TAURUS MODEL 85 SNUBBIE

O

Ozark Marine

US Veteran
Joined
Oct 23, 2014
Messages
2,370
Reaction score
5,255
Location
SW Missouri
Is $274.99 ships free a good deal?
It's the ultra light stainless 38 special +P snub nose.
For $264.99 a black version.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Ozark Marine said:
Is $274.99 ships free a good deal?
It's the ultra light stainless 38 special +P snub nose.
Click to expand...

Get ready for a can of worms!

I've owned a few Taurus over the years and been satisfied, including an older Model 85. Others are going to ridicule them.

To me $275 is a decent deal. A new J frame is going to run into $400, just to start.

Good luck with your decision.
 
Don't need one but if the price is right I thought it might be a good starter gun as a gift for my nephew.
But I'll think about it now.
 
I don't have in direct experience with the model 85 but I know a dealer who has sold many of them. He tells me that the hasn't gotten any of them back and the customers seem pleased with them. I suspect that most of them will wind up in a nightstand drawer rather than see heavy use.
 
I had an NIB 90's vintage 85 blow up in my hand due to the (complete) lack of a forcing cone. I hear newer models are better but I doubt aftermarket support or resale value has improved much. I believe that incident earned me the right to advise you save your money and buy a used J frame. You'll never look back.
 
Last edited:
Wee Hooker said:
I had an NIB 90's vintage 85 blow up in my hand due to the (complete) lack of a forcing cone. I hear newer models are better but I doubt aftermarket support or resale value has improved much. I believe that incident earned the right to advise you save your money and buy a used J frame. You'll never look back.
Click to expand...

What happened to you is a serious deal breaker for me.
I have a S&W 640 that everyone here was snapping up from Center Fire.
That 640 may be the one to give him.
Better a used Smith than a handicapped nephew.

Thanks for the heads up Wee Hooker.
 
Traded my 3" 85 in on a Ruger Sp101 3". Then traded that for a 60-15- 3". The Smith was the best of the bunch although the 85 really was a great gun. Wish I had all 3.
 
I just put another 100 rounds through my Taurus 85 about 2 days ago. I haven't had any issues with mine. I replaced the trigger return spring with a lighter one, and it now has a very smooth trigger pull. For under $300, I can't complain at all. They're not bad for the price.
 
I had a 2" Taurus 605 (SS .357 mag version) that was as nice as ANY S & W - excellent shooter, great action - I think I got lucky on it.....
 
Last edited:
Its a good price for the ultralight stainless.. I have owned many Taurus revolvers and semi autos without a problem.
I still own Taurus 85 blued with gold accents - ported barrel, Taurus 92 & PT111 gen 2 & 709 slim
 
Taurus is hit or miss on all of their products. Sure they have a great warranty but if you have to use it and not be able to enjoy or rely on the gun, what's the point?

I've owned several of their guns both new and used and nothing but bad luck. Never buy another.

They are hard to find in local guns shops for good reason.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top