Taurus Slim

[Guest .45]

I am only considering this gun so seriously because it has all the traits and features I have been looking for in a small 9mm.

it was the same for me... if you can get hold of one that actually functions, then it'd be a great gun.

the looks on mine were fine...only complaint I had other than the malfunctions, was the trigger pull is too long for my taste. nice clean break once you get to it, but the pull is like +1.5"...just a bit too long for me. probably could've gotten used to the trigger, but the gun just didn't run well enough for it's intended use.

to be fair, the gun has a lot of +'s too... accuracy was great on mine, and it shot point of aim straight out of the box. points well for a pocket pistol...and the biggest + to me was the thumb safety.

just wasn't reliable enough for me personally. as mentioned, if you can get one that works, it'd be a great choice... the question is, will yours actually work?

[Guest Jeremey]

I was kind of hesitant to buy mine. It really has been a good pistol. I have gotten right at 700 rounds through it now and not 1 malfunction of any kind. I guess I got a good one (or it is going to explode the next time the trigger is pulled:tinfoil:). But, like I said earlier a friend's broke the extractor clean off at around 400 rounds. I know first hand how great the customer support is at Taurus from when a friend's PT140 broke the dis assembly latch off while firing. It took him 8 months to get a new one in the mail.

[mousegunner]

A lot of reliability issues have to do with finding the "right" ammo for your particular gun. Cheap range ammo has less oomph to cycle the slide. The slide also moves at a slower speed than with hp self-defense ammo. If your gun works well with cheap fmj, it may NOT work well with higher powered speedier ammo, and vice versa.

[Oh Shoot]

A lot of reliability issues have to do with finding the "right" ammo for your particular gun. Cheap range ammo has less oomph to cycle the slide. The slide also moves at a slower speed than with hp self-defense ammo. If your gun works well with cheap fmj, it may NOT work well with higher powered speedier ammo, and vice versa.

Somehow I just can't buy that.

Maybe if I didn't own two XDs.

500 or so through one and 1500 or so through the other.

At least 7 different brands of FMJ, maybe 10 brands of HP.

115 gr up through 147 grain. Round nose, flat nose, hollow points. Brass case, steel case, aluminum case. Reloads, factory loads.

Shot 100 right out of the box through each on purchase day, just glanced in barrel to make sure was clear.

No FTF, FTE, stovepipe, jam, whatever.

Never one glitch. Not one.

- OS

Edited September 18, 2009 by OhShoot

[Guest smittyb]

Somehow I just can't buy that.

Maybe if I didn't own two XDs.

500 or so through one and 1500 or so through the other.

At least 7 different brands of FMJ, maybe 10 brands of HP.

115 gr up through 147 grain. Round nose, flat nose, hollow points. Brass case, steel case, aluminum case. Reloads, factory loads.

Shot 100 right out of the box through each on purchase day, just glanced in barrel to make sure was clear.

No FTF, FTE, stovepipe, jam, whatever.

Never one glitch. Not one.

- OS

If I didn't own a Sigma(GASP!), CZ, and Taurus that did the same, I would still believe you.

Your XD's are not special, just as none of mine are.

Hate to ruin your day like that.

[Oh Shoot]

If I didn't own a Sigma(GASP!), CZ, and Taurus that did the same, I would still believe you.

Your XD's are not special, just as none of mine are.

Hate to ruin your day like that.

Doesn't chafe me any.

You're just emphasizing the point I was trying to make, that you shouldn't have to "find the right ammo" for your gun, as far as reliability is concerned.

- OS

[mousegunner]

Pocket guns are more ammo specific than the larger guns. Seecamp for example specified up front a particular round to be used in his firearms. The "slim" is pretty small, and I'm sure it is finicky about ammo. It is not an xd nor a glock. I would work more with the slim before giving up on it. It might even be worthwhile to try slide return springs a little bit stronger, or a little bit weaker, than what comes with the pistol.

[Oh Shoot]

Pocket guns are more ammo specific than the larger guns. ...

I understand that miniaturization demands smaller tolerances and whatnot, but I feel that good engineering should for the most part at least take the very slight standard deviations in factory ammo in stride.

Witness my Kahr PM9. Though I can't claim the same 100% as from my XDs, it's very close to that, and none of the few glitches have been ammo type specific.

- OS

[Guest .45]

I understand that miniaturization demands smaller tolerances and whatnot, but I feel that good engineering should for the most part at least take the very slight standard deviations in factory ammo in stride.

+1.

[Guest nascar22]

Picked up the Slim today, took it home and cleaned the "white grease" out. Very lightly oiled metal to metal contact points and headed to the range. Shot 100 rounds of WWB target rounds without a single problem.

Gun looks good with no evidence of wear so far. Planning to run another couple hundred rounds of various ammo through it. If all goes well I will select a quality JHP defense round and put 200 through it. If that goes well I will have my carry piece.

I also just recieved my Crossbreed Mini Tuck today. Just tried it on for a few minutes before I had to go to work. Seems very comfortable. I got the velcro clips as well to try.

I will report more when I get a chance to get back to the range.

[redneck]

Well i don't got a slim , but i carry a Taurus 24/7 oss 9mm. I have put over 1000 rounds through it . I have yet to have any prob's . I do know the biggest prob people have is they drop one shell in the chamber by hand , then hit the slide release . This is a BIG NO NO .They are not designed to load that way . I like a Taurus , they have came a long way over the years .

[Guest someyoungguy]

I've been experimenting with my 709 with different ammo:

American Eagle 115 gr FMJ - works every time (400 rounds)

PMC 115 gr FMJ - works every time (100 rounds)

MagTech 115 gr FMJ - every other round FTE (4 mags - 28 rounds)

WWB 115 gr FMJ - every round FTE (3 different range visits - 2 mags each visit - 32 rounds)

Gold Dot JHP - works every time (50 rounds)

Lawman 147 gr FMJ - every round FTE (2 mags - 14 rounds)

Critical Defense JHP - works every time (100 rounds)

I seems to me that the rounds that work have a slightly larger gap between the rim/base and the rest of the casing body. I don't have a micrometer, so that is just speculation on my part. It could be that the chamber just needs some extra attention. When the rounds FTE, I must rack the slide multiple time while tilting the barrel up. Almost every FTE requires 3-4 tilted slide racks to eject the spent case.

I called Taurus about my issues, they had Fed-Ex pick it up last week. I asked the tech if he had talked to other owners with similar issues and he had but said that only a few had being returned for warranty work. Maybe the gun is just particular about ammo. Maybe the chamber could use some fine-tuning. Maybe the ejector needs more attention.

The gun is very accurate! And it carries better than any I've seen. But, none of that matters if you are not sure it is going to operate properly.

I'll update when I get mine returned from Taurus.

[Guest 2HOW]

That is my main concern and I why I haven't purchased.

I agree it would be a gamble. But I'm not sure it would be a big one. You know the old saying that when someone gets a bad one they tell 100 people but when someone gets a good one they tell 3 people? This may be the case here.

Plus I am even more conflicted because I personally know 2 people who have put more 500 rounds through theirs with zero problems.

Worst case scenario would hopefully be that if I got a bad one, I have to ship it to Taurus, they keep it for a month or so and I get it back ready to go.

I am only considering this gun so seriously because it has all the traits and features I have been looking for in a small 9mm. I also like the looks of this gun. Any comments on the looks?

Looks alot like the mil-pro series

[Guest 2HOW]

Pocket guns are more ammo specific than the larger guns. Seecamp for example specified up front a particular round to be used in his firearms. The "slim" is pretty small, and I'm sure it is finicky about ammo. It is not an xd nor a glock. I would work more with the slim before giving up on it. It might even be worthwhile to try slide return springs a little bit stronger, or a little bit weaker, than what comes with the pistol.

I agree, they are more sensitive. Also the steeper the feed ramp brings issues with bullet size. My PF-9 has a hard time with 147s usually a 115 will run in most pocket 9mms. Like alot of other posters I have had no problem with Wolf in any configuration.

[Guest nascar22]

I've been experimenting with my 709 with different ammo:

American Eagle 115 gr FMJ - works every time (400 rounds)

PMC 115 gr FMJ - works every time (100 rounds)

MagTech 115 gr FMJ - every other round FTE (4 mags - 28 rounds)

WWB 115 gr FMJ - every round FTE (3 different range visits - 2 mags each visit - 32 rounds)

Gold Dot JHP - works every time (50 rounds)

Lawman 147 gr FMJ - every round FTE (2 mags - 14 rounds)

Critical Defense JHP - works every time (100 rounds)

I seems to me that the rounds that work have a slightly larger gap between the rim/base and the rest of the casing body. I don't have a micrometer, so that is just speculation on my part. It could be that the chamber just needs some extra attention. When the rounds FTE, I must rack the slide multiple time while tilting the barrel up. Almost every FTE requires 3-4 tilted slide racks to eject the spent case.

I called Taurus about my issues, they had Fed-Ex pick it up last week. I asked the tech if he had talked to other owners with similar issues and he had but said that only a few had being returned for warranty work. Maybe the gun is just particular about ammo. Maybe the chamber could use some fine-tuning. Maybe the ejector needs more attention.

The gun is very accurate! And it carries better than any I've seen. But, none of that matters if you are not sure it is going to operate properly.

I'll update when I get mine returned from Taurus.

Thanks for reporting your experience.

I was curious if you were using the same magazine with all the different rounds or interchanging the magazines.

I noticed that one of the mags I have "sticks" when pushed down and the other does not. The mag I used on my first range trip was what I considered to be the "best" one.

I will try the other the next chance I get to go and report back here.

I had no idea how a baby can change one's schedule and of course the little guy comes first!

Also were did you find the Critical Defense? I can't locate any.

[redneck]

Talking about the clip , I carry a Taurus 24/7 oss 9mm . I got one clip the same way , have not took the time to take it apart though.

[Guest someyoungguy]

Thanks for reporting your experience.

I was curious if you were using the same magazine with all the different rounds or interchanging the magazines.

...

Also were did you find the Critical Defense? I can't locate any.

While I was experimenting with the different brands of ammo, I used both mags that came with the 709. I didn't mix the ammo inside the mag.

As for the Critical Defense, I found it at Guns and Leather just outside of Nashville.

Good luck with your 709!

[Guest nascar22]

Picked up the Slim today, took it home and cleaned the "white grease" out. Very lightly oiled metal to metal contact points and headed to the range. Shot 100 rounds of WWB target rounds without a single problem.

Gun looks good with no evidence of wear so far. Planning to run another couple hundred rounds of various ammo through it. If all goes well I will select a quality JHP defense round and put 200 through it. If that goes well I will have my carry piece.

I also just recieved my Crossbreed Mini Tuck today. Just tried it on for a few minutes before I had to go to work. Seems very comfortable. I got the velcro clips as well to try.

I will report more when I get a chance to get back to the range.

Just back from the range....

American Eagle FMJ 50 rounds.... perfect.

WWB FMJ 100 rounds..... perfect.

Cheap Federal (Wally World) FMJ 50 rounds..... perfect.

Stopped. Cleand and lightly oiled.

Blazer FMJ 50 rounds..... perfect.

Remington UMC FMJ..... FTE on every single round.

I inspected gun and found no problems. Tried another 25 WWB with no problems. Went back to the Remington and it would not eject. Tried 25 more rounds of cheap Federal with no problems.

My gun doesn't like the Remington UMC FMJ. It has run perfect with everything else though. It should be broken in by now.

Going to try to find some Critical Defense and see what happens. If it will shoot it with no problems (at least 200 rounds) I will go with that.

[Guest nascar22]

Just back from the range....

American Eagle FMJ 50 rounds.... perfect.

WWB FMJ 100 rounds..... perfect.

Cheap Federal (Wally World) FMJ 50 rounds..... perfect.

Stopped. Cleand and lightly oiled.

Blazer FMJ 50 rounds..... perfect.

Remington UMC FMJ..... FTE on every single round.

I inspected gun and found no problems. Tried another 25 WWB with no problems. Went back to the Remington and it would not eject. Tried 25 more rounds of cheap Federal with no problems.

My gun doesn't like the Remington UMC FMJ. It has run perfect with everything else though. It should be broken in by now.

Going to try to find some Critical Defense and see what happens. If it will shoot it with no problems (at least 200 rounds) I will go with that.

Had time to put 50 rounds of Critical Defense through the Slim. No problems at all. Going to clean again then put another 100 through it when I can get back to the range.

+1 on the Crossbreed Mini Tuck as well. This small gun in this holster is a dream. Everything i have read good about this IWB holster is true. You really do forget you have it on at all.

[Guest someyoungguy]

I've been experimenting with my 709 with different ammo:

American Eagle 115 gr FMJ - works every time (400 rounds)

PMC 115 gr FMJ - works every time (100 rounds)

MagTech 115 gr FMJ - every other round FTE (4 mags - 28 rounds)

WWB 115 gr FMJ - every round FTE (3 different range visits - 2 mags each visit - 32 rounds)

Gold Dot JHP - works every time (50 rounds)

Lawman 147 gr FMJ - every round FTE (2 mags - 14 rounds)

Critical Defense JHP - works every time (100 rounds)

I seems to me that the rounds that work have a slightly larger gap between the rim/base and the rest of the casing body. I don't have a micrometer, so that is just speculation on my part. It could be that the chamber just needs some extra attention. When the rounds FTE, I must rack the slide multiple time while tilting the barrel up. Almost every FTE requires 3-4 tilted slide racks to eject the spent case.

I called Taurus about my issues, they had Fed-Ex pick it up last week. I asked the tech if he had talked to other owners with similar issues and he had but said that only a few had being returned for warranty work. Maybe the gun is just particular about ammo. Maybe the chamber could use some fine-tuning. Maybe the ejector needs more attention.

The gun is very accurate! And it carries better than any I've seen. But, none of that matters if you are not sure it is going to operate properly.

I'll update when I get mine returned from Taurus.

I got the 709 back from Taurus last week. It was returned dirty, so oily that I could not rack the slide, empty mag inserted, and the only details they provided about the repair was a copy of the work order stating the problem was the extractor and it was replaced. It was one month time wise from my shipping to receiving.

I cleaned it and headed off to the range. These are the results after 2 range visits:

American Eagle 115 gr FMJ - works every time (50 rounds)

PMC 115 gr FMJ - works every time (50 rounds)

MagTech 115 gr FMJ - works every time (50 rounds)

WWB 115 gr FMJ - works every time (100 rounds)

Gold Dot JHP - works every time (50 rounds)

Lawman 147 gr FMJ - works every time (50 rounds)

Critical Defense JHP - works every time (50 rounds)

So, I'm pretty happy with the gun!

I think the gun should have been returned clean and a decent description of the repair and testing, but maybe I ask too much. The funny thing about this is that they sent me a nice letter when they received it (confirming receipt and that the repair would take 6 weeks).

All well, I've got it back and it's working great!

[Guest sportster_77]

I bought a 709 and shot lots of shells through it with no issues I like the gun. My wife is going to use it for her carry gun.

[Guest .45]

finally sold mine....glad to be rid of the piece-of-poop.

.45

[eapking]

I used to be a Taurus fan. I own 2 Taurus revolvers and 2 semi-autos. The newest Taurus gun I own is 10 years old.

So far, none of mine have given me any problems but then again, all of them are from a time when Taurus quality seems to have been much better.

I like the looks of the slim but, I am very hesitant to actually buy one after hearing ll the stories of people having so many problems with recent Taurus guns.

Right now I will continue to steer clear of the Taurus line which is a shame because they really do have some very interesting and innovative designs.

Yep. kind of like Chrysler. They make some pretty cool looking, poorly made cars. I'd love to get a Judge, but...too many bad Taurus stories.

[lowbud]

Anyone have an update on these? I saw a few at the show today and had to stick my hands down my pants to keep from walking out with one. I know I looked kinda funny but I was thinking the guy was a tad high on the price.

I gotta tell ya.. it feels pretty darn good in the hand. and the looks aren't too shabby either...

Just wondering if anyone has had more experience with them yet..

[Guest .45]

Anyone have an update on these? I saw a few at the show today and had to stick my hands down my pants to keep from walking out with one. I know I looked kinda funny but I was thinking the guy was a tad high on the price.

I gotta tell ya.. it feels pretty darn good in the hand. and the looks aren't too shabby either...

Just wondering if anyone has had more experience with them yet..

hey lowbud...

some folks have had ok luck...I did not. my particular gun had major FTE issues, so much that I finally decided I could never carry it with any piece of mind.

the trigger was also the longest pull I have ever felt on a gun... crisp once you got thru all the take-up, but man was there a ton of take-up... :-\

I got rid of mine ASAP... just my experience. hope this helps.

.45