Tallball
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2014
- Messages
- 7,801
I have had 2" j-frames and 4" k-frames since I was a young man over 40 years ago. That seemed sufficient for SD. Perhaps I'm slow on the uptake.
The idea of having a 3" k-frame sprouted slowly in my head and after some years I finally bought one. Unsurprisingly, I liked it a lot.
I decided I would probably like to have a 3" j-frame, too. My goal was a 3" S&W Model 36. Unfortunately, I have yet to come across one that is in decent shape and affordable. Finally I saw this used Taurus Model 85. It looked almost pristine, and it was $399.
This is my retirement gift to myself. I doubt I will carry it, though you never know. It would also be an okay house gun. Mostly I got it for range use, practice, plinking, etc. The goal being something that handles like my various snub 38's, but is a little bit easier to shoot accurately. It should be useful as a "rehab" gun when my health allows me to start shooting again soon. As I get older, I will probably be able to shoot it a little longer than my other j-frames, due to its increased weight and different balance.
It was apparently manufactured in 2013. It's stainless steel, not nickel. It looks like someone bought it, put 50 rounds through it, and put it into the sock drawer. Even the box and papers are pristine. The trigger is smooth, but heavier than I like. I didn't really want the underlug. I preferred the balance of the one I shot without a lug, but this one points and balances okay. The couple of extra ounces at the end of the barrel should help with muzzle flip.
I put some old boot grips on it right away, because that's the kind I have on all my carry pieces. And I painted the front sight red, ditto. I ordered a Wolff spring kit and a nice leather OWB holster. When the springs arrive, I'll clean and lube the insides while I'm replacing them.
I've owned six Taurus Model 85's over the years: stolen, given to relative, sold, killed by friend's reloads, the 2" I still have, and now this 3".
Any suggestions for 38 special non +p SD ammo? That's my preference, and it's time to replace my carry ammo.
If you have pics of your 3" small-framed revolvers, show them off, and share your stories of 3" small-frame awesomeness.
View media item 4567
The idea of having a 3" k-frame sprouted slowly in my head and after some years I finally bought one. Unsurprisingly, I liked it a lot.
I decided I would probably like to have a 3" j-frame, too. My goal was a 3" S&W Model 36. Unfortunately, I have yet to come across one that is in decent shape and affordable. Finally I saw this used Taurus Model 85. It looked almost pristine, and it was $399.
This is my retirement gift to myself. I doubt I will carry it, though you never know. It would also be an okay house gun. Mostly I got it for range use, practice, plinking, etc. The goal being something that handles like my various snub 38's, but is a little bit easier to shoot accurately. It should be useful as a "rehab" gun when my health allows me to start shooting again soon. As I get older, I will probably be able to shoot it a little longer than my other j-frames, due to its increased weight and different balance.
It was apparently manufactured in 2013. It's stainless steel, not nickel. It looks like someone bought it, put 50 rounds through it, and put it into the sock drawer. Even the box and papers are pristine. The trigger is smooth, but heavier than I like. I didn't really want the underlug. I preferred the balance of the one I shot without a lug, but this one points and balances okay. The couple of extra ounces at the end of the barrel should help with muzzle flip.
I put some old boot grips on it right away, because that's the kind I have on all my carry pieces. And I painted the front sight red, ditto. I ordered a Wolff spring kit and a nice leather OWB holster. When the springs arrive, I'll clean and lube the insides while I'm replacing them.
I've owned six Taurus Model 85's over the years: stolen, given to relative, sold, killed by friend's reloads, the 2" I still have, and now this 3".
Any suggestions for 38 special non +p SD ammo? That's my preference, and it's time to replace my carry ammo.
If you have pics of your 3" small-framed revolvers, show them off, and share your stories of 3" small-frame awesomeness.
View media item 4567