Shooting Big Smooth: Rediscovering My Mojo with the Taurus 608

I got the opportunity to test fire the Taurus 608 Competition revolver. I had originally planned to drive out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to shoot, but the weather and life didn’t permit it. However, I was determined to try out this large frame revolver despite the circumstances. It is a beautiful gun.

Indoor ranges in Maryland are like going to the Department of Motor Vehicles. It was packed with security guards trying to get qualified for armed duty. I had to wait an hour before a lane was open.

Finally, it was my turn at the indoor range, and I was thrilled to get my hands on the Taurus 608 revolver. This is a big revolver – intimidating, yet beautifully crafted – and it exudes an air of "Don't mess with me." As I held it, I felt a blend of anticipation and nostalgia, since it had been a while since I last shot.

The Taurus 608 didn't disappoint. It was incredibly cool to shoot, providing precise accuracy and handling the recoil like a champ. Given that I hadn’t shot since before Christmas, I expected my skills to be a bit rusty. And they were — but you couldn’t tell with this revolver. Each shot felt just right, and the revolver's performance was nothing short of impressive.

As I fired away, a small crowd began to gather behind me, intrigued by the smooth, almost effortless motion of the revolver. One guy even commented, "That revolver looks smooth." I couldn't help but smile. It was clear I had some newfound fans for the revolver that day.

One of the things that I decided to do to get my mojo back was to engage in shooting drills. I selected Speers, Lawman Handgun Training 38 Special +P 158 Grain training ammunition for its reliable performance and familiar feel. Setting up my practice session, I put up a Transtar II target, also known as the TSR-II Transitional Target. It is a light blue, full-sized silhouette target used by various government agencies. It afforded me a little nostalgia. I have shot on the target many times throughout the past 40 years.

Getting My Mojo Back on the Range

I thought up an easy marksmanship drill I could do on the spot. The object of marksmanship is to achieve precision and accuracy in hitting a target. Marksmanship requires a combination of focus, control and skill to consistently aim and shoot with exactness. It is important because it enhances safety, and improves your ability to protect yourself and others. Whenever you are wondering what to do when you are shooting alone, go back to basic marksmanship.

The drill I devised involved shooting 50 rounds at a distance of 10 yards. This drill was two-handed and untimed, focusing on precision and control. Although I would have preferred the opportunity to present from the holster, the rules at the public indoor range prohibited such actions for safety reasons.

I began the first string of fire by shooting one shot at a time in double action, totaling 16 rounds. Between each shot, I brought the handgun down in a safe direction in front of me at a 45-degree angle, maintaining alertness. The Taurus 608, with its eight-shot cylinder, proved to be an excellent companion for this drill. This slow and steady string of fire allowed me to concentrate deeply and made the practice session more effective compared to a hurried, indiscriminate approach. It also provided a moment to mentally block out the ambient noise of the range and the day's distractions, enabling me to focus intensely on the front sight.

After completing this stage, I reloaded and resumed the ready position. In the next string, I repeated the process, this time firing two shots each time, still using double action. As I progressed through this stage, I began to feel more at ease with the large frame revolver, gaining confidence in its handling and performance.

Upon the next reload of eight rounds, I decided to push myself further by speeding up my two-shot volleys. I aimed to fire as quickly as I could while maintaining control and accuracy. This added an element of dynamic movement and heightened my sense of timing and coordination. Each stage of the drill served its purpose in honing my skills and rebuilding my confidence with the revolver, ultimately helping me regain my shooting mojo.

By the end of the session, I felt a renewed sense of accomplishment and a sharper focus, ready to tackle future challenges with a steady hand and a clear mind.

I think it was during this stage that I heard the “smooth” comment behind me the first time.

Taurus 608 Specs

Here's a look at the features of my competition-ready Taurus 608 revolver, which helped me get my mojo back:

• VZ Target grips: These grips provide a secure and comfortable hold, ensuring stability during shooting.
• Green fiber optic front sight: This sight makes target acquisition quick and easy, even in low light conditions.
• Adjustable rear sight: Customize the sight to fit your shooting style for optimal accuracy.
• Tool-free adjustable trigger: A user-friendly feature that allows for precise trigger adjustments without the need for tools.
• Chamfered charge holes: These holes facilitate smoother and faster reloading, perfect for competition scenarios.
• Cut for moonclips: Designed to accommodate moonclips, this feature enhances speed and efficiency in reloading.
• Eight-round capacity in .357 Mag/.38 Special: Ample capacity for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading.

Big Smooth

I've affectionately named this pistol, "Big Smooth." Some might consider revolvers, or "wheelguns," to be old-fashioned, but accuracy is paramount whenever you pull a trigger. The Taurus 608 excels in this regard, making it a top contender for competitive shooting.

I highly recommend this revolver for anyone looking to compete. It's designed with competition in mind and can be used in various shooting sports, including USPSA, Steel Challenge, IDPA and Action Pistol. For revolver enthusiasts, ICORE is the go-to competition exclusively for wheelguns, like Big Smooth.

Of course, it all begins with the basics: safety, the principles of marksmanship and good practice. The Taurus 608 is more than just a revolver; it's a testament to the art of precision shooting and a reliable companion for any marksman.

So, if you're looking to rediscover your mojo and experience the sheer thrill of shooting, the Taurus 608 is the way to go. With its impressive features and undeniable performance, it's no wonder that Big Smooth stole the show at the range that day.

The Taurus 608 Competition revolver MSRP is $1015.99.

About the Author

Rev. Kenn Blanchard is a retired CIA analyst, USMC veteran, former law enforcement manager and gun rights activist. He is also a pastor, author, podcaster and blues guitarist.  revkennblanchard.com