Taurus .380 "Mini-Revolver"

MR_22 · October-17-13 21:10

Have you guys seen the Taurus .380 "mini-revolver"?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=370993633

coopercdrkey · October-18-13 03:10

I have been looking for just such a revolver for my wife to carry. According to the "Taurus Armed" user board, the moon clips
may tend to jam a weapon that "escaped" the factory at the low end of the QC chain. Fixable, but at the expense and hassle
of a trip to Taurus CS. I may still take a chance if I can find one in stock that I can check out prior to purchase.

(Minor correction- Taurus calls them "star clips" and advertises them as an aid to extracting spent casings. They can, in fact,
serve as a sort of speed loader. Five "star clips" are provided with a NIB purchase.)

TwoGunJayne · October-18-13 07:10

I wanted the 9mm version of this so so so badly, then Taurus went and discontinued it before I could find one!

The 9mm also eats .380, but both need the moon/star clips. Stainless, DA/SA, 9mm/.380. Good grief, I wanted one of those.

Ruger discontinued their 9mm sp101 pistols, as well. What's a guy to do?

MR_22 · October-18-13 08:10

Quote from: TwoGunJayne on October-18-13 07:10
I wanted the 9mm version of this so so so badly, then Taurus went and discontinued it before I could find one!

The 9mm also eats .380, but both need the moon/star clips. Stainless, DA/SA, 9mm/.380. Good grief, I wanted one of those.

Ruger discontinued their 9mm sp101 pistols, as well. What's a guy to do?

Buy used?

MR_22 · October-18-13 08:10

Quote from: coopercdrkey on October-18-13 03:10
I have been looking for just such a revolver for my wife to carry. According to the "Taurus Armed" user board, the moon clips
may tend to jam a weapon that "escaped" the factory at the low end of the QC chain. Fixable, but at the expense and hassle
of a trip to Taurus CS. I may still take a chance if I can find one in stock that I can check out prior to purchase.

All gun manufactures have problems. Taurus is actually pretty good with repairs. I like the little .380 revolver, but really don't want to carry a .380 anymore. I'm just turned off by the slow bullet. I've been carrying my DB380 with a .32NAA barrel, though. I like that just fine. Too bad Taurus doesn't make a .32NAA revolver! Maybe NAA should do that!

But I think this would be great for a wife or daughter to carry. You get the reliability of a revolver, plus it's a smaller size that most revolver. I think it would be a great choice. I should get my wife one! (She has her concealed permit, but she only got it for support. She's not interested in carrying. Gotta work on that, eh?)

Uncle_Lee · October-18-13 09:10

.32 acp mini

MR_22 · October-18-13 09:10

Hmm. A .32ACP mini? Wow, that'd be cool. I don't think that topic has ever come up here before!

Uncle_Lee · October-18-13 13:10

Quote from: MR_22 on October-18-13 09:10
Hmm. A .32ACP mini? Wow, that'd be cool. I don't think that topic has ever come up here before!

I don't think it has either.
So----let's bring it up.....

I want a pair of::::

.32 acp minis

MR_22 · October-18-13 14:10

Fair enough. I'll take two as well.

TwoGunJayne · October-18-13 18:10

Quote from: MR_22 on October-18-13 08:10
Quote from: TwoGunJayne on October-18-13 07:10
I wanted the 9mm version of this so so so badly, then Taurus went and discontinued it before I could find one!

The 9mm also eats .380, but both need the moon/star clips. Stainless, DA/SA, 9mm/.380. Good grief, I wanted one of those.

Ruger discontinued their 9mm sp101 pistols, as well. What's a guy to do?

Buy used?

I don't check gun shops every day. I don't check gun auctions every day. It's kind of like watching TV... I refuse to schedule my life around that. I've got plenty of 9mm, .380, .32 and all that.

A Ruger 9mm/.380 SP101 da/sa or even the Taurus 9mm/.380 would be my perfect wax bullet gun I'm looking for. Both of these makers have discontinued the gun that I want before I've managed to get one.

I take that to mean that I'm either very strange, or want the perfect thing and there's a conspiracy to eliminate every gun model I want that I haven't gotten yet. Fortunately for NAA, I have most (but not all) of their models. The ones I didn't want have already been eliminated. This could bode poorly for the Sidewinder. I never managed to get a Ranger, either.

Uhhh... hey Sandy.... you like the Sidewinder model, right? You'd better give me one... just to be sure.

MR_22 · October-18-13 19:10

I also want a Taurus 905 in 9mm. I will get one.

TwoGunJayne · October-18-13 19:10

Get two and sell me one. Seriously. PM me with details.

MR_22 · October-19-13 01:10

Quote from: TwoGunJayne on October-18-13 19:10
Get two and sell me one. Seriously. PM me with details.

Well, I bought one.

A stainless hammerless 905 in 98% condition, according to the seller (and the pictures seem to confirm that). Paid a tad more than I wanted to, but less than most I saw for sale. There are others on GunBroker if you wanna look.

I'll be selling my Ultra-Lite Taurus 85 to pay for it--if I can get myself to do it, that is. I have so much 9mm, both practice and self-defense, that I've already got lots of ammo for it--but I hardly have any .38-Special. It just makes sense.

I really wanted the hammerless and it was the only one I could find. This isn't a plinker gun and I figured the hammerless would be better in a pocket or in a waistband. Not really interesting in cocking it for single-action. I'm a DAO kind of guy anyway.

Can't wait to try my Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense ammo in it.

heyjoe · October-19-13 07:10

charter arms is currently making a 9mm revolver and you dont need moon clips for it.

the early taurus 905's were actually smaller than the later editions. they used the shortened cylinder appropriate to the length of 9mm. later they used the longer cylinder which was the same size frame as the 85

bud · October-19-13 08:10

What is the advantage of having a .380 or a 9m/m in a revolver instead of a pistol in the same caliber?

MR_22 · October-19-13 09:10

Quote from: heyjoe on October-19-13 07:10
charter arms is currently making a 9mm revolver and you dont need moon clips for it.

the early taurus 905's were actually smaller than the later editions. they used the shortened cylinder appropriate to the length of 9mm. later they used the longer cylinder which was the same size frame as the 85

I haven't developed a love affair with the new Charter Arms models. I like the old school ones, though.

Really? (about the size) I didn't know that. So do you know when they changed? The one I just bought is from 2004. So I'm guess that's probably an early model?

I've been looking for a 905 for a week or so now. The main reason I wanted one because I love my Taurus 85's, but don't have a huge .38-special stock--which I have plenty of 9mm.

MR_22 · October-19-13 10:10

Quote from: bud on October-19-13 08:10
What is the advantage of having a .380 or a 9m/m in a revolver instead of a pistol in the same caliber?

That's a good question. Why a revolver? Frankly, I'm more confident using a revolver that I haven't shot hundreds of rounds through than an auto with the same history. If you've shot a lot of rounds, the confidence level probably isn't an issue.

Another advantage of a revolver is you can't jam the slide. Say you have it in a coat pocket and have to end up shooting from the pocket. With an auto, you're likely to only get a shot or two because of friction of the slide against the fabric of your jacket. A revolver will continue to fire as long as you pull the trigger. It's harder to bind up the cylinder than it is for a slide.

Women often prefer revolvers because they're simpler to use. No magazines, no clearing, no chance of limp-wristing. Pull the trigger and they fire. Revolvers can still jam, but certainly not as often as autos.

There are trade-offs either way.

cfsharry · October-19-13 10:10

Bud,
Have often wondered that myself. As there are rounds designed for a revolver that give equivalent or better performance numbers I would guess it is just to have another option, no practical reason neccesarry
For me the advantage lay with the auto, less bulky, just as accurate and faster to reload.

TwoGunJayne · October-19-13 11:10

Mr 22 and I agree 100% on the rough and tumble world of pocket revolvers, apparently. Jacket pocket is top notch for something like a 5 shot snub .38/9mm or similar revolver.

It makes for quite a fall season carry.

My rationale for wanting a 9mm / .380 revolver that takes moon clips is the following

that no resizing or intense cleaning is required for wax bullet training
I wouldn't even have to take them out of the moon clips for 100% speedload training
Many shooters from Jelly to John Bianchi say muscle memory and consistent draw is king, if your training is cheap, easy, and effective you'll do it.
It's handy when your training revolver takes the same as your high caps.
Eats all ammo types from 100% meplat wadcutters to spitzers, soft cast lrn, to jhp, frangibles, and exotics. Is your primer okay?
Reliability testing in your auto with expensive Glasers is cost prohibitive, exceeding the gun price. Very little of this is needed in revolvers, so you get 100% confidence in your exotics, should you choose them for SD.
Swap reloading components 9mm/.380 in revolvers, semi pistols, and carbines!
I'm not scared burning the hottest highest velocity .380 SD ammo in a 9mm revolver when it's time to rotate out so I don't wear out a pocket .380 that doesn't care for a steady diet of +p much.

From training, to hot ammo disposal without pulling it down, to the widest variety of ammo humanly possible, I can see quite a lot of reasons for a 9mm/.380 moon clip revolver.

Anyone else with a few thoughts? I'm switching to coffee, instead. Enough is enough.

MR_22 · October-19-13 12:10

I'm with you on those points, 2GJ. Well stated!

Autos certainly have their advantages as well. There is no correct choice. Just like caliber and choice of self-defense rounds, somebody will disagree with you and favor their choice.

I'm working on establishing a 9mm arsenal. I have 2 DB9's, a Cobra 9mm derringers (which, actually, is quite accurate, surprisingly), a Hi-Point 995 carbine, and an old Kel-Tec P11. In fact, I got it out today and forgot how much I like it. It even has the rare stainless steel slide (and NOT hard chrome). I think I might even carry that now.

And today I added the 9mm revolver. Check GunBroker if you want one. There's quite a few there.

heyjoe · October-19-13 13:10

it was called the taurus 905 instant backup. it was available in the early 2000's. it looks just like the 380.

heyjoe · October-19-13 13:10

the reasons i carried a smithand wesson model 940 9mm revolver was because of the centennial frame while working, you could have a hand on it in your jacket pocket and fire it if you had to without taking it out of your pocket. no hammer to snag. quite handy while talking to someone of dubious character. the other reason was the moon clips. easy to carry two in a watch pocket by putting one inside the other. it is also the fastest reload for a revolver. much faster than a speed loader or speed strip. no button to twist or push needed. just drop it in and close the cylinder.

MR_22 · October-19-13 13:10

Very cool, Joe. Thanks. Comparing that picture to the one I bought confirms I do NOT have the shorter cylinder. But I'm glad I got the hammerless version, for the very reason you mentioned.

TwoGunJayne · October-19-13 13:10

Quote from: heyjoe on October-19-13 13:10
the reasons i carried a smithand wesson model 940 9mm revolver was because of the centennial frame while working, you could have a hand on it in your jacket pocket and fire it if you had to without taking it out of your pocket. no hammer to snag. quite handy while talking to someone of dubious character. the other reason was the moon clips. easy to carry two in a watch pocket by putting one inside the other. it is also the fastest reload for a revolver. much faster than a speed loader or speed strip. no button to twist or push needed. just drop it in and close the cylinder.

At first I scratched my head, then realized you meant nose-to-nose like you're interlacing your fingers. Outstanding tip! Thanks, sir.

By the way, I mentioned Jelly. He was at the very top of the game. I get the feeling he's gone through a mountain of wax bullets in his 32 year career.

http://www.policeone.com/columnists/Dan-Marcou/articles/5911289-Delf-A-Jelly-Bryce-was-possibly-the-fastest-gunfighter-ever/
"Bryce was involved in gun fights armed with everything from a Thompson sub machine-gun to a .38 caliber revolver and was a master with all. His personal favorite was a Smith and Wesson .44 caliber revolver. It sported a pearl handled grip, embossed with a black cat and the number 13, which proved unlucky for criminals. Bryce, however, affectionately called the pistol "Lucky"

In 1945 Life magazine did a photographic study of Bryce dropping a coin, drawing, firing and hitting the coin before it passed his waist. Experts determined Bryce was able to draw and make that incredible shot in two fifths of a second."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exhibition_shooting
"D. A. Bryce, known as "Delf" or "Jelly", was born December 6, 1906 near Mountain View, in Oklahoma territory. Bryce served as an officer first with the Oklahoma City police department, then the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and later the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Bryce was also a skilled target shooter, and a fast draw expert. One of the tricks he used to demonstrate his speed was to hold a coin at shoulder height, drop it, then draw his revolver and shoot the coin by the time it reached waist height. This feat inspired an article in Life that included stroboscopic photographs of Bryce performing the draw."

heyjoe · October-19-13 15:10

yes two gun, i meant interlaced. it is only slightly wider than carrying 1 loaded moon clip in your pocket. plus interlacing them adds strength by limiting the distance the cartridges can move in the moon clips while in your pocket. in other words it firms it up. the speed of a reload with moon clips is significant over speedloaders especially when every fraction of a second counts. you would like the 940 but the prices are currently in bizarro world.

heyjoe · October-19-13 15:10

Mr. 22 im just curious. how much distance is left in the cylinder of the 380 when its loaded? i wonder if it would be possible to have the cylinder reamed to allow the 9mm to be loaded.

MR_22 · October-19-13 21:10

Quote from: heyjoe on October-19-13 15:10
Mr. 22 im just curious. how much distance is left in the cylinder of the 380 when its loaded? i wonder if it would be possible to have the cylinder reamed to allow the 9mm to be loaded.

If I had one, I could tell ya, but I don't. But that's a really interesting idea! I really don't see why it wouldn't work.

MR_22 · October-23-13 12:10

Wouldn't ya know it: on the day that my Taurus 905 9mm revolver is set to arrive, I find one at a semi-local gun store. And for a tad bit less. But it's blued an I wanted stainless, and it's not the hammerless model.

So, I guess I know where to send people if they like mine.

MR_22 · October-24-13 20:10

Finally got my Taurus 905 9mm revolver today. I like it! It's definitely heavier than my Taurus 85 Ultra-Lite, but not excessively. I do believe I'm going to like it. Now to go shooting!

I · October-24-13 22:10

Looks good. What did the target look like?

MR_22 · October-24-13 22:10

Quote from: I on October-24-13 22:10
Looks good. What did the target look like?

Target? Only picked it up at 6pm tonight and immediately went over to a friends house with 3 other guys to share concealed carry tips, but guns and holsters for examples. Probably going to shoot it on Friday.

leafhopper · October-28-13 00:10

I bought a Taurus M380 about a year ago and I like it (got the media blasted stainless one...looks grey). Only problem is that Russian .380 cartridges cause the cylinder to bind, but most everything else I've tried works just fine. It seems the Ruskie cartridges have a thicker base rim and won't clear the frame when you try to close the cylinder, or, if you do manage to close it, it will bind. I love the size...very concealable for a revolver of a non-NAA persuasion.
Good for a pocket but I carry mine in a IWB holster. It is the only Taurus I own and it seems to be well made. I got mine through Bud's, on line.

Leafhopper

MR_22 · October-28-13 10:10

Very cool. I would buy one for the wife, if I could get her interested in shooting it.

I'll try some various brands of 9mm in my new 905 and see if any of those do the same. I DO have some Russian ammo I could try, too.

MR_22 · November-23-13 01:11

Anybody have comments about the feasibility of sleeving the barrel of a Taurus M380 to shoot .32NAA? Would you have to do anything to the cylinder? Or just the barrel?

If you could do it for just the barrel, I might consider having one done. I'd buy an M380 just for that purpose. I'll have to find a local gunsmith and ask about it. If you have to sleeve all five chambers, i think it might be prohibitively expensive. Can the .32 bullet "free ball" it far enough to get the barrel? I dunno. Interesting thought.

(I suppose you might need to do something to prevent some idiot from coming along and firing .380 cartridges in the new M32NAA, simply because they'll fit.)

G50AE · November-23-13 01:11

50AE mini, only needs to be single shot.