Keep in mind my experience with the Troy was right after the 2020 ban and I had to scramble to get "tacticool" but compliant guns up and running. The Canadian 180 's were just coming out. So I am speaking about 2020 Troys and they may be much different now, I have no idea.
They are both pump guns and we are all familiar with pump shotguns like the 870 or 590.
The difference between the Taipan/Troy and the shotguns is when they are short stroked, the shotguns won't drop the hammer. So if you are aware, you can just pull the slide forward a bit more and then pull the trigger and it goes BANG. The rifles can be short stroked, not in battery and you pull the trigger and you get a click. The only solution at that time is to eject the live round and fully operate another round into the chamber. You can't just pull the slide forward, the hammer is already dropped.
I deal with thousands of novice shooters and short stroking is a real issue. Basically, they feel a tiny bit of resistance and stop pumping the slide forward. Its not an issue with people that know a pump shotgun.
But...we aren't dealing with novice shooters here.
Pros for the Troy:
1) From what I have read the Troy "locks" into battery and the Taipan does not - feel this would be more intuitive as someone who shoots a lot of semi auto and intuitively pulls the gun hard.
Locking into battery is probably a good thing. For me I don't care when using a pump gun of any sort, I'm pulling forward until I shoot and then I am pulling back. I understand how pulling a rifle into your shoulder is desirable but it's not hard to manage.
2) Uses AR15 style barrels (less the gas port or maybe it gets blocked?)
Yeah, that's a plus if you intend to change the barrel. Most people won't.
3) Looks like it breaks down like an AR15 with two pins so maintenance should be easy
100% easier than toolbox Taipan. Only thing I will say is that with rifles like these, they are not precision rifles so if you are putting 1000 rounds through them per year you really only need to clean once or twice a year
Cons for the Troy
1) No availability
2) Seems they have gotten expensive
Both bad LOL
Pros for the Taipan
1) More compact
2) Has side charging handle and a pump
I certainly like that about the Taipan. Easy to shoot fast from standing or use side handle when prone/on benchj
3) Cheaper
4) Available
Cons for the Taipan
1) Sounds like a pain to clean and work on
They ARE a pain to take down. But only when compared to like an AR 15. Ever taken a revolver apart to clean or some other semi auto rifles? The Taipan is easy compared to that...it just has lots of screws.
2) Proprietary barrels (why?)
Good question. Maybe it's an Australian thing
My issues with the Troy is that they had flimsy operating arms that broke and then they were a pain to deal with in Canada. (Maybe there was only one arm? I can't recall)
And the Troys I had felt a bit flimsy. The pump almost felt 3D printed and the operating arm was held on by a couple of screws that seemed bound to work themselves loose.
I think both guns will work fine for the average user. Especially if they are already reasonably competent in firearm use. As with everything, it depends on what is important to you.
In the end, I am just giving my opinion, it sure isn't definitive.
