GUN TESTS GRADE: A (BEST BUY)

$489

The 992 Tracker debuted in 2011 and offers a unique feature for a DA/SA revolver. It has a quick-swap cylinder, allowing the user to fire either 22 LR in one cylinder and 22 WMR in another. While this is a common feature in SAA revolvers, it is novel in a DA/SA revolver. A button, located on the right side of the frame near the top front of trigger guard, allows fast and easy removal of the cylinder assembly. The cylinder-release button engages a groove cut in the axle for the crane. To change cylinder assemblies, push the cylinder latch forward, swing out the cylinder, depress the button, and pull forward on the cylinder. Each cylinder assembly includes the crane and ejector rod. Both cylinders are unfluted, but clearly rollmarked with the caliber. We would have liked the 22 LR cylinder to be fluted and the 22 WMR unfluted, similar to how Ruger differentiates cylinders on its Single-Six convertible SAA revolvers. The front lock on the cylinder is located in the crane. A detent locks into the frame when the cylinder is closed. This was tight with very little wiggle.

Built on Taurus’ medium-size frame and with a full underlug barrel means this is a hefty rimfire revolver. It weighs 40 ounces unloaded. If we had a wish, we would like Taurus to make this revolver with a titanium frame and aluminum barrel sleeve to reduce the weight. The frame and barrel have a matte stainless finish, while the cylinder latch, cylinder button, trigger, and hammer have a chrome finish. It is a smart-looking revolver. The front ramp sight is black and pinned in place, which we like. The ramp has a red insert, which makes it easier for the front sight to stand out and be acquired. The rear sight is fully adjustable and indicates up and right directions. The shooter-facing side of the rear sight is smooth. We would like it better if it were serrated to cut glare.

The trigger face is smooth and the hammer has a wide, checkered spur for sure cocking. The DA trigger pull is a hefty 15 pounds, and we could feel a bit of stacking. In SA mode, the weight was also a hefty 6.7 pounds, but it did break cleanly. This trigger came in third place to the fine S&W trigger, which came in first, and Ruger’s trigger, which came in second. The 992 incorporates the Taurus transfer-safety bar so the handgun can be carried fully loaded without fear of accidently discharge if dropped. Like the S&W, the Taurus also incorporates a hammer lock, which requires a key. We would use this feature when storing the gun.

The grip is compact and shorter than the Ruger and the S&W. It features Taurus’ ribbed rubber grip that flexes to accommodate the user’s hand size and grip. Our team liked these grips. Large-handed users may need to curl their small fingers under the butt.

At the range, we found the 992 offered the best accuracy of the three revolvers tested. With hot Aguila ammo, our best five-shot group at 15 yards measured 0.52 inches. With the mild PMC Target, our best measured 0.40 inches. On average, the 22 LR grouped under an inch.

Swapping cylinder assemblies was super simple, and with each, we noted the cylinders positively clicked into place with little play. We assumed the 22 WMR would not shoot to the 22 LR’s point of aim, and we were correct. It shot about an inch higher. Our best group with the 22 WMR was with the CCI 40-grain TMJ ammo, which measured 0.64 inches. On average, the 22 WMR ammo grouped from under an inch to 1.5 inches. We did not experience any splatter, and we swapped cylinders as easily as if they were magazines for a semi-automatic pistol. Even with fouling, the swap was easy to perform.

Our Team Said: For the price, the 992 offers a lot of versatility with the extra cylinder. We felt the DA and SA trigger pulls were too heavy. It is also awfully heavy for a kit gun, but for the price, we’ll disregard the heftiness. We think this is a Best Buy.

22 LR AND 22 WMR RANGE DATA

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