New Taurus 85 or used S & W

[RJ likeguns]

I have the opportunity to get a new stainless 85 for $255.00. Should I do that or wait and find a used S & W for near the same price? The price to me is excellent; I haven't found anywhere to beat that on a new 85. Oh yeah, the gun will be used for pocket carry. Thanks!

 

[gogetumnow]

I had an 85 that I had to send back to Taurus 2 times. The first was on a timing issue. It was timed to slow and on a slow DA trigger pull it wouldn't lock up and would miss the primer totally. Well they fixed that problem but when it came back it had a horrid trigger pull. Send it back again and they fixed it.

I'm not trashing the Taurus, once the bugs got worked out it was fine and I love my stainless 85. (although I ended up spending $80 in overnight shipping charges)

Just be 100% sure you have the entire revolver checkout procedure comitted to memory and that you perform it before plunking down the cash. I've seen many Tauri with big problems NIB at the dealer. I think if I would've done this I wouldn't have had all the problems I did.

Anyway, the advice goes for any revolver NEW or used. Check it out and check it out well.

 

[rickgarcia24]

I bought the Taurus 605 SS wich is the same thing but chambered in 357 also takes .38 specials. I bought it new for $249 on Saturday at a gun show and since then put 200rds of full house 357mags (100 Winchester Win Clean 125 gr JSP, 100 Winchester 110gr. JHP) and 100 .38 specials (Winchester Value Pack 130gr FMJ) with out a single problem.
This is my first revolver and herd many bad reviews/stories for Taurus but never met anybody that really had a problem with them. So i decided to take the risk and bought one. So far so good, I dont regret buying one worth every penny and having it shot 300 times I think Ive seen enough to know this is a good reliable pistol.

 

[magsnubby]

I own several Taurus handguns,an 85, 94,605,606 and a Millennium 9mm.
I've put thousands of rounds through them without a single problem. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

 

[stans]

I would hold out for what I really wanted, if you settle for second best you will never be totally satisfied. Ask me how I know!

 

[Onmilo]

If you plan to use the key activated trigger lock then buy the Taurus, the hammer mounted lock is much easier to use than a Smith side latch mounted lock.
If you don't need the lock then spend a few bucks more and buy American.

 

[ruger357]

S&W.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I had an 85 years ago. Put a couple thousand rounds through it w/o any problems. Traded it on something I liked better. Kind of wished I had kept it. Not quite the equal of a S&W 60, but the gun was well made and did what it was supposed to. A couple of years ago I bought an 85TI which I still have. I've fired a few hundred rounds through it with out any problems. I wouldn't hesitate to get the Taurus. I also have a 650 with no problems.

 

[Snowdog]

Both will fill a defensive roll just fine. I have had nothing but joy out of my Taurus M85CH and know it will hold its own against any S&W but...

I would hold out for what I really wanted

That's what it boils down to, so that about sums it up.

 

[DT Willy]

I bought a new Taurus 85 a few years ago for $250. I love it! It's got a
great trigger and is pretty damn accurate for a snubby. A while ago it dev-
eloped a problem in double action mode (primers not igniting), so I sent it
back to the factory. They fixed it under the lifetime warranty at no charge
and now it's better than ever. You can't beat that warranty. Even though
the Smith has a better reputation, I'm a little nervous about a used one,
and what it may cost to get it up to speed. Get the Taurus, a great Mika
pocket holster (a steal at $15), and you're good to go!

 

[JohnK]

I would hold out for what I really wanted, if you settle for second best you will never be totally satisfied. Ask me how I know!

Very wise advice! I've had 2 of the M85's, both worked perfectly, and a couple of their autos that also work great. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one if I wanted one (there are a couple I woudln't mind having) but if you really want the S&W and get the Taurus you'll still have a yearning for the Smith until you buy one anyway.

 

[tbeb]

If you plan to carry in a pants pocket then I recommend a revolver that has an empty weight of no more than 16 ounces. (The all steel Taurus 85 weighs 21.) I'd look for a used airweight S&W model 37, 38, 42, 442, 638, or 642. Another choice and less than $200 is a used "old model" Charter Arms Undercover .38 in excellent condition. I've had good luck with them

 

[jojosdad]

I'd buy the Taurus now and save my $ for a Smith now. "Better to have a gun and not need it than need a gun and not have it".

 

[dairycreek]

I've not been a big Taurus fan over the years. Real problems with about half of the new ones I bought. But, in all fairness the 85 was one that was, for me, a real winner. Accurate and reliable and never a problem. Based on my experience with the 85 I'd get another. Good shooting

 

[joab]

I've owned many Taurus revolver over the past 20 years and have never had a problem with any of them except a minor problem with 1 out of the 3 85s I opwn now, something in the firing mechanism is broken and the pin falls forward. The only problem I see is that it makes reloading harder, so I just don't carry that one right now.
My first was a 66, then an 83 , a CH85, blue 85 and a 3" 85. Im looking at buying 2 SS .44 snubs right now.

 

[RJ likeguns]

Well, I have thought about it and I'm leaning toward a 637 Smith. Not that I dislike Taurus - I have a 605 now. It is a little longer than an 85 and doesn't carry well in the pocket. The barrel is 2.25" although Taurus says 2". I used to have an 85 (sold it) and it sat lower than the 605. Has anyone else seen this or am I dreaming?

I also like the Smith for the lighter weight.


I see CDNN has 637's for $299.00 right now. I found a good small dealer that sells 10% over their cost. THey may be able to come close with CDNN's price. We shall see.

Thanks to all for the info!