn't the shooter... the shooter knew how to drive a pistol as well

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

hahaha, I have heard these allogations, all I have experience with is mine and it runs like a Somali to a food pantry

 

[Downzero]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Taurus 1911s are the worst of the worst. Bad triggers, extra safeties, sloppy fit, cheap cast components, a squared front strap, generally out of spec, etc.

The Rock Islands are vastly better at $450 and the STI Spartan in the $600 range is like a night and day difference.

You couldn't pay me to shoot a Taurus 1911, and I don't own any single stack 1911s that cost more than $1000.

 

[Cherns]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Taurus 1911s are the worst of the worst. Bad triggers, extra safeties, sloppy fit, cheap cast components, a squared front strap, generally out of spec, etc.

The Rock Islands are vastly better at $450 and the STI Spartan in the $600 range is like a night and day difference.

You couldn't pay me to shoot a Taurus 1911, and I don't own any single stack 1911s that cost more than $1000. </div></div>

Along with this, I heard that some of the major parts used in the Spartan are made by the same people who make the parts in RIA 1911's. Also, my buddy had a Taurus 1911, it looked nice when I saw it in the dark, especially since it was all black, but it wasn't too impressive when I got a chance to shoot it and take a GOOD look at it during the day. It felt very cheap as well, it's no wonder he was trying to sell it after only having it a couple months

 

[mrhog]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

I've owned a PT-1911 for several years now. It has never failed me to this day. Everything from reloaded lead RN to full house factory loads feed and fire every time. This piece is my everyday carry weapon. It has never given me any reason not to trust it.
However; I have a Kimber Pro-carry II that has been a roal PITA. When I first tried to break it in it would FTE every second round. Several calls to Kimber later we decided that it was a ramp problem. Every night I would hand work the slide with a loaded mag. around 100 times. I did this with FMJ ammo. It seemed to smooth things out a bit. Now it will run about 30 rounds before a FTF. It's going to be awhile before I trust this piece.
YRMV

 

[Downzero]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cherns</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Taurus 1911s are the worst of the worst. Bad triggers, extra safeties, sloppy fit, cheap cast components, a squared front strap, generally out of spec, etc.

The Rock Islands are vastly better at $450 and the STI Spartan in the $600 range is like a night and day difference.

You couldn't pay me to shoot a Taurus 1911, and I don't own any single stack 1911s that cost more than $1000. </div></div>

Along with this, I heard that some of the major parts used in the Spartan are made by the same people who make the parts in RIA 1911's. Also, my buddy had a Taurus 1911, it looked nice when I saw it in the dark, especially since it was all black, but it wasn't too impressive when I got a chance to shoot it and take a GOOD look at it during the day. It felt very cheap as well, it's no wonder he was trying to sell it after only having it a couple months

</div></div>

Yes, the frame and slide of the Spartan are the same. The key differences are the sights and hammer/sear/disconnector, which are us-made STI parts and cost more than the difference between the RIA and Spartan.

Either way it's hard to go wrong with either, but the Spartan is an exceptional value considering that it has an STI hammer, trigger, sear, and disconnector, an STI Bomar style rear sight, etc.

None have all the features I'd want, but the Spartan is such an exceptional value, I've considered selling my 10-year old Kimber and buying a .45 Spartan.

I have the 9mm Spartan and the fit is every bit as good as my Series I .45 Kimber (which currently wears a Kart barrel).

 

[buffybuster]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Sorry for the thread drift, but anyone handled the Ruger SR1911?

 

[Arbiter]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buffybuster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry for the thread drift, but anyone handled the Ruger SR1911?</div></div>

It's decent, but my gunsmith didn't seem incredibly impressed by the fit and their internal components.

One of my friends shoots a PT-1911, and likes it, but I'd never own any firearm that said Taurus on the side. They're marginally-functional crap that sells due to low price point and high advertising levels. Take any experienced 1911 shooter and hand them the Taurus to see their reaction when they pick it up. From the cut of the frame to the sights, there's just too many things "wrong" with it to feel comfortable.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Actually the Taurus PT1911 has had good reviews on this site for years. I'm in the minority in thinking that they're complete crap, but what do I know, I only own similarly priced guns that are exceptionally well made when compared to the Taurus, and not that much more expensive.

 

[brunop]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

IIRC, Clint Smith reviewed the Taurus 1911 and said that it was GTG. I've heard guys say that it is hit-and-miss: either you got a good one or you didn't.

if you didn't, you'll need to be fluent in Portuguese.

 

[i_Adam_i18]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Powder Burns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my personal experience I would not want to own any firearm that has TAURUS engraved on it. </div></div>

Without actually stating your "personal experience", your comment is invalid.

My "personal experience" with my Taurus 1911 is that I've never had any issues with it. Runs smooth and shoots straight. I'm not a Taurus guy, or a kimber guy, etc. so I don't really defend any particular company. Just my experience.

I think you can find stories of negative experiences with every manufacturer out there, as well as positive ones.

 

[Spazz.]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WASP7067</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Powder Burns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my personal experience I would not want to own any firearm that has TAURUS engraved on it. </div></div>

Without actually stating your "personal experience", your comment is invalid.

My "personal experience" with my Taurus 1911 is that I've never had any issues with it. Runs smooth and shoots straight. I'm not a Taurus guy, or a kimber guy, etc. so I don't really defend any particular company. Just my experience.

I think you can find stories of negative experiences with every manufacturer out there, as well as positive ones. </div></div>

Then maybe the people who have negative experiences with Taurus guns are more vocal about them. My experience with Taurus has been good with their revolvers. They seem to be able to hold up well and they're not expensive to buy. They handle dirt, dust, and crud just fine - like a revolver should.

My experience with their mag-fed handguns has been horrible. I've not owned one personally, but my close friend bought a PT140 for carry. The first one he had ended up locking up internally - they have a locking mechanism on them and his ended up binding and breaking, rendering the gun useless.

The second one he had would decide randomly to drop the mag. I fired it, my wife fired it, and another friend of mine fired it - we weren't hitting the mag release, it just kept losing the mag. So Taurus took it back and put another mag release in it. It worked awesome for about 3 mags, then the same thing happened again. They use these really well made cheap plastic mag releases that wear out after excessive use of a magazine or two.

The next time, Taurus just mailed him a metal mag release. He had to do a little bit of polishing to get the gun to accept the magazine, as the fit of the metal release was questionable. He got it working pretty well though, and was able to use it to qualify for his CCDWL. The mags were sticky and didn't want to eject, and he had a FTE every couple of magazines, but it functioned.

He ended up selling it to his brother-in-law (who was fully informed of the entire history of the gun) and buying a Springfield XD9 subcompact. He ended up having to use the XD in a defense situation about 3 weeks later and was thanking God he didn't have the Taurus with him. I don't think I've seen him without his XD since his license arrived.

I have seen many more people saying that Taurus' 1911s are better than their other semi-auto handguns. OP, if you do want to buy one I would recommend seeing if there is any way you can test-fire it first. For my money, I would rather get an STI Spartan. Wasp, does that validate the claim that I think Taurus semi-autos can be useless as anything except a weak-ass hammer?

 

[springerjb]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VortexTikka308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Come to think of it....can you tell a bit as to WHY your taurus 1911 experience was sub-par? </div></div>

The rear sight cut in mine was off, way off. The picture below doesn't do it justice but you get the general idea. This was an internet purchase for me and I was in a hurry when I picked it up from my FFL so I didn't notice it until I got home. It's pretty representitive of the overall fit and finish of the pistol I got. I called Taurus they said "send it to us". I offered to email pictures so that they could tell me if they'd actually do anything to fix it. They told me they wouldn't/couldn't accept emailed pictures. I didn't want to spend the money (my dime) to send the pistol, be without it for weeks only to get a message saying "this is within acceptable Taurus QC standards". So I sold it to a local gun shop.

I'm not a Taurus hater. I've owned four of their semi-autos. That said, I currently only own one...the one worth keeping (Taurus 92AF/M9 clone). For me it comes down to this: "our skilled pistol smiths hand-fit and tune each gun" (from their website). Some of their smiths are good, some aren't, and their QC isn't good enough to catch enough of the pistols that leave the factory in sub-par condition. I'm glad some guys are having a good experince with their 1911's. I played the Taurus lotto and lost on my 1911.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WASP7067</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Powder Burns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my personal experience I would not want to own any firearm that has TAURUS engraved on it. </div></div>

Without actually stating your "personal experience", your comment is invalid. </div></div>

Really? Because I share his opinion. It would take me about ten seconds to point out all of the things wrong with the Taurus PT 1911. The frontstrap's blockyness is on every single gun, for example. The poor quality of Taurus firearms is so well known that it should be considered common knowledge at this point.

Taurus guns are for people who want to own a gun just to own one. They're not for shooters.

 

[Custom by Winslow]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Just received one in my shop, the firing pin block has locked up and won't allow the firing pin to strike the primer. You get what you pay for. Your much better off with a Springfield milspec and sending it off to have the essentials done.

 

[vinconco]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

A buddy of mine had one and the saftey/slide stop plunger spring was missing. I found aspring and plungers in my spare parts only to find that Taurus had used a plunger tube that was out of spec and the standard 1911 spring and plungers wouldn't fit.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M. Winslow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just received one in my shop, the firing pin block has locked up and won't allow the firing pin to strike the primer. You get what you pay for. Your much better off with a Springfield milspec and sending it off to have the essentials done. </div></div>

Or buying a Loaded or TRP that already has the "essentials" depending on how you define that term.

 

[cvedrick]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Kimber is a coin toss, whoever is doing their pre-ship QC is blind, drunk, hungover or a combination. If you do decide to get one, make sure you buy it from a shop with an in-house smith to correct the obvious problems that ship on 50% or more of their pistols.

If you are going to spend the money, look into STI, Caspian or Les Baur. Here is a hint, go to a few IPSC or 3-gun matches and pay attention to what the pros shoot.......

Colt costs too much for what you get.

Springfield, Para and Taurus all have good names, get a baser model then customize it to fit you, not the expensive one that was built as a result of popular demand. (examples of popular demand range from politicians to Xmas tree ARs)

All I know for sure about the RIAs is they are made in the Philippines, have poor metallurgy and worse heat treatments that tends to cause frame cracks at the slide stop hole. If someone tells you they are great, ask them how many rounds they have through it. I have seen 1911s in the other categories above go for hundreds of thousands of rounds provided the springs are changed out every so often.

 

[rrflyer]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

I had one.

Put over 15,000 rounds through it in the year and a half I had. Never had a malfunction or jam in that time.

They were great deals at 500$ not sure what they are now.

I wouldn't own a Kimber again...never had a good one.


Truth be told I've owned more than a dozen different 1911's.

STI is the best non-custom gun in my opinion. For a cheaper one I'd get a springfield simply because re-sale will be way better.

If you can swing a bit more the STI Spartan is nicer, the Trojan and Lawmen are way better.


I've owned 3 Les Baers and non of them worked correctly. I've seen wilsons break slide stops and hammers. etc.. etc...

 

[Downzero]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cvedrick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kimber is a coin toss, whoever is doing their pre-ship QC is blind, drunk, hungover or a combination. If you do decide to get one, make sure you buy it from a shop with an in-house smith to correct the obvious problems that ship on 50% or more of their pistols.</div></div>

I'd pass on any newer Kimber based on what I've seen.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
If you are going to spend the money, look into STI, Caspian or Les Baur. Here is a hint, go to a few IPSC or 3-gun matches and pay attention to what the pros shoot.......</div></div>

Caspian does not make guns, only parts.

1911s are not competitive in IPSC. Their division requirements are different and an 8 round gun is not competitive in any IPSC division.

I assume you're talking about USPSA events, where there is a single stack division.

I have seen people shooting Les Baers in USPSA, but every single one I've seen had a barrel fitted so tight that they will not feed every time from slide lock. They're so tight that they have to be over-sprung just to feed reliably. Personally, I'd look elsewhere unless you're willing to take a file to the barrel and get it loose enough that it will run. Perhaps the sample I've seen is too small, but I think they're too tight for practical use except maybe in a game like bullseye shooting where there are alibis if your gun malfunctions.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Colt costs too much for what you get.</div></div>

Agreed. I'm not sure how they can get what they're asking for what they're selling.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Springfield, Para and Taurus all have good names, get a baser model then customize it to fit you, not the expensive one that was built as a result of popular demand. (examples of popular demand range from politicians to Xmas tree ARs)</div></div>

Para and Taurus are not even remotely comparable even to the cheapest Springfields. Taurus' 1911s are complete crap and Paras are hit or miss, along the lines of a Kimber.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All I know for sure about the RIAs is they are made in the Philippines, have poor metallurgy and worse heat treatments that tends to cause frame cracks at the slide stop hole. If someone tells you they are great, ask them how many rounds they have through it. I have seen 1911s in the other categories above go for hundreds of thousands of rounds provided the springs are changed out every so often. </div></div>

RIA has an excellent warranty that would cover any potential frame issues.

I have shot about 3,000 rounds through my Armscor-manufactured (Philippines) STI Spartan 9mm this year. I use an ISMI 17 lb mainspring and a 10 lb recoil spring and I'm pretty happy with the performance. The fit on my Spartan is as nice as any high-end production Springfield or an American made STI like the Trojan.

The cracking at the slide stop hole is not due to poor metallurgy. If anything, it's caused by not cutting the slide stop hole all the way up through the slide rails, which leaves a stress riser there. Most manufacturers are cutting them all the way up at this point, and I've seen manufacturers remove the cracked metal without replacing the frame and returning the gun. Either way, a crack there is not evidence of poor metallurgy and I've not seen any evidence that Armscor's 1911 frames, whether installed on an STI Spartan or RIA 1911 suffer from any construction issues. The slide stop hole issue can be corrected with a dremel tool if desired, or, worst case scenario, the gun can be sent back to the manufacturer for a replacement frame.

I'm not one of the people who thinks that the 1911 is too finicky to use, but if you're not willing to tweak a few things here or there, the best thing to do is to find a good, local gunsmith and make sure any potential issues are squared away. A well-fitted gun with fresh springs has a lot of life in it once the minor issues that can happen to any gun are taken care of.

 

[Bill Larson]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

I`ll answer with facts.... not opinions or hear say.
I own 3 tauras pt-1911`s 2 stainless` and lite weight carry plus an RRA bullseye gun.
I`ve shot all 3 Tauras` outa a Ransom rest.Average 3" @ 50'....
1 will shoot 1" .... nothing compared to the RRA which are guarenteed for 1" 50 yds.
The RRA (with Ultra dot) is worth $1750.00+++... the Tauruss` about 500$ each....BIG DIFFERENCE..HUH...
The Taurass` work are made of steel and are a good .45acp ... shooting better than most can hold.
Bill Larson

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Friends don't let friends give money to Taurus.

I shouldn't have to give a list of grievances or anecdotal stories about their product line, when the facts are well documented in the active shooting community as well as on the internet.
For what its worth, I broke the only Colt 1911 I ever touched but I don't run around telling everyone that Colt makes a bad pistol. However in the case of Taurus, I've experienced parts failures in 100% of their pistols I've fired.

 

[springerjb]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cvedrick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All I know for sure about the RIAs is they are made in the Philippines, have poor metallurgy and worse heat treatments that tends to cause frame cracks at the slide stop hole. If someone tells you they are great, ask them how many rounds they have through it. I have seen 1911s in the other categories above go for hundreds of thousands of rounds provided the springs are changed out every so often.</div></div>

With all due respect, I'm pretty sure that if RIA owners could afford to send $16,000-100,000+ worth of ammo downrange we'd probably have spent a bit more on our handgun. If the OP is looking in the Taurus price range, I doubt he has an annual ammo budget measured in the thousands.

 

[BLAKSUNZ]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Springfield Mil-Spec. Same price (maybe even cheaper) for a better gun. I realize many owners love their PT1911's but I've handled 2 or 3 (can't quite remember) and wasn't overly impressed. They felt sloppy and not worth the price. I shot 2 mags through one and sadly it was a solid shooter.

If you want something that shoots good then get the Taurus but for similar money you can find something that shoots just as good, feels quality (or maybe you feel that it is quality enough...), and looks far better.

Good luck.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

I'd use a taurus loaded in a cannon to shiver me timbers with, thats bout it

 

[BLAKSUNZ]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VAJayJayPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd use a taurus loaded in a cannon to shiver me timbers with, thats bout it </div></div>

So mean...so direct...so to the point...

I approve this message.

 

[i_Adam_i18]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Powder Burns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Friends don't let friends give money to Taurus.

I shouldn't have to give a list of grievances or anecdotal stories about their product line, when the facts are well documented in the active shooting community as well as on the internet.
For what its worth, I broke the only Colt 1911 I ever touched but I don't run around telling everyone that Colt makes a bad pistol. However in the case of Taurus, I've experienced parts failures in 100% of their pistols I've fired. </div></div>

Man, I hate ford trucks, they are the biggest pieces of crap around and everyone knows it. They all break etc etc. Now I'm not going to give you a reason why they suck, or any personal experience, just that they suck...


See, I can do it too. It's easy to jump on the band wagon. All I'm saying is, if something sucks so bad, give the OP a reason WHY. it doesn't really give him any valuable information to make an educated decision on choosing a pistol. Everyone else that has had good or bad experiences with different manufacturers says why.

Kinda off topic but it reminds me of this gun shop I called, it was pretty comical. I ask this guy if he has a compact M&P .40 in stock. "NO!, I don't carry those polymer framed guns, they're crap!"...um ok, so you don't carry any polymer framed pistols?..."I try not to, those plastic guns are just crap, I hate 'em"... well good luck with your business...

 

[Downzero]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

RRA isn't making 1911s anymore, so new ones (other than NOS) are not available at any price.

 

[rrflyer]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

So general consensus...

...People who have owned and shot them think they work fine.


....People who read allot of stuff on the internet think they suck.



The biggest thing that causes problems in 1911's in cheap magazines. Get some Tripp Research mags and go to town.

 

[i_Adam_i18]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rrflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So general consensus...

...People who have owned and shot them think they work fine.


....People who read allot of stuff on the internet think they suck.



The biggest thing that causes problems in 1911's in cheap magazines. Get some Tripp Research mags and go to town.

</div></div>

pretty much sums it up!

I've heard wilson combat mags rock too, I haven't had a chance to try them though.

 

[layinclose2hell]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mtneer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VortexTikka308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Come to think of it....can you tell a bit as to WHY your taurus 1911 experience was sub-par? </div></div>

The rear sight cut in mine was off, way off. The picture below doesn't do it justice but you get the general idea. This was an internet purchase for me and I was in a hurry when I picked it up from my FFL so I didn't notice it until I got home. It's pretty representitive of the overall fit and finish of the pistol I got. I called Taurus they said "send it to us". I offered to email pictures so that they could tell me if they'd actually do anything to fix it. They told me they wouldn't/couldn't accept emailed pictures. I didn't want to spend the money (my dime) to send the pistol, be without it for weeks only to get a message saying "this is within acceptable Taurus QC standards". So I sold it to a local gun shop.


I'm not a Taurus hater. I've owned four of their semi-autos. That said, I currently only own one...the one worth keeping (Taurus 92AF/M9 clone). For me it comes down to this: "our skilled pistol smiths hand-fit and tune each gun" (from their website). Some of their smiths are good, some aren't, and their QC isn't good enough to catch enough of the pistols that leave the factory in sub-par condition. I'm glad some guys are having a good experince with their 1911's. I played the Taurus lotto and lost on my 1911.

</div></div>

I had the same issue with mine. Sent it back, they replaced the slide, and all is well. I have no delusions of grandure about the PT1911, it is not in the same league as my SA or my S&W, but for a sloppy ass gun that I almost hate for being damn accurate and reliable...

I use it as a <span style="text-decoration: underline">backup</span> gun for IDPA, and as a truck gun. Honestly, IMHO, it is quite good for what it is.

 

[Arbiter]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WASP7067</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Powder Burns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Friends don't let friends give money to Taurus.

I shouldn't have to give a list of grievances or anecdotal stories about their product line, when the facts are well documented in the active shooting community as well as on the internet.
For what its worth, I broke the only Colt 1911 I ever touched but I don't run around telling everyone that Colt makes a bad pistol. However in the case of Taurus, I've experienced parts failures in 100% of their pistols I've fired. </div></div>

Man, I hate ford trucks, they are the biggest pieces of crap around and everyone knows it. They all break etc etc. Now I'm not going to give you a reason why they suck, or any personal experience, just that they suck...


See, I can do it too. It's easy to jump on the band wagon. All I'm saying is, if something sucks so bad, give the OP a reason WHY. it doesn't really give him any valuable information to make an educated decision on choosing a pistol. Everyone else that has had good or bad experiences with different manufacturers says why.

Kinda off topic but it reminds me of this gun shop I called, it was pretty comical. I ask this guy if he has a compact M&P .40 in stock. "NO!, I don't carry those polymer framed guns, they're crap!"...um ok, so you don't carry any polymer framed pistols?..."I try not to, those plastic guns are just crap, I hate 'em"... well good luck with your business...</div></div>

I don't know about Powder Burns' experiences, but having years of experience selling guns, working on a range, and hanging out with gunsmiths, the evidence against them is of a statistical nature, not just purely anecdotal. I'd run out of time and fingertips if I tried to recall and relate every instance of Taurus failure, from revolver cylinders that hadn't been reamed out fully, to certain product lines that have exhibited a 100% failure rate inside of a few hundred rounds (PT22/25, for instance). Some of their guns work better than others, but none of them can come even vaguely close in reliability to a Glock, XD, M&P, etc.

 

[cp3head]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

From my experience, stay away from Taurus. I purchased one earlier this year as a cheap .45 plinker. After around ten to twenty rounds, the extractor just broke off. Taurus did fix it; however, it was a brand new pistol and it broke. The old saying "you get what you pay for" holds true with taurus.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

I really would like to know how many different companies make 1911's in Brazil, I bet its only one.

 

[layinclose2hell]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really would like to know how many different companies make 1911's in Brazil, I bet its only one. </div></div>

You should look up IMBEL and Springfield Armory.
I think there are quite more than one manufacturer producing in Brazil.

Link

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

in summary, taurus= steamy pile of dung

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Guess I should stop shooting mine and reloading for it b/c other people say so...

 

[Downzero]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VAJayJayPunisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">in summary, taurus= steamy pile of dung </div></div>

+1

 

[targaflorio]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

I bought a Taurus 1911 when they first came out. I have about 5k rds through mine and it eats everything. It is very accurate. It is my bedside gun. Having said that, my next 1911 may be the new DW V Bob. It is over $1k though.

 

[phideaux]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

Matt........did you also notice if the firing pin stop was staked at the bottom on both sides where it slides into the slide cut out? I've handled three Taurus 1911's that have been brought into our shop and every one had this useless staking.

 

[phideaux]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cvedrick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kimber is a coin toss, whoever is doing their pre-ship QC is blind, drunk, hungover or a combination. If you do decide to get one, make sure you buy it from a shop with an in-house smith to correct the obvious problems that ship on 50% or more of their pistols.

If you are going to spend the money, look into STI, Caspian or Les Baur. Here is a hint, go to a few IPSC or 3-gun matches and pay attention to what the pros shoot.......

Colt costs too much for what you get.

Springfield, Para and Taurus all have good names, get a baser model then customize it to fit you, not the expensive one that was built as a result of popular demand. (examples of popular demand range from politicians to Xmas tree ARs)

All I know for sure about the RIAs is they are made in the Philippines, <span style="color: #FF0000">have poor metallurgy and worse heat treatments that tends to cause frame cracks at the slide stop hole. </span> If someone tells you they are great, ask them how many rounds they have through it. I have seen 1911s in the other categories above go for hundreds of thousands of rounds provided the springs are changed out every so often. </div></div>

Colt used to have the same problem if you're talking about the rectangular slot area where the slide stop engages the magazine follower. that's why they cut out the little bridged section of that hole now. if you're talking about the actual round hole the slide stop pin is, I've not seen this problem in RIA's out of the several I've build as budget guns for customers. the highest round count in one of these I've built is 5K+ as of two weeks ago when I last saw this customer. aside from problems with his factory mags before buying some CMC mgs, he hasn't mentioned any problems.

 

[Kells81]

Re: Taurus 1911 compared to others?

About 8 years ago I bought my wife her first handgun for her 21st. Well she had the option of any gun in the place and went with a Taurus 92fs even though there was a beretta right next to it she wanted the shine the Taurus offered. We have at least 20k rounds in that handgun and its still in pretty good shape and looks to have lots of life left. She has abandoned it for a Colt 45 custom though.

Forward to last year. I had my FFL get me a 38 super. I had been looking for a colt with not much luck so hit up the T which I had good luck with the 92fs what could I lose. That thing sucked big ones. I tried many other mags with no luck. Sold it and finally got a Colt super off the site here. Its been 100% reliable and is at the smith's now getting some needed updates such as beavertail, novaks, and 9mm barrel fit. I will have 1400-1500 in it when I get it back but well worth it IMO.

I have also owned para,
this is my first one and was my last one. Was within the first 50 rounds and the little piece hit me in the forehead. They took care of it but sold it once it was fixed.

Have had a couple RIA's, plan on buying another one soon so I can try out my checkering fixture. No complaints the price is right on them and the ones I have had have been great runners with decent mags.

I also have a couple springer's The Mil-Spec is a great base gun or you can go with a loaded for a bit more. Usually can find a decent shaped loaded in the 700 range sometimes even cheaper.

Then there are Kimbers, I have had a few and still have one or two. I dont like them as much as Colt or Spring because for some reason they just do not feel right. I am not sure why but its a personal perception issue I guess. Never broke one though.