Serious question from someone looking to buy their first gun, is Taurus really that bad? G2C/G3C specifically

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NoWish5604@reddit

Broaden your sample size, shoot guns in the price range you are comfortable spending on. Make sure when you consider your budget to add about $200 to the gun for holsters, target ammo and defensive ammo if it’s something you plan on carrying or using for self defense

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NoWish5604@reddit

You’ve shot 3 guns and you like one the best but of the 3 I think most would chose the one you are choosing. If you now add a p10c, a canik, mc9ls, and a PSA dagger, a sar9- we’ll now your in the same price point and that Taurus probably be at in your top three and possibly could be last. If you go up a tier in pricing then you will def have the Taurus last.

Good fun but it’s all relative to what you have shot or will shoot and are willing to spend. Get your sample size up and then make a choice unless you are in an absolute rush to buy right now

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Knightcapt@reddit (OP)

I've been adding the guns people are recommending to the list to check out. Even went to the store to take a look at a few to see how they feel in hand, could I pull the slide, could I release the slide, how easy was it to release, etc.

The ones I liked: the Canik Mete, Canik TP9 Elite SC (both felt good in hand, could manipulate the slide with ease, could easily release the slide comfortably, didn't have a manual safety which is a massive downside at the moment, will look to shoot), Smith and Wesson Shield plus (doesn't have front rail for a light), Smith and wesson M&P 9 2.0 (will consider trying to find one used based on pricing.)

The ones I didn't like: Ruger Security 9 (felt hella bulky in hand, also could not comfortably release the slide, store attendant said they could need oiling, idk may try again somewhere else), Sig Sauer p365 X Macro (hella large and I don't have small hands by any means, the slide release and mag release seemed awkwardly placed)

All of these were seen at Academy so all pros and cons were purely based on what they had in stock. The actual gun stores had already closed. Will continue to look. Definitely interested in taking a look at the P10C since alot of people have recommended it. Will consider Glock but I dunno they look so plain lol. Looks aren't everything but I also do want something I at least like looking at since I'm the type of person that likes making things my own rather than things being just another ___. But the reliability of glock Definitely keeps me interested

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celtickerr@reddit

Why not any glock or a S&W M&P 2

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Dak_Nalar@reddit

Unless he goes used a glock will be double his budget and he seems price conscious

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Knightcapt@reddit (OP)

Price conscious to a point. It's going to be my first gun so I want something that's mainly going to be something I'm learning on and using to get comfortable with shooting. And like I've said many times, I know myself and in 6 months chances are, I'll probably be looking for a 2nd gun and that one can be something a bit more expensive, more fancy, etc.

But I still want something reliable, safe and something I'm not going to regret.

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Dak_Nalar@reddit

I think the best thing to fit what you are looking for is a police surplus glock 17. They get posted on r/gundeals every other day or so

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Big10de@reddit

A used Leo glock in 9mm flavor is the answer. GT distributors has them for the 300 range

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AssistBorn1128@reddit

Do you have a range by you with a good selection of guns? Shoot everything you can, do some research on the ones you like and figure out which one will give you what you want at a price you feel comfortable with. I wound up with a Glock 17. The Taurus G3c just didn't feel comfortable to me. Other guns felt right but bang for the buck, I made a good decision for me.

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CZFanboy82@reddit

As JPro1155 suggested, a CZ P10C would run you maybe $50 more than the Taurus, and is light years....I mean light years better in every single metric. No need to upgrade in 6 months, unless you get "the bug" of course (I got it bad lol)

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Astrolaut@reddit

I just picked up a Springield Hellcat a couple months ago, got it on sale for $610, included 2x 17 round mags, 3x 15 round mags, a red dot, and a high quality carry case. It's a real solid gun. I like it better than most Glocks I've shot.

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celtickerr@reddit

Fair.

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2017hayden@reddit

Or a CZ. They’ve got several pistols in that price range. Taurus just sucks. Like I’d recommend almost any other brand over Taurus.

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Imaginary_Dig_5014@reddit

There's nothing wrong with the newer g3's. Like whatsoever.

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2017hayden@reddit

What’s wrong with them is that they were made by Taurus, a company with notoriously unsafe material and quality standards.

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Imaginary_Dig_5014@reddit

Years ago. They've done a lot better lately. Since the purchase of Heritage Manufacturing in 2012. And they're still one of the largest small arms companies in the world. I'm sure that hasn't been due to selling complete shit all the time. They fuck up. Everybody does. They have, before in the past, fucked up more than others in certain areas. That is unacceptable. I'm not gonna act like it's okay. It's not. But they are not completely ass and I'm tired of the notion that they are. "The math ain't mathing" as the youngins say.

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2017hayden@reddit

Better and good aren’t the same. I’ll freely admit they’re better, I still would never suggest someone buy a Taurus as anything other than a range toy. Not until they’ve really proven themselves.

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Imaginary_Dig_5014@reddit

Fair enough. I wouldn't necessarily suggest them either, I just feel they don't deserve to be knocked so hard. Especially considering my g3c is good. It's a great gun actually. But I understand that's my specific one I got and not everybody has the same experience. And that's where my grip with taurus comes in. That's what's not okay imo. One shouldn't feel that they may get a lemon. One should be able to be confident in their purchase and confident in the service if the product is right. And they just don't have that right now sadly

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sdgengineer@reddit

I remember Gun Tests did a story on the G3C and it did very well....

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ningenito78@reddit

Haven’t had a single issue in 3 years

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ArgieBee@reddit

Taurus revolvers and their old striker fired handguns were bad. Their G2/G3/GX4 handguns are pretty good for the money, though I'd probably get a CZ P10C on a sale in your shoes. Several vendors on gun.deals have them for $326. Canik is also something I'd look into before Taurus.

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CZFanboy82@reddit

I paid $438 for my P10F, and I still feel like I got the deal of the century.

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weighted_walleye@reddit

It might be ok, but you could also get a lemon. Not really worth the gamble.

Also, Hi Points aren't trash.

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MarianCR@reddit

Yes, it's that bad. Buy a proper gun

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yorgee52@reddit

Don’t trash on hi point. People at the range would rather shoot my hi point than some boring old Glock any day of the week

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Knightcapt@reddit (OP)

The one i shot the other day felt horrible. It felt super top heavy and clunky. I've have two bb guns that i specifically used for a Halloween costume a few years ago that felt way better than the hi point. I shot it, emptied the mag the refused to shoot it anymore. I hated it. And I'm not saying you're wrong but the one i shot just did not feel safe. It felt.... loose

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Ok-Environment-6239@reddit

The g2c is not a bad gun, it’ll work fine. But it’s definitely not a good gun either.

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phantom3535@reddit

Taurus guns are ok. They're cheap, but they can't compete with much. For a bit more money you have exponentially better options imo. But, as your first gun you won't have anything to compare it to so you may not notice the shortcomings.

If you pull the trigger it will (usually) go bang. My advice is to buy what you can afford. You can always upgrade in the future if you like. You can also save up just a bit more cash and get a better quality pistol.

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JPro1155@reddit

For close to the same price you can get a CZ P10C and it's a phenomenal pistol and much better quality.

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SpiritAnimalLeroy@reddit

This is the correct answer.

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GadsdenGats@reddit

Or the Beretta APX if you prefer the Italian flavor

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CZFanboy82@reddit

👆This guy fucks

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retromullet@reddit

In guns as in many other things, you get what you paid for.

If I were you I'd try to save a little more or I'd look for a used Glock or M&P which would rival the Caniks you've listed in price.

The truth is yes, the Taurus does deserve the hate it gets, HOWEVER, many people buy guns and hardly shoot them. If you're going to put 100 rounds a year through it'll be fine, and that's the niche it fills. Most people who own guns hardly shoot them. Folks hanging out in r/firearms don't generally fit that description, and as a result are going to have poor opinions of gear that doesn't stand up to heavy use.

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Imaginary_Dig_5014@reddit

I've put around a hundred rounds every month for about 6 months now through my g3c. It's never hung or had any problems what so ever. It's no different than any other pistol. Your life can be trusted with them. I'm so tired of this blown out of proportion hate they get. Their manufacturing and quality have improved tremendously in the last 5 to 10 years. Good pistols. Really good pistols for the price point. I've seen more issues the newer m&ps than I have with newer model taurus'.

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irideapaleh0rse@reddit

To counter that I bought a Taurus 357 and it will not fire every round in the cylinder. Even after going to Taurus for warranty twice. I would never trust my life or recommend one to anyone I cared about.

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Imaginary_Dig_5014@reddit

I forgot to mention that tbf they do have a fair share of "duds" it seems like. Which is not okay. But also, when was that purchased? They've been doing a hell of a lot better the last 5 or so years. Also congrats on getting back to Taurus, Twice! I haven't had any reason to deal with consumer service but I hear it's not too easy

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irideapaleh0rse@reddit

Yes I bought it new this was maybe 15 years ago. Taurus 357 cia model .

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ItzBenjiey@reddit

Shoot a Glock, used glock 19 can be found for sub 400$. If you want to go cheaper brand new, CZ is the answer. Add these to your considerations, it’d be silly to rule out either option before trying.

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Knightcapt@reddit (OP)

I'm adding everything people are recommending to my list to at least check out. There's a few that are higher on the list than others but still. Also some are higher because I've seen (so far) some of these are lower priced at academy than others, granted I'm still looking and researching.

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ThePenultimateNinja@reddit

I believe it's against Reddit rules to say anything positive about Taurus.

I bought a G2C during the pandemic shortages, because I did not own a handgun and it was the only one I could find under a grand.
I knew of Taurus' reputation, but I figured it would be better than no handgun, so I held my nose and bought it.

There's not a damn thing wrong with it. I now have several other handguns, and I no longer carry the G2C, but I still take it to the range because I just enjoy shooting it. I have never experienced any kind of malfunction with it, which is something I cannot say of any other pistol I own.
I like it so much that I bought a second one on a whim when I saw it in the used gun display for a good price.

If you can afford a better brand, go for it. If you can stretch to a Glock for example, you will find that third-party support is way better, so you will have a much wider choice of holsters, sights, magazines etc.

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Evening_Concern3137@reddit

I love my Taurus G2C. I own other guns and my Taurus hold its own right there with them.

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santar0s80@reddit

OP what is the intended use of this firearm and what is your bidget? If it's a range toy I'd say buy whatever. If it's for carry I'd say look into a SW shield as you could probably land a 1.0 for similar cost.

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Knightcapt@reddit (OP)

At the moment I'd say mainly just something to learn with. I plan on definitely going to the range often-ish until I get very comfortable shooting. Otherwise it will be home defense. But it doesn't need to be thr absolute best gun ever made since more than likely in 6 months I'm probably going to have at least 1 more.

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santar0s80@reddit

That's fair. Depending on what state you are in and what your restrictions may bot or not I'd suggest looking at the SW Shield. It could cover both bases.

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Knightcapt@reddit (OP)

Lol I live in THE gun state lol. Texas 😂😂

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hamb0n3z@reddit

If you cannot get CZ P10c the GC3 is available at $200 - $225 and a GX4 Carry can be found for $225 - $250. Knowing it won't be your only gun for long I would recommend the GX4 Carry.

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Greasy_Mullet@reddit

I would strongly encourage you to look at other brands for the same price point or save up and spend a little more ro ger something really nice. Remember, these are lifetime investments that could be passed down to the next generation.

Go to a range where you can try out multiple firearms, start reading reviews, etc. Lot of good advice in many of these posts, too.

To directly answer your question, if you get the Taurus it will be ok but there are better options at the same price or you can spend just a little more and get something amazing which you will enjoy for life. Your call, good luck.

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Knightcapt@reddit (OP)

Like I've replied in another comment, since it's going to the the first gun, I don't necessarily need it to be the jack of all trades especially since it's going to be something I'm mainly learning on. And I know myself enough to know that chances are, in about 6 months I'm probably going to end up with another one anyway and that one can be a bit more higher end. Right now it will mostly be for going to the range and learning how to shoot and being comfortable with shooting.

But I definitely want something that's not going to make me regret buying or even getting into shooting period.

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bumstuffer131@reddit

Taurus is crap brother don’t spend money on something that you can’t depend on. I have shot quite a few pistols and the only one I’ve had literally come apart in my hand was a Taurus. Wasn’t an ammunition issue, just a screw came loose and the whole cylinder came out of the revolver and it fell apart. Lot of better options out there, like mentioned above the CZ P10c is a great budget option

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Garlan_Tyrell@reddit

Of your listed, I would go with the S&W or a Canik. A Ruger Security-9 would also be in your price range and higher capacity than a EC9.

Don’t get a Taurus.

They’ve had mandatory recalls on a million-plus guns since 2000.

They aren’t a good deal, they are just cheap.

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Knightcapt@reddit (OP)

The security 9 is definitely another that I've been considering, i was typing this before going to bed and completely forgot about it lol

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tom_yum@reddit

Taurus gets a lot of shit but Id carry a g3c before I'd even consider a p320. But like a lot of people have said, the cz p10 is a lot better for just a little more money.

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Dak_Nalar@reddit

The G2C and G3C line are actually really good guns. I have a G3C and it’s honestly one of the more comfortable guns to shoot.

Here is the big BUT. Taurus has terrible customer service and pretty bad quality control. If you get a good one it will be a great first gun. If you get a lemon good luck getting it fixed.

It’s up to you if you want to roll that dice or save up an extra $100-$200 and get something better. I’d recommend the M&P 2.0 in that price range. There are also a ton of police surplus glocks on the market right now for like $350 if you don’t mind used.

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Imaginary_Dig_5014@reddit

Finally, someone with an actual opinion on Taurus instead of just crying about how they suck even though they've never owned one.

It might should be added for OP that the g3c has a 3.27 inch barrel. It's not rough on the wrist at all(just my opinion) and I was completely used to and comfortable with it after just one magazine, but because of the short ass length, it does have a lil more tilt to it when firing than I was expecting.

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One_Yard_2042@reddit

For these reasons, consider used. Some used guns are 20-30% less for what amounts to almost no mileage/wear.

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Imaginary_Dig_5014@reddit

The g3c is amazing. Without the price point considered and especially with it considered. I've got around 500 rounds through mine so far. No jams, no problems at all, besides the rear sight being slightly off from purchase.

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Walleyevision@reddit

Yes, Taurus auto’s are really that bad for the price. For just a fraction more you can get a pistol that will last a lifetime.

Taurus revolvers aren’t bad though. I’ve got a 1989 357 model 689 that has held up ok through the years. I certainly own nicer guns now but for my first revolver (it has a ported barrel) it was quite accurate and worry-free, especially in stainless.

Honestly, if I was going to buy a Taurus because I wanted to save a few bucks, I’d buy a used Taurus. Many MANY of these are “first guns” for a great number of users and resale value is quite low. But then if you are shopping used, I’d go for a better brand in the first place.

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AntelopeExisting4538@reddit

I have a G3C as a first gun I would not recommend it. If I drop the slide from being locked it always jams. I have to grab the slide. Release the lock and pull back a little bit farther and then release the slide and it’s fine. The barrel I could really only shoot about 10 yards before I had to start aiming really high to get bullets down range. The rifling in that barrel is crap, there is a company called Lakeline and I got a stainless steel barrel and recoil spring from them, and it shoots a lot better and farther now. Do yourself a favor and buy a Glock.

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StressfulRiceball@reddit

Used Glock would be best.

Daggers are frequently available for around $300, $250 if on sale.

I've owned a 19 before and sold it; got a Dagger in the past year. May need a new firing pin as that's a common part breakage but that's like a $20 part.

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italianpirate76@reddit

Lmao. Hating on Taurus then recommending psa. I hate the gun community.

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StressfulRiceball@reddit

Quote where I said anything about Taurus please

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MM_Spartan@reddit

The best low-budget is either a used Glock, a PSA dagger, or the new Springfield XD Mod 3. Personally, the Mod 2 was my first pistol and my favorite overall.

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italianpirate76@reddit

Really wish people would stop sucking dick for psa.

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MM_Spartan@reddit

It’s a cheap starter gun, just like their ARs? What’s sucking dick about getting a solid starter firearm into the hands of anyone that wants to exercise their 2A rights?

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AntelopeExisting4538@reddit

Opinions…

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No-Lime4134@reddit

Taurus is garbage. My buddy Eric bought one brand new braging how good of a deal it was and calling everyone that “overpaid” for name brand guns was an idiot. We hit the range and his piece of crap jammed after the third shot. He’s stubborn so he kept trying to break in the gun but that pice of shit started jamming after each shot. He ended up trading it in for a different gun

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11systems11@reddit

Did Eric limp wrist the different gun also?

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No-Lime4134@reddit

Eric is a bigger guy than me, what he lacks in brains he makes up with in brawn

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italianpirate76@reddit

Is Eric a figment of your imagination?

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RandoAtReddit@reddit

Lol

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2017hayden@reddit

Taurus is just unsafe. They use cheap materials and low quality processes to make ultra cheap guns. You don’t want an ultra cheap gun. When your handgun can very quickly turn into a hand grenade if something goes wrong you want something that’s been built for quality. There are many other more reputable brands that have pistols that are close in price, please go try some of them.

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ilikerelish@reddit

The old production ones were excellent guns, like the base model version of Beretta products. The newer production stuff is very hit or miss so far as quality is concerned. I bought a 92 clone several years ago that works great, the only problem was a soft mag release spring that was easily replaced. However, I have heard horror stories of complete lemons for which their customer service was pathetically bad. I'll say that my 92 clone is worth every penny of the $350 I spent on it, but it is definitely a gamble at this point with that brand.

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JoeHardway@reddit

Posin questions like this, to the interwebs, is kinda lika jury trial, where the evidence is pretty thin. Ultimately, u'll get all kindsa conflicting info, and u'll hafta decide whose stories u believe...

Readin thru these comments, u can see some ppl that'r just parroting what their brother's cousin's nephew's, former roommate, told'em. But! There'r clearly ppl who'r also speakin from xperience (Both good and bad...)

I have no personal experience w/Taurus, other'n shootin my BIL's .38 revolver, when I wazakid. Seemed ok, but I din't know sh*t back then, n that was so long ago, it ain't really relevant to 2day's convo.

In addition to this kinda anecdotal evidence, I'd suggest watchin vids, from sources u TRUST (Pro Tip! If they LOVE evry gun they shoot, they mightbe a "shill"... Cough-cough COLION NOIR! 🤣)

When $$'s tight, rollin tha dice on'a "deal", n havin'em come up "snakeyes", can be'a painful life lesson.

CUSTOMER SERVICE becomes a critical concern, when u end-up bein 1'a the "unlucky 1's".

I might suggest, tryin hard, to find'a USED specimen, in your local area, that you can actual'y test B4 u buy, so u can, at tha very least, KNOWit runs, at tha time of purchase...

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tricententialghoul@reddit

I was on the fence for a G2C and ended up biting the bullet and getting a Glock. Holy wow am I glad I made that choice. My dad got a G2C around the same time, they are alright but I feel like it’d make me want to get a different gun as soon as possible.

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HatAccomplished4271@reddit

Well I personally know a guy who sold off his Glock collection and invested in Taurus sooooo maybe

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JoeHardway@reddit

Bahaha! I don't usually buy-in totha whole up/downvotin thing, but I gotu back to 0, Brother! Somewhere out there, there'sa person, who walks among us, who read your comment, n thought, "That's ridiculous! I must d-vote him!" 🤣

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g1Razor15@reddit

No, at least in my experience, my first pistol was a GX4 works fine no issues with reliability. That being said there are better options but you'll be paying more for them.

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WaningWick@reddit

Beretta APX A1

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Machismo_malo@reddit

This. If you're on a tight budget this gun is cheap they are also running a rebate on them for $100 until the end of December I believe. Beretta is the oldest gun company in the world and has a lifetime warranty. My dad has one it is reliable and a really soft shooter.

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DoNotCensorMyName@reddit

My G2S and my friend's G2C both shoot really, really low. Mine was all over the paper but I've only taken it to the range once and with one kind of ammo so I can't say anything definitive on the accuracy.

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dubbs911@reddit

Taurus was garbage about 15-20 years ago. They have become much better, still not S&W or Glock quality, but their quality control, customer support and service have improved a great deal. Like others have said though, you get what you pay for.

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Kevthebassman@reddit

Taurus said the sane shit about Taurus 15-20 years ago.

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2bad-2care@reddit

I've never had a Taurus, so I can't speak to their quality. What I can tell you is if you're buying it because it's cheaper, you should just save up for the gun you really want. You won't have any buyers remorse. This is always a good idea. If that's actually the gun you want for other reasons, then yea, pull the trigger on it.

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RacerXrated@reddit

For not much more you can get much better, and I think that's the issue.

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johnnyheavens@reddit

Yes. They are that bad

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Brilliant_Wealth_433@reddit

I had a Taurus GX4, it ran good but was super snappy. I sold it and stick with a Ruger EC9S for EDC. It shoots way better with less recoil and prints way less.

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Travy-D@reddit

Taurus 709 was my first pistol. I really regret it. Plastic piece in the trigger broke making it unsafe. I requested to send it in, and the customer service is the worst. Miscommunication, rude. It took me a year to get it replaced. Eventually they replaced it with a G2C and I immediately sold it.

So yeah, is a warranty worth it if you're unarmed for a year? Save up a bit more, and get a police trade in Glock. (Letradeins, or gtdist) You can get a Glock for $360. Or just get a Canik, I've been really impressed with the ones I've handled.

I thought the talk about Taurus was all hearsay. But now I have the personal experience. Absolutely avoid Taurus.

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