Thanks guys.
Note: One *can* shoot single action mode without even a little nub of a spur left, and do so in a perfectly safe manner at the range, seems to me, as follows: Squeeze trigger slowly - when hammer is back a little ways, grab with off-hand thumb and pull back to click. Voila. So even a bobbed hammer can be accuracy tested, to try to evaluate mechanical accuracy. I've never done it but I will next range session. I see none of the 4 rules which would be broken by this. Been practicing this dry. I think I will be bobbing this hammer.
Looks like I ended up with the 85 SS2 in this trade:
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=319&category=Revolver
When I'm done it will be in essence the model "CIA 850 SS 2", except with the ability to fire single action when I choose to, as described:
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=295&category=Revolver
Best of all worlds, seems to me.
Haven't had a .38 snubbie in years & years - what's a good defensive load these days in +P that won't break the bank to practice with? This is an all-steel gun, so +P should still be a pussycat. Think I'll keep this one. I've heard reports of sights falling off of Tauri, but I've got that problem licked - all this gun has is a notch rear and permanently-affixed front!
P.S. One rather neat thing about the Don Hume "JIT Slide" holster which came with the trade, is that it works both as a belt slide OWB holster, AND is shaped such that it makes a great pocket holster, too (for large pockets anyway, like shorts), due to it being a minimalist style, and due to the "ear" on it, which rips the holster off leaving it in your pocket - coolness:
http://www.donhume.com/Products/ProductsPage.cfm?ProductID=53
Even though I let myself get clipped a little on this trade deal, I have to say I'm pretty pleased - this thing is very tight with hammer forward, and bbl & cylinders look good. Provided the cylinder gap is not excessive, that is - gonna check that tomorrow. Looks like it *may be* a bit on the large side.