Snubby: Taurus 85 or Rossi 68?

[Ignacio49]

I had the opportunity to compare the Taurus 85 with the Rossi 68 models.
Both seem to be well made revolvers. There are some minor differences that I noticed:

Rossi has a floating firing pin, while Taurus has transfer bar.
Rossi weights a bit more that Taurus – barrel seems to be thicker, as well as cylinder walls
Taurus trigger action is a bit softer. Both snubbies are new, therefore this could change with use.
Taurus ejector rod is a bit longer.

Which one would you choose? Prices are similar – let’s not take this factor into consideration.
.

 

[Guillermo]

Taurus 85 seems to be a solid gun with a good reputation...perhaps the best of the Taurus line.

 

[robinkevin]

Taurus mainly for the transfer bar over the floating firing pin. However I think they are pretty much the same and either would be a fine weapon for the money. Taurus does seem to stand behind their firearms with very good customer service if you was to get a lemon which has been known to sneak out their doors more than it should.

 

[DNS]

Rossi.

Taurus has had way to many issues for me to put my money into one. So far Taurus hasn't gotten around to ruining the Rossi line if you don't count the extra stuff they feel the need to etch on the barrel.

 

[Erik M]

Taurus, Rossi, & Braztech are all related companies. They are not the same companies but they do hold contracts with each other. The Rossi Ranch Hand I owned was imprinted "Made for Braztech by Taurus" on the receiver but the box said "Manufactured by Rossi"

I class Rossi implements with Hi-Point Lorcin and the like. Good enough for some but not for me. Ive owned 2 model 85's, one of which I would prefer to carry over a box new Smith 642.

 

[Trad Archer]

We have a Taurus 85 in 327 FM. My wife has put about 1000 rounds through it and I've put a couple hundred. The gun has never failed us, we have zero regrets in buying it.

 

[huskybiker]

I own a Taurus 85 & a Rossi 462. Personally, I believe the Rossi to be the better of the two. That being said, the Taurus is also a fine carry gun. Never had a problem out of either one.

 

[GRIZ22]

I'd go with the Taurus. Rossi quality has supposedly gotten better since they were taken over by Taurus but every well used Rossi I've seen had timing issues.

 

[weregunner]

The 68 is a fine revolver though it is not +P rated and has been out of production for some years now.

The ammo problem is not that great a handicap if at all. Federal makes the 125gr. Nyclad. This has a real world documented track record for stopping aggressors.



Load No


Caliber


Bullet Weight
Grains


Bullet Style


Brand


Use




P38MA


38 Special


125


Nyclad HP


Premium® Personal Defense®
Velocity in Feet per Second
Load No
Caliber
Muzzle
25 Y
50 Y
75 Y
100 Y




P38MA


38 Special


830


776


727


682

Buffalo Bore has two www.buffalobore.com standard pressure rounds that have +P velocites but not the high pressure or recoil.

Hornady has the: 38 Special 110 gr FTX® Critical Defense®
SKU: 90310 | 25/BX

So that's covered.

The 85 is and has been one of Taurus' bread and butter guns for many decades and a fine gun for a low price.

So either gun would make a good choice for protection.
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/rossi-revolvers/70565-snubby-taurus-85-rossi-68-a.html

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/rossi-revolvers/68493-new-me-rossi-m68.html
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/rossi-revolvers/52806-rossi-68-a.html
Those above links are about the Rossi.

I was going to start with 85 links but there are too many pages of links for that. Over 30.

I've got a older 85CH that is over 30 years of age and still going strong. Since 1995 85s have been +P rated.

 

[weregunner]

Almost forgot. For the price the 85 would be the better deal.

As for Rossi and Taurus:
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/rossi-revolvers/11923-taurus-buys-rossi-lock-stock-barrel.html

That was back in 2008 that Taurus bought Rossi.

 

[weregunner]

By the way I do own a Rossi 462 in .357 magnum.

It's one of the firearms in the CCW rotation.

For the 85s there is this.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=654898

 

[Remllez]

I've not heard many bad things about the 85's, but the Rossi seems less refined to me and if the price was close I'd opt for the Taurus.

 

[Got_Lead?]

I've had an 85 in stainless for about 15 years and like it well. Timing is good, and very accurate. It needed a little polishing here and there to tune it up to good running order, but has been flawless since. The quality of the steel seems pretty good and hard, and after about 500 rounds shows no wear. I did however, go through about 3 of them at the LGS before selecting the one to purchase, basing the decision on fit, finish, and timing.

If you look before you leap, there are good Taurai to be had.

 

[Jim NE]

I believe the Rossi 68 is the blued version of my 88. If so, then that Rossi is worth getting. Does it have the pinned barrel? If so, and it's in good shape, I'd jump on it. I can't speak for the Taurus.

 

[Ignacio49]

........Does it have the pinned barrel? If so, and it's in good shape, I'd jump on it. I can't speak for the Taurus.

Unfortunately no pinned barrel on this one...

 

[hardluk1]

I love my old taurus 85SS. carried it for 20 years and is smoother today than when new.