Heres a review on the Taurus .454 (pictures included)

[Blackcatbones]

(I originally posted this on another gun board)


Today I picked up the speedloaders for my Taurus .454 Casull from the post office and it has inspired me to write a review of sorts for this amazing revolver.


I will start with some specs and features from the Taurus company.

Caliber: .454 Casull
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 8-3/8"
Porting: YES
Action: DA/SA
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Front Sight: Patridge
Grooves Turn: Right
Grooves: 6
Frame: Large
Trigger Type: Smooth
Construction: Steel
Weight: 63 oz
Height: 6.20"
Width: 1.775"
Rate of Twist: 1:24"
Grips: Rubber w/Cushioned Insert
Finish: Matte Stainless Steel




Features:

Dual lockup cylinder
Provides stability under extreme chamber pressures.

Cushioned insert grip
Exclusive on the RAGING ™ Series large frame revolvers, Cushioned insert grip pillows recoil and makes shooting comfort a reality.


Porting
Referred to as factory tuned porting and gas expansion chamber for recoil and makes shooting comfort a reality.


Transfer Bar
The transfer bar mechanism prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled fully to the rear.

Taurus Security System (TSS)rs
Taurus family of semi-auto pistols all feature the Taurus Security System, which provides instant-ready defense with built-in ability to secure your pistol and make it inoperable at the turn of a key. When the Security System is engaged, the pistol cannot be fired or cocked and the gun's manual safety cannot be disengaged. As with our revolver Security System, the device is part of the firearm and cannot be lost, and the same special Security Key works for both the revolver and pistol Systems (two keys come with each gun). To engage: simply insert the Key into the button on the rear or side of the pistol and rotate one-quarter turn clockwise. This engages the Security System. The manual safety cannot be moved and the trigger cannot be pulled. To disengage: simply rotate the key one-quarter turn back. This releases the Security System, yet leaves the pistol's manual safety in the "safe" position until you are ready to release it yourself and fire the gun.

The Taurus took a year to arrive from the date of purchase. I hear this is pretty standard when trying to get a Taurus in Canada. However it is well worth the wait.
I have also heard that if it does need repairs this can take just as long but barring the unexpected I hope it doesnt need any real repairs for a long time.


This is a Large handgun capable of firing both .45 colt and .454
For its size it is in no way cumbersome, in fact it is surprisingly light in the hand. This is due to the MIM micro injected metal process of manufacturing.
This method is used to create extremely tough precision parts that are a fration the size of conventional steel parts.


The combination of downward porting and barrel length to reduce muzzle jump and improve accuracy and gel filled rubber grips to reduce felt recoil
make this gun is a pleasure to shoot and highly accurate. Weather you use the .454 or the slightly less aggressive .45 Colt.


Im a left handed shooter and I find this gun to be just as easy to use left or right handed. Im also a large guy with large mitts so although the gun fits my hands perfectly it may be large for some shooters.


I have severe carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists so I cant take a whole lot of punishment from recoil. I find there is little to no felt recoil from the .45 Colt yet it is a very satisfying round to shoot. I can use this gun all day and not feel sore from recoil.


The .454 is a slightly longer case and does pack a little more punch than the .45 Colt. Fired with this gun the .454 is also quite agreeable but can be a bit tiring on the wrists after a while. For this reason many including myself prefer to stick with the .45 Colt for target practice.


I have heard a lot of whining across the internet from people saying that shooting .45 Colt from the .454 creates a lip of residue to build up inside the chambers. This buildup eventually creates a problem fitting the bullets into the chamber and keeps the revolving barrel from closing. They carry on like its the end of the world of a serious defect... every time I read about this complaint all I have to say is CLEAN YOUR GUN STUPID! I clean mine after every use and there is ABSOLUTELY no buildup! :rockon:


Being a revolver and only five rounds at that the pistol crowd complain that it doesnt hold enough ammo and it takes too long to reload. Excuse me... If it takes more than five shots with a .454 forget reloading... run!. Anyway for those like myself who just dont like to waste time at the range reloading constantly there is a solution. The speedloader! this device I mentioned earlier is amazing. They are made from high quality aluminum shaped like a small revolving barrel with a plug on one side. A small wheel holds the bullets in place and with a twist of the plug releases them into the gun. For a long time many couldnt find speedloaders for the .454 5 round until recently I stumbled upon a company completely by accident called "5 star firearms" they manufacture some top quality speedloaders! Their loaders are a good price and the customer service is excellent.


I have fired hundreds of bullets through this gun now but at the cost of around a buck a bullet it can be costly. This gun has never malfunctioned and looks and shoots like the day it arrived. IMO this gun is a real winner!










I hope this helps anybody who might be thinking about getting a new handgun.

[MilProGuy]

Thanks for the excellent write-up and the fine photo of your hand-cannon!

[blackpanzer]

Sweet.... Tauri makes some fine guns which makes it hard to decide which one is next. Great report

[JimmyA]

That's a bad mother - I wouldn't want to be in your line of fire! Nice piece.

[45 Forever]

Great pics and nice write up, that Duracell sure puts things into prospective. I really would not want to be on the other end of that puppy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MoMan]

GREAT review and pictures!
I purchased a Raging Bull .454 Casull with a 6 1/2" barrel. I love to shoot this thing. I shoot .45lc to keep the price inline some. There is definately a difference between the felt recoil of the .45lc and .454 casull on mine, although it's not crazy! That could be due to the shorter barrel. Either way I love my Bull!!

[AdesteAnimo]

Great write up very thorough, I want one!

[Blackcatbones]

Thanks!
The gun is gentle as a kitten... so long as your on the right end of it.

[Firedawg]

That things is a beast!!!

[Montkun]

Great review, there is one line I really enjoyed too.

"CLEAN YOUR GUN STUPID!"

This solves so many problems people have with Taurus guns that it's almost not even funny anymore.