Taurus 66 or Tracker

Delta Elite 10MM · February 2011

My brother has never been into guns all that much, he was braught up around guns and shoots when he gets the chance but just never relly got around to owning anything. With that being said he is a big back packer, camper, and mountian bike rider and has expressed intrest in getting a carry gun when out in the woods. This year for his B-day I would like to get him a .357 (he has shot mine a bunch and is comfortable with it) and am looking at either the Taurus 66 or the Tracker. Money is some what of an issue or I would of caurse be looking at a good used Ruger or Smith & Wesson. Any experince anybody has with these two guns I would love to hear about them.

35 Whelen · February 2011

What price range are you looking at?

Delta Elite 10MM · February 2011

Well I want to stay around $400, I get the Model 66 new for that or a good used Tracker for a few bucks more.

Delta Elite 10MM · February 2011

Well I want to stay around $400, I get the Model 66 new for that or a good used Tracker for a few bucks more.

ruger41 · February 2011

Had one of the older 66's back in the early '90's and it was a good gun. IMO I think you could definately find a really nice used Ruger or even a S&W at a gun show--saw tons of them today at one that were priced for what a new Taurus is going to run you. A used Security Six is built like a tank and the S&W's have really nice triggers compared to Taurus--and I still own 2 Taurus revolvers--but their quality does not compare to the other brands. If you look at what a brand new Taurus 66 or Tracker is going for(approx $425) you can find some great deals on older but nicer S&W's or Rugers that will hold their value for a long time. Saw beautiful S&W Model 19's, 66's and Security Sixes today all under $450-and a few in the $350 price range.

Delta Elite 10MM · February 2011

I started out thinking the same thing. The reason we are so set on Taurus is the fact that he has shot my tracker in .45 Long Colt and relly liked it and when we went to Cabelas to poke around he had the 66 and the Tracker in his hands put could not get the boss lady (a.k.a the wife) on the phone to ok the purchse. Remember this is for his B-day so I am trying to play it safe and get him a model I know he already likes.

coltpax · February 2011

Get a used ruger security six. I'm pretty sure you could get one for $400 off the auction side pretty easily. Get stainless and get one with a few scratches and clean it up.

Delta Elite 10MM · February 2011

....I dont think you people are reading what I am writing

35 Whelen · February 2011

Were I buying either, I'd probably go with the 66, as it fits my hand better than the Tracker does. Not really much help to you, in that aspect, but I was never crazy about the ribbed grip on the Tracker or Raging Bull.

FEENIX · February 2011

quote:Originally posted by Delta Elite 10MM
I started out thinking the same thing. The reason we are so set on Taurus is the fact that he has shot my tracker in .45 Long Colt and relly liked it and when we went to Cabelas to poke around he had the 66 and the Tracker in his hands put could not get the boss lady (a.k.a the wife) on the phone to ok the purchse. Remember this is for his B-day so I am trying to play it safe and get him a model I know he already likes.

I don't have any experience with the 66 but I own a Tracker in .44 Mag with compensator as my backpacking/bear country gun. Felt recoil/muzzle jump using .240gr is comparable with my 9MM with .115gr ammo. You know your brother better than any of us and playing it safe is a good move. I'm sure whatever you get him, he'll sure appreciate it.

Good luck!

Ed

ruger41 · February 2011

Well if you must buy a Taurus I agree with 35Whelen that those ribber grips are downright ugly--go with a 66--plus it's a birthday gift--hopefully he won't complain that he received a gun lol.

coltpax · February 2011

Well, between the two guns you mentioned, I would go with an older (pre lock) 66. my dad has one and never gave him any trouble...

drobs · February 2011

quote:Originally posted by Delta Elite 10MM
....I dont think you people are reading what I am writing

Start him off right. Find a used Ruger or S&W. [:o)]

You'ld have to do some digging but I bet you could find a new style used S&W 357 with lock for that kind of money.

matwor · February 2011

Delta, I can read,[;)] 66.

txlawdog · February 2011

quote:Originally posted by matwor
Delta, I can read,[;)] 66.

When did ya learn that?!?

I do agree with matwor Delta, 66 would be my choice as well.

coltpax · February 2011

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=216734936

Just an example. If you're looking for an inexpensive gun, don't limit yourself to new guns with questionable quality, when you can get a very nice (that one looks new) used gun from a reputable manufacturer for the same price. Just sayin...

ruger41 · February 2011

If he doesn't HAVE to have a double action revolver-THIS would be a hell of a buy--from the same seller as the one coltpax linked http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=216406808
You can shoot 3 different cartridges in it as well as the hottest .357 loads with no problem.

matwor · February 2011

quote:Originally posted by txlawdog
quote:Originally posted by matwor
Delta, I can read,[;)] 66.

When did ya learn that?!?

I do agree with matwor Delta, 66 would be my choice as well.

Whadya think I do when I get laid off, jest sit around on GB all day??!? Guy has to got to do sumpin' useful ya know. Readin' sounded promisin'.[;)][:D]

coltpax · February 2011

quote:Originally posted by ruger41
If he doesn't HAVE to have a double action revolver-THIS would be a hell of a buy--from the same seller as the one coltpax linked http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=216406808
You can shoot 3 different cartridges in it as well as the hottest .357 loads with no problem.

that'd be a good one for when ammo got scarce. if you can't find 357, shoot .38. if you can't find .38 or .357, shoot 9mm.

drobs · February 2011

You might look for a small to medium size polymer auto for him. Glock or XD. If he's a serious hiker, weight of a big heavy revolver will keep him from carrying it.

After that beat up body guard S&W was posted here a few days ago. I went and searched the new S&W revolver line.

New S&W 637's are selling for $375 or less on the auction side. Not an ideal back country gun but small enough to be carried and light weight.

Gashauler · February 2011

take a look at this one. From pitbud here on the forums. Looks like it is a pretty good deal.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=217029057

coltpax · February 2011

quote:Originally posted by Gashauler
take a look at this one. From pitbud here on the forums. Looks like it is a pretty good deal.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=217029057

In the risk of sounding ignorant, that seems a bit high for a taurus.

FEENIX · February 2011

quote:Originally posted by ruger41
Well if you must buy a Taurus I agree with 35Whelen that those ribber grips are downright ugly--go with a 66--plus it's a birthday gift--hopefully he won't complain that he received a gun lol.

I have to agree on the Tracker's grip but they sure are comfortable and are non slip. [:p]

drobs · February 2011

pitbud5 · February 2011

Check out my gun.

Like always, free shipping for any forum members with more post then myself.

Hogue grips, factory grips, two speed loaders, bianchi holster, and everything else it came with new. It is the satin finish and has been in the holster a lot. If you would like to see some more pics please pm me with your email and I could do that for you.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=217029057

Taurus 66 or Tracker

Comments