I really didn't know what to expect. The first shot made me second guess the gun and the purchase all together - but that second shot was dead center on the x and I knew that I was in for one heck of a ride! I've always been a fan of the M9 vs the 1911 and when I first started researching IPSC/USPSA - I was looking at a $400 budget and it was slim pickings at first.
I originally only wanted .45 and would settle for .40 - anything chambered for .45 was more than I could afford and .40 was interchangeable with 9mm in price. After hours of research - I stumbled on the 92 and then found the 100. I ran up to Academy and they only had the 92 and couldn't resist the impulse to just buy it.
But I am really happy - The front rail, Taurus lock system, Thumb Safety location with decocker, three dot partridge style open sights, metal trigger and guide rod - things I learned more and more about after reading and researching really make this one to consider seriously! The price was good, in store, it was 429 a bit more than online but with shipping and FFL you could end up with a better deal.
The things I don't like are the Magazines (the lips seem a bit weak when loaded with 17 rounds. The finish is very dull (not shiny and pretty like the M9/92FS). The motion/play you have (with the trigger/hammer/slide)when the safety is engaged. And how hard it is to find aftermarket parts and accessories for it. Beretta has a million things, the Taurus is limited on Mags/Grips/holsters etc - I have to spend 3 times as much time verifying the things I buy online and then I still am not sure when they come in if they will really fit. Dry firing is not recommended by the manufacturer, so I won't risk it (snap caps would work) but I ended up buying dummy caps from stactionpro.com and they came with a sheet that states to not use these in firearms that should not be dry fired and references the use of snap caps (which dummy rounds are .82 each and snap caps are like 3 or 4 each.)
Safety wise - this gun can be locked down to the max when you want to store it! Trigger lock installed - Blocks the ability to move the slide (the trigger moves back when cocked)*Sales guy at Academy didn't know that* Taurus hammer lock keeps the hammer from moving to full rooster helping to block the slide as well. The thumb safety block the slide pretty well too.
So with all those implemented - it is very hard to chamber a round - but, if you pull back on the hammer and half rooster it (you will have to undo everything to put the hammer down and then redo everything!)Very frustrating but helpful in learning the process.
Now if only I can figure out this holster - I purchased a Fobus E2 Evolution *Belt Holster* that hold the pistol so well, that I can't get it out when I pull from my hip.
