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Thursday, November 5, 2009

Taurus Millennium Pro PT140 - Another Winner From Taurus


taurus pt 140 review





Needing an addition to my carry arsenal, and not wanting to spend an arm and leg the Taurus Millennium Pro PT140 .40 S&W appeared to be my answer. So, off I went to Academy Sports to see what they had available. There in the case sat a Taurus PT140 Pro and a PT111 Pro in .9mm. I settled on the PT140 with 10 round mags, and purchased the new gun for a paltry $319.95 + tax. The gun was black and sported a set of windage adjustable Heine Straight Eight sights.

I took the gun home, cleaned it, and took it out to the Old Fort Gun Club. I stapled up some full size silhouette targets and loaded up. I started out shooting with heavy gloves on and it was evident right away the gloves would have to go. I was shooting a foot low from 30 feet. Off came the gloves and up came the shots. The Taurus Millennium PRO is too small for shooting with warm gloves on my average size hands. A slight right adjustment on the drift-adjustable Heine sights and I was on target. And the more I shot, the better it got. After around a hundred rounds, I was having too much fun to stop. I emptied a half box of around 400 reloaded bullets, and finally just had to stop to go home. Since then, I've put another 150 rounds of Speer Lawman 180 grain flat points through the Taurus PT140 Pro.

The Taurus Millennium PRO PT140 fits my average size hands pretty nicely though I think a little bulk in the form of a slip-on Hogue grip might help it a bit. The gun points naturally and comes on target easily with a little practice. It lends itself well to either sight or point shooting according to distance and speed of shooting.



For my initial range time, I was able to put all 10 rounds of the pistol in the head or center mass of a silhouette target with relatively fast firing, from out to about 40 feet.



The Taurus Millennium PRO makes for a dependable, reasonably accurate, easily carried pistol that holds 10 rounds of ammo (for the .40, 12 for the .9mm), sufficient for most any civilian emergency encounter.



The difference in price between it and a similar size GLOCK is $250 less for the Taurus Millennium Pro. It shouldn't take too much brain power to figure the best deal. And please don't write to tell me the GLOCK will perform better. Remember, I'm a GLOCK lover. But I also try to be responsible with how I spend my money and I have pretty extensive experience with Taurus handguns. The TMP was the way to go for this small carry pistol. Add to all that, the flip up external safety, allowing me to more safely handle the gun when it has to be removed to go in someplace where carry is not legal, and it seals the deal.



This Taurus Millennium Pro performed as all Taurus handguns that I have owned, flawlessly. At this point, it takes a lot of ignorance to issue blanket criticism of Taurus firearms. Taurus has not only proven that it can put it's guns up against any combat handguns, they have also led the way in innovation in features like the "second shot" capability with their striker fired pistols. Sure it's possible for Taurus to have quality control issues or bugs in newly manufactured guns, but it's also possible for S&W, Beretta, Sig Sauer, H&K, and others. The difference is, that when Taurus has a gun with bugs, people throw a blanket of sarcasm over the whole company instead of just the gun in question. Bad move. "Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater" applies here.

I read a frantic complaint on a firearms forum recently about a Taurus Millennium Pro that he purchased and "straight out of the box" he had problems with it. I wonder why..........actually I don't. I know why. Here is how they come packed "in the box".



No gun will perform with that amount of grease gumming up the action. Before you go to the range with any gun, take a deep breath, go home, take it out of the box and clean and lightly oil it before taking it to the range. That will solve most "out of the box problems".

Anyway, mine is great and on the road to being consistent performers like all the Tauruses I've owned.

The Taurus Millennium Pro is now listed on the Taurus web site as Model 140BP. Lettering on the side is different than the one I tested. Same gun. Here are the stats: Caliber: .40 S&W, Capacity: 10+1, Barrel Length: 3.25", Action: DA/SA, Finish: Blue Steel, Grips: Checkered Polymer, Weight: 18.7 oz, Construction: Polymer/Steel, Frame: Compact, Front Sight: Heinie, Rear Sight: Straight-8, Trigger Type: Smooth, Length: 6-1/8", Width: 1.125", Height: 5.125", Rate of Twist: 1:16", Grooves: 6, Safety: Firing Pin Block, Manual Safety, Trigger Block.

BOTTOM LINE: People who want to bash these guns without sufficient experience with them to do so, are showing ignorance that I wouldn't want thrown around. Over the last three years I have owned six Taurus handguns, including this one, all flawless performers. Dependable, durable, accurate and innovative. It's time to give credit where credit is due to a firearms manufacturer that is producing quality guns on the cutting edge of innovation in the handgun industry.


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Part2 Taurus Millenium Pro PT140 Taking Apart


MILLENNIUM PRO™ 140 .40 S&W POLYMER PISTOL IN MATTE STAINLESS STEEL (PART2 TAKING IT APART)

In part 2 of this video I will show how to take it apart for cleaning. Also remember to check out Part1 where I show you how all the features (http://taurus-pt-140-review.blogspot.com/2009/11/part1-taurus-millenium-pro-pt140.html)



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Part1 Taurus Millenium Pro PT140 Features


MILLENNIUM PRO™ 140 .40 S&W POLYMER PISTOL IN MATTE STAINLESS STEEL (PART1 THE FEATURES)

Also remember to check out Part2 where I show you how to take it apart for cleaning. (http://taurus-pt-140-review.blogspot.com/2009/11/part2-taurus-millenium-pro-pt140-taking.html)




PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

This handgun has many great features, here is some information about the millenium pro which has non-stop performance. And your choice of models including: .32 and .380 ACP, 9mm (12+1), .40 caliber (10+1), or .45 ACP (10+1 or 6+1 in a slimmer grip, single stack magazine sub-compact .45 at under 21 ounces). The Millennium PRO™ also features the same revolutionary Single Action/Double Action trigger and matching serial numbers on the frame, slide and barrel as the 24/7 PRO, Heinie “Straight Eight™” sights, an ergonomic grip design, enhanced finger indexing Taurus Memory Pad™ and posi-traction slide serrations. Light, powerful and technically advanced, the Millennium PRO is the choice for concealment and back-up carry.


SPECIFICATIONS

Model:
140SSP

Caliber:
.40 S&W

Capacity:
10+1

Barrel Length:
3.25″

Action:
DA/SA

Finish:
Matte Stainless Steel

Grips:
Checkered Polymer

Weight:
18.7 oz

Construction:
Polymer/Steel

Frame:
Compact

Front Sight:
Heinie

Rear Sight:
Straight-8

Trigger Type:
Smooth

Length:
6.125″

Width:
1.25″

Height:
5.125″

Rate of Twist:
1:16″

Grooves:
6

Safety:
Firing Pin Block,Manual Safety,Manual Safety,Trigger Block

MSRP:
$453.00


MAIN SAFETY FEATURES:

Loaded Chamber Indicator

Taurus provides a loaded chamber indicator on all new compact, medium and large frame pistols. As with all Taurus safety and security innovations, the indicator in no way interferes with the operation of your pistol and is provided at no extra cost, but gives you an “at-a-glance” verification that there is a round in the chamber. When a round is in the chamber, the ejector pops out of the slide, exposing a red strip just behind the ejection port. While any loaded chamber indicator is no substitute for common sense and safe firearm handling, it is one more example of Taurus’ commitment to outstanding firearms.

Taurus Security System (TSS)s

Taurus family of semi-auto pistols now feature the Taurus Security System, which provides instant-ready defense with built-in ability to secure your pistol and make it inoperable at the turn of a key. When the Security System is engaged, the pistol cannot be fired or cocked and the gun’s manual safety cannot be disengaged. As with our revolver Security System, the device is part of the firearm and cannot be lost, and the same special Security Key works for both the revolver and pistol Systems (two keys come with each gun). To engage: simply insert the Key into the button on the rear or side of the pistol and rotate one-quarter turn clockwise. This engages the Security System. The manual safety cannot be moved and the trigger cannot be pulled. To disengage: simply rotate the key one-quarter turn back. This releases the Security System, yet leaves the pistol’s manual safety in the “safe” position until you are ready to release it yourself and fire the gun.


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Review: Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro 40SW Blue


taurus pt 140 review

Offering improved ergonomics and performance, the PT140 features enhanced finger indexing memory pads, Posi-Traction slide serrations and recessed magazine release, all weighing in at a mere 23.5 ounces. Ten rounds in the magazine, one in the chamber, and the lightweight frame makes this lifesaver a must for law enforcement and anyone concerned about personal safety. The double action only Taurus Millennium Pro carries three safety features including the manual safety lever, trigger block mechanism and a firing pin block. The Taurus Security System is included at no extra charge for that added peace of mind.

Specifications

Type: Pistol

Action: Double

Caliber: 40 S&W

Barrel Length: 3.25"

Capacity: 10 + 1

Safety: Manual

Grips: Polymer

Sights: Fixed Three- Dot

Weight: 18.7 oz

Finish: Blue

Reviews:


Reviewed By: Thomas C on 07/17/2009 Rating: [3 of 5 Stars!]

The one thing that needs to be made clear is that calling this a DAO is misleading. A more accurate description would be to call it a conventional Single Action semiauto with a restrike capability.

This pistol lacks any way to safely decock it. When you load the pistol, it is cocked; when you fire the pistol and it cycles, it is cocked. The only way to decock it is to drop the hammer by pulling the trigger.

Yes, if you happened to have a bad round in the chamber that failed to fire the first time, you can pull the trigger again and it will cock and drop the hammer - giving a restrike capability - but in the real world how often has anyone really seen a .40S&W round that will fail to fire initially and then will fire on a restrike??

Of course this is not the only so-called "DAO" semiauto like this, but it is probably the most obvious in that it has the exposed hammer rather than an internal striker.


Reviewed By: Nicholas G on 04/28/2009 Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

I love this gun. Shoots great for a compact. Fit and finish is better than I expected. 80 rounds or cheap ammo through it and no problem. Sights took some getting used to, but now I'm grouping about a fist size at 15 yards. Haven't tried carrying it yet. Thanks Bud.

Reviewed By: Randy T on 03/18/2009 Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

Awesome pistol. Had trouble with the sights, changed them to 3 dot, Its a whole new gun. I carry it all the time in a fanny pack. Great little gun for the price. Shot 500 rds NO problems.

Reviewed By: daniel w on 03/05/2009 Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

Awesome little gun, I carry mine every day. Great little gun for a reasonable price. I've put over 1000 rounds through it without a single problem. Plus if something does break Taurus will fix it or replace it for free. Some people complain about the sights but I've had no problem, it's a lot more accurate then I thought it would be. Must be the shooter more than the gun. But like the first guy said, after a number of rounds it can be a little rough on the hands.

Reviewed By: Steven B on 02/24/2009 Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

This is a Great Little Pistol! I was intrigued by it's small size with a 10+1 capacity. Suprisingly, it is very easy to manage this pistol. It doesn't have the dreaded, excessive "muzzle flip" that I had become used to with compact auto's in larger calibers. Taurus has really done their homework on this series. You can rapid-fire this gun with accuracy.

I used to think of Taurus as a company that only made copies of Smith & Wesson revolvers. Things have changed for the better! I now own a PT145 Millenium & a 2.5 inch Judge Revolver. Fit & Finish is excellent & the pricing can't be beat. I have recommended the New Taurus Pistols to my friends. I am very impressed with what they have to offer.


Reviewed By: Waylon C on 01/24/2009 Rating: [4 of 5 Stars!]

Unbeatable gun for the money. I've put well over 100 rds. through mine with no problems. Not crazy about the straight-eight sights, and can't find anyone that makes night sights for the Gen III with dovetail front sight. The DA/SA trigger is awesome with a clean, crisp pull. Excellent gun for the bedside drawer but slim enough for CC with the right holster. I highly recommend it for the value.

Reviewed By: Phil G on 10/14/2008 Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

Awesome pistol. Taurus has really turned it around in my opinion over the past couple years. Gun is more balanced than the XD40 and is slimmer to CC. No issues after many rounds. Lifetime warranty as well.

Reviewed By: Vahid S on 08/19/2008 Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

Gun is built very nicely and solid. Looks and shoots great. Comes with the best warranty in the industry. Just got it today and have already put about 100 rounds through it, not a single glitch. Thanks Buds,,,


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Taurus PT-140 Millenium Pro Review (1400 rounds)


taurus pt 140 review

I purchased this pistol in September of 2008, and have commented on various aspects of it in posts here on THR and elsewhere, but have held off on doing a full review until I’ve had ample time to fully evaluate it. I have fired approximately 1,400 rounds through the gun and feel like I have about as good an understanding of the pistol, its qualities and limitations, and I’m going to get.

For the sake of brevity, I will list my likes and dislikes and comment on them individually, rather than writing a book.


THINGS I LIKE:

Balance – As can be seen in the pictures, this pistol balances perfectly on just about any axis you can set it on. It balances with the grip on the table whether the mag is empty or full, and whether or not the slide is retracted. It even balances on the barrel, except the rounded guide rod won’t allow it to stay level. In the hand, it is dead level, neither front nor back heavy.

Ease of Maintenance – One pin and no tools for basic field stripping. As far as cleaning, I field strip the gun, spray out the crud with non-chlorinated aerosol automotive disc brake cleaner, clean the barrel with brush and patches, then lube rails, pivot points, barrel OD, etc. with wheel bearing grease. The lockwork and controls get a light coat of Rem-Oil.

Reliability – In 1400 rounds, I have experienced 3 failures. One was a WWB 165 gr. Cartridge that failed to fire; it finally fired after striking the primer four times. Normally, this was a case where you’d do a “tap, rack, bang” drill but I wanted to see if the double strike feature actually made a difference. It did, but it would only be of use if this was your last round. All other fired cases have nice, positive dents in the primer so I think this was just a “dud” round.

The next two occurred around the 1300 round mark (heh, maybe it’s cursed?). I had two failures to eject with CCI Blazer Brass 180 gr. Ammunition, about 20 rounds apart from each other. Since I have experienced no more failures before or after with other ammo, I have attributed this to the ammunition rather than the firearm.

Second-strike capability – Rather than having a long, heavy, DAO pull or a light pre-cocked striker type trigger which relies on the cycling of the slide, the pistol functions as a pre-cocked striker design that reverts to DA should the slide fail to cycle (if the round doesn’t go off). The user will likely never encounter the DA mode except when dry-firing.

External manual safety – Some like this, some don’t. I realize its limitations but I like it anyway. In this case, the safety is easy to use but does not protrude so as to catch on anything. I have never had it deactivate while carrying, or activate while shooting. It effectively blocks movement of both trigger and slide when engaged.

Recessed magazine release -– Something often overlooked on carry guns. The MP’s release protrudes just enough to facilitate quick mag changes, but I have never inadvertently dropped the mag while carrying or shooting, a problem I have encountered with other small autos like the Kahr PM9, PM40, Kel-Tec P3AT, and others.

Quality steel magazines – The two mags that come with the gun are well-made. They are easy to load, have a nice bright orange follower to show that they’re empty, always activate the slide stop when they’re supposed to, and feed 100% reliably. They drop free when released and snap in securely when inserted.

This was another selling point for me, as other pistols I considered that cost a lot more came with crappy magazines. Glock mags are plastic, which seems to be an issue since Glock keeps using more and more metal in their construction to address previous issues. The Kahrs I shot had rough edges on the mag lips that cut my fingers, weak, uneven spring tension that caused misfeeds, and were hard to load. The PT140’s mags disassemble easily and the spring does not fly out when you remove the floorplate.

Ergonomics, and controls – Another big selling point for me. While not much physically thinner than the Glock offerings, the PT140 feels a lot better. Capacity is similar but the grip allows me to get all my fingers on it. It also doesn’t feel like a 2x4. I added a Hogue Hand-All slip on grip for a while, which improved the comfort and ergonomics of the gun a good bit, but I took it off because the tacky rubber texture caused cover garments to cling to it and made the gun “print” more.

The grip is textured in strategic locations. Rough texturing on the front and back straps provide good purchase for the hand, while smoother patches on the sides add grip without biting during recoil. There are two recesses on the sides of the frame toward the front of the pistol, which are perfectly positioned for my support hand thumb (on the left) and my trigger finger when not shooting (on the right).

All controls are textured, and easy to reached. The safety clicks positively in both positions. The slide release is easy to reach

Price – At the time of purchase, these pistols could be had for $325 (blued) or $375 (stainless)

Sights – The pistol features a set of Heine “Straight-8” sights. Similar to the SIG “dot the I” configuration, these allow the shooter to simply stack the white dot on the front sight on top of the white dot on the rear to line them up. For more precise shooting, the sights can be used in the conventional method.

I like that they’re metal (not plastic), serrated to reduce glare, and offer plenty of daylight on either side of the front sight. They are low profile but still very visible for quick target acquisition. They are also dovetailed in and easily adjustable for windage with the included allen wrench.

Safety features – The pistol incorporates a positive firing pin block, a mechanism which prevents movement of the trigger bar without the trigger being depressed (and without the addition of a stupid kickstand-like protrusion from the front of the trigger), and a manual safety which block both the trigger and slide movement. There is also a key lock which renders the pistol inoperable.

Taurus lock – Normally, I’m not a fan of internal locking mechanisms. I can honestly say that the Taurus lock is an excellent asset on this pistol. Unlike other designs which require backstraps to be removed, grip panels to be removed, etc., the Taurus design is easily activated externally. It is also not an intrusive part which can be inadvertently activated. It simply works by locking the slide back and turning a screw via the supplied key (which is the same for all Taurus models, meaning you don’t have to pay an outrageous amount of money to the company should you lose it). The screw then prevents the slide from moving forward and thus prevents the pistol from returning to battery and chambering or firing a round.

When activated, there is no question as to whether the pistol is locked or not, as with other locking mechanisms. It is easy to use, quick to deactivate, and very convenient for whenever you want to restrict access to the pistol.

I thought I would never use it, but it has proven convenient. In one case, I was staying in a hotel and wanted to go down to the bar. Not wanting the cleaning staff to have access to my pistol, I locked the slide, activated the lock and went about my business. Much more convenient than having to carry a separate cable lock.

Lightweight, compact -- This gun’s size puts it in a somewhat unique category. It is not so small, light, or thin to be considered a “pocket gun.” Its larger size makes it more shootable than other pocket guns in full sized calibers though, but it is still small enough to be carried concealed in areas where other compact autos would not work. I have carried the pistol OWB in a pancake holster under an untucked shirt (though not a t-shirt) and in larger coat pockets.

Very positive extraction due to massive fixed extractor

Loaded chamber indicator can be seen and felt – While one should always check the chamber to verify a firearm unloaded, this indicator allows you to discretely feel it to assure that you have a round in the chamber.

MIRROR polished feed ramp --Polished over its entire surface for reliable feeding. It’s actually been roughened up rather than smoothed by use  All fouling wipes right off the slick surface.


DISLIKES

-Trigger pull is long with resistance in the very last bit. Very hard pull, but it breaks cleanly and reset is quick…

-Lack of aftermarket parts (holsters, recoil springs, barrels, lasergrips, sights, etc.); This is not a fault of the manufacturer by any means, but it is a consideration.

-Recoil is managable but not pleasant. It handles the .40 S&W cartridge better than the Kahr, but extended shooting sessions will leave your hand sore. I really think a stronger recoil spring would cure this (the gun throws brass a good 15 feet or more), but I have not been able to find one anywhere.

-The firing pin drags, but hasn’t seemed to matter with regard to reliability.

-As with most modern autos, the “looks” of the pistol are somewhat spoiled by the addition of the Taurus “Millenium Pro” billboard, along with various warnings, cautions, locking devices, serial number in a bajillion places, etc. Otherwise, I think it’s a very attractive piece.

Review by John Wayne


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