Taurus PT145 Review

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Taurus PT145 Review

by Mike Horton
(Kansas City, MO)

Although my bed stand gun is either a Taurus 1911 or a Springfield XD 45, I find myself reaching for the Taurus PT145 to carry. I originally purchased this gun for my wife to carry, but after shooting it, I realized that it was not the right gun for her. After she shot one of the three Taurus 1911s that I own, it came to pass that I now own only two, and I'm OK with that.

I have had several law enforcement friends refer to carry pistols as "throw away" guns. At first I didn't realize what they meant, but after reading many articles related to personal defense, in most cases, the gun used was never returned after the dust settled. Personally, I don't care if I don't get it back as long as I'm still around to purchase another one. But, it does add one more point to consider. The price of the Taurus PT145 is right for just under $400.

The PT145 is not, and I repeat "not" a fun gun to shoot. It is not particularly accurate past 20 yards and the recoil is horrible. Keep in mind that the gun is a compact .45. It does not have the mass that a Commander style 1911 has so your body is absorbing the energy. A weak wristed person will more than likely experience a stovepipe, as my wife did the first couple of times she shot it. With practice she was able to manage the recoil but it wore her out.

Now, the good points: This is purely a defensive pistol. It does come in smaller calibers, but I'm of the opinion that the .45 ACP is the best combat/defensive round there is. The gun is very light and compact. Its effective range when drawing and firing is 20 yards. Beyond that, drop compensation is not consistent. What I love about it is that I can carry it inside the waist band with only a t-shirt draped over the belt-line. Great for summer. A simple and reliable design with a 10 + 1 capacity.

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Taurus PT145 Review

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Jan 30, 2012
Rating
to the ann. a hole (whole) NEW
by: Barry

Whats the point in critercizing the next guy fer his spelen. See if'n u can read this: Don't B a DIK!!!
To the owner of this group and others, I appolagize If this is offensive, But some people just need to be told! thanks, Barry

Jan 18, 2012
Rating
Make Every Shot Count NEW
by: 2layZ2

Ammunition for my Taurus generally runs a dime on either side of fifty cents per pop, and it doesn’t make a lot of sense to shoot relatively expensive or even cheap rounds through a pistol that doesn’t shoot where you point it. With its tiny “Heinie” rear sight and the tall stock Taurus (.263) front sight, my PT 145’s point of impact was in the basement. I literally had to hold the top of my rear sight level with the bottom of the front sight to get standard 230 grain .45 caliber slugs to print anywhere close to the front dot.

I wasn’t sure if a Williams Fire Sight would solve my lack of elevation dilemma as the fixed sight version (#70897) featured a front sight that was taller (.275) than the Taurus offering, and the adjustable sight version (#70969) was even taller yet. (.410) The answer had to be in the adjustable rear sight.

The Williams Fire Sight slid into the rear dovetail effortlessly and using a .050 inch key, I had both set screws snugged securely in a matter of seconds. After getting the front Fire Sight started, I laid the pistol in its side and put a square piece of rigid plastic against the side of the front sight before gently tapping it to the middle of the slide. The front sight screw, another .050 fastener, fit neatly into the slot milled into the receiver for that purpose.

I was glad to see that my initial point of impact with the Williams Fire Sight setup was windage/on; elevation/high, and after a few down clicks with the top screw, I was dotting the “i” consistently with a six o’clock “punkin’ on the post” hold. If you want truly stellar performance from the Taurus PT 145, a well-built, reliable, and highly accurate platform, you’ll need to outfit it with a sorely needed sight upgrade. The dazzling results I obtained with the Williams #70969 Fire Sights speak for themselves. I highly recommend this product.

Jan 08, 2012
Rating
Factory replaced three dot with straight 8 NEW
by: Anonymous

Sent my PT145 with factory 3 dot sights back to Taurus without a mag because it was shooting low. Fed-X shipped it there for $16. They returned it to me in two weeks with straight 8 sights. Now, it hits bulls eyes at 25 yards. They even included a free mag.

Jan 02, 2012
Rating
their, there, and they're NEW
by: Anonymous

@ anonymous (12/11)-

Maybe you should turn on the spell check! It's "their", not THERE genius!

Dec 11, 2011
Rating
Great gun NEW
by: Anonymous

Sounds like the last ten comments were from the same person due to the fact that there spelling and grammar were horrible and about the same, sounds like someone pissed you off dude!!! Anyways i have owned this gun for about a year now and nothing has gone wrong with it, not one misfire or jam with thousands of rounds shot from it, from many different brands. Over all a great gun for a great price!!!

Oct 22, 2011
Rating
Done with it !
by: stork

First time I fired the pistol had feed problems, the feed ramp broke off where it narrows toward the bottom .
One week turn around from Taurus with new barrel so went to fire yesterday and out of 18 rounds had 2 dented primers but no ignition .
I believe the firing pin is too short and since it cost me $ 25.00 to return the pistol I am done with it .
Too bad , I believe the recoil is minor and accuracy good inside 15 yards which is great for a self defense weapon !
Have a Smith Sigma 40 cal that cost about the same and no problems with any ammo I run through it including reloads !
No more Taurus for me ! If you spend $ 75.00 or more for postage you could just buy a better quality weapon with the money wasted on postage !

Oct 22, 2011
Rating
Done with it !
by: stork

First time I fired the pistol had feed problems, the feed ramp broke off where it narrows toward the bottom .
One week turn around from Taurus with new barrel so went to fire yesterday and out of 18 rounds had 2 dented primers but no ignition .
I believe the firing pin is too short and since it cost me $ 25.00 to return the pistol I am done with it .
Too bad , I believe the recoil is minor and accuracy good inside 15 yards which is great for a self defense weapon !
Have a Smith Sigma 40 cal that cost about the same and no problems with any ammo I run through it including reloads !
No more Taurus for me ! If you spend $ 75.00 or more for postage you could just buy a better quality weapon with the money wasted on postage !

Oct 22, 2011
Rating
Done with it !
by: stork

First time I fired the pistol had feed problems, the feed ramp broke off where it narrows toward the bottom .
One week turn around from Taurus with new barrel so went to fire yesterday and out of 18 rounds had 2 dented primers but no ignition .
I believe the firing pin is too short and since it cost me $ 25.00 to return the pistol I am done with it .
Too bad , I believe the recoil is minor and accuracy good inside 15 yards which is great for a self defense weapon !
Have a Smith Sigma 40 cal that cost about the same and no problems with any ammo I run through it including reloads !
No more Taurus for me ! If you spend $ 75.00 or more for postage you could just buy a better quality weapon with the money wasted on postage !

Oct 22, 2011
Rating
I need more rounds downrange.
by: Anonymous

Bought my PT145 brand new, cleaned it, and threw 100 rounds of S&B through it because I had heard of some problems. Not a burp, misfeed, recoil surprised me as lighter than I expected. I've got 400 more rounds of cheap ammo I am going to use next to make sure it works well.

Sep 19, 2011
Rating
Rounds Jamming
by: Anonymous

I have had this gun for about 1 year. This is the first time I have had to field test the weapon. Gun was cleaned when removed from the box. Took weapon to a range for target practice. Weapon would misfeed rounds and misfire every other round. Cleared round samething over and over again. Could this be user error? My friend, who is a Sheriff, attempted to fire the weapon. Same result over and over again. So disappointed in Taurus. What now? This is right out of the box!!

Sep 18, 2011
Rating
Disappointed
by: Anonymous

This new pistol is on its way back to Taurus .Nose dives or stove pipes with either mag . Mags seem loose in the well .
I have tried MANY brands of ammo with same results .Even measured COL on 200 rounds .
Some weak strikes but ammo put into 2 1911's fired fine .
I like the size and feel for a CCP but IT flat does not operate . Yes, the pistol was cleaned through and through both before and during firing .
I noticed a comment on the education of people using this site .
Keep you your oinions to yourself and stick to the subject !!

Aug 14, 2011
Rating
single shot auto matic
by: Jack Bennett

I bought a PT145. Now to find someone who is as excited to buy one as I was when I bought it. Since the first time at the range, I have to shoot it single shot. I load it with Full Metal Jackets from 3 different companies, 3 different hollow points all weighing at 230 grains. I reloaded some of my 230 grain hollow points. I put a bullet in the gun with a loaded mag. Shoot one time because it's jammed now. Pull the slide back and let it go. It chambers. Shoot it again and it's jammed trying to feed the next round. Pull the slide back and same thing. It's the same thing with every flavor bullet it put in this darn thing. I've had it a for a few weeks now and have probably fired over 200 rounds for a break in period. Was at the range again yesterday and same thing is going on. This Taurus sucks. No, it does not stove pipe. Each of the bullets do a nose dive into the front of the feed ramp and there it is. Pull back the slide and let it go and it feeds. But, it will never do that automatically. Time to see if someone will buy this cheep and I"ll go pickup a 1911 from someone. You know, a real gun that will shoot and actually feed another round into the chamber.

Jun 23, 2011
Rating
Good for the money
by: Anonymous

Have an 05 PT145 Pro SS with the DAO trigger and 3 dot sights, it has been great since new. Quite accurate and no function problems with around 500 rounds. Very concealable and relatively light. Got an 09 PT145 ProSS with the SA trigger and Heinie sights, noticed a difference in the recoil rod assembly, they got larger in width, otherwise same gun structurally. Early one has a better trigger than later model, and is more accurate too. Taurus mags are always overpriced, but ProMags work ok for PT145, they just dont have the finger rest. Have had no problems with either PT145 but have had problems with a Taurus PT845 and their customer service was horrible on warranty repair. Had a PT917 with an improperly cast slide. Taurus is a mixed bag and you never know what you will get from them. Woe to you if you have to deal with the Miami morons in warranty service. Say goodbye to your gun for months and expect alot of BS over the phone.

Jun 15, 2011
Rating
Two major failures
by: Anonymous

I've owned the PT145 for about 8 years now and would have rated it 4 or 5 stars up until last night. I use it as a carry and bedside defense gun. I loved this gun. Its easy to carry, it shoots great, and the price was right. The trigger mechanisim broke in 2006. It cost me about 50 bucks to send back to the factory, but it came back better than new. Although disappointed my self defense weapon failed, I was willing to give it another chance. Last night at the range something broke again. I don't know what you call it, but its the piece that draws and releases the hammer. Fortunatly both failures were on the range. This could have been tragic. I will get this gun fixed and sell it. Two major failures with less than 1500 rounds.

Jun 07, 2011
Rating
Wow
by: Anonymous

Christian gun owners seem to be bumbling idiots from what I gather reading these reviews. Please save us all the headache and either learn English or don't attempt to write.

That being said, this is a good gun. It shot low at first, but after a break in of about 200 rounds my groups came up and I feel happy with it. The straight-8 sights took a little getting used to at first when compared to the normal 3-dot sights, but I think I ultimately like them. I can shoot accurately with decent groups at 10 meters and still hit the target at 20. I think this gun is a great value for under $400.

Apr 26, 2011
Rating
great gun
by: Robert from texas

I have the Taurus PT145 and I love it. Very acurrate. I can hit stuff out to thirty yards. I think the PT145 is a great gun but their quailty control is not that great. Great design but poor workermanship sometime. Look at it like this, people might be tee off at work, not paying attention letting junk get by. Or coming to work high or junk. You never know. Mad at the boss or looking at that new fine lady they hiring. Taurus design are as good as glock, in some cases better. On youtube there's people with lemon GLOCK.....

Apr 21, 2011
Rating
Dissapointed POS
by: Kapowie

I originally purchased a Taurus 1911 and was very pleased with it's performance. Because of this I bought the PT145 to use for CC. New OOB the gun would not feed properly. Sent it back to Taurus and received it back in a few weeks. Still looked like new, took it to the range and it fed fine but would only fire about half the rounds. Accuracy was not to bad Took those rounds and they fired fine in my 1911. Sent it back to Taurus, it returned in several weeks, but looked like someone kicked it across a concrete floor. Took it to the range and it fed and fired fine but it was hitting about a foot low and to the right, all over the paper at about 7 yards. I have read all these great reviews above and am happy for you but my experience is that it is a POS. Would not take it to a dog fight.

Apr 18, 2011
Rating
Are you kiddin' me!!
by: Anonymous

After reading most of the reviews, I came to the conclusion that some of the writers should finish high school(at least) and not be carrying weapons of any sort. But, This is "America--Land of the free and Home of the brave", right?

Mar 04, 2011
Rating
pt145 not bad at all
by: Anonymous

First I bought the 145, when I got it I could not belive how small it was, no this is not a competition gun, for defense though it is really good. Right after my friend saw it he bought one used, no issues whatsoever even with the used.
Will you have problems with a Taurus? Maybe, I sure have known people who have. Did we have any issues with this gun, no. Works fine for what it is intended, just to hit someone with big rounds.
If 10 rounds of 45 wont get it done, better get rifle or shotgun, or just be a really really good runner. If I ever had a problem with it I would not be happy but I would use the warranty.
They give a good warranty so I am not worried about it, if you dont have a lot of money to spend then get a taurus, or just try one before you say that they are junk. I dont work for Taurus and I own more than one brand. But I think Taurus isnt too bad

Dec 22, 2010
Rating
great pistol
by: Anonymous

I have had this gun for about 2yr.never had a problem,keep it clean,find the wright ammo and you will be find.This is my main carry gun,i trust my life with it.Practice is what is needed,hope you want need to use it.Stay safe

Dec 03, 2010
Rating
Get what ya pay for.........
by: Anonymous

When I say you get what you pay for, I mean that in a good way. This is definitely not a match grade pistol, it is a down and dirty self defense weapon that is good to about 20 yards. Most of the reliability issues with this gun stem from the first two generations. Buy a third generation pt145 and you won't have any problems on the gun side of things. All jams from the 3rd gen guns are either from limp-wristed shooting or from the magazines. On various forums are ways to modify the mags so as to not have that problem. I have one mag that feeds flawlessly and one that seems to jam on the second to last round. But with the good mag it shoots flawlessly. I swapped out the heine straight eight sights for some standard ones and that solved any accuracy problems I had from not being accustomed to the heines. For as cheap as the gun is you can't beat it for what it does!

Nov 20, 2010
Rating
Hmmm
by: Anonymous

You reach dor a gun that was dwsigned 100 years ago!!! Too many safety's and things on the weapon to catch on. The floash of a 45 in the dark will blind you for several seconds also. I could go on for hours. The answer Glock...

Nov 01, 2010
Rating
junk
by: nite drop

shoots 6-8 inches left and 6-8 inches down at 20 feet went back to my sp101 for ccw a rock would do better. Looks pretty

Oct 09, 2010
Rating
PT145
by: avet1947

Sold my Glock 27 for the PT145. I was happy with the Glock, but desired a compact 45. After MUCH research, chose the 145. Although it has mixed reviews, my 3rd gen has functioned flawlessly. Silvertips, Hydro-shock, Winchester white box in JHP & FMJ went through without a hitch. For $400 out the door, can't beat it.

Aug 05, 2010
Rating
Taurus PT145
by: Anonymous

I purchased a PT145, thought it would make a great carry gun....what a peice if junk! Could not load more than 4 rounds into the oversprung factory mags, and it would not cycle a round into the chamber, got 2 mags from ProMag, the worked much better for about 50 rounds, then shot two mags of self-defense loads and it locked open every two rounds, then the mags would not click and stay in...Sending it back to Taurus for a rework, it will be sold or sit in the gun safe. I carry 24/7 and cannot, and will not put my life on the line and not have a weapon i feel will work 100% of the time. I'm looking at the Glock 33 in .357sig. You know what they say, when you go black you never go back....I'm heading to the dark side and it's all Taurus's fault.

Jul 20, 2010
Rating
Disillusioned
by: Robert King

I have owned this weapon for about one year. I needed service from Taurus because of a broken safety: that's when the trouble began. I contacted the company about their lifetime repair warranty and returned the gun to them as they directed. I have not seen nor heard about my gun since. Taurus acknowledged receipt of the weapon and stated it would be repaired and returned to me within 5-6 weeks. This was in February. It is now July and no weapon. My repeat requests for information have gone unanswered. They promise to get back to me with an answer then...Nothing. The gun is far better than the company that sells it.

Mar 27, 2010
Rating
hand fulll of dynamite
by: Ogden Lane

If you want to do competitive target shooting or handgun hunting, this is not your gun. But if you want a carry weapon with almost a dozen rounds of 45acp, check it out. I've had mine several years, and frequently think I need to trade it; but when I take time with the trigger pull, it is sufficiently accurate to do damage within the range for which it is intended, with is about 40 to 50 feet. It has been written by experts that a baddie can cover 25 feet faster than you think, and one round may be all you get off, so this may be the weapon for that. It is easily small enough for a console, or inside waistband, meaning you can have it when you need it. That is what is meant by a defense weapon. A 12 gauge with 00 would be better, but carrying it can be a bit conspicuous. If you get it, please practice with it.

Mar 02, 2010
Rating
Good gun.
by: Zak

Purchased the PT145 a couple weeks ago. Sights were off out of the box, but are luckily adjustable (unlike many other subcompacts). Not the most accurate gun in the world, but good for a .45 with a 3" barrel. Very lightweight and easily concealable. I have a very slender build, but have no trouble making it disappear in a SOB holster. Recoil was not nearly as bad as I expected. A lot of muzzle climb, but didn't hammer the hand or wrist. Good looking gun too (not like those eyesore Glocks). Also, I love the full sized grip and 10+1 mags. All and all, a great buy for the price. Although, I don't really care for the plastic trigger, or the fact you have to pull so far back on it.

Jan 27, 2010
Rating
PT140 and PT1911 cont.
by: D wright

sorry to run too long.
I like how easy it is to conceal a high capacity .40 cal auto pistol like the PT140. I saw a person at the range shooting a PT145 who was hitting inside a silver dollar sized spot at 7 yrds. Must take alot of practice!
The Llama has given me an appreciation of 1911 style pistols. and finally, I was able to purchase a PT1911 in Dual Tone just recently. I love shooting it. My experience with the PT140 is partially what convinced me to take a chance on the PT1911. At the gun shop, I handled a kimber, les baer, and a springfield and the look and feel of the Taurus seemed just as good. experience at the range with about 150 rounds was good too with no malfunctions. surprisingly, the Llama is still my most accurate gun. guess I need more practice with the PT1911!

Jan 27, 2010
Rating
Taurus PT140 and PT1911DT
by: D Wright

Really enjoy this website!
I have had various pistols over the years. Never had the budget to have anything really nice. Most were .380 or .22 cal and were "saturday night specials". However, about two years ago, I got serious about CHL (concealed Handgun License in Texas).
Started with a Glock 22 (.40 retired from San Antonio PD) which was my qualification weapon. I liked it but was concerned about carrying with one in the pipe knowing just a trigger pull makes it go boom! I made a bonehead trade but got lucky. I traded the GL 22 at a gun show for a Llama 1911 style pistol. Thot I was getting a .45 but it was really a 9mm. After, I was afraid because I read so many bad reviews about Llamas. But I have put hundreds of rounds through it with no problems or malfunctions. This gun was very heavy so I didn't carry it much.
Then I picked up a Taurus PT140 at a gun show for $300. Turned out to be a great little gun though not as accurate as I would like. It's a bit "snappy" as far as recoil goes. a slip-on Hogue helped my shooting alot. I have had no malfunctions except with aluminum casing ammo. the Double action did allow me to pull the trigger twice until the round eventually fired.
(to be cont)

Jan 27, 2010
Rating
PT 145-Excellent CCW!!
by: Carlos

I have a standard 1911, plus a Taurus PT945 and my PT145. My favorite is the latter. I've had my PT145 for about 3 years now and have run about 1500 rounds through it. I absolutely love this little gun! It fits my hand (I'm average build) very well, and for me, it points right on! This is very important for a CCW; I just do the rapid point and shoot.
Here's my observations:
PROS: 10+1 rounds, external safety,subcompact, easily concealed, recoil snappy but easily handled, easy cleaning, inexpensive.
CONS: Suseptible to "limp-wrist", and must be well lubricated.That's it!
This gun may not be for everyone, but perfect for me. I'm looking at getting another one.

Jan 18, 2010
Rating
Very Good CCW
by: KC

I purchased the Taurus pt145 Millennium just before Christmas (Dec 21, 2009). It was a Christmas present from our daughter and her fiance. After taking this pistol to the range it has proven to be one hell of a compact hand gun. The only advice that I can give is if you are recoil sensitive stay away from the JHP and +P ammo(the 230gr ball is fine,and reliable). I feed all available ammo through the weapon and it took all without one FTF, stovepipe or malfunction. I fired 250 rounds and was pleasantly surprised at the results. Accuracy was more than I expected from a short barrel compact. At 7 and 10 yards target range all hit s were in the 10,9,and 8 rings. Actually I was holding my breath and saying a prayer after all the negative reviews. When it comes to mechanical things it is always a hit and miss. I really do not understand why Taurus let it's reputation take a hit with this one. Maybe the firm should look at their quality control branch and do a bit of job liquidations. Overall the weapon is a concrete winner for a CCW.

Jan 16, 2010
Rating
Feels great in the hand, fires a highly effective caliber
by: Anonymous

I bought this about 9 years ago, to replace a PPK .380 which fed terribly, though I wish I still had it, too. It is amazing that this package holds 11 45 rounds, but there it is; some say a pistol is what you use to fight to the closest shotgun; this'll do it. Occasionally, I think that it just really isn't sufficiently accurate for dependability, but when I shoot it, I remember why I like it. It does require focused practice because the striker fired trigger is a bit mushy, and the 3 or so inch barrel won't replace a .308 rifle, but it fits in my hand, car, jacket, etc. with excellent accomodation, and I know the caliber will do the job if I ever need it, so I continue to have great justified and justifiable affection for it. If you need something to pull quickly in close quarters to defend your family, and the shotgun isn't close or is unwieldly in such tight spaces, you could do much worse.

Jan 16, 2010
Rating
PT145
by: Chris

I'm with ArmyCop. I didn't find the recoil bad at all, actually expecting it to be a lot worse given it's small size. Definately acceptable in the accuracy department given that it's a $375 pistol. My only beef so far against the Taurus is that one of the two mags that came with it wasn't made properly, and had to be sent back to the company. It's been 3 weeks, and I haven't seen the replacement yet.

Jan 09, 2010
Rating
Taurus PT145
by: ArmyCop

Liked your review. Maybe because I'm a big guy but I recently aquired a Taurus PT145 and find it fun to shoot and no problems with the recoil.

I also have (had for several years) a S&W CS45, about the same size as the PT145 but only holds 6 + 1 where the Taurus holds 10 + 1.

I'm finding where my primary CC was the CS45 - now it's a week or so with the PT145 then back to the CS45 - haven't fully decided which one to carry all the time yet.

The CS45 is a great shooter, Stainless Steel and Alum aloy - not one of your lighter pistols but not too heavy either.

Again, Thanks for your review on the PT145.

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