Taurus 65 .357 Magnum question.

[stroguy]

The wife did a 2 hour firearm familiarization class last Sunday. I want her to feel comfortable with a firearm when I am not home. She hates my 442 snubbie, for good reason. So at her class she shot a SW19, a couple .380 autos and a couple 9MM autos. To my surprise she liked the the SW19. Now I don't want to spend an arm and leg on a dresser queen for her, so I am looking at a Taurus 65, in .357.

My question is can a 65 shoot .38 spl and spl +P. I cannot find any information on whether the pistol can. Anyone that has a 65 if you could share some insight would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Randy

[Middle Age Russ]

If the model 65 Taurus (or any other firearm for that matter) is chambered in .357 magnum, it will be able to safely fire .38 special, both regular and +P varieties. Since you are talking about a revolver, the only potential issue involves a gradual buildup of crud if you don't clean the cylinder chambers well that will eventually cause difficulty in chambering .357s which have a longer cartridge length.

[Heartland Patriot]

I own a Model 66 which is very similar. I like it pretty good, especially for the price I paid. I found that for the chamber crud (from shooting .38 Sp in .357 chamber), a .40 cal bronze brush helps get that stuff out...but don't let it build up, it can be a real pain to clean then. Good luck and have fun.

[MoJo]

The Taurus 65 is Taurus' version of the S&W13 K frame .357 Magnum heavy barrel. While having never shot nor handled a Taurus 65 I used to own an S&W13. Great gun ate .38s like popcorn but, .357s were a little much for everyday shooting. I wish I still had that gun.

[stroguy]

3 great replies, thanks everyone.

I know in my head a .38 can go down a .357 barrel but wanted a confirmation.

I am pretty picky about clean weapons, so I thank you for the .40 brush recommendation.

Love that expression eating .38s like popcorn. I will load the .38s and +Ps for the wifey at night. I'll shoot the mag loads.

Thanks again everyone. Fixing to order the pistol tonight.

Randy

[Jumping Frog]

Instead of a new Taurus, since you are talking a home gun, I'd suggest getting her a used Ruger Security-Six. It is about the same money as a used Taurus 65, but a much nicer gun.

[Keith B]

Instead of a new Taurus, since you are talking a home gun, I'd suggest getting her a used Ruger Security-Six. It is about the same money as a used Taurus 65, but a much nicer gun.

I have a 4" Security-Six that is as good or better shooting a gun as my S&W Model 66. However, the Taurus 65 is a great gun, and if gotten for the right price would be a good gun also.

[JLaw]

Randy,

I've had my model 65 for 6-7 years now, and put thousands of rounds downrange through it, including a year of IDPA with that gun. It will take it. Keep us posted.

http://texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=815

JLaw

[stroguy]

Thanks again everybody. I put an order in for one last eve. Might be here midweek. I did look at gunbroker for the Ruger S6 and even the used ones were quite pricey. The S6s that were comparative to the 65 in price were in not that great a shape.

Thanks again for everyones input.

I didn't think about the IDPA, might have to give her a chance. Just another reason to buy a couple speedloaders.