I RECENTLY BOUGHT A TAURUS USA Model 692 revolver. I traded a Taurus Model 605,
The 692 is unusual, albeit not unique, in that it comes with two cylinders: one for .38 Special and .357 magnum ammunition and one for the much less expensive and usually more available 9 mm.
Translation: I will use the 9 mm on the range and the .38 or .357 as the carry round.
THE FIRST THING I did was RT*M. I also read the manual when I buy a (new to me) car. I used to write manuals so if nothing else I compare “styles.”
The Taurus document is “OK.”
The second thing I did, after thoroughly cleaning the gun with Ballistol®, was to swap cylinders.
It is indeed as easy as “seen on tv” (OK, YouTube). Remove one, install the other. Confirm the newly installed cylinder is locked in place, and it is ready to be fed. The 9 mm cylinder is clearly marked 9mm; the .38/.357 cylinder is marked “.357 MAGNUM.” Both cylinders also are marked, as are the gun’s frame and barrel, with the gun’s serial number.
There ARE differences beyond the ability to easily “swap out” cylinders between the Model 605 and the Model 692. 1, 2
The most noticeable, to me, is the way Taurus secures the weapon.
The old Model 605 had a small key hole near the hammer; insert and turn the provided key, the gun could not be fired.
The new Model 692 comes with a padlock (two keys) and a connecting cable. It looks very much like a short bicycle lock. The cable is to be routed from the lock through the weapon and back to the lock, preventing insertion of ammunition, or in the case of a wheel gun, closing the cylinder. This is a “universal” lock designed to work on all firearms (assuming it is used).
Given that most handgun owners have the guns for home protection, the likelihood that the lock will be used for a gun is minimal. (This scrivener has a gun safe that accommodates my gun and a visitor’s sidearm.)
- Since installing a cylinder is quick and easy, that might seem a good way to make the weapon safe – remove a loaded cylinder and keep it handy. The problem is that the cartridges tend to fall out when the unmounted cylinder is handled. Taurus tells users to remove/install only empty cylinders.
Taurus used to have an industry-standard “lifetime” warranty.
The Model 692 comes with a one year limited warranty that is not transferable.
- Has Taurus lost faith in its Brasilian manufacturing operations? (Most Taurus sidearms are made in Brasilcq; the company has U.S. offices in Miami FL.) Perhaps the “industry standard” has changed.
The 605 held 5 rounds.
The 692 holds 7, BUT there’s a “catch.”
In the old days — before internal safeties — cowboys (and others) carried five rounds in their six-shooters. The gun’s hammer rested on an empty chamber. If the gun was dropped on the hammer, there was nothing under the firing pin to go “bang.”
Perhaps Taurus no longer trusts its internal safety mechanism. Only Taurus knows for sure. It now recommends the empty chamber safety option. In any event, six shots should be enough, especially moving from a five-shooter. (Taurus has been making seven-shot revolvers for a number of years.)
The Model 692 in my gun safe has a 3-inch barrel (vs. the 605’s 2-inch barrel); there also is a 6.5-inch barrel version — not suitable for concealed carry — that due to the additional barrel length and gun weight (2.88 pounds sans ammunition) is said to have even less felt recoil.
One problem, according to my police detective son, is that the ported barrel can injure the shooter if it is held close to the shooter’s body. The flame from the barrel is enough to light up the night. In a self-defense situation, the aggressor should never get close close enough that the 692 user needs to fire the gun from close to the body.
Both the 605 and the 692 come with a Taurus rubber grip; it was comfortable enough on the 605 except when firing 158 grain .357 rounds.
The Model 692, as with most Taurus wheel guns, is SA/DA; translation: SA=Single Action and DA=Double Action. An SA requires the shooter to cock the hammer before pulling the trigger; a DA cocks and drops the hammer in one shooter action. DA guns generally require a stronger trigger “pull” that can take the gun off target. That was the case with the Model 605 and is again with the Model 692. (The 692, being new, requires a very strong pull. The “pull” can be lightened, but there may be unwanted consequences.) SA trigger pull is, as expected, much lighter.
There is a significant difference in (unloaded) weight between the 605 (1.25 lbs) and the 692 (2.19 lbs) – nearly a pound more for the new gun.
The Model 692 has, as does the 605, a fixed front sight, but unlike the 605, a small orange-red tape is applied to the top of the sight.
The rear sight is adjustable; the 605 sight was fixed.
I can understand the need for an adjustable rear sight on the competition-level 6 1/2-inch barrel Model 692, but the 3-inch snubbie for close-quarter (within 20 feet) self defense? Puts me in mind of the old “High Hopes” song3 or the slightly off-color joke about an ant and an elephant. Since it is there, I’ll give it a try, at least with the 9 mm on the range.
At about 2 ½ pounds loaded, the Model 692 may be tiring when practicing on the range.
Comparing revolvers and semi-automatics?
What advantages, if any are there to owning a revolver vs. a semi-automatic?
The effectiveness of 9 mm and .38 cartridges are close; .357 offers a little more punch with a heavy bullet.
Revolvers usually are more reliable given routine maintenance. Maintenance is easier and the gun does not, as with a semi-automatic, need any disassembly.
Revolvers are available in 9 mm, but most require moon clips, a drawback. On the other hand, 9 mm range ammunition is relatively inexpensive and carry ammunition usually available for a price no greater than .38 Special. Translation: It costs less to own and use a 9 mm revolver or semi-auto.
Revolvers hold less ammunition. The only time a civilian should be concerned is reloading the gun is at the range. Leave the fire fights to the police.
The Model 692 is a heavy weight at about 2 ½ pounds loaded. Many semi-autos are lighter and carry more cartridges.
While trigger pull varies, getting a cartridge into a semi-auto requires pulling back the slide; this can be difficult for some people. Revolvers do not have a slide.
You can pick up a revolver and easily see if it is loaded; this is not the case with all semi-autos.
While a semi-auto is slightly thinner than a medium to large caliber revolver, there is not a significant difference between a 9 mm semi-auto and a .357 revolver for concealed carry.
Interesting side note: I bought, with some back-and-forth with a Taurus Customer Service Rep (CSR) five additional moon clips (US$9). The price was OK, but the “standard shipping rate” of $8.75 for something that can be mailed via USPS in a standard #9 envelope borders on highway robbery.
The back-and-forth with the CSR proved to me that Taurus USA in Miami FL leaves something to be desired.
Why do I need ten seven-round moon clips? I want to pre-load 10 moon clips (70 rounds) before I set off for the range and its “by the hour” charges.
FOLLOWUP on 21 AUG. Taurus has waived the shipping fee ! I am thinking more kindly toward Taurus' Customer Service.
To be continued after a trip to the range.
Other “convertible” revolvers
Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum Convertible Revolver, SA only: http://tinyurl.com/y43asxrh
There are other 9 mm revolvers, but none I could find on the WWW other than Taurus and Ruger that came with interchangeable cylinders.
Sources
1. Model 605 specifications: http://tinyurl.com/y3eqbhqo
2. Model 692 specifications: http://tinyurl.com/yxc47ya7
3. High Hopes song: http://tinyurl.com/y5hq8ef4
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