Traded into a Taurus model M992 9-Shot revolver with .22LR and .22 Mag cylinders. Blue with a 4" barrel. New in the box, never fired. It's heavy, but actually feels OK. Except the DA trigger; it's about 347 lbs.
I've been keeping my eye out for a .22 revolver to use as a shooter/knockaround gun. This is not what I would have bought at the store, but I'm in a good position on it and would have to tack on a couple of bills or three to buy something else.
Never owned a Taurus but have heard/read the stories about the newer ones. Should I unload this before shooting it or ring it out and see what happens?
I have a Taurus DA revolver in 17 HMR - It's perfect in every regard.
Give yours a chance. You just might be glad you did.
For your purposes, I predict it will do just fine and then some.
I agree with P Weed. Get some snap caps and spend several hours pulling the trigger. Also get a hold of Wolf about springs for the gun. Typically the Single actions aren't real bad.
Mine is too. 17 HMR snubbie. I like it.
Hmmm...maybe it won't be too shabby.
Might as well shoot it and see if you like it. In reference to resale value, someone once told me you don't buy a Taurus, you marry it.
Sell it and replace with Smith 617
Sell it and get what you really want. You only live once.
Since you already have it, why not give it a try? Who knows? You might actually like it. If so, then you've potentially saved some money by not having to buy something else to serve a similar "philosophy of use." If you don't like it, I don't see that you're going to be out a whole lot by trying it first and thus having a better, more informed basis upon which to determine its fate.
I had a similar kind of deal happen a few years back with a minty 6" High Standard Sentinel. It turned out to be a surprisingly fantastic shooter in single-action mode, and far more accurate than I imagined one would be. As a trail companion, it was a dandy little thing -light in overall weight but well balanced with a very comfortable grip frame shape... I found a lot to like about it. I wound up selling it with the idea of buying a K-22 or something more "up market."
I still regret that decision. Maybe most of those sucked, but the one I had didn't.
Your Taurus, OP, might wind up the same way in so far as you might wind up liking it more than you imagine if you give it an honest try.