Looking at a Taurus Model 85

[zedheadmc]

Actually it is a Model 85BGRC. I did a search but there are 109 pages listed and I do not want to read all those. So simply, is there anyone here that has or had a Model 85? What do/did you think of it?
Not to sound mean or snobby (I guess it's o.k. to sound snubbie though ) but please keep to the model I'm asking about.
Thanks folks.

 

[blacksmithtech]

I have had a 85 for years and I love it - Trigger breaks like a glass rod. No problems with it! Get it and enjoy

Take care -

 

[BoneDigger]

Nice guns. I have heard way more good than bad. I had a 605, which is similar but takes .357. I loved it and I wish to this day I had not sold it.

Todd

 

[Wolfpackin]

Have a 85SSUL:

Although Taurus often has the reputation for inconsistent craftmanship if you read the revolver checkout at the top of this forum and closely examine the revolver before you purchase it, you should do OK.

I bought mine new and after a few hundred rounds I thought the timing might be off. But after a good clean and lube it times perfectly.
Very accurate. Great trigger. I carry it every day. Fun and easy to shoot even with +P rounds.

I do think that the fit and finish is somewhat below that of other brands in general. On mine the front side of the cylinder is cut unevenly.

Bottom line: Very satisfied, good gun although probably not going to be a collectors item.

 

[Majic]

After 15 years I passed my M85 down to my son. Never a moments trouble out of it and it's still giving fine service.

 

[1 old 0311]

I shot thousands of 'very warm' handloads through mine. Never missed a beat. Not as pretty as a Smith, but it does the job.

 

[Jim March]

Remind us: is this particular variant an aluminum or titanium model? Those have often been more problematic than steel Taurii.

 

[Seven High]

I own a Taurus 85 that is approximately 15 years old. The action was rough when first bought, but smoothed up in use. I have not had one problem with it. I would buy another one.

 

[Glockman17366]

I'm on my 4th Taurus 85.

The first two were stainless steel exposed hammer models. Super little gun, but a bit heavy for pocket carry.
The 3rd was a DAO (concealed hammer) I bought for my Mom. I wish I'd kept that one!
My current (and I sold the rest to buy this one) is an 85 Multi-Alloy exposed hammer version. I've had this one for at least 6 or 7 years now. Other then a problem with light strikes initially (which was fixed by Taurus), this has been one fine little CCW piece. It's quite light and great for pocket carry (with a holster).
My next Taurus will be a variation of the 85, the model 851. I liked the concealed hammer (less chance to snag the pocket) but you can still cock it for single action.

 

[bakert]

I have a blue steel fram model 85 that is a darn good little gun. I've had very good comments from friends that carry the smaller S&Ws. Never a burp in about 5 yrs use and it's accurate at the range it would be used for serious situations. It's not my everyday carry gun but for those occasions where you really want to hide one such as weddings, funerals, or other functions etc, it satisfies my needs.

 

[Old 112]

I have a 2"ss spurless 85. At 10 yds, shooting as fast as I can pull the trigger, I will put 3 out of 5 shots in a 12 inch circle. Slow or deliberate fire will group them in at 3 to 4 inches. This is standing with a two hand hold. Most of my handloads are +P or close to +P using 158gr lswc. I consider the 85 a very close in weapon upto 15 yds. , and it is very good for its intended purpose. Also, I have had no problems, and it is a late 90s vintage. Just a little of what little I know. Old 112

 

[denfoote]

I have an M85SSUL that was given to me by my wife. She bought it in about '97. It worked than and continues to work now.

 

[joneb]

I have/had a Taurus 85ss 2" that I bought new in the early ninety's, it was my ccw for many years. I recently bought a S&W 36 1 7/8", I took my wife out to shoot both and pick which one she wanted, she chose the Taurus which has a smoother DA trigger than the Smith. I am quite pleased with this Taurus I have shot a thousand plus rounds through it with zero malfunctions, it has developed some cylinder play and will shoot a 2" group at 7yds compared to a 1 1/2" with the m-36. I purchased the m-85 new for $235 and have had no regrets.

 

[nitestocker]

Ive got the 85 and the 651 the 651 is ti and 357 not very smooth but its lite the 85 is as smooth as a slip and slide just kidding its great just check them out first that's what i do and find the one that seems real smooth have fun at your next purchace

 

[E357]

I think the model 85 is the best of the Taurus revolvers. But, you must do the "check-out" as has been stated. Something I noticed at the last few gun shows however - The new 85's were not all that cheaper than a new S&W 642.

I would shop for a used 85 ( $150 -$200) - if you feel comfortable in buying a used revolver.

Elliot

 

[44and45]

Man, I've got to hand it to you guys who can shoot those snub-nose .38 special revolvers.

I can't do it for the life of me, the recoil just throws me off every time.

Yet, I can shoot .44 special, .45 Colt with ease and accuracy.

Had one of the guns you are discussing, it shot fine, but eventually traded it off for a little pocket .380 wimp gun.

Jim

 

[weregunner]

Have an older 85CH that is over twenty years old.

Thousands of rounds of standard pressure and +P loads through it.Cylinder lock is still tight. No end shake. Timing of cylinder is still very good. Have nothing but good things to say about the experience with this little revolver.

 

[icebones]

anyway to quickly (and safely) check to see if a revolver is in time correctly, cylinder locks up the way it should?

like at the gun desk, just after you asked the clerk to see the gun?

 

[bhp9mm]

i had one for 5 years it was a good gun shot good and worked i got rid of it about two weeks ago had no problems with it i just like smiths better

 

[Dismantler]

icebones,

The way a gunsmith showed me to check the timing quickly was to cock the gun SA and watch as the cylinder stop goes into the cut out. The stop should drop into the cut out with no drag on the cylinder.

To see if the cylinder locks up correctly, first see if there is any front to back play. You can sometimes budge the cylinder, but if there is movement, real play, do not buy the gun. Look to see if the cylinder gap is even. If it uneven from top to bottom, pass it up. Cock the gun SA and let the hammer down slowly. Hold it there and move the cylinder left to right. Smiths and Rugers should have very little play. Colts should lock up tight. Also, look at the gun from the front. Push gently on the cylinder as if you were trying to open it. If a gap opens up between the crane and the frame check it closely. Some wear and a small gap is okay, but a loose fit and a big gap is no good.

I once checked out a snubby that had a cylinder that could be be pushed out from the back about 1/8" on one chamber...so push gently on the cylinder from the rear, too, on every chamber when cocked.

Also, check out the revolver buying/check out guide at the top of the revolver page. The FIRST things that I look at are the screws. If the screws have been boogered up by a home gunsmithing job, I look no further.

 

[icebones]

thanks,

ive considered buying a taurus 85 (stainless preferbly) at a gun show if i ever came across one...

as much as i prefer automatic's, a revolver gets the job done, old school
and one adavantage a revolver has over ANY auto, it the number of shots you can get. with a revolver you are garented five/six (unless you have a dud or something) but an auto can only garentee one, then the slide may not go back into battery, it may jam, stove pipe and so on...

just ive heard of people, (on the firing line forums) talkting about a taurus 85 having bad timing and one guy even said that his spit lead it was timed so bad. then agin, there tons of threads out there preaising the 85 for its quality...

 

[guninthewater]

I've owned four of the Taurus 85 models, and all were good guns. I do not, however, like the 2-inch snubbies and lightweight-frame models very much. Although they're popular and easy to carry, they seem inordinately difficult to shoot well, at least for me. My favorite is the steel-frame 85 with a 3-inch full-lug barrel. Those are hard to find, but they handle more like a K-frame with only a little more weight than the Ultra-Lite snubbies.