By way of indirect comparison, I have the short barreled Rossi and a "barn fresh" Winchester 1906.
I bought the Rossi for something like $159 dollars just to have one thing that wasn't a target or high grade somesuch, and to shoot up all the ammo that was left over, fell on the ground, was found on the floor of the truck, etc.
The 1906 was bought from a Gun List ad for $100, described as rough. I wasn't disappointed. Looks like someone used 80 grit paper to remove all the rust and blueing, then let it rust again. While they were waiting on it to rust again, they must have used it to drive roofing nails. This is all OK, because the bore is so rotted, bullets will keyhole within 15 feet. Tough resto, but I may get around to it someday.
In comparison, the Rossi feels a little thicker, not as trim in the wood. The metal work isn't like the old Winchesters, but for a sub $200 gun, a better than fair deal. In my case, at least I can shoot the Rossi, although with the short sight radius it's a chore. Been thinking of a red dot sight mounted scout style. Or I saw recently that Brownells has a tang sight in the $35 range for these now. Might be worth a look.
Haven't seen the new Taurus, but would expect similar. All in all I've never been real taken with the South American stuff, but for the money these little pumps do offer a lot of fun without the heartache of possible damage to a gennie. Although if money isn't a concern I'd second the idea of an 1890 with the octagon barrel.
Rob