3" Snubby opinions

[TN Trapper]

I have the opurtunity to buy a Taurus Model 85, mfr.'d in 1989 , appears to have brushed nickle finish with 3" barrel in 90% condition. I've never owned a Taurus and to be honest don't have a clue about their reliability or accuracy. I've shot and collected S&W revolvers for many years but I can get this handsome snubby for $200. If it wasn't for the 3" tube I probably wouldn't have given it a second look. My questions are: 1. Is it a decent gun for the price? 2. How scarce are the Taurus 3" er's ?(this is the first one I've ever seen) 3. Can it handle Buffalo Bore 158 grn. +P ? (for carry only, not regularly).

 

[Diamondback]

I've got a blue 3" Taurus M85...late 1990's manufacture date. I read on another forum that no change was made to the structure/metallurgy of the later +p rated small fame Taurus revolvers, and its safe to fire +p in the earlier "unrated" models. That's something I wouldn't take my word on however, and a quick call or email to Taurus will resolve the question.

I really...really....like my 3" M85. Carries easily, shoots like a dream......good trigger with crisp let off, +p rated. I can't say enough good things about her.

Any J frame size revolver is going to feel "challanged" with the Buffalo Bore 158 Gr. +p LSWCHP....but an occasional firing will do no harm if the gun is rated for +p ammunition.

PS My understanding is not many of the 3" models were imported into this country.




- Regards

 

[MCgunner]

I have a mid 90s two inch I carry a lot, carried all day today. It's alloy and still +P rated, though it mostly gets standard pressure reloads for practice. I love the thing, fantastic smooth DA trigger, excellent accuracy. A 3" isn't AS pocketable, though I have at least one pants pocket I can stick my Rossi 3" M68 in. But, normally a 3" gun is and IWB gun. But, a M85 is easy and comfy in a good IWB holster a major holster maker like Sparks or Rosen. One thing about the 3" tube. The added sight radius over a 2" is enough to do wonderful things to practical accuracy. I can shoot a 3" gun almost as well as I can a 4", but no way am I going to shoot a 2" gun as well as a 4" one. And, a 3" gun totes as easy as a 2" IWB, but a 4" just seems to dig into things and print a little more and draw a little slower. To me, the 3" compromise is a no brainer. I tote a 3" M66 Taurus a lot lately since finding a deal on it. It's older and I'd guess mid 80s manufacture. The Taurus revolvers started getting quality in the early 80s. In the 70s, they did not have much of a reputation. But, ya know, neither did Rossi and my M68 was purchased in 1981 and it's a dandy, so I don't know about conventional wisdoms.

I will say of all the Taurus revolvers, I think the M85 and its variations may be the best. Mine has an EXCELLENT out of the box DA trigger. The guns go for just under $300 new. $200 might be a little high for the market down here, but not THAT high. It's a good gun for the money. It's definitely +P compatible.

Check out http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php for more input on the gun.

 

[Old 112]

An old freind has a 3" ss 85 that he will not sell(I am still working on him). My brother has a 3" blue that he will not sell. I have a 2" ss spurless that I will not sell. None of us has had any problem with our 85s. Their 7 to 10 yard offhand accuracy is very good, which is main purpose. Old 112

 

[Old Fuff]

Unless you intend to either pocket carry, or use an ankle holster, a 3" barreled version will do everything a 2" snubby will - but do it better. You have a longer ejector rod, longer sight radius, better balance and more bullet velocity.

 

[aryfrosty]

Taurus snubbies

The only one I have at present is a Model 450. 2", .45 Colt, Titanium frame and cylinder. (With pins, springs, barrel liner all of steel). I have only had one Tarus I'd call bad and that was back around 1971 or 2. This one I have now is a little monster to fire, even with the ported barrel. But it's a dream to carry in a pocket holster. If you have one, (.38 spl), not shot out or banged up and can get it for $200 you should be doing OK.