Many threads discussing the pros and cons of Ruger versus S&W, but not much discussion on Taurus. I owned a Raging Bull in .454 Casull and really liked it. Shot well, recoil was tolerable, and seemed quite strong. I sold it because it was just too cumbersome for hip carry, but regret getting rid of it. Thoughts, anyone? Ruger vs. S&W vs. Taurus?

I am not a big fan of Taurus products. I do not believe that their quality of workmanship or materials is up to those of S&W or Ruger. While any gun can be fun to shoot as long as it is working properly, I have seen too many Taurus products over the years that wouldn't. I would never carry one to protect myself or my children given a choice. Maybe they make them better now, but serious competitors obviously don't consider them to be accurate or reliable enough for competition, or you would see them on the firing line. Just my opinion, YMMV.

I looked at the Raging Bull when it came out, and it turned me off for two reasons: one, it was ported, which to me makes no sense for a handloader. Secondly, it was just too darned big for my liking...

I have taken a hard look at Taurus products over the last several years, and I think their workmanship and overall quality have improved light years... I really liked their 431 and 441 models in the 44 Special, and if it weren't for the porting in their model 415, I would own one of those.

Sincerely believe they are worth considering. I believe they are strong competitors in the American handgun market.

I have two Taurus revolvers. One is a raging bull 454 and the other is a tracker titanium 41mag. I like them both. I think they are very accurate and reliable.

I have a SS 8" Taurus Raging Bull in .454 Casull I bought many years ago it is one of my favorite revolvers.

It just comes down to personal preference. I like them all and if the gun feels good and shoots good what does it matter? Best is to have all of them.
I'm retired and can't buy them and if any of you feel compelled, send what you don't like my way to evaluate and test for 20 years.

i love my 8 3/8" .44 raging bull, but it"s a big gun. Do you want to do a lot of shooting or is it a multi purpose tool that"ll be carried a lot? i could shoot hot and heavy loads out of my gun all day long, because it"s heavy and ported with big grips. if you want something more portable then the bull is a bit big.
whatever you decide,
good shooting

I bought a Raging Bull in .454 Casull three years ago to take mountain lion hunting. I had a crossdraw holster/rig made by Kilpatrick. The cross draw set up is perfect. It's compfortable and out of the way. I needed both hands free to climb those snow and ice-covered, oxygen-free mountains. Slipped my butt off and thought I was going to die from exhaustion and oxygen deprivation. The gun is very accurate (I shoot iron sights with pistols) and I took a very nice cat with one shot through the heart. He probably didn't go over 20 feet. I like my Taurus. No complaints.

Good to read the comments on this thread. Just curious, why the lack of interest by one of the chaps because of handloading? How do the ports affect that?

Bill, the reason I don't think a handgun needs porting, especially if you are a handloader, is that you can tone the loads down so the recoil isn't as fierce. I can shoot full tilt stuff out of my revolvers, but seldom is there a need to do much of it. Work up the load, make sure it prints well, and then shoot the mid-range stuff to stay in practice. It can be painful to shoot two or three boxes of "hot" handloads, but two or three boxes of midrange stuff are just comfortable...

Doubless. I could not agree more. I hunt with heavy hadnloads in 45 Colt, but for every day shooting and practice I tone them down. Then tune up with the hot ones before the hunt and I am ready to go.

quote:

Originally posted by billinthewild:
Good to read the comments on this thread. Just curious, why the lack of interest by one of the chaps because of handloading? How do the ports affect that?

Like I said I love my Raging Bull. That being said the ports are a pain in the arse when I shoot lead bullets. The ports gets plated with lead and I have to scrape it out. No problem with jacketed bullets and the hotter loads the ports help push the front down, but man is it "LOUD".