Taurus model 66 .357 vs. S&W model 620

2006HighSierra · 01-22-2007, 06:05 PM

I am lookin for a new wheelgun, I want a .357mag with 7+ shot capability. I am between these two in stainless. I can get the Taurus for about 100-200 cheaper and I just dont see the S&W 620 being worth the extra. Does anyone have any experience with the Taurus wheelguns? or this particular S&W

HEAD0001 · 01-23-2007, 12:17 PM

I will explain to you the way it was explained to me from the Beretta rep. in the late 80's. Beretta and S&W were fighting for the contract for the government 9 mm. In order to get the contract the pistol had to be made in the USA with new tooling. Beretta set up a plant in Acokeek(spell check), MD. Both Beretta and S&W retooled their plant. Both Beretta and S&W sold there old tooling to Taurus. In S&W's case they also sold alot of their wheel gun tooling. Not all of it, just some. This is when the clonedBeretta and S&W pistols, made by Taurus showed up.

In my opinion the S&W is worth more than $200 more than the Taurus. The S&W is made on better tooling, and is a superior product. Take them apart and look at the internal parts. You should be able to tell the difference. Talk to a "RELIABLE" gunsmith. He will explain the difference.

In short "YES", buy the S&W and never look back. Below is a picture of my S&W 44 magnum. Taurus has never made a pistol that will shoot with this one. Tom.

Tony Orlando and Dawn · 01-23-2007, 12:31 PM

I also feel the S&W is a far better made product.

James B · 01-24-2007, 05:09 PM

I have had about ten S&W revolvers and an equal amount of Taurus revolvers. I can't say as I can see any difference in performance and accuracy. My newest Taurus is the Ultra Lite 44 Mag and I really love this gun. In a seven shot 357 however, I might spend the extra money for the S&W.

uncle matt · 01-25-2007, 07:33 AM

I think it's a toss up - until you look at the warranties. Isn't Taurus full lifetime warranty?

I would have to have a real solid reason to NOT buy the Taurus.

2006HighSierra · 01-25-2007, 08:11 PM

yea the warranty is nice with taurus. I own a Rossi .44spl and i have heard alotta people say i should get rid of it for a smith and its inferior, but its just as accurate as my fathers 629 smith, even shorter barreled and its got a great fit/finish on it. and i've been told taurus is better than a rossi

24/7 · 02-18-2007, 09:54 AM

I just bought a Taurus 627SS Tracker in .357 w/6" barrel. Fit and finish are excellent, as good as some Colts, Rugers, and Smiths I have owned.

I saw an early Taurus years ago and it looked pretty rough so I never considered a Taurus until recently. A buddy of mine has one that's a few years old and it's a well made handgun. I saw him make a quick headshot on a Copperhead from about 12 feet and was kinda impressed with both the handgun and his shot.

I LOVE the ribber grip on this gun, You WILL NOT put aftermarket grips on this one. BTW, it's a shooter too. With a small amount of sight adjustment, I'm shooting excellent groups right out of the box with the cheapest ammo I could find.The price andand lifetime warranty don't hurt anything either.

lovethebigguns · 02-19-2007, 10:30 AM

I have a Stainless Taurus model 66 .357

I love it. I have never had any accuracy problems, andI'll admit, I've not treated it the best. I bought it for carrying around the woods in all types of conditions and climates and I just bring it in, wipe it off and it will always perform the next time.

I'd probably tend to agree with the fact that a S&W is a better built, better made firearm than a Taurus, but IMO not so much better that I'llspend $200 or more on one. I don't compete with my hand guns and if you do, again IMO, that would be the only competetive advantage S&W has over Taurus. But for pleasure shooters,and successful hunters I don't think you'll notice an accuracy OR dependability difference.

Good luck!

2006HighSierra · 02-20-2007, 07:24 PM

does anyone know of any 8+ shot .357s offered? i am also now considering a 327/627 Smith which i'm looking at 900-1100 bucks from what i've found, but if i go that route i may get rid fo my XD-40 to help fund it. they are very very nice looking and feeling guns both 8 shooters. my only reason for owning/carrying my xd-40 is mag capacity, but the closer i get to that goal in the wheelgun the closer i come to getting rid of my XD.