[ExSoldier]

I had a JUDGE (Public Defender) about six months ago. Bought it new in the box. I sold it before I EVER fired the dang device! In the course of simply manual working of the action (dry firing, opening and closing the cylinder,etc) the stupid built in key operated "safety mechanism" partially SET ITSELF! I have no kids at home and had already determined I would never have need of the internal lock. So I put the key away. Then it set itself and I couldn't find the key. I had to send the thing back to the factory right here in Miami FL (that in itself was an expensive nightmare involving FEDEX since they do not allow for private drop offs). I got it back inside of another week with a little note that they had "replaced a part" but didn't say what part or what was wrong. I asked my local gunsmith if he'd ever heard of this happening elsewhere and his reply was in the affirmative. Moreover, sometimes, the factory "fixes" don't stay "fixed!" Sorry, I refuse to trust my life to any firearm that malfunctions even before being live fired! So I traded it for a Sig + some $$$. I'll never own another Taurus of any model.

[Joe Brower]

Interesting. I know three folks in my area who have 'em, and they are all pleased as punch. They just left the lock unlocked, have never bothered with it, and not had the problems you've described. Two fellows in particular use theirs a lot -- they own some land with wild pumpkin and watermelon patches on them, which make great targets. $:-)

[Hugin]

Interesting. I owned a 41 Magnum Taurus Tracker with the hammer lock device for about 8 years, never had any problem with it. All in all it was a great gun, but I had to sell it ;~(. Still, I would buy another one without hesitation. I can’t believe that is a very common problem, since this is the first time I have ever heard about it, and I’ve read a lot of posts from Tuarus owners on different forums. But I guess anything can have a defective part.

[Peet]

So I traded it for a Sig + some $$$.

You are a wise man. I love my P226 - looks like a beater/shoots like a dream. Pactise a *LOT* now with the .22 Cal conversion, then check aim/trigger with 50 or so rounds of 9mm...