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Taurus Thunderbolt .357

gregoryhart1
Does anyone have any firsthand experience with these guns? How is their accuracy and reliability? How do the ballistics compare to a handgun?
GH1[:)]
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • givette
    GH1..Response to the reliability part of your question:

    It all depends on the SerNo. The 'thunderbolt' series of pump rifles went through many corrections (user complaints) prior to Tarus' "getting it right".

    If you are looking at one as a potential buyer, you need to have a G/S check the chamber for out-of-spec dimensions, and have the same G/S check for proper cycling of the action with cartridges*.

    The chambers on all but the latest upgrades (just prior to shutdown of the line), were excessively large, and ovoid. All but the final run were known to spit blowback gasses, and loads in the 'cowboy' pressure range would not seal the cartridge against the chamber.

    *Do not 'function test' with live cartridges anywhere except at the range. The only way to unlock the bolt is by lowering the hammer, and the only way to lower the hammer is by pulling the trigger. If the rifle is loaded, you will have to lower the hammer all the way down to where the firing pin may contact the primer. Let the G/S do the function test while in his shop.

    Sidenote: The .357 Thunderbolt pump rifle had a much shorter production lifespan than the .45c rifle. Sales were anaemic, however I can't attest to [paragraph three] as being the reason.

    Conclusion: do not complete the sale without having the chamber either casted, or 'miked' to insure proper dimensions, and do not load the gun except at a location where you will be firing it (never away from the range, etc). Best, Joe

    Good luck! Joe

    Edited for syntax/parse/word composition
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  • fordsix
    just say no to taurus and you will be happy
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  • gregoryhart1
    Thanks for the advice givette. I was actually considering a new weapon not used, so I would like to think the early production problems have been sorted out.
    Iknow Taurus has a bad rep amongst some folks, but I have a Model 65 .357 that I am VERY happy with. I like the idea of having a gun chambered in the same caliber as my revolver, one less set of dies to buy![:D]
    Thanks again for the replies everyone.
    GH1[:)]
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  • rsnyder55
    You may want to consider a lever action by Marlin or an 1892 repro.
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  • iwannausername
    Or if you like the pump action an IMI Timberwolf.
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  • fastcarsgofast
    If you get the Taurus, I hope you never need their customer service.
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