Taurus model 85

[Toyman]

I stopped at a local shop Saturday and found this Taurus model 85 5 shot 38 special. The gun was clean, inside dry, lubed with Lucas oil. Will shoot it later this week. Not sure how I will like hard plastic grips.

 

[hardluk1]

I bought a 85 SS in late '90. I bought as a at work carry but honestly I never carred for pocket carry and after a Getting old so I don't remember how the trigger was when new ! Its been more of a training handgun for our daughters and several friends and there wifes over the years as a carry option and used with cci shot shells for rattlers and moccasins when we lived back in SW FL . SA pull weight is 2lb , DA pull weight is 7lb 2oz when last checked some 15 years ago still with all stock parts and still reliable .

 

[Jimmy4570]

Had one of their "CH" models that I carried in the trauma pad pocket of my vest while I was a sheriff's deputy back in the early 90's. Very nice piece.

 

[fordson]

My 85 UL with a set of Pachmayr grips. Grips made a positive difference in feel and handling, so much so, that it’s an alternate EDC. I get into my truck, and the Taurus goes into the center console.

 

[wood714]

I had a early 85 and a newer 605.

The 85 was a most nice looking revolver, I guess Taurus went to the ugly chopped off barrel to save cost.

 

[DT75]

"I guess Taurus went to the ugly chopped off barrel to save cost"

Sort of...
Gun Jesus have a video regarding this :

https://youtu.be/ny54YJ_t1kU

 

[swagmeister]

I had a stainless Taurus 85 many years ago with a bobbed hammer (from the factory and DAO) that I shot hundreds of rounds thru with zero problems. Certainly not as smooth as a Smith but went bang everytime I pulled the trigger with no issues.

 

[hardluk1]

I had a stainless Taurus 85 many years ago with a bobbed hammer (from the factory and DAO) that I shot hundreds of rounds thru with zero problems. Certainly not as smooth as a Smith but went bang everytime I pulled the trigger with no issues.[/QUOTE

You most not have a current s&w snubby to see how chiity the trigger pull can be !! The 7lb 2oz DA trigger pull on my 85ss is ever so slightly better than the apex J frame kit in my wifes 360-J 357mag

 

[Smeckler]

I like the old Model 85s, especially the ones they did in blue and gold. I've got the current 6 shot version of that, the 856 Ultra-lite, in my carry rotation. I've had it for years and it's been solid with many rounds through it.

 

[pasound]

Both my boss and a co-worker each had one as their SD choices. I kept the 85's cleaned for them. Stripping, cleaning, lubing and assembly showed me they are well made.

 

[diyj98]

I've owned several of them over the years and still have one 85 and one of the six shot 856's. My daily carry is a S&W, but the Taurus guns work just fine.

 

[A10]

I've had an 85 and 605, both were good guns. The 85 trigger was great after a little polishing.

 

[CajunBass]

I've owned a number of Taurus revolvers over the years and they just worked. Never had a problem with any of them. I've got a 327 CH now that I like a lot.

 

[Bald1]

Will J frame grips fit the 85 ?

 

[swagmeister]

hardluk1: You are right. I don't have a current J frame or any other new Smith revolver with the lock and MIM parts. Never had one and don't plan on having one. Too many complaints and problems with quality control on the newer ones. All I have are vintage Smith revolvers and they are good enough for me!

 

[Mainsail]

I picked up a Model 85 way back when firearm auctions sites were novel, paid $175 for it shipped from a pawn shop in FL to WA.

It sits on the coffee table in front of the couch where the better-half sits, for when I'm not home. The gun itself is good for about 20 rounds before the soot buildup starts to bind up the cylinder. 50 rounds and it's done until it gets a good cleaning.

So, yeah, great gun but you have to accept its limitations.

 

[hardluk1]

I picked up a Model 85 way back when firearm auctions sites were novel, paid $175 for it shipped from a pawn shop in FL to WA.

It sits on the coffee table in front of the couch where the better-half sits, for when I'm not home. The gun itself is good for about 20 rounds before the soot buildup starts to bind up the cylinder. 50 rounds and it's done until it gets a good cleaning.

So, yeah, great gun but you have to accept its limitations.

Your tread reads like you need a different ammo that burns cleaner or a different power if you reload . My most used revolver is an old DW 15-2 I hunted with for close to 40 years and when we both were young just shot it lot . The barrel gap is adjustable on most DW revolver and I ran mine at 2ths . Never delt with "sooting " issue but don't run many lite loads that can cause problems I also rolled my own ammo .

One problem for reloaders is some powders that burn rather clean at max level loads do not run clean with slower loads !

VihtaVuori powders tend to run cleaner and Hogdgons cfe pistol runs clean with lite or heavy loads but my test time is more limited with it .

 

[Smeckler]

Will J frame grips fit the 85 ?

No, they won't.

 

[GypsmJim]

Many years ago I went to my LGS to buy a Chief's Special. They had one in stock but the guy showed me a Taurus 85. It was cheaper but it was the transfer bar that sold me.

Fit and finish and function was excellent. No problems....except. I could not get decent groups with it. I worked on load development for years but never got the accuracy I though it should have.

Twenty years later I DID buy a Chief's Special. Accuracy was good. I still have the 85 and sometimes carry it in the woods on a hot Summer day because of its small size and light weight. Plus, it's SS.

 

[smoothshooter]

I have a Taurus model 85 Ultralite in .38 with a 2” barrel for 17 or more years. One of the best revolvers I own. Best trigger of all my DA revolvers out of the box.
This coming from a S & W guy.