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Has anyone seen the new taurus pt740. Same as the 709 slim but in a .40sw. I still do not own a gun and was origanlly drawn to th 709 for its size but then really wanted the walther pps 40 for the firepower. I really can't afford the walther and it looks like the taurus will be about 250 cheaper.

Looking forward to some good opinions here.

Gary

Haven't seen the gun, but my gut tells me a gun that small and light in .40 cal is going to be a handful to shoot (my Kahr PM40 certainly was) and I have unsubstantiated fears that guns that small and that light firing that hot of a round are bound to wear out quickly. Again, I can't realy back this up with anything other than the problems I had with my personal PM40, but it was enough to convince me to buy my Walther PPS in 9mm (even though I had a .40 Glock and could've shared ammo).

gmantx:

The only knowledge I have of the PT740 is what you have just told us.

My PT111 is a 9mm and I have also shot mikeintexas' PT145 (.45 caliber).
Both of these are Millenium size pistols, which will be somewhat larger
than the PT740 you describe.

I don't feel much difference in the recoil between these 2 rounds and I think you
will be fine with the PT740 in .40. If you can live with what is probably
a single stack .40 (lower rounds, but a slimmer profile than a Millenium
double stack), go for it.

Taurus, IMHO, makes a fine handgun for a value price.

Welcome to the board sir and keep us posted on what you get.

SIA

austinrealtor wrote:Haven't seen the gun, but my gut tells me a gun that small and light in .40 cal is going to be a handful to shoot (my Kahr PM40 certainly was) and I have unsubstantiated fears that guns that small and that light firing that hot of a round are bound to wear out quickly. Again, I can't realy back this up with anything other than the problems I had with my personal PM40, but it was enough to convince me to buy my Walther PPS in 9mm (even though I had a .40 Glock and could've shared ammo).

The caliber size and the relative weight would seem to produce a lot of felt recoil and muzzle flip in that package to me...most likely too much for any extended range sessions. I can't say definitively as I haven't personally shot one, but I know my 4" Walther in .40 produced quite a bit of snappy recoil and fair muzzle flip, and it has a bit more heft than that little puppy. My 709 shoots great now that it had the extractor fixed (bad initial batch) and recoil is not bad for me especially considering size and weight I am getting rid of it only because its not practical for me to have 3 carry guns with different safeties and I want to streamline calibers a bit.

I do not have the 740, but as you can see from my armory, I am a Taurus affecianado. The 709 is now fine after sending it back twice to Taurus with issues. The problem with these smaller guns is tighter clearances, less forgiving....so more tendencies towards problems (ie, picky on ammo).

As to wearing out faster... Taurus has an unconditional lifetime warranty. No problem.
As to more muzzle flip.... nice thing about striker fired is a lower axis/bore ratio to deal with that.

My suggestion is the 709. They have worked the bugs out (as opposed to the 740 which then would have to have bugs worked out, so you don't want first run...paying to be a beta tester). At close range, the 9mm is fine. And that's all these are intended to be for is a closer range. BUT, 90% of personal defense is 12 feet and under, mostly under 9 feet. 9mm ammo is a whole lot cheaper and easier to find. I don't want to start the 9mm vs 45 debate, but the instructor of our urban combat class said that the 9, 40 and 45 will now do the same things due to better bullet construction and govt regs on how far a bullet can go before stopping in the body.

wgoforth wrote:I do not have the 740, but as you can see from my armory, I am a Taurus affecianado. The 709 is now fine after sending it back twice to Taurus with issues. The problem with these smaller guns is tighter clearances, less forgiving....so more tendencies towards problems (ie, picky on ammo).

As to wearing out faster... Taurus has an unconditional lifetime warranty. No problem.
As to more muzzle flip.... nice thing about striker fired is a lower axis/bore ratio to deal with that.

My suggestion is the 709. They have worked the bugs out (as opposed to the 740 which then would have to have bugs worked out, so you don't want first run...paying to be a beta tester). At close range, the 9mm is fine. And that's all these are intended to be for is a closer range. BUT, 90% of personal defense is 12 feet and under, mostly under 9 feet. 9mm ammo is a whole lot cheaper and easier to find. I don't want to start the 9mm vs 45 debate, but the instructor of our urban combat class said that the 9, 40 and 45 will now do the same things due to better bullet construction and govt regs on how far a bullet can go before stopping in the body.

While I think that a lower bore axis helps, subcompact .40s have always had a more pronounced recoil. Pair that with a light weight small package, and you have a gun thats trying to jump out of you hands! I would advise OP to shoot before you buy because you need to hit what you're aiming at and be able to stay on target most importantly.

I have the 740. After 50 rounds at the local range, you definitely know you have been shooting something. very tight grouping at 7 and 25 yards. My only recommendation would be to get the larger capacity magazine (if you can find them). With the 6 rnd mag, you cant place your pinky on the grip.....and with a 6.5 inch .40 cal, the extra leverage would be nice. Awesome conceal and it is very light.

I like my Stainless PT709; I carry it as a BUG to my Glock 26. The 709 almost always holstered in a Rip Cord (cord removed) http://www.concealedtechnology.com/S_Clip.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; but I also have a kholster for it.
The Glock either goes in a Tuck This 2 (in summer) or a Comfort Carry deluxe (at Church with Velcro clips I put on ) or Comp-Tac Minataur or Kholster... depending where I'm going.

I tried a small Kahr 40 and it bit my wrist too badly, too snappy for my arthritis.