Looking At a Potential Carry Piece…

"sir guido" makes a couple of good points. I'd never ask to fire a new gun. Used ones OTOH aren't usually under factory warranty, so I think I have the right to be sure it works. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't serious, as I think was clear.< />< />The Rental guns OTOH are a great way to try a bunch of different stuff and decide what you like.< />< />Shooting a used "for sale" gun is not a "let's see if I like this" proposition. It's a "let's be sure this thing works before I buy it" proposition. I've almost a gun I didn't like in exactly that way. Shooting it was no fun, but it worked flawlessly, and I wasn't about to wreck my reputation with said dealer by reneiging. < />< />After completing the transaction and cleaning the pistol, I asked him to sell it for me on consignment. He looked at me like I was nuts -- I probably was -- but understood I was a man of my word. < />< />Priceless, that...< />< />He talked me into keeping it to see if it grew on me -- it didn't. Sold it to a friend and broke even.< />< />DD

"sir guido" makes a couple of good points. I'd never ask to fire a new gun. Used ones OTOH aren't usually under factory warranty, so I think I have the right to be sure it works. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't serious, as I think was clear.< />< />The Rental guns OTOH are a great way to try a bunch of different stuff and decide what you like.< />< />Shooting a used "for sale" gun is not a "let's see if I like this" proposition. It's a "let's be sure this thing works before I buy it" proposition. I've almost a gun I didn't like in exactly that way. Shooting it was no fun, but it worked flawlessly, and I wasn't about to wreck my reputation with said dealer by reneiging. < />< />After completing the transaction and cleaning the pistol, I asked him to sell it for me on consignment. He looked at me like I was nuts -- I probably was -- but understood I was a man of my word. < />< />Priceless, that...< />< />He talked me into keeping it to see if it grew on me -- it didn't. Sold it to a friend and broke even.< />< />DD

Had one. GAVE it away. I couldn't bring myself to sell it, as I didn't want to take someone's money for that POS. Every time I fired it the magazine dropped about a half-inch. I wasn't hitting the release, different mags had the same problem. I'm sure there was a cure. My temporary one was to curl a finger underneath to keep everything seated.< />< />Additionally, the center of mass is kinda strange - the barrel is so short that the weight of the ammo wants to pull the weapon out of the holster.

Had one. GAVE it away. I couldn't bring myself to sell it, as I didn't want to take someone's money for that POS. Every time I fired it the magazine dropped about a half-inch. I wasn't hitting the release, different mags had the same problem. I'm sure there was a cure. My temporary one was to curl a finger underneath to keep everything seated.< />< />Additionally, the center of mass is kinda strange - the barrel is so short that the weight of the ammo wants to pull the weapon out of the holster.

If you are wanting the pistol for a concealed carry pistol you may prefer one that has a single stack magazine. The width of the grip on double stacks often times makes them more difficult to conceal especially in warmer weather. < />< />I am required to carry an H&K; USP .45 on duty. It's a good gun and I like it but it is like trying to conceal a brick. Off duty I carry a full size Kimber 1911 in a Milt Sparks Versa Max II IWB Holster in the summer. The manual of arms is very similiar to the H&K; and I can carry the 1911 wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and none has a clue that I have it. The holster is so comfortable sometimes I forget that I have it on.< />< />A friend of mine recently purchased a Taurus 1911 for about $500. I haven't shot it but he likes it fine. It is about half the price of the Kimber. I'm saving up for a Wilson Comabt CQB. They are about $2000. They'll build it the way you want it. They make a great family heirloom. It'll be my gun till I'm gone and then my daughter will have it.

If you are wanting the pistol for a concealed carry pistol you may prefer one that has a single stack magazine. The width of the grip on double stacks often times makes them more difficult to conceal especially in warmer weather. < />< />I am required to carry an H&K; USP .45 on duty. It's a good gun and I like it but it is like trying to conceal a brick. Off duty I carry a full size Kimber 1911 in a Milt Sparks Versa Max II IWB Holster in the summer. The manual of arms is very similiar to the H&K; and I can carry the 1911 wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and none has a clue that I have it. The holster is so comfortable sometimes I forget that I have it on.< />< />A friend of mine recently purchased a Taurus 1911 for about $500. I haven't shot it but he likes it fine. It is about half the price of the Kimber. I'm saving up for a Wilson Comabt CQB. They are about $2000. They'll build it the way you want it. They make a great family heirloom. It'll be my gun till I'm gone and then my daughter will have it.

going to be firing it until I have cash in my hand a 4473 cleared. If I let you go out on the range and put a hundred rounds through it, and you decide you don't want it? I have a used gun on my hands now, that I will never get a new price for. < />< />Cleaning it doesn't matter, I can look at most firearms and tell you about how much they have been fired, no matter how well you clean it afterwards. If I can tell, so might the next guy that wants to buy it.< />< />New gun, and you wanna shoot it? Put your money down.< />< />2. Used gun? Now, this is a different story. If you want to put a mag or two, or a cylinder or two, through it, it'll happen. Hell, I'll probably lay the ammo on you. But you had better be serious about it, or it might not happen too many times.< />< />3. But what if it breaks? This may sound hard-assed, but, guns break. This is the very reason I give you free range time, targets, and all the rest of the goodies the day you buy it. So you can go out on the range and shoot it. If there is a problem with it, tell me that day, right then. I will fix it, or arrange to have it fixed for you. Believe it or not, we make it a policy to take care of our customers. < />< />But if you come back two months later, complaining that something broke on it the day you bought it, and you didn't tell us then, and now you are all pissed off and want your money back? Don't expect much sympathy. < />< />3. Consignment guns. Unless the owner of the piece is standing there beside you saying that "Yes, this is cool with me!", again, it is not happening. That is not my property, and I am not taking chances with it. I have checked it over when it came in, and found nothing out of sorts with it, which is how it wound up in the case. But it is still my responsibility to the owner of it to keep it in the condition in which it was in when he or she walked in the door with it.< />< />Sorry, you are not shooting it. < />< />The same thing applies as above, you will still get the range time and targets, and I will still help you out on fixing any problems it has. If you tell me right then and there, right after your range session, that there is a problem with it.< />< />4. Now, you want to shoot a particular gun I have in the counter, but all I have are new ones. That is what those forty-some guns hanging on hooks on the wall are all about. Those are rentals. Tell me what you are looking for/at, and I might just have one hanging up there in plain sight for you to try. Try it out, pay for the ammo, put some rounds downrange. If you like the way that Glock 19 or Smith M&P9; feel in your hand, and you buy one... Gee, rental fee? What rental fee? Range fee? What's that? Targets? Did you use targets?< />< />Now, some commenters are going to think I sound like total hard-nosed a$$hole about some of this. Sorry folks, if that is how you feel about it, but that is the way it is. Buying from an individual, (assuming it is legal in your state), you might be able to "put several hundred rounds though it" before you buy it. But not in a store, unless you and the owner (or the manager/counter people), are REALLY good friends. < />< />Just the way it is, peeps.< />< />As far as the Taurus goes, AD? If the money is right, go for it. If you can pull the trigger on it first, even better.< />< />I have previously owned several of them, still have one or two around, and other than a weak trigger return spring in one of the (early 80's) revolvers, have not had any problems with them.< />< />Just see how it fits you, and if you like it, go for it!

going to be firing it until I have cash in my hand a 4473 cleared. If I let you go out on the range and put a hundred rounds through it, and you decide you don't want it? I have a used gun on my hands now, that I will never get a new price for. < />< />Cleaning it doesn't matter, I can look at most firearms and tell you about how much they have been fired, no matter how well you clean it afterwards. If I can tell, so might the next guy that wants to buy it.< />< />New gun, and you wanna shoot it? Put your money down.< />< />2. Used gun? Now, this is a different story. If you want to put a mag or two, or a cylinder or two, through it, it'll happen. Hell, I'll probably lay the ammo on you. But you had better be serious about it, or it might not happen too many times.< />< />3. But what if it breaks? This may sound hard-assed, but, guns break. This is the very reason I give you free range time, targets, and all the rest of the goodies the day you buy it. So you can go out on the range and shoot it. If there is a problem with it, tell me that day, right then. I will fix it, or arrange to have it fixed for you. Believe it or not, we make it a policy to take care of our customers. < />< />But if you come back two months later, complaining that something broke on it the day you bought it, and you didn't tell us then, and now you are all pissed off and want your money back? Don't expect much sympathy. < />< />3. Consignment guns. Unless the owner of the piece is standing there beside you saying that "Yes, this is cool with me!", again, it is not happening. That is not my property, and I am not taking chances with it. I have checked it over when it came in, and found nothing out of sorts with it, which is how it wound up in the case. But it is still my responsibility to the owner of it to keep it in the condition in which it was in when he or she walked in the door with it.< />< />Sorry, you are not shooting it. < />< />The same thing applies as above, you will still get the range time and targets, and I will still help you out on fixing any problems it has. If you tell me right then and there, right after your range session, that there is a problem with it.< />< />4. Now, you want to shoot a particular gun I have in the counter, but all I have are new ones. That is what those forty-some guns hanging on hooks on the wall are all about. Those are rentals. Tell me what you are looking for/at, and I might just have one hanging up there in plain sight for you to try. Try it out, pay for the ammo, put some rounds downrange. If you like the way that Glock 19 or Smith M&P9; feel in your hand, and you buy one... Gee, rental fee? What rental fee? Range fee? What's that? Targets? Did you use targets?< />< />Now, some commenters are going to think I sound like total hard-nosed a$$hole about some of this. Sorry folks, if that is how you feel about it, but that is the way it is. Buying from an individual, (assuming it is legal in your state), you might be able to "put several hundred rounds though it" before you buy it. But not in a store, unless you and the owner (or the manager/counter people), are REALLY good friends. < />< />Just the way it is, peeps.< />< />As far as the Taurus goes, AD? If the money is right, go for it. If you can pull the trigger on it first, even better.< />< />I have previously owned several of them, still have one or two around, and other than a weak trigger return spring in one of the (early 80's) revolvers, have not had any problems with them.< />< />Just see how it fits you, and if you like it, go for it!

AD:< />< />Personally, I have not been a fan of the Taurus product line since the 1980's when I saw some very shoddy work by them. Things may, and probably have changed since then, but I've noticed already a couple of QC comments. It may be worth some consideration on your part.< />< />It depends on how much you're willing to spend for the weapon. If price is not a barrier - then I would consider Sig first, HK next then Colt/S&W;/Glock. (However the last Sig I played with was a top eject and I kept getting pinged in the center of my forehead with a spent casing - about twice per magazine.)< />< />If price is an issue, certainly take the weapon out and put several hundred rounds through it before you purchase it. If the seller won't let you do that, then walk away.< />< />Just my thoughts...take or leave as appropriate.

AD:< />< />Personally, I have not been a fan of the Taurus product line since the 1980's when I saw some very shoddy work by them. Things may, and probably have changed since then, but I've noticed already a couple of QC comments. It may be worth some consideration on your part.< />< />It depends on how much you're willing to spend for the weapon. If price is not a barrier - then I would consider Sig first, HK next then Colt/S&W;/Glock. (However the last Sig I played with was a top eject and I kept getting pinged in the center of my forehead with a spent casing - about twice per magazine.)< />< />If price is an issue, certainly take the weapon out and put several hundred rounds through it before you purchase it. If the seller won't let you do that, then walk away.< />< />Just my thoughts...take or leave as appropriate.

Make sure it is something you can easily conceal. Nothing is more embarrassing then sitting down in a nice pizza parlor with your family, to find every other customer giving you a cold look. You look down to see you pistol is sticking out from under your shirt. It is right up there with walking around with your fly open, exempt no one calls the police when your fly is down. Well, they may if your not wearing any underwoos, but they normally don't.< />< />The .45 is a good caliber, but I am willing to trade a heavy bullet for something easy to conceal. I used to hate .380 short, until a friend pointed out you don't need a round that lands a block away after passing through your target, just so long as it passes through.

Make sure it is something you can easily conceal. Nothing is more embarrassing then sitting down in a nice pizza parlor with your family, to find every other customer giving you a cold look. You look down to see you pistol is sticking out from under your shirt. It is right up there with walking around with your fly open, exempt no one calls the police when your fly is down. Well, they may if your not wearing any underwoos, but they normally don't.< />< />The .45 is a good caliber, but I am willing to trade a heavy bullet for something easy to conceal. I used to hate .380 short, until a friend pointed out you don't need a round that lands a block away after passing through your target, just so long as it passes through.

One thing to watch is that I have heard a number of complaints about the issues with the firing pin.< />< />Personally it felt like a log in my hand, and wouldn't be one that I would pick. < />< />Seriously I would get it checked by a gunsmith before parting with that hard earned cash

One thing to watch is that I have heard a number of complaints about the issues with the firing pin.< />< />Personally it felt like a log in my hand, and wouldn't be one that I would pick. < />< />Seriously I would get it checked by a gunsmith before parting with that hard earned cash

See if they'll let you shoot it first. < />< />< />Short of a woman, there is NOTHING that is more specific to a man's individual tastes than a handgun. No one can pick a handgun for another person, and expect to find the right gun, outside of a complete fluke. < />< />Hell, my boy LawDog loves this heavy-triggered old Ruger .357 that I would only carry on a dare, or if ordered to. And I trust LD's opinions on things. (Except, possibly, trigger jobs. :) )< />< />It's all about individual tastes.

See if they'll let you shoot it first. < />< />< />Short of a woman, there is NOTHING that is more specific to a man's individual tastes than a handgun. No one can pick a handgun for another person, and expect to find the right gun, outside of a complete fluke. < />< />Hell, my boy LawDog loves this heavy-triggered old Ruger .357 that I would only carry on a dare, or if ordered to. And I trust LD's opinions on things. (Except, possibly, trigger jobs. :) )< />< />It's all about individual tastes.

"< />< />Thunderwear...

"< />< />Thunderwear...

I need to recheck if bazooka is still illegal to tote and around and use in the US.< />< />Apparently the ATF gets pretty rowdy when you want to carry an anti-armor piece. Also, I'm not going to tell you how I'm going to conceal it.

I need to recheck if bazooka is still illegal to tote and around and use in the US.< />< />Apparently the ATF gets pretty rowdy when you want to carry an anti-armor piece. Also, I'm not going to tell you how I'm going to conceal it.

I have two in .45, one DAO and the other SA/DA "single action with restrike capability" (2nd and 3rd generation respectively). Both have been reliable through hundreds and hundreds of rounds (have shot over 400 rounds in a single session with no issues), and I really like them a lot.< />< />Taurus customer service doesn't give me a warm fuzzy vibe, however. < />< />So, the gun is a really good one(if you don't get a lemon), but if you do have an issue, have a spare pistol handy and be prepared to w a i t...

I have two in .45, one DAO and the other SA/DA "single action with restrike capability" (2nd and 3rd generation respectively). Both have been reliable through hundreds and hundreds of rounds (have shot over 400 rounds in a single session with no issues), and I really like them a lot.< />< />Taurus customer service doesn't give me a warm fuzzy vibe, however. < />< />So, the gun is a really good one(if you don't get a lemon), but if you do have an issue, have a spare pistol handy and be prepared to w a i t...

I like mine, but again it's a 3rd gen PT-145 pro. Makes a BIG difference.< />< />The 3rd gen "pretty much always SA" trigger is fine.< />< />The finish on the chamber/rifling is a little rough but fine for a sub $300 gun, and it shoots just fine. < />< />I load mine up with just a little over +p 185 grain handloads and it never fails to hit what I'm aiming at.

I like mine, but again it's a 3rd gen PT-145 pro. Makes a BIG difference.< />< />The 3rd gen "pretty much always SA" trigger is fine.< />< />The finish on the chamber/rifling is a little rough but fine for a sub $300 gun, and it shoots just fine. < />< />I load mine up with just a little over +p 185 grain handloads and it never fails to hit what I'm aiming at.

Ya know, you could always just forget the whole thing and buy an MP-5. Sure, it's not as concealable, but imagine the looks you'll get! :)

Ya know, you could always just forget the whole thing and buy an MP-5. Sure, it's not as concealable, but imagine the looks you'll get! :)

I have one, the third generation model. It is reliable and accurate, but it doesn't fit my hand well. It has appreciable recoil and muzzle flip with a 230-grain load (and I am NOT recoil shy), so my suggestion is quite simple: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Shoot it, and shoot it after drawing it as if your life depended on it. If you can draw it and shoot it without having to "juggle it" to get a proper grip, and you hit what you aim at WITH MULTIPLE SHOTS, then by all means go for broke.< />< />Me, I'm getting a Kimber Pro Covert II, likely in the next few days (meaning it's at the store, but they haven't unpacked the new stock yet). It'll be my first 1911, and I find they fit my hand as if John Moses used me for a model. Plus, I'm having more and more difficulty seeing iron sights, and I think Crimson Trace laser grips are the answer for me. This particular 1911 comes with 'em, and they're expensive.< />< />My experience is the PT145 is NOT a pocket gun. It'll fit in my pocket, but "drawing" it from my pocket is a joke, and I have small but strong hands. For me, a holster is required. Given that, a 1911 is just as concealable.< />< />The downside is that a 1911 is more expensive, particularly the one I'm getting, but that's OK, 'cause this is America, where you can earn some more.< />< />My original thinking was, "Yeah, that'll work, and it's (ahem) not expensive." I am disappointed, not with the quality of the gun, but with myself. I didn't follow my own motto: The bitterness of the wrong choice lasts longer than the pleasure of a low price. Now I'll have a spare gun and less money. < />< />It's better to get it right than to get it right now. Make sure it's right for you.

I have one, the third generation model. It is reliable and accurate, but it doesn't fit my hand well. It has appreciable recoil and muzzle flip with a 230-grain load (and I am NOT recoil shy), so my suggestion is quite simple: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Shoot it, and shoot it after drawing it as if your life depended on it. If you can draw it and shoot it without having to "juggle it" to get a proper grip, and you hit what you aim at WITH MULTIPLE SHOTS, then by all means go for broke.< />< />Me, I'm getting a Kimber Pro Covert II, likely in the next few days (meaning it's at the store, but they haven't unpacked the new stock yet). It'll be my first 1911, and I find they fit my hand as if John Moses used me for a model. Plus, I'm having more and more difficulty seeing iron sights, and I think Crimson Trace laser grips are the answer for me. This particular 1911 comes with 'em, and they're expensive.< />< />My experience is the PT145 is NOT a pocket gun. It'll fit in my pocket, but "drawing" it from my pocket is a joke, and I have small but strong hands. For me, a holster is required. Given that, a 1911 is just as concealable.< />< />The downside is that a 1911 is more expensive, particularly the one I'm getting, but that's OK, 'cause this is America, where you can earn some more.< />< />My original thinking was, "Yeah, that'll work, and it's (ahem) not expensive." I am disappointed, not with the quality of the gun, but with myself. I didn't follow my own motto: The bitterness of the wrong choice lasts longer than the pleasure of a low price. Now I'll have a spare gun and less money. < />< />It's better to get it right than to get it right now. Make sure it's right for you.

AD,< />I've always been a fan of Tarus, I qualified expert with one of their pistols. Though I like them I don't carry one. My carry gun is a SIG P230SS. I picked a .380 due to frame size and bullet diameter/weight. My hands are the size of baseball gloves and the hanging pinky thing is something I can't get away from easily, so the frame size was more important than it might be for some folks.< />Remember self defence isn't from long range, that would be a fire fight. The life or death issue should be resolved in one or two shots, other wise it's a fire fight again.< />For that reason the mag capacity isn't too important. Most things die quicker from good bullet placement and penetrating wounds than high velocity/hydro shock wounds. Shocking impact certainly helps though. Bullet calibers are strictly a numbers game. Mass (bullet weight) times acceleration (muzzle valocity) determines recoil, when opposed by weight of the weapon. No one shoots a high recoil weapon as well as a low recoil weapon.< />Luckily self defence is at short range, long range is sniping (see fire fight), so the twenty five yard group is largely unimportant.< />I'm pretty sure someone will take issue with that.< />If your choice of weapon is strictly self defence, consider the above and choose something that a lawyer can't say "you picked X because you just wanted to kill someone." If it's multiple use, get the one you like and shoot a lot, thats the only way to shoot good. < />I belive that accurate is better than big, if you can hit what you shoot at-anything will work, if you can't- nothing will work.

AD,< />I've always been a fan of Tarus, I qualified expert with one of their pistols. Though I like them I don't carry one. My carry gun is a SIG P230SS. I picked a .380 due to frame size and bullet diameter/weight. My hands are the size of baseball gloves and the hanging pinky thing is something I can't get away from easily, so the frame size was more important than it might be for some folks.< />Remember self defence isn't from long range, that would be a fire fight. The life or death issue should be resolved in one or two shots, other wise it's a fire fight again.< />For that reason the mag capacity isn't too important. Most things die quicker from good bullet placement and penetrating wounds than high velocity/hydro shock wounds. Shocking impact certainly helps though. Bullet calibers are strictly a numbers game. Mass (bullet weight) times acceleration (muzzle valocity) determines recoil, when opposed by weight of the weapon. No one shoots a high recoil weapon as well as a low recoil weapon.< />Luckily self defence is at short range, long range is sniping (see fire fight), so the twenty five yard group is largely unimportant.< />I'm pretty sure someone will take issue with that.< />If your choice of weapon is strictly self defence, consider the above and choose something that a lawyer can't say "you picked X because you just wanted to kill someone." If it's multiple use, get the one you like and shoot a lot, thats the only way to shoot good. < />I belive that accurate is better than big, if you can hit what you shoot at-anything will work, if you can't- nothing will work.

Ok AD I will spew my opinion a little, the trigger is nasty on the PT145 MP, ask to run some rounds through it and see how it feels....If the price is right and your happy with it, take her to the range and Bang the hell out of her.

Ok AD I will spew my opinion a little, the trigger is nasty on the PT145 MP, ask to run some rounds through it and see how it feels....If the price is right and your happy with it, take her to the range and Bang the hell out of her.

The only thing that worries me about Taurus is there QC is spotty. I have never warmed up to there pistols...but YMMV

The only thing that worries me about Taurus is there QC is spotty. I have never warmed up to there pistols...but YMMV

I've got a red taurus wagon that I open carry when it's not parked in the garage. Gets 24-26 mpg. Runs well on 87 octane regular. Doesn't like diesel too much.

I've got a red taurus wagon that I open carry when it's not parked in the garage. Gets 24-26 mpg. Runs well on 87 octane regular. Doesn't like diesel too much.

Be advised that Taurus' customer service almost makes H&K;'s seem pleasant & customer oriented. There's been problems with the lawyer-locks on their revolvers. (I removed the bloody thing from my Judge after it locked up on me at the range.)

Be advised that Taurus' customer service almost makes H&K;'s seem pleasant & customer oriented. There's been problems with the lawyer-locks on their revolvers. (I removed the bloody thing from my Judge after it locked up on me at the range.)

I've got a PT145 10 rounder as well. The trigger pull is a bit excessive, as James said. It's got a bit of a bark to it, and muzzle flip is what you'd expect out of something with a shorter barrel. The magazines don't fit flush with the bottom of the grip, which annoys some people.< />< />You, like me, do not appear to be a small man. This can cause two problems I've found, especially when carrying IWB. First, the grip is short, so you're going to have a hanging pinky, probably. Second, the grip feels short, so it's hard to get a firm grip on it when pulling out of the holster when you're not six pack skinny.< />< />For IWB, I prefer the XD .45 with a 4" barrel overall. A full size 1911 is also preferred carry over the Taurus. The 1911 grip, is of course, a bit more "printy," but you sure as hell don't have any problems getting a positive grip like you do with the PT145.

I've got a PT145 10 rounder as well. The trigger pull is a bit excessive, as James said. It's got a bit of a bark to it, and muzzle flip is what you'd expect out of something with a shorter barrel. The magazines don't fit flush with the bottom of the grip, which annoys some people.< />< />You, like me, do not appear to be a small man. This can cause two problems I've found, especially when carrying IWB. First, the grip is short, so you're going to have a hanging pinky, probably. Second, the grip feels short, so it's hard to get a firm grip on it when pulling out of the holster when you're not six pack skinny.< />< />For IWB, I prefer the XD .45 with a 4" barrel overall. A full size 1911 is also preferred carry over the Taurus. The 1911 grip, is of course, a bit more "printy," but you sure as hell don't have any problems getting a positive grip like you do with the PT145.

I'm with divemedic. I sold mine because of the heavy trigger pull. It's significantly harder than my Ruger Alaskan in double action, or at least mine was. < />< />However, if you like the trigger pull and are otherwise happy with how it feels in your hand, then I say go for it. I know several folks who have them and swear by them.

I'm with divemedic. I sold mine because of the heavy trigger pull. It's significantly harder than my Ruger Alaskan in double action, or at least mine was. < />< />However, if you like the trigger pull and are otherwise happy with how it feels in your hand, then I say go for it. I know several folks who have them and swear by them.

BEFORE you buy Be sure to have a gunsmith check it out. AND shoot it!!! Its very possible to have a cracked barrel and you would never know, except the bullets just will not go where you want them to. Also< />I have found popular guns that dont fit my hand, OR slides that catch my thumb...a very painful and bloody problem! You know its a light, powerful gun ( as far as handguns go) but your a big guy I'm sure thats not a problem.< />As far as the gun itself Taurus makes a solid weapon.< />< />Good luck!

BEFORE you buy Be sure to have a gunsmith check it out. AND shoot it!!! Its very possible to have a cracked barrel and you would never know, except the bullets just will not go where you want them to. Also< />I have found popular guns that dont fit my hand, OR slides that catch my thumb...a very painful and bloody problem! You know its a light, powerful gun ( as far as handguns go) but your a big guy I'm sure thats not a problem.< />As far as the gun itself Taurus makes a solid weapon.< />< />Good luck!

I have two of them - the PT145 ten-rounder and the PT745 6-rounder (mag capacity, that is). I like them both. They've been reliable for me through several hundred rounds, and I trust them as carry pieces.< />< />(I also have Glocks, S&W; revolvers, Springfield XD's and others in my carry rotation, and for a gun to earn its way onto my 'trusted' list, it has to be very reliable. The PT series have done OK for me so far.)

I have two of them - the PT145 ten-rounder and the PT745 6-rounder (mag capacity, that is). I like them both. They've been reliable for me through several hundred rounds, and I trust them as carry pieces.< />< />(I also have Glocks, S&W; revolvers, Springfield XD's and others in my carry rotation, and for a gun to earn its way onto my 'trusted' list, it has to be very reliable. The PT series have done OK for me so far.)

glock .40

glock .40

A.D.,< />I would recommend putting several rounds through it. I have shot a Tarus.I personally like the Glock.I own a model 22 .40cal.and I love it.If it feels good and you like it after a test fire. Then buyit.Rick

A.D.,< />I would recommend putting several rounds through it. I have shot a Tarus.I personally like the Glock.I own a model 22 .40cal.and I love it.If it feels good and you like it after a test fire. Then buyit.Rick

Well, I don't know AD... you might feel pretty silly ONLY having 11 rounds. What if you empty 'er and the bad guys are still coming? I would feel a little more safe with 14 rounds.< />< />Sorry--sarcasm isn't becoming of me.

Well, I don't know AD... you might feel pretty silly ONLY having 11 rounds. What if you empty 'er and the bad guys are still coming? I would feel a little more safe with 14 rounds.< />< />Sorry--sarcasm isn't becoming of me.

I think the shooting the pistol will be best, at least a hundred rounds with multiple magazines. And a forty-five is serious size, you can handle it.< />< />Remember to shoot twice and deadly or you might be expected to save the victim from his foolishness and your expertise.

I think the shooting the pistol will be best, at least a hundred rounds with multiple magazines. And a forty-five is serious size, you can handle it.< />< />Remember to shoot twice and deadly or you might be expected to save the victim from his foolishness and your expertise.

Hey AD. I forget if I've commented on here before, but after witnessing my first bad accident today (couple on a motorcycle t-boned by a pickup- both alive and after a couple minutes both concious and mostly oriented but with multiple fractures, probable head and internal injuries) and being one of the first ones on scene (with first aid too) I have a new respect for all you emergency workers, and I know your posts will all become even more vivid now I've seen it with my own eyes. I think your blog helped me be prepared for today somehow. So thanks for being awesome.

Hey AD. I forget if I've commented on here before, but after witnessing my first bad accident today (couple on a motorcycle t-boned by a pickup- both alive and after a couple minutes both concious and mostly oriented but with multiple fractures, probable head and internal injuries) and being one of the first ones on scene (with first aid too) I have a new respect for all you emergency workers, and I know your posts will all become even more vivid now I've seen it with my own eyes. I think your blog helped me be prepared for today somehow. So thanks for being awesome.

Forget that piece of shit. Get a S&W; j-frame...

Forget that piece of shit. Get a S&W; j-frame...

'Specially since it's used- shoot a few mags through it.< />< />Many a gun I've like the numbers on, how it felt in my hand, etc- until I fired it.

'Specially since it's used- shoot a few mags through it.< />< />Many a gun I've like the numbers on, how it felt in my hand, etc- until I fired it.

AD,< />< />I have been carrying a PT145 Millenium Pro (3rd Generation) for several months now and have put something in the neighborhood of 800 rounds through it. I absolutely love the gun, it has been rock reliable, eating anything I've loaded into it, and it is plenty accurate at up to 20 yards.< />< />You did state that it is a Millenium Pro but you should be aware that there are 3 different generations of gun bearing the Millenium monicker. From what I have read on the internet forums the Gen 1 guns (identified only as Millenium) should be avoided due to early teething problems with the polymer frame and recoil spring assembly.< />< />The Gen 2 guns (first to bear the Millenium Pro name) are double-action only and the Gen 3 guns are single action/double action (single action only unless failure-to-fire at which point the gun reverts to double action for a re-strike). The Gen 2 and Gen 3 guns are most easily differentiated by the sights, the Gen 2 has a standard 3 dot sight set screwed directly to the slide top. The Gen 3 has Heinie Straight-8 sights dovetailed into the slide.< />< />I have shot both my Gen 3 and a friends Gen 2 and while I prefer the single action trigger the DAO is a decent trigger as well.< />< />Check out www.taurusarmed.net forums for more information.< />< />I hope this helps, and here's a preemptive welcome to the Taurus owners club!< />< />< />Steve

AD,< />< />I have been carrying a PT145 Millenium Pro (3rd Generation) for several months now and have put something in the neighborhood of 800 rounds through it. I absolutely love the gun, it has been rock reliable, eating anything I've loaded into it, and it is plenty accurate at up to 20 yards.< />< />You did state that it is a Millenium Pro but you should be aware that there are 3 different generations of gun bearing the Millenium monicker. From what I have read on the internet forums the Gen 1 guns (identified only as Millenium) should be avoided due to early teething problems with the polymer frame and recoil spring assembly.< />< />The Gen 2 guns (first to bear the Millenium Pro name) are double-action only and the Gen 3 guns are single action/double action (single action only unless failure-to-fire at which point the gun reverts to double action for a re-strike). The Gen 2 and Gen 3 guns are most easily differentiated by the sights, the Gen 2 has a standard 3 dot sight set screwed directly to the slide top. The Gen 3 has Heinie Straight-8 sights dovetailed into the slide.< />< />I have shot both my Gen 3 and a friends Gen 2 and while I prefer the single action trigger the DAO is a decent trigger as well.< />< />Check out www.taurusarmed.net forums for more information.< />< />I hope this helps, and here's a preemptive welcome to the Taurus owners club!< />< />< />Steve

I owned a Millennium in .40 cal, and finally traded it for another pistol because the trigger was far too stiff.

I owned a Millennium in .40 cal, and finally traded it for another pistol because the trigger was far too stiff.

I don't own a Taurus, but I have some co-workers who do. They like them. DD is right. If the price is right and you are comfortable with it, get 'er done!

I don't own a Taurus, but I have some co-workers who do. They like them. DD is right. If the price is right and you are comfortable with it, get 'er done!

My HK was totally the coolest thing I sold an extra organ to buy! I knew I had two kidneys for a reason

My HK was totally the coolest thing I sold an extra organ to buy! I knew I had two kidneys for a reason

I'm not a big .45 guy. My choice of carry is either my S&W; 915 or my Walther PPK .380.< />< />Looking at an MP40, though.

I'm not a big .45 guy. My choice of carry is either my S&W; 915 or my Walther PPK .380.< />< />Looking at an MP40, though.

Oh yeah, almost forgot......from some of us fanboys, it is not "H&K;" but is more commonly "hekler and coke" or "HK". But that is just one little fan boy here splitting hairs.< />< />Carry on................

Oh yeah, almost forgot......from some of us fanboys, it is not "H&K;" but is more commonly "hekler and coke" or "HK". But that is just one little fan boy here splitting hairs.< />< />Carry on................

Decent gun in it's price range. I have seen them as low as $310 new, so you can base the value from that for a used gun.< />< />The important thing is to practice a lot with it. A $300 gun in the hands of someone who knows how to use it is worth a lot more than a $4000 gun in the hands of someone that does not practice.< />< />Good luck and have fun, I am currently breaking in a Colt New Agent .45acp which I really like but the cost was three times the Taurus.

Decent gun in it's price range. I have seen them as low as $310 new, so you can base the value from that for a used gun.< />< />The important thing is to practice a lot with it. A $300 gun in the hands of someone who knows how to use it is worth a lot more than a $4000 gun in the hands of someone that does not practice.< />< />Good luck and have fun, I am currently breaking in a Colt New Agent .45acp which I really like but the cost was three times the Taurus.

IF you like it, and it seems sound, and the price is right, GRAB it.< />< />Personally, I'd do a bunch of Googling to find out what others think/experienced.< />< />Other things to consider are concealment -- what works for others may not work for you.< />< />When buying used guns, unless the price is so right I am sure I can fix it and still be ahead, I usually ask to be allowed to test it by firing a few mags. < />< />Guns that feel OK on first impression may be horrible to shoot and vice-versa.< />< />I bought the ammo from the shop and tested on their range, private sellers came with me. Only once did I not buy the gun due to a broken safety, but I cleaned it spotless (it was dirty when given to me) and returned it better than I'd taken it. < />< />The shop-owner thanked me profusely and has since been happy to let me try anything I wanted. He fixed the gun and raised the price $100 because it looked so much better.< />< />One guy refused, the price was right and I knew I could unload it if I didn't like it so I bought it. No problems. Another guy refused and I passed -- something didn't feel right. Heard later from the person who bought it that it was a POS. Follow your instincts.< />< />Sorry for rambling -- hopefully there's something here you can use...< />< />DD

IF you like it, and it seems sound, and the price is right, GRAB it.< />< />Personally, I'd do a bunch of Googling to find out what others think/experienced.< />< />Other things to consider are concealment -- what works for others may not work for you.< />< />When buying used guns, unless the price is so right I am sure I can fix it and still be ahead, I usually ask to be allowed to test it by firing a few mags. < />< />Guns that feel OK on first impression may be horrible to shoot and vice-versa.< />< />I bought the ammo from the shop and tested on their range, private sellers came with me. Only once did I not buy the gun due to a broken safety, but I cleaned it spotless (it was dirty when given to me) and returned it better than I'd taken it. < />< />The shop-owner thanked me profusely and has since been happy to let me try anything I wanted. He fixed the gun and raised the price $100 because it looked so much better.< />< />One guy refused, the price was right and I knew I could unload it if I didn't like it so I bought it. No problems. Another guy refused and I passed -- something didn't feel right. Heard later from the person who bought it that it was a POS. Follow your instincts.< />< />Sorry for rambling -- hopefully there's something here you can use...< />< />DD