Old Taurus or New Taurus 85??

[ChasMack]

Hi,
I am in the market for a Taurus 38 0r 357, 2-4". I have read some stories that the older Taurus revolvers are better than the new ones for various reasons ( toughness, reliability,accuracy,etc). Does anyone really know from experience? I have had 3 older Taurus from the 1980's, an 85, 86 and 431. I sold all but the 431. They were good guns all around and am quite sorry I sold the 86. It outshot my S&W 14 target! The 431 feels like it's had smith work done and is accurate! I want a 38 or 357...more likely a 38 as the most I'll shoot is 38 for practice and +P for SD and some practice. I have seen some newer ones that look good but would like real world knowledge of just how good they perform. Some of the newer ss looks almost like plastic, not even like real ss. I do have a CIA titanium 38 that is also a tack driver with 130gr 38's...another keeper, but would like one more! Not sure how old it is, bought it almost 10 years ago. Any info would be appreciated

 

[osteodoc08]

Seems like the model 85 and 66 have a good reputation for "quality". I put it in italics for a reason. Generally speaking, the tauruses (tauri?) are not going to be as good fit and finish wise as the others out there like the smiths and rugers, but are definitely serviceable. I have a 66 in stainless with a 6" barrel and have been pleasantly surprised. As nice as my rugers? No. Still fun to shoot? You bet. I plan on shooting it until it decides to quit then get rid of it. It's still running after over 1000-1200 handloads of heavier than caliber loads. Too bad the cylinder length keeps me from using the really heavy stuff in it.

 

[osteodoc08]

I guess I never really answered your question though. I'd go with whatever is the "better" deal. If new, I'd really look for a used smith. If used, I'd say it depends on the deal. Just make sure you go through the new revolver checklist. If it were me, I'd be looking for a lightly used product.

 

[goodtime]

I just picked up a Tarurs 85 from gunbroker.com. Upon inspection, it is a very good gun. I shot only 50 rounds so far, but is is a good specimen and works well so far. Very nice blueing and good trigger and action. There's a seller starting new ones on no reserve auction at $200.00 with free shipping. Nobody else bid so I got it for $200.00 plus my ffl transfer fee. Couldn't resist the price.

I'd say go for the 85. I've also been somewhat skeptical about Taurus, but I've owned a good few of them in the past, shot them a lot, and never had any problems at all. It's hard for me to argue with results I've personaly experienced. In recent years I've purchased only S&W, Ruger, or Colt as far as double action revolvers go, but I saw this price, bid and won it for a steal. I'm happy with it, and I think the quality of Taurus is just fine now. I'm going to pick up a 617 next when I find a good deal. If you're interested, here's the link to the same gun from the same seller I bought from:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=252171831

My two cents says go for it.

 

[hardluk1]

I have an old 85SS . Knowing how very smooth it is and after carry'n it for 20 years it still looks narn near like new . If i was looking for another 85SS and had both a new and old one to choice from, I would get the older model.