[hnm201]

I recently fell into a second-hand Taurus 85ch. The deal was too good to pass up and the person who bought it new is a friend of mine. I don't have any other revolvers in my collection and I thought it was high time that I got one. This gun has between 50 and 100 rounds through it. It had been cleaned once after the first 50 rounds (probably shot in 1993 - when the gun was made, according a serial num check on the taurus website) and not cleaned again until recently. I shot 10 rds through it at the range and it shot as I expected. No misfires. The timing and lockup seems ok, I guess. It rattles a little when I shake it. I have no way of measuring the cylinder gap other than to say that no credit card would fit but a playing card might. However, here is what I am concerned about:

The ratchet teeth are sharp and jagged. You can see where the metal has been ground away on the edges, forming little "teeth" on the edge of each ratchet tooth itself. Is this something I should be concerned about? Should I run it down to the gunsmith for tune up? I paid $100 for the gun, so I don't mind putting a little extra into it. The finish is till nice. I bought this gun primarily so that I could try carrying a snub in a pocket holster and see if I liked it before investing in a pricier snub (maybe a .357?), if deemed necessary. This gun will be primary in many instances and backed up with a Kel-Tec P-32. So, it's got to work. I don't mind making an investment in a better revolver eventually, but I'd like to make sure that this one is reliable.

I'd really appreciate any input on this. Thanks guys and gals!

[Old Fuff]

I think the rattle may be the transfer bar. If so, it's nothing to worry about. The burrs on the ratchet teeth could be polished off, but over-doing it would risk effecting the timing and carry-up. I would simply shoot the gun for the time being and see if something bad develops (which I expect it won't) and then cross the bridge when you come to it.

[Kentucky Rifle]

One thing I've noticed about Taurus 85's is that the ratchet teeth are getting better. My new Multi Alloy 85's teeth are as close to perfect as I've ever seen. I was beginning to consider the Multi Alloy as my favorite Tauri--until it mysteriously disappeared and then REappeared in my wife's safe. HUuuummm.
There's a gun-thief in my own house. (OW! I DIDN'T say that it was YOU!! OW!)

Touchy! :rolleyes:

KR