Taurus 709 Slim Range Report

[Tireshred]

Thanks, I will, and be sure to keep us updated on your problem too. I have it boxed now and waiting on UPS. I didn't call Taurus, I followed their online instructions, we'll see how long this takes. My Colt New Agent was back in my hands inside a week, and they paid shipping both ways, I somehow doubt Taurus will come close to that kind of service.

[wgoforth]

Thanks, I will, and be sure to keep us updated on your problem too. I have it boxed now and waiting on UPS. I didn't call Taurus, I followed their online instructions, we'll see how long this takes. My Colt New Agent was back in my hands inside a week, and they paid shipping both ways, I somehow doubt Taurus will come close to that kind of service.

Had you called Taurus, they would have sent FedEx to your house to pick it up in a prepaid labeled box. Taurus repairs seem to take about 3 weeks turnaround (it's what everyone is seeing on the Taurus forum). My 709 (bad extractor) has been with them for about 2 weeks now. I'm sure they are going to be running behind with the holidays. On the positive note, Taurus does have an UNLIMITED lifetime warranty.

[wgoforth]

My luck ran out, I bought the Judge Public Defender at Academy on sale Saturday (I've always wanted one), the range report is not good. With Winchester 2.5" #9 birdshot or Federal 2.5" 000 buckshot it would bind after every shot, it took around 5 minutes to work the cylinder loose after each shot, it appears to be a headspace problem. I already have the work order and will ship to Taurus tomorrow. I've read others who've had problems with the Public Defender, but they seemed to be sporadic, count me as one of the problems. Thank goodness it's not my only carry weapon.

Sorry to hear that. Let us know how it comes back to you, whenever that may be. I haven't heard a thing from Taurus, so I guess I will see it when it shows up on my doorstep.

Don't know if your aware of it, but you can check your repair status online by entering your serial number at http://www.taurususa.com/status.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[kalipsocs]

My luck ran out, I bought the Judge Public Defender at Academy on sale Saturday (I've always wanted one), the range report is not good. With Winchester 2.5" #9 birdshot or Federal 2.5" 000 buckshot it would bind after every shot, it took around 5 minutes to work the cylinder loose after each shot, it appears to be a headspace problem. I already have the work order and will ship to Taurus tomorrow. I've read others who've had problems with the Public Defender, but they seemed to be sporadic, count me as one of the problems. Thank goodness it's not my only carry weapon.

Sorry to hear that. Let us know how it comes back to you, whenever that may be. I haven't heard a thing from Taurus, so I guess I will see it when it shows up on my doorstep.

Don't know if your aware of it, but you can check your repair status online by entering your serial number at http://www.taurususa.com/status.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thank you! I didn't have a clue that even existed! Now if only I was at my apt so I could get my serial #

[Tireshred]

Taurus received my Public Defender Monday, the email they sent said 4-6 weeks, what great customer service! Not.

On an on topic note, American Rifleman did a review on the Slim this month, they like it and didn't have any issues I've had (moving the sights all the way to one side and it's still not quite enough). I'm beginning to think Taurus gave them a handworked gun because AR has given negative reviews on questionable guns in the past, but some seem to have a Slim with no issues so maybe not. I've shot 2 and both have the same sight issue.

[wgoforth]

Taurus received my Public Defender Monday, the email they sent said 4-6 weeks, what great customer service! Not.

On an on topic note, American Rifleman did a review on the Slim this month, they like it and didn't have any issues I've had (moving the sights all the way to one side and it's still not quite enough). I'm beginning to think Taurus gave them a handworked gun because AR has given negative reviews on questionable guns in the past, but some seem to have a Slim with no issues so maybe not. I've shot 2 and both have the same sight issue.

If you look over the Taurus forum, you will see that most of us had no problems with the slim the first 200 rounds. So very likely AR didn't go beyond 200. The faulty extractor began showing up after some slight wear. 4-6 weeks is not abnormal. Ruger is recognized as being some of the best customer service around, and my repair with them was around 4-6 weeks. My Kel Tec the same if not longer. While I too get irritated with the minimum wage first line of defense call answer-ers they have at taurus, Taurus does take care of it's customers...for life. UNLIMITED lifetime warranty. And part of the issue you mentioned (that they did not pay your shipping) is not their fault. Had you called them, they would have sent a FedEx truck to your house to pick it up prepaid. Give it a chance, see what it's like after you get it back. if you still don't like it, I have an address in Brownwood that accepts discarded Taurus's

[Tireshred]

The $10 to ship doesn't bother me, if 4-6 weeks is normal, it doesn't make it right, Colt did it door to door in less than a week, but that must be the exception. But I do like the lifetime warranty, I have 6 Taurus guns and will continue to buy them when I like one.

[wgoforth]

The $10 to ship doesn't bother me, if 4-6 weeks is normal, it doesn't make it right, Colt did it door to door in less than a week, but that must be the exception. But I do like the lifetime warranty, I have 6 Taurus guns and will continue to buy them when I like one.

How did you ship it for $10?? I thought they were required to be shipped overnight. Taurus paid around $65 to pick mine up.
Wayne

[martywj]

Our 709 had FTE problems right off the bat with various ammo and with both of us shooting it. The gun was bought gently used for my wife as a CCW. The previous said he had FTE problems with WWB ammo, so we stayed away from that. We had problems several other brands.
Ended up sending the for 6 week vacation to Miami, needliess to Taurus CS just plain sucks. They lie to you or don't tell you anything about what is going on with your gun. Ours showed reeived on the website, then all a sudden in one day being repaired, repair completed and shipped. On ours the exractor was replaced that is all it says on the repair order.
We took and shoot it. It has had a a couple of FTE's still with WWB 115 gr FMJ, and a couple with some Sellior & Bellot 115 gr FMJ. Both happened with my wife shooting and she thinks she may have "limp wristed".
We are going to give it another try tonight.
I will not buy another Taurus product just because their CS is so bad. Both our Taurus guns, I have a Mil Pro PT140, will be replaced. In fact we have already replaced hers with a Kahr P9, and I am still looking.
Marty

[wgoforth]

Our 709 had FTE problems right off the bat with various ammo and with both of us shooting it. The gun was bought gently used for my wife as a CCW. The previous said he had FTE problems with WWB ammo, so we stayed away from that. We had problems several other brands.
Ended up sending the for 6 week vacation to Miami, needliess to Taurus CS just plain sucks. They lie to you or don't tell you anything about what is going on with your gun. Ours showed reeived on the website, then all a sudden in one day being repaired, repair completed and shipped. On ours the exractor was replaced that is all it says on the repair order.
We took and shoot it. It has had a a couple of FTE's still with WWB 115 gr FMJ, and a couple with some Sellior & Bellot 115 gr FMJ. Both happened with my wife shooting and she thinks she may have "limp wristed".
We are going to give it another try tonight.
I will not buy another Taurus product just because their CS is so bad. Both our Taurus guns, I have a Mil Pro PT140, will be replaced. In fact we have already replaced hers with a Kahr P9, and I am still looking.
Marty

For some reason, the bad extractor seems to show up first with WWB and then more and more with other brands. That has been apparent from the Taurus forum. The info on the website is probably correct in that it takes them about 10 minutes to repair it once they get to yours, so shipping same day as repair (remember they have hundreds per day to do... don't want them taking up space) would be expected....you wouldnt want them to repair it then wait a week to ship it out to you. If the only need was to replace the extractor, then nothing else needed to be put i would guess. The pocket Sig, 738, is also experiencing a lot of complaints and problems right now... so even the more expensive companies have their issues... esp the first year out like this. As I say, I've got an address that receives discarded Taurus's/. FWIW, I went through an Urban combat class, shooting 1,000 rounds through my Taurus 24/7 in one day with sand blowing all around....narry a hiccup.

[wgoforth]

BTW Marty, good to see you on the forum!

[Tireshred]

The $10 to ship doesn't bother me, if 4-6 weeks is normal, it doesn't make it right, Colt did it door to door in less than a week, but that must be the exception. But I do like the lifetime warranty, I have 6 Taurus guns and will continue to buy them when I like one.

How did you ship it for $10?? I thought they were required to be shipped overnight. Taurus paid around $65 to pick mine up.
Wayne

I shipped it UPS ground from work, they haven't told me how much I owe yet, but I've shipped similar sized/weighted things and it was around $10. Hope I didn't break a law, from their instructions on the website, being in Texas I assumed I would be ok.

"Federal law permits you to return your firearm to the manufacturer for service via common carriers. However, state and local firearms laws vary greatly; you should consult your local prosecuting attorney regarding any restrictive laws in your jurisdiction regarding your shipment or receipt of firearms. With the above in mind, it is strongly recommended that any firearm sent to us for repair be sent through a Federally licensed dealer."

[Tireshred]

Our 709 had FTE problems right off the bat with various ammo and with both of us shooting it. The gun was bought gently used for my wife as a CCW. The previous said he had FTE problems with WWB ammo, so we stayed away from that. We had problems several other brands.
Ended up sending the for 6 week vacation to Miami, needliess to Taurus CS just plain sucks. They lie to you or don't tell you anything about what is going on with your gun. Ours showed reeived on the website, then all a sudden in one day being repaired, repair completed and shipped. On ours the exractor was replaced that is all it says on the repair order.
We took and shoot it. It has had a a couple of FTE's still with WWB 115 gr FMJ, and a couple with some Sellior & Bellot 115 gr FMJ. Both happened with my wife shooting and she thinks she may have "limp wristed".
We are going to give it another try tonight.
I will not buy another Taurus product just because their CS is so bad. Both our Taurus guns, I have a Mil Pro PT140, will be replaced. In fact we have already replaced hers with a Kahr P9, and I am still looking.
Marty

Mine still says "Invalid serial number and/or zip code" and it's been there since Monday.

[wgoforth]

The $10 to ship doesn't bother me, if 4-6 weeks is normal, it doesn't make it right, Colt did it door to door in less than a week, but that must be the exception. But I do like the lifetime warranty, I have 6 Taurus guns and will continue to buy them when I like one.

How did you ship it for $10?? I thought they were required to be shipped overnight. Taurus paid around $65 to pick mine up.
Wayne

I shipped it UPS ground from work, they haven't told me how much I owe yet, but I've shipped similar sized/weighted things and it was around $10. Hope I didn't break a law, from their instructions on the website, being in Texas I assumed I would be ok.

"Federal law permits you to return your firearm to the manufacturer for service via common carriers. However, state and local firearms laws vary greatly; you should consult your local prosecuting attorney regarding any restrictive laws in your jurisdiction regarding your shipment or receipt of firearms. With the above in mind, it is strongly recommended that any firearm sent to us for repair be sent through a Federally licensed dealer."

Well, yes and no. While it is company policy and not law with UPS and FedEx to ship firearms overnight, it IS however federal law that you MUST disclose to them at time of shipment that it is a firearm and when you disclose, it will be shipped overnight. So it isn't a matter of being in Texas, it's federal law to disclose. Feds would consider that a pretty major offense. The driver is also told it is a firearm and is segregated from the rest of shipping and must be shipped from one of their main offices and not drop off locations.
Note:
"A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by carrier to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm. [18 U. S. C. 922(a)( 2)( A) and 922( e), 27 CFR 178.31]

This is one reason it is best to call the manufacturer prior to shipping. Shipping this way is around $65 and much rather let them do it on their dime.

IANL

[martywj]

Mine still says "Invalid serial number and/or zip code" and it's been there since Monday.

It was about a week before ours showed up in there system online. They are kind slow getting information inputed, and issue I have with them. Then once it showed up in the system it sat there for almost 5 weeks in "firearm arrived waiting for repair".
I did the online ticket and printed 2 copies. Kept one and put the other in box with the gun just like they said to do.

I shipped and returned through a FFL and it only cost me $26.00.