[Sir Knight]

I have the S&W686+ ... 4" barrel, stainless steel, full-lug, seven shot .357mag revolver. I've always liked the APPEARANCE of the Taurus Tracker (I think that it's one of the nicest LOOKING revolvers around). It too is a 4" barrel, stainless steel, full-lug, seven shot .357mag revolver.

One thing that I don't like about the Tracker is that it comes with a factory ported barrel and there is no option to get an unported one (just don't like ports on handguns because if you're forced to shoot at an off-angle, you could flames & hot gas going into your face burning & even blinding you).

Other than the ports, how does the Tracker compare to the 686+?

[Gunslinger]

Alan, from what I have seen it depends partially on the year of manufacture on each. The earlier Taurus guns were not of the best quality and, no offense to your Smith if it is later, the later Smiths are of dismal quality bordering on pathetic.
Over all, with all things being equal, I would rate them about the same with a slight nod going to the Smith simply because of the afore mentioned porting. I'm a bit confused and a little miffed as to why Taurus insist on offering some of their guns only in a ported variation. Another thing I don't like about them is their limited barrel length availability. I'm a six inch barrel sort of guy and most of their guns are only available in shorter versions. If it were not for that I would be drooling over the new Taurus revolvers the way I once did over new Smiths. :(

[Lloyd]

Hi, I recently purchased two Taurus handguns. One was the Model 617 two inch ported and the 627 4 inch ported S/S Tracker. So far I am happy with both guns. They both are ported at the top of the barrel and I don't see it as much of a problem. Unless you shoot pointing up with it right in front of your face I don't think it's a problem at least not for me. Chances of having to shoot it under thoese conditions are slim so I went for the ported barrel. I think they have a slight less recoil and quicker 2nd. shot acquasition. However I realize this may not be the case for all folks. Go figure!
Lloyd
Member NRA :rolleyes: null