I purchased this pistol because it looked good, was inexpensive compared to the real thing and I always wanted a 45lc, Yippe kay yo kay yea! My first trip to the range with winchester cowboy loads resulted in 2 light primer hits. This was not a good sign to me. I started researching the net for like problems and found tons of Taurus related light primer problems not only with the gaucho but other taurus revolvers with transfers bars. I tried reloading with known softer primers but was having the same results with the same frequency.

I bought some new Brass and a .lb of titegroup and still had the same results. I had pretty much resolved that I bought a POS with a Taurus brand and was stuck with a weapon that had serious flaws.

But my last couple of trips to the range had enlightened me. Shooting a pistol I was taught you used the tip of the finger to fire the weapon and not the crook of the knuckle. I then noticed in watching the firing pin extension towards the cylinder that if I used the tip of the finger at the very tip of the trigger at the bottom of the curve the extension of the firing pin was consistant. Since I've made a consistant effort to do the same and have experienced no light primer hits. Even those that I waited the time after a ftf to make sure it was safe to remove them would fire using this same method.

Is it right to have a weapon this sensitive to finger placement on the trigger I would say no having Sigs, Colts and Smiths that are not picky. Having an alternative to rat holing a weapon and making it useful with minimal effort might to take the sting out of purchasing something vilified in the media I'd say yes. I'd be curious if others with Taurus revolvers suffering light primer strikes might have the same success with a little different finger placement?

I am not familiar with the inner workings of the Gaucho, but I think something is wrong.

Once the trigger releases the hammer it falls at what ever force is generated by the main spring. Where your finger is on the trigger should make no difference.

If the hammer falls when you pull the trigger and the transfer bar is not up, you have problems. Doesn't Taurus have a lifetime warranty? Have you contacted them?

As others have said, where you put your finger on the trigger has no bearing on the firing pin impact force.

FWIW, Taurus makes a great revolver. I've got a model 85 made in 1989 that has never missed a beat. It's the most accurate revolver I've got in my safe. Better than the Colt, Dan Wesson and S&W it sits next to.

I don't currently own any Taurus but have never had any issues at all out of them.

I bet a new hammer spring would fix the problem.

I ASSume it operates like a New Model Blackhawk with the looks of an Old Model or a Colt SAA....?

Check the firing pin protrusion by dry firing it WITHOUT releasing the trigger. If there is too little protrusion check to make sure the transfer bar is up enough. If it is, the pin is too short, the TB is too thin, or the hammer's face notches are mis-cut.

Did you buy it new? If not, any chance some fly by night cut a few coils off the mainspring? Have you have the grips off to check for a commie-lock?

What is the air gap between the frame window rear face and the surface of the primer (what gap does the firing pin have to span)?

Finger placement can matter on a transfer bar single action when the timing is on the verge off being off AND there are clearance tolerances and run-outs adding up....could make a difference on getting the TB up far enough soon enough.

I'd call Taurus unless you like fiddling.

Any news?

GasGuzzler: My apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I'll have to drag the tripod and camera out tomorrow to give a better picture of my problem.

That has not been my experience at all. I have had no complaints with the Gaucho.