As always here is the video review first if you do not want to read.
The Taurus Model 85 is a 2 inch barreled revolver in 38 special. The website MSRP is 409$ but in reality you can get it for 300-350$, or cheaper if you don’t mind buying used. There is a blued version as well as the stainless I know some people like the blued look better but the one I found used for sale was stainless and I do not really have a preference as to colors in revolvers. Here are the specs on the gun.
•Capacity: 5
•Front sight: Fixed
•Rear sight: Fixed
•Barrel length (in.): 2
•Product weight: 17 oz.
•Action: Single/Double
•Caliber: .38 Special +P
The revolver also has the Taurus Security System. Basically with an Allen type key you can make the pistol not functioning – and then promptly lose the key. If your responsible and have a safe to store everything in, or even a bed side safe for those middle of the night issues, than I don’t feel a need to use this. Lets be honest most of the time you spend time searching for your ear-pro, eye-pro staple gun or targets before going to the range – you think your going to remember where that key is? How about when it gets moved inadvertently by your significant other who has no idea what it is? I see this as more of a false sense of security than anything. Curious kids will find the key – and criminals can buy a new one off eBay after they steal your gun. Be safe and be smart about your weapon storage and you are good to go.
Back to the function of the gun. It is chambered in 38 Special and the .38 Special is a round that has been around a while and there a ton of choices when buying ammo. There is also no shortage of projectiles out on the market if you are a reader looking to shoot more. If your a reloader obviously the revolver is much nicer than a semi auto since you do not have to chase your brass and you don’t have to fight off the brass collectors who try and pick your still hot brass up at the range. But thats a complaint for another day….
This revolver can handle +P loads and there are some good home defense rounds out there in the +P range. On the flip side it can handle standard pressure loads for people just learning to shoot – or for those who just don’t like the +P recoil.
The rubber grips that are stock do provide a comfortable hold and seem to suck up some of the recoil. I also like that they are a bit “tacky” and easy to grip. Some harder rubber grips seem to get a bit slick when you sweat or when its humid out. The pistol points naturally and the grip angle is very well done. The grip is on the small side though, my pinky can not find a place to get on the grip so I curl it under. Smaller hands will fare better on the grip – but it by no means takes away from the controllability of the pistol. Even without a full hand on the grip follow up shots are easy and the recoil manageable.
The rear sight is just a groove in the frame of the pistol – there is no paint, and no markings to speak of, just a half moon groove and square to aim through. The front post is similarly without paint or markings and can at times been into the top of the barrel. With that said the revolver is accurate, surprisingly accurate.
I can regularly hit the steel targets at the 15 yard mark at my range – and on paper to groups very well. More than well enough for a home defense gun at shorter ranges. I can group 2 to 3 inches at 15 yards if I slow down and concentrate, quicker trigger pulls obviously open the groups up but they would still be a nice group in center mass with no problems.
I bought this pistol on a whim when I saw it at a very good price used at a local gun store. I decided to take a chance and I am very happy I did. This gun is small enough to take camping, accurate enough that I am confident when carrying it and as a revolver I don’t have to worry about the safety at 2AM when there is an animal in my camp that may be a danger. As a bedside gun it is also good that there is no safety to fumble with and I am confident it my accuracy from any doorway to doorway shooting lane in my house.
The gun has shot every round I have loaded in it. From cheap discount ammo to the +P name brand home defense ammo. It has had no issues or suffered in accuracy when shooting junk rounds. The shell ejector works smoothly and I have never had any sticky cases that took some persuasion to kick out.
I see this as a good buy for anyone looking for a good self defense gun, or just someone who wants to dip their toe in the revolver world. It is affordable, reliable and accurate – what more could you want for under 350$? If you decide to pick one up I do not think you will be disappointed and I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy the Pistol.
-Review and Pictures by Scott