Taurus brand guns and kid safety

[Booger]

Ah, I've heard of this place.
The dungeon.

I've got a question about safety and a gun in the home.
I've never thought about it much before, but with a wife and kid, you start to weigh the options a bit more.

My shooting has been on the back burner for years. In fact, all I have right now is my old 10-22, locked away in the basement.

However, even my wife is reluctantly agreeing to keep something in the house. We're going with the old stand-by of being able to simply pump a shotgun in the dark, but I'm wanting to start shooting again too.
So, if I'm going to have a handgun around, it would be nice to have it somewhat useable for home protection too.

I've been looking at a Taurus. I'm seeing that they come with a little "key" the locks the whole gun. Loaded or not, it won't fire until the little key is inserted and turned.
Is this something that is becoming more common on all guns? Or is it just a really good idea with this one brand alone? I'm liking it alot, in that you don't have to keep the ammo locked away, in another county, to feel safe.

[Withergyld]

1. Never rely on safety devices

I prefer mine as simple as possible. The more complex it is the easier it is to break. What does the key look like? Would it be possible to find a household object similar to the key and "unlock" the weapon?

[demsrule4life]

2. Not sure about the auto's

The revolvers is a little hex screw on the back of the hammer. So wouldn't be much of a problem using a common hex wrench? (I'am not a toolman) to unlock it.

[Superfly]

3. IMHO

Taurus is a sub-standard firearm. Sure, they're cheap, but with firearms, you get what you pay for. Here's my wish list:

Semi-autos:
Sig 229 (.40S&W)
Walther P-99 (.40S&W)
Para Ordnance P 12-45 (.45ACP)

Revolvers
Smith and Wesson Airlite in .357, with shrouded hammer
Smith and Wesson Model 27 in .357 (I have one)
Colt King Cobra in .357

Brian

[juancarlos]

4. Your weapon choices.

If you are looking for a defensive weapon for the home, I would advise a Taurus revolver in .357 magnum. For secure storage, yet ready access, I would aquire one of the bedside safes which can go in a drawer in your nightstand. Some of these have a hand shaped pad on top. By pressing down with your fingers in a certain order, you open the safe. The little lock on the Taurus is a good idea, but the security of one of these fast-action safes is far superior. The reason you should have a revolver is that they are the most foolproof type of gun. They are also the hardest to fire accidentally.

[juancarlos]

8. Taurus Quality

I consider Taurus to be excellent quality, in regards to revolvers. I do not have enough info about their semi-autos to form an opinion. It is true that Taurus has had QC issues in the past, but recent manufacture revolvers are top-notch. I carry a Taurus revolver frequently, and am extremely impressed with it. A Taurus 66 is an excellent gun too, for home defense. Mine is an 85.

I would advise getting a 4 or 6 inch barrel .357 Magnum Revolver.

[Romulus]

5. what wyth said

You should't trust a safety device to take the place of the four rules: keep pointed in a safe direction at all times, no finger on the trigger until you decide to fire, every gun is loaded until you check it, and keep it secured until its need for use.

The internal lock thing is a newer development. Maryland has required all handguns made after 1/1/03 to have them or some similar integrated locking device before they may be sold in-state. I notice more manufacturers are including them, like S&W (which had them for a while),Walther and now Steyr. Glock now has some sort of built-in electronic(?) key thingy device they offer on new Glock pistols. You should check the MD state police website for their list of approved handguns that have the integrates locking devices. There are more than just Taurus.

[Redneck Socialist]

6. I've owned two Taurus revolvers and...

...the safety locks work, but with the right size allen wrench could unlock them. Also if you are planning to use the gun for home defense you would need to keep the key near the gun thus pretty much negating the safety aspect.

I agree with juancarlos that a bedside safe will be more secure.

I also agree with superfly. Taurus doesn't make a high quality firearm. It will definately be worth it to spend more and get a very good, very reliable gun. You are after all relying on this weapon to save your life. (possibly)

[jame]

7. Train, train, train.

It's been said that the best safety in the world is between your ears.
If you buy a gun for defense, PLAN a weekly training schedule, (if you can't make it, by all maens, dry fire). DO follow through with the plan. CHECK yourself frequently. Where is your gun? is it loaded? Is it accessible, given an emergency? Is it safe from young hands? ACT responsibly. You will own extreme power. With power comes a higher level of accountability.
PLAN
DO
CHECK
ACT

The above is way above sipmle brand choice. If you make the plunge, PLEASE do it right.

I prefer Sig and S&W.

Taurus has a spotty background.