I had a six shot 357 Taurus in stainless circa 2000. It was a rough equivalent to a Smith Model 66. 2.5 inch heavy barrel. It was an EXCELLENT PISTOL. Very nice SA trigger, and a DA trigger around 6 pounds. And it was built heavy enough to hold up to a steady diet of HOT 357 ammo. Still wish I had that pistol.
My Mother, unbeknownst to me, went and bought a Taurus Judge several years ago (b4 the new CEO). 1st or 2nd year of production. On a visit to see her, she showed it to me. It was abysmal in re cylinder lockup, endshake, and general fitment SLOP. The gun was unsafe due to the slop. Took her and the gun back to the shop where she bought it, explained the situation to the owner, and he graciously refunded her money. A few weeks later on another visit she bought a stainless Taurus 38 special. It has been her carry gun ever since. And she CAN SHOOT IT VERY WELL.
I picked up a G2 about 3 years ago that has been an outstanding performer from day 1. Yes, I have made some upgrades to it for the sake on longevity, but even without those upgrades it has been a great pistol.
3 out of 4 guns from Taurus have been top shelf, spanning the time frame from 1999 to the present. Not bad as far as I'm concerned. Had I been there when she bought the Judge we'd be 3 for 3. ymmv.