@@SonOfTheDawn515 I have and a Victory Model 10 and a 642. I also have a Taurus 85 and a 3" 856 Defender model and obviously you've never owned a Taurus. Any of the Smiths are twice the price because they can ask for it but it doesn't mean it's a better revolver. I shoot all of mine and I find the 3" Taurus finds it's way into my pocket more often. The finish is arguably a little nicer on the Smiths but in the last 7 years being under the S&W umbrella they look much better, they have always been great firearms and it's very hard to to justify a Smith at twice the cost or more. I paid $325 for my Defender and a 340PD will run you almost $1000, just a 642 will set you back almost $500 street price.
Likewise. I bought my back in 1985 or 86, actually I bought a Bersa .380 from the dealer but it jammed constantly so I brought it back and exchanged it for the Taurus. No complaints but if I new then what I know now about C&P revolvers I would have jumped on that EMF Rem. '58 he had under the case!I definitely like the Taurus brand very much: I also have the Taurus .357(model #66 I believe though there are no model # markings on it). I love my big Astra Colt.45 too! She's a smooth operator.
I've had my blued version (the ultralite) for years now and nearly 1000 rds through it without a single issue and I've never had a Failure either. Great little gun... haters are just ignorant... if it's a good and reliable gun - then it's a good gun!
I love all my Taurus revolvers and they have never let me down. Also, I have never been able to put three rounds through the same hole!!! Great shooting!!!
Good review and good shooting. I've had a Taurus M85 in mat black for a year and a half. I have no issues with the use of speedloaders and for me, the trigger pull is light. For me, recoil is insignificant and don't forget, Taurus has a lifetime warranty.
When I carry my Taurus snubbie, I use Bianchi speed strips. They work well...they lay flat in your pocket instead of bulging...and you can perform a fairly fast reload. The more you shoot these Taurus revolvers, the smoother they get!
Good video. Many people buy these because they don't want a lightweight J-frame or LCR and don't want to spend $600-$700 on a steel Smith or Ruger. I love my blued T85.
I've had this gun (again) for about 6 months now. works every time. after 100 RDS or so the trigger smoothed out a lot. I had a polished stainless DAO bobbed hammer model before, was also nice, but I like the option of the single action.
My grandfather asked me "know the difference between a Taurus and a Smith?" I replied "No sir." He said "One is made in the U.S. the other in Brazil. They were sister companies so they shared pretty much all their designs and techniques." So for all you who think Taurus sucks I hope you don't like Smiths cause you just downed them. I'm here to tell you I've had a Taurus 85 and a Smith J frame. Guess what I traded my smith to the guy I sold my Taurus to in order to get the Taurus back.
Rob Gilley smiths hold there value better I have a model 686 no dash with a 6” barrel. But I love my 85 for a truck gun it’s perfect for that role as well as a hunting back up, load it with shot shells and it’s perfect for snakes.
True!! People hate to admit it! They also use the same machining lathes for the pt92 which is basically a Beretta 92fs but since it was made after it, they perfected any flaws of the 92fs and sell it for half the price! Along with a lifetime manufacturers warranty, how can you go wrong??
Is that why? I thought they just issued out new styles of grips for all their models. Could definitely be wrong though. The grip feels good, but I would probably dremel out a section for that whole speedloading hangup problem to go away.
Buy a replacement Hogue grip for it. I did it for my Model 85 UltraLite, and it made a world of difference, enabling me to get a full grip and use speedloaders without the grip getting in the way. Also, you might want to get the Wolff Spring kit for the Model 85 - lighten up the trigger spring and the hammer spring, and if you're comfortable getting into the guts of the revolver, you should look into doing a polish job on the internals to smooth things out. If not, take it to a qualified gunsmith and have a polish job done and the spring kit installed for you. It will amaze you at how much smoother your trigger will be afterward.
I notice a lot of people give this gun the thumbs up! and notice that this guy makes a person feel uncomfortable with his remarks about the gun, the way I see it! that little gun has worked it's way to the top of the line! it's not just the name of a gun that makes it great! it's when the gun is made great that counts! and it seem that this little gun is made great! whether its a ruger or a S&W, it holds its own!
It's now October 2022 and I have lots of trigger time with my Taurus'. I have an older M85, it's great but if you kike the 85 you'll love the 856. It's just a 6 shot 85 and it's only 1/10" thicker, mine has the longer 3" barrel and I love it. As far as the speed loaders go I just relieved and contoured the standard grips with a die grinder using a sanding roll, had to do the same thing with my S&W 642. Very easy to do. As for the trigger it had the lawyer/state mandated 10+ pound trigger, a $12 Wilson Combat spring kit cured that. Easily installed and I had to do the same thing with my 642 but the Taurus trigger still feels better. As for concealment if I can carry my Ruger 7 shot, 3" GP100 all day without anyone noticing the Taurus is a breeze. All in all, very accurate IMHO a great revolver and at half the cost of a Smith it's a great CCW/ everyday firearm.
I love Taurus 85s I have 3 you can't beat the prices I got the same one that is shown for 150 at a gun shop practically new because some guy had to turn it back in because his wife doesn't like guns😂😂😂
love Taurus revolvers good price for a good gun I have never had a problem with any of there revolvers. Don't understand why people talk crap about Taurus maybe because it's made in Brazil. to me it don't matter there awesome guns.
Ryan Bigelow I have had three of them two of them bad ignition issues the third one was a poly public defender judge which frame is cracking and I sent back 2 months ago and still hasn't entered repair yet
There was a period of a few years, like late 80s early 90s, where they had a QA issue. Gotta look the story up for exact details. However they just haven't lived it down yet. They have some great firearms especially for the price. Aside from the obvious revolvers (including judge), their 1911, and 92. That 800 series now the TH. Those designs are 600-1000 with any other brand. I own a few different models, and not saying they're the best or even my go to, but the bang for the buck and the quality, can't count them out.
Nice, unbiased, honest review, good job. I've owned mine over a year, love shooting it. Like you say, it's not perfect, but it is definitely "good enough." I don't believe in perfect guns, anyway.
I own a m-85,identical to yours,& I pocket carry it daily..... It's a little heavy,but I've gotten used to it. You're right about the grips,so I use Bianchi speed strips for re-loads. I've really come quite attached to this lil' gun.
I am not sure if I would want an exposed hammer on a pocket carry gun, but I am sure it could be done. Those Ultra-Lites would probably work better, but wouldn't be quite as shootable.
I owned one for a brief time until it was stolen when my house was broken into (I was not home at the time or I would still have it most likely....). this was an extremely fun gun to shoot. I carry a shield now, and owned it then. I have carried many semi automatic pistols for my daily, but just to go to the store, or right up the road I noticed myself grabbing for this gun far more than other choices. its pleasant to carry, light weight, and with +p ammo performs well. lucky gunner did an amazing ammo review on many calibers, you can find penetration, expansion, pictures, gelatin videos, and other info. its amazing, which leads me to the downfall of this round. both this round and its bigger sibling 357 suffer from many factory ammo choices not expanding properly from a 2 inch barrel. I would absolutely still carry this with hornady critical defense, and plan on buying one again.
Love my Taurus 85 ultralite. Replaced the rubber grips with Rosewood grips, just because I’ve always wanted wood grips on a snubby , and they work just fine. It’s a great shooting revolver and pretty accurate for a short barrel. I only shoot standard 38 special hollow point ammo, no +P.
.38 Spl + P 158 grain lead wad cutters discharged from a Taurus M85 + P, 5 shot 2 inch barrel revolver will stop an aggressive attacker dead in his tracks. The 2 inch barrel doesn't do justice shooting a jacketed HP, but it handles the wad cutters very well.
I owned a model just like yours for almost 30 years. Great revolver! If those particular grips are giving you issues with speed loaders, I strongly recommend some Hogue grips. That should solve the issue plus they feel great. Also, get a spring kit for your revolver it will make the trigger a lot better. Both of these improvements cost around $25 each. So anyone can afford to do that. Good luck and good shooting!
I have one. Probably the same model your have in terms of finish. Carry Hornaday 125-grain Critical Defense rounds. NO worries about a semi-auto failing to feed or eject in a self-defense situation. And accurate enough. Love the grip Taurus puts on these too. No it's not a S&W, Colt or Ruger. But much cheaper and it works.
👍MY experience with a snubie revolver,owned several, is that heavy trigger pull. With a hammer single action u get maybe 3lbs but suffer fast follow ups in single act. With double action accuracy suffers with rapid fire in self defense. Ruger told me if i do a trigger job warranty is voided. So i traded both in for another 9mm. Love my Sig 938 n 238,380. Easy to conceal n shoot. Accurate and eats all decent ammo.✌🇺🇸🇺🇸
A friend of mine has a Taurus revolver (K/L frame size). It's 'very economical', as you said. :) It has 7 shots and I always give him crap that he needs the extra shot because it's Brazilian! LOL!!!! It seems to be good quality and for what he's using it for (range shooting), it does it's job very well.
I like Taurus's innovate attitude, even toward some of its old designs and they really aren't as bad as some junk that's made right here in America. Cough SCCY Cough.
I picked up a refurbed 85 from Bud's some time back and it shoots great. Now, I can't shoot it nearly as well as you just demonstrated but, not too very badly. I like mine. Granted, mine was a "refurb" however, the cylinder was (is) pretty loose. That being said though, the timing is still on.
I carried a Model 85CH .38 Special ( stainless steel with rubber grips) in an ankle holster and two speed loaders in the pocket of my uniform pants, as back to my issued service .45ACP Sig and later S&W semiautomatics, for roughly ten years and felt VERY confident that the 125gr Federal +P hollow points would serve me well if the chips were down. I often carried it in that same holster and with the same speed loaders off duty especially in the summer months. It never failed to fire no matter what brand of ammo I stocked it with and ejected all five spent cases cleanly every time. I foolishly sold it to a young officer upon my retirement and plan on buying another one as soon as I can.
Well atleast its now a piece of mind, so to speak. for another officer. These little guys are still very much available and you aren't the first person to tell me that you had one for years without issue. Cleary if it was junk we would know it.
Sadly, a lot of folks think that if a revolver does not have Ruger, Smith&Wesson or Colt's engraved on the barrel it's junk...I beg to differ even though I have owned, shot and carried many of those "premium" revolvers in my time and felt comfortable doing so. Taurus may not produce firearms with the finest fit and finish....But they do produce, with a very few exceptions, some very nice personal defense firearms and I for one have never owned, shot, or carried a Taurus, either a revolver or semiautomatic, that failed to function within the limits expected of ANY handgun regardless of MSRP or brand name.
Each person has they're own preference. My opinion. Taurus does make some good guns. I have a Taurus 605 protector poly and my step dad's Taurus 45. Love both . Does what I need. Smith and Wesson makes good guns too. That's my opinion. Others have they're own preference on what they want to have
I carry mine in my tacklebox. Awsome toll to have with me. I carry 2 speed loaders with mine. 1 loaded with cci shotshells for snakes and big ass spiders haha. The other 1 is loaded with golden saber + p and the other is standard pressure 38 spl.
I got the 856 steel w VZ 320 grips in .38sp. Love my revolver, very accurate for a snubbie, I found the HKS sp loaders does in fact does not go all the way, but I would only stick it in 1/4 way in as vertical as I can and simply twist dropping my rounds in, it kinda works, not the best but way better than hand loading...
Pointblank2U. Speed loader problems: try using an older style Pachmyre , you may have to sand down the thumb slot if you need it super Smooth otherwise it should work just fine
i always believed for carrying or using the 38...just carry the 357 and stoke it with 38s and for that reason, i have the taurus 605, the gun looks identical to the 85 and i use 38+p personal protection, it's just something about knowing if you had to step it up, you can.
Will be picking one up soon at a local gun store will be my first handgun seems like a great choice and great price range for me right now. Next gun im looking into will probably be a Glock 9mm GOOD VIDEO MAN!
good enough ? this is my first revolver purchase. after that I bought S&W 637..tell the truth would rather have taurus...the safety on S&W done it for me. also I have ruger sp101 38 special snub. charter arms which is a great revolve snub. ..rossi 38 snub in great cond...but I carry the taurus model 85
I just put Pachmayr Guardian grips better concealment, you still get a 3 finger grip when you draw and it doesn't interfere with the speedloaders. Plus it's a hard plastic vs rubber the rubber is nicer for shooting but it likes to grab my shirt and print vs the hard plastic textured grip.
I went to a gun store and this gun is what was on the hip of the guy behind the counter....thats why ima buy one tbh haha ....off note....some idiots tried to rob the store and he put both assailants down with it too .......
Was that in GA?? Reason is because, Similar scenario happened here. I actually brought it up when I was speaking at a a safety and firearm self defense course. Two teens walked into an gun store(broad day) to rob it. One teen had two guns, the other a bag. They weren't in there but 30 seconds or so. As soon as robber with the guns took his eyes off the owner/sales person. They were both down. It was very quick. I could never get passed robbing a occupied gun store. Everything was caught in security cam, and was very quickly over. They just didn't document what the store owner/clerk defended himself with.
***** It takes at least twice the practice to properly work and be as efficient with a wheel gun as it dose with a semi-auto. So in a class it really slows things down.
The all steel model 85 is actually pretty decent.. The air weights and titanium‘s have timing issues... this is a good value if you can get it for 250 bucks and below .. back in the day Cabela’s and bass pro used to run black Friday specials on them ..
I never owned a Taurus but i have the windicator and it goes bang every time im thinking of getting a Taurus i always herd good stuff about there revolvers not sure on the semi-autos
i've owned many of them over the years. loved them all. the only beef i have with the redesign today is that rubber grip. it's too tacky to the touch and you can't replace it as easily as before. the pin holding the grips on is much longer than the older pin and is a bear to remove. i kinda hope they go back to the old style rubber boot grips, if nothing else to make it easier for me to put wood grips on them. great vid and i too recommend this revolver to anyone.
Lemons will happen with every manufacturer. Some people turn it into outright brand worship when something works like it is supposed to. The Taurus guns don't get enough credit.
I find the double action on this to be much better than the Smith trigger. Haven’t tried the Ruger but the Taurus trigger doesn’t feel nearly as heavy as my Smith.
I actually found it to be more accurate than my 3 inch Model 36. But in general, I think these all steel snubbies are under appreciated. Definitely easier to shoot than the little Airweights.
I pocket carry a Taurus 85. I do not use plus P rounds, I don't want to harm someone in the next house. I think any perpetrator is going to run away no matter what loads you shoot.
I WENT WITH THE ULTRALIGHT AND I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!(I PICKED IT OVER A 38. SMITH AN WESSON,,,,(MORE COMFORTABLE,,,AND WHEN YOU RELOAD THE PUSH ROD IS ACTUALLY COVERED!!!(AND BLAH BLAH BLAH YOU CSNT SPEED LOAD BLAH BLAH,,,,IM NEVER EVVERRR GONNE (NEED) TO GET A SPEED LOADER(IM GETTING A LASER AND (THATS IT!!!) 5SHOTS FROM A 38. WILL BE GOOD ENOUGH!!AND I (WANTED) TO GET THE HAMMERED VERSION!!(NEVER HAS SNAGGED ON ANYRHING AND MY HOLSTER IS,CLOSE!!!SOOOO HAPPY WITH THIS GUN AND SAVED A LIL ' VS THE S&W!!! HONSTLY,,,ME/DAD/AND BRO THOUGHT THE TAURUS WAS THE BEST OPTION!!!AND I HAD A S@W M&P 9MM SINGLE STACK,,WITH A 10ROUND CLIP(BEFORE IT GOT STOLEN!(AND IF ANYTHING ITS,THE SAME EXACT WEIGHT!!!
My 856 I got for $140 shoots one hole groups at ten yards. I wouldn't expect a new $1200 Colt or $600 smith snub to shoot that well. It shoots an inch high and right every single time and I pull low and left when firing fast so I generally shoot better the faster I shoot unlike every other firearm I've shot. Gotta work on your grip before commenting on recoil. You are too low on the gun. Gotta get real high up on it, damn near stopping the hammer coming back, cross the thumbs, and torque your whole dominant hand tighter by pushing your dominant thumb and index finger as tight and close together as possible with your supporting hand. Once you figure it out the gun will not move at all.
Sure is good enough, goes bang every time. Bucks some with the P+ , but still plenty accurate if I am. Easy to conceal I wear it on my ankle a lot and never even know it's there.
I have this gun. it's nice and shoots well. their customer service sucks. you are 100% about the grip catching the shells from falling out. I feel you can probably fix that though with some diy.
Yeah. But you really shouldn't have to. The gun should be ready to go right out the box. Atleast that's my general theory when I do reviews on new production guns.
+mark3smle you are correct. but in my experience there are lots of guns that need a tweak here and there. or you can pay 300 more for a gun that doesn't need a tweak. but many times even a $1200 1911 needs a little work
That would make a great video topic... With that said, the jury is still out. They are both acceptable choices in my opinion. I would definitely avoid any of the polymer framed revolvers from Taurus. The workmanship leaves something to be desired.
This was my first carry gun and I didn't do bad. Revolvers never jam/stove pipe and never screw up. My problem was with 5 rounds of 38 Special and slow reloading compared to a Glock 19. Yet I wish to get another for some reason and perhaps it is to be buried with: Should I go to heaven with it, God would bless me. Should I go to hell with it, it will take the fire and filth and still protect me from demons.
I have the 605 with the same grips do you know If the other style of small grips are smaller or are they the same size as these ? Great video and I can't wait to shoot mine !!
mark3smle I like it the option of having 357 and 38 spl I have 38spl plus p hornady in it now do you know how the other grips are? The ones with out the bull on the side ?
You made a very helpful video here. I have been wondering about this revolver and now I have confidence in the quality of the firearm. What is the trigger pull weight on the gun, if you know?
Have you had a chance to do any ballistics testing with this revolver? I am interested to see if you can get much expansion with +p defensive rounds because that would make it a pretty good self defense weapon at short range.
Best revolver I ever owned. 2000 rounds and running strong.
Never owned a 1960s S&W Model 19 4" barrel then :-p
@@SonOfTheDawn515 I have and a Victory Model 10 and a 642. I also have a Taurus 85 and a 3" 856 Defender model and obviously you've never owned a Taurus. Any of the Smiths are twice the price because they can ask for it but it doesn't mean it's a better revolver. I shoot all of mine and I find the 3" Taurus finds it's way into my pocket more often. The finish is arguably a little nicer on the Smiths but in the last 7 years being under the S&W umbrella they look much better, they have always been great firearms and it's very hard to to justify a Smith at twice the cost or more. I paid $325 for my Defender and a 340PD will run you almost $1000, just a 642 will set you back almost $500 street price.
I have one with me all the time. Would trust my life on it. Trust it always. Buy one,, or more.
I carry mine everywhere I go I love it perfect for carry and conceal
I have owned a blue steel one for close to 30 years, great little gun that has served me well
Likewise. I bought my back in 1985 or 86, actually I bought a Bersa .380 from the dealer but it jammed constantly so I brought it back and exchanged it for the Taurus. No complaints but if I new then what I know now about C&P revolvers I would have jumped on that EMF Rem. '58 he had under the case!I definitely like the Taurus brand very much: I also have the Taurus .357(model #66 I believe though there are no model # markings on it). I love my big Astra Colt.45 too! She's a smooth operator.
I’ve got a Taurus 856 and I love it
good choice snubnose revolver! 👍
I've had my blued version (the ultralite) for years now and nearly 1000 rds through it without a single issue and I've never had a Failure either. Great little gun... haters are just ignorant... if it's a good and reliable gun - then it's a good gun!
singletrackftw Good is partially subjective
I want to ask just because I'm new, should I worry about the bluing? I hear things about rust and I'm not sure if I'm worrying for no reason
I've had one since the 80s. At that time, they came with wood grips.
I just got one with a wood grip. Super excited to hit the range tomorrow with it.
I love all my Taurus revolvers and they have never let me down.
Also, I have never been able to put three rounds through the same hole!!!
Great shooting!!!
I'm from Brazil, I have a black 85S, 25 years of use, and a 638 pistol.
Good review and good shooting. I've had a Taurus M85 in mat black for a year and a half. I have no issues with the use of speedloaders and for me, the trigger pull is light. For me, recoil is insignificant and don't forget, Taurus has a lifetime warranty.
When I carry my Taurus snubbie, I use Bianchi speed strips. They work well...they lay flat in your pocket instead of bulging...and you can perform a fairly fast reload. The more you shoot these Taurus revolvers, the smoother they get!
90% of all reviews of this gun have been excellent
I'm about to Pick one of These Bad Boys up Tomorrow. 😊
My most dependable and accurate carry gun. I am looking to eventually getting the four inch 82.
I think I would rather that over the M206. ;)
LOL - I see you saw the video comparing the two. The RIA M206 is my woods and trail gun. The 85 goes everywhere else.
Good video. Many people buy these because they don't want a lightweight J-frame or LCR and don't want to spend $600-$700 on a steel Smith or Ruger. I love my blued T85.
Rick Turner I got mine for $320 with tax with the bull grip.
I've had this gun (again) for about 6 months now. works every time. after 100 RDS or so the trigger smoothed out a lot. I had a polished stainless DAO bobbed hammer model before, was also nice, but I like the option of the single action.
My grandfather asked me "know the difference between a Taurus and a Smith?"
I replied "No sir."
He said "One is made in the U.S. the other in Brazil. They were sister companies so they shared pretty much all their designs and techniques." So for all you who think Taurus sucks I hope you don't like Smiths cause you just downed them. I'm here to tell you I've had a Taurus 85 and a Smith J frame. Guess what I traded my smith to the guy I sold my Taurus to in order to get the Taurus back.
Rob Gilley smiths hold there value better I have a model 686 no dash with a 6” barrel. But I love my 85 for a truck gun it’s perfect for that role as well as a hunting back up, load it with shot shells and it’s perfect for snakes.
What a load of fucking bullshit.
Sorry Taurus 85s are ok but Smith revolvers are better quality.
True!! People hate to admit it! They also use the same machining lathes for the pt92 which is basically a Beretta 92fs but since it was made after it, they perfected any flaws of the 92fs and sell it for half the price! Along with a lifetime manufacturers warranty, how can you go wrong??
Maybe in grandpas day but not anymore.
I LIKE THE TAURUS MODEL 85 .38 SPECIAL...IMMA GO GET ONE!
Pistol P go with the 605... 357mag and you can still shoot 38special. 2n1 gun
@@enjoyinglife9952 Yup, and the heavier 605 construction really makes .38 a breeze to shoot.
I have the Ultralight. It is lighter by it recoils a little more. I retired mine when I replaced it with a SW19 that allows me to carry .357 mag.
I carry that gun every day! Love it! You have a different grip on it than I do!
Ahhhhh I figured out why! Mine is the ultralite! Makes sense!
Is that why? I thought they just issued out new styles of grips for all their models. Could definitely be wrong though. The grip feels good, but I would probably dremel out a section for that whole speedloading hangup problem to go away.
Buy a replacement Hogue grip for it. I did it for my Model 85 UltraLite, and it made a world of difference, enabling me to get a full grip and use speedloaders without the grip getting in the way. Also, you might want to get the Wolff Spring kit for the Model 85 - lighten up the trigger spring and the hammer spring, and if you're comfortable getting into the guts of the revolver, you should look into doing a polish job on the internals to smooth things out. If not, take it to a qualified gunsmith and have a polish job done and the spring kit installed for you. It will amaze you at how much smoother your trigger will be afterward.
Awesome that Hogue makes a grip for it, I love their stuff. That pushed me over the edge to order one off PSA
I love mine and my wife can use it also.We have had lots of fun with it and I have no complaints. It packs a punch so five shots is not a issue.
I notice a lot of people give this gun the thumbs up! and notice that this guy makes a person feel uncomfortable with his remarks about the gun, the way I see it! that little gun has worked it's way to the top of the line! it's not just the name of a gun that makes it great! it's when the gun is made great that counts! and it seem that this little gun is made great! whether its a ruger or a S&W, it holds its own!
It's now October 2022 and I have lots of trigger time with my Taurus'. I have an older M85, it's great but if you kike the 85 you'll love the 856. It's just a 6 shot 85 and it's only 1/10" thicker, mine has the longer 3" barrel and I love it. As far as the speed loaders go I just relieved and contoured the standard grips with a die grinder using a sanding roll, had to do the same thing with my S&W 642. Very easy to do. As for the trigger it had the lawyer/state mandated 10+ pound trigger, a $12 Wilson Combat spring kit cured that. Easily installed and I had to do the same thing with my 642 but the Taurus trigger still feels better. As for concealment if I can carry my Ruger 7 shot, 3" GP100 all day without anyone noticing the Taurus is a breeze. All in all, very accurate IMHO a great revolver and at half the cost of a Smith it's a great CCW/ everyday firearm.
I have the model 66 357 and it's a great gun. Accurate and the trigger is good. Taurus gets a lot of knocks but I have no problem with them.
I hear their Model 66 is right up there in their popular guns next to the 85.
I have the same gun, never had a problem with speed loaders.
Love my Taurus 856 UL.
I love Taurus 85s I have 3 you can't beat the prices I got the same one that is shown for 150 at a gun shop practically new because some guy had to turn it back in because his wife doesn't like guns😂😂😂
I'm glad to see revolvers make somewhat of a comeback so the damn price will drop
love Taurus revolvers good price for a good gun I have never had a problem with any of there revolvers. Don't understand why people talk crap about Taurus maybe because it's made in Brazil. to me it don't matter there awesome guns.
Ryan Bigelow I have had three of them two of them bad ignition issues the third one was a poly public defender judge which frame is cracking and I sent back 2 months ago and still hasn't entered repair yet
They are just mad because they don't have one. Lol
There was a period of a few years, like late 80s early 90s, where they had a QA issue. Gotta look the story up for exact details. However they just haven't lived it down yet. They have some great firearms especially for the price. Aside from the obvious revolvers (including judge), their 1911, and 92. That 800 series now the TH. Those designs are 600-1000 with any other brand. I own a few different models, and not saying they're the best or even my go to, but the bang for the buck and the quality, can't count them out.
Nice, unbiased, honest review, good job. I've owned mine over a year, love shooting it. Like you say, it's not perfect, but it is definitely "good enough." I don't believe in perfect guns, anyway.
Best review I've seen on this gun. Props man
I own a m-85,identical to yours,& I pocket carry it daily..... It's a little heavy,but I've gotten used to it. You're right about the grips,so I use Bianchi speed strips for re-loads. I've really come quite attached to this lil' gun.
I am not sure if I would want an exposed hammer on a pocket carry gun, but I am sure it could be done. Those Ultra-Lites would probably work better, but wouldn't be quite as shootable.
That exposed hammer doesn't bother me.
I owned one for a brief time until it was stolen when my house was broken into (I was not home at the time or I would still have it most likely....). this was an extremely fun gun to shoot. I carry a shield now, and owned it then. I have carried many semi automatic pistols for my daily, but just to go to the store, or right up the road I noticed myself grabbing for this gun far more than other choices. its pleasant to carry, light weight, and with +p ammo performs well. lucky gunner did an amazing ammo review on many calibers, you can find penetration, expansion, pictures, gelatin videos, and other info. its amazing, which leads me to the downfall of this round. both this round and its bigger sibling 357 suffer from many factory ammo choices not expanding properly from a 2 inch barrel. I would absolutely still carry this with hornady critical defense, and plan on buying one again.
I have the same gun, I love it... especially the grips. It sticks to your hand.
It is definitely the easiest shooting small 38 I have ever worked with. I usually don't keep guns for long, but I think this one will stay.
+mark3smle Definitely a keeper.
I like the blast flame.
Love my Taurus 85 ultralite. Replaced the rubber grips with Rosewood grips, just because I’ve always wanted wood grips on a snubby , and they work just fine. It’s a great shooting revolver and pretty accurate for a short barrel. I only shoot standard 38 special hollow point ammo, no +P.
Nice little gun, I'm just now exploring snubbies , Ruger GP 100 is my only revolver experience and the 101 is just to expensive. Thanks for the video.
Love this, good price, and punch enough to carry if shit goes sideways, use the +p and it's good
.38 Spl + P 158 grain lead wad cutters discharged from a Taurus M85 + P, 5 shot 2 inch barrel revolver will stop an aggressive attacker dead in his tracks. The 2 inch barrel doesn't do justice shooting a jacketed HP, but it handles the wad cutters very well.
Not many are informed about those wadcutters. They make a 38 snub a helluva beast.
I owned a model just like yours for almost 30 years. Great revolver! If those particular grips are giving you issues with speed loaders, I strongly recommend some Hogue grips. That should solve the issue plus they feel great. Also, get a spring kit for your revolver it will make the trigger a lot better. Both of these improvements cost around $25 each. So anyone can afford to do that. Good luck and good shooting!
I have one. Probably the same model your have in terms of finish. Carry Hornaday 125-grain Critical Defense rounds. NO worries about a semi-auto failing to feed or eject in a self-defense situation. And accurate enough. Love the grip Taurus puts on these too. No it's not a S&W, Colt or Ruger. But much cheaper and it works.
Thanks again
Nice small revolver
Be well
👍MY experience with a snubie revolver,owned several, is that heavy trigger pull. With a hammer single action u get maybe 3lbs but suffer fast follow ups in single act. With double action accuracy suffers with rapid fire in self defense. Ruger told me if i do a trigger job warranty is voided. So i traded both in for another 9mm. Love my Sig 938 n 238,380. Easy to conceal n shoot. Accurate and eats all decent ammo.✌🇺🇸🇺🇸
Great review, Thanks for the info
A friend of mine has a Taurus revolver (K/L frame size). It's 'very economical', as you said. :) It has 7 shots and I always give him crap that he needs the extra shot because it's Brazilian! LOL!!!! It seems to be good quality and for what he's using it for (range shooting), it does it's job very well.
I like Taurus's innovate attitude, even toward some of its old designs and they really aren't as bad as some junk that's made right here in America. Cough SCCY Cough.
***** Oh my, dogging the SCCYs! :)
I picked up a refurbed 85 from Bud's some time back and it shoots great. Now, I can't shoot it nearly as well as you just demonstrated but, not too very badly. I like mine. Granted, mine was a "refurb" however, the cylinder was (is) pretty loose. That being said though, the timing is still on.
Yikes! I am sure I would want to trust cylinder play like that.
I carried a Model 85CH .38 Special ( stainless steel with rubber grips) in an ankle holster and two speed loaders in the pocket of my uniform pants, as back to my issued service .45ACP Sig and later S&W semiautomatics, for roughly ten years and felt VERY confident that the 125gr Federal +P hollow points would serve me well if the chips were down. I often carried it in that same holster and with the same speed loaders off duty especially in the summer months. It never failed to fire no matter what brand of ammo I stocked it with and ejected all five spent cases cleanly every time. I foolishly sold it to a young officer upon my retirement and plan on buying another one as soon as I can.
Well atleast its now a piece of mind, so to speak. for another officer. These little guys are still very much available and you aren't the first person to tell me that you had one for years without issue. Cleary if it was junk we would know it.
Sadly, a lot of folks think that if a revolver does not have Ruger, Smith&Wesson or Colt's engraved on the barrel it's junk...I beg to differ even though I have owned, shot and carried many of those "premium" revolvers in my time and felt comfortable doing so. Taurus may not produce firearms with the finest fit and finish....But they do produce, with a very few exceptions, some very nice personal defense firearms and I for one have never owned, shot, or carried a Taurus, either a revolver or semiautomatic, that failed to function within the limits expected of ANY handgun regardless of MSRP or brand name.
Each person has they're own preference. My opinion. Taurus does make some good guns. I have a Taurus 605 protector poly and my step dad's Taurus 45. Love both . Does what I need. Smith and Wesson makes good guns too. That's my opinion. Others have they're own preference on what they want to have
This puppy has bark, short barrel is why
As far as the speedloader issue, perhaps use speed strips?
I carry mine in my tacklebox. Awsome toll to have with me. I carry 2 speed loaders with mine. 1 loaded with cci shotshells for snakes and big ass spiders haha. The other 1 is loaded with golden saber + p and the other is standard pressure 38 spl.
Awesome review bro. I definitely need to pick one up for myself.
Probably worth it to get one for yourself.
Did you get one? I want one too.
Good review. Is the Taurus still performing well? How many rounds have you put through it in standard pressure and +P?
I love these little guns! They are perfect for getting rid of evidence! Because I hate throwing $600 j frames off of bridges!
and no 9mm case laying on the ground
Hey silverhorder1969 animals doesn't count Lol!
Very stupid thing to say.
Lmao.
We've all been there.
I got the 856 steel w VZ 320 grips in .38sp. Love my revolver, very accurate for a snubbie, I found the HKS sp loaders does in fact does not go all the way, but I would only stick it in 1/4 way in as vertical as I can and simply twist dropping my rounds in, it kinda works, not the best but way better than hand loading...
Get a 5Star speed loader for it. It should work well with those grips. It will work with the LCR also.
Pointblank2U.
Speed loader problems: try using an older style Pachmyre , you may have to sand down the thumb slot if you need it super Smooth otherwise it should work just fine
As far as out of the box triggers, I prefer the Taurus over modern J-frames.
i always believed for carrying or using the 38...just carry the 357 and stoke it with 38s and for that reason, i have the taurus 605, the gun looks identical to the 85 and i use 38+p personal protection, it's just something about knowing if you had to step it up, you can.
Cedric Holden exactly reason I went with the 605... 85 is pointless
Will be picking one up soon at a local gun store will be my first handgun seems like a great choice and great price range for me right now. Next gun im looking into will probably be a Glock 9mm GOOD VIDEO MAN!
good enough ? this is my first revolver purchase. after that I bought S&W 637..tell the truth would rather have taurus...the safety on S&W done it for me. also I have ruger sp101 38 special snub. charter arms which is a great revolve snub. ..rossi 38 snub in great cond...but I carry the taurus model 85
I just put Pachmayr Guardian grips better concealment, you still get a 3 finger grip when you draw and it doesn't interfere with the speedloaders. Plus it's a hard plastic vs rubber the rubber is nicer for shooting but it likes to grab my shirt and print vs the hard plastic textured grip.
I went to a gun store and this gun is what was on the hip of the guy behind the counter....thats why ima buy one tbh haha ....off note....some idiots tried to rob the store and he put both assailants down with it too .......
Was that in GA?? Reason is because, Similar scenario happened here. I actually brought it up when I was speaking at a a safety and firearm self defense course. Two teens walked into an gun store(broad day) to rob it. One teen had two guns, the other a bag. They weren't in there but 30 seconds or so. As soon as robber with the guns took his eyes off the owner/sales person. They were both down. It was very quick. I could never get passed robbing a occupied gun store. Everything was caught in security cam, and was very quickly over. They just didn't document what the store owner/clerk defended himself with.
Good enough.... for sure. You shoot it well too. Good review.
Thanks Buffalo. Though good enough is a bit tongue in cheek.
Love the wheel guns! Just not in my classes LOL.
Tell us more about that.
***** It takes at least twice the practice to properly work and be as efficient with a wheel gun as it dose with a semi-auto. So in a class it really slows things down.
The all steel model 85 is actually pretty decent.. The air weights and titanium‘s have timing issues... this is a good value if you can get it for 250 bucks and below .. back in the day Cabela’s and bass pro used to run black Friday specials on them ..
I never owned a Taurus but i have the windicator and it goes bang every time im thinking of getting a Taurus i always herd good stuff about there revolvers not sure on the semi-autos
I own both.
have one and i love the hell out of it
For how long?
+mark3smle about a month and a half
what a great fire ball!
Get the Taurus 605 .357. Same size, a little heavier frame. Shoot .38+P.
At 25 yrds I’d be shooting SA, closer in then definitely DA.
Looks like a nice option for self defense
Great review! Love me some .38spl!
If a 38 cant get er done, then it cant be done.
Looks like a good wheel gun!
So far so good.
have one.....love it.
jr55 tex really leaning toward this for my full time carry
Jeffrey Adams whittakers online has s&w airwieght jframes for $319 right now if you haven't already bought the bull
i've owned many of them over the years. loved them all. the only beef i have with the redesign today is that rubber grip. it's too tacky to the touch and you can't replace it as easily as before. the pin holding the grips on is much longer than the older pin and is a bear to remove. i kinda hope they go back to the old style rubber boot grips, if nothing else to make it easier for me to put wood grips on them. great vid and i too recommend this revolver to anyone.
Singapore police uses this gun, but the one they use has a built in laser sight and 3 inch barrel.
Taurus guns are better made than they used to be. My wife's CCW gun is a Taurus (hammer less) five shot snub 357 revolver,very nice little gun.
Lemons will happen with every manufacturer. Some people turn it into outright brand worship when something works like it is supposed to. The Taurus guns don't get enough credit.
***** I would buy another one (:
Good video!
I find the double action on this to be much better than the Smith trigger. Haven’t tried the Ruger but the Taurus trigger doesn’t feel nearly as heavy as my Smith.
Great review. I love mine. Have the exact same one, honestly i shoot it better than any of my snubbies.
I actually found it to be more accurate than my 3 inch Model 36. But in general, I think these all steel snubbies are under appreciated. Definitely easier to shoot than the little Airweights.
+mark3smle true, the trigger and grips on these on these are also fantastic. Taurus gets a bum rap from the guns of the past.
Why use a speed loader? They are affordable enough to New York reload.
Nice review =)
That's like the smartest comment I have seen in a while :)
***** Aww shucks, lol.
I pocket carry a Taurus 85. I do not use plus P rounds, I don't want to harm someone in the next house. I think any perpetrator is going to run away no matter what loads you shoot.
If u can find 38 special ammo now hard to get,But its a Damn good gun
Love my 605.. there not as refined as Smith and Wesson's and Rugers. Far as the finish etc. But they work just the same!!!
Good video and you got skills with that wheel barrel 👍🏽
Never shoot yourself in the foot to see what it feels like ,because I can tell you a gun as little as a 22 stings like a hell....
I WENT WITH THE ULTRALIGHT AND I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!(I PICKED IT OVER A 38. SMITH AN WESSON,,,,(MORE COMFORTABLE,,,AND WHEN YOU RELOAD THE PUSH ROD IS ACTUALLY COVERED!!!(AND BLAH BLAH BLAH YOU CSNT SPEED LOAD BLAH BLAH,,,,IM NEVER EVVERRR GONNE (NEED) TO GET A SPEED LOADER(IM GETTING A LASER AND (THATS IT!!!) 5SHOTS FROM A 38. WILL BE GOOD ENOUGH!!AND I (WANTED) TO GET THE HAMMERED VERSION!!(NEVER HAS SNAGGED ON ANYRHING AND MY HOLSTER IS,CLOSE!!!SOOOO HAPPY WITH THIS GUN AND SAVED A LIL ' VS THE S&W!!! HONSTLY,,,ME/DAD/AND BRO THOUGHT THE TAURUS WAS THE BEST OPTION!!!AND I HAD A S@W M&P 9MM SINGLE STACK,,WITH A 10ROUND CLIP(BEFORE IT GOT STOLEN!(AND IF ANYTHING ITS,THE SAME EXACT WEIGHT!!!
My 856 I got for $140 shoots one hole groups at ten yards. I wouldn't expect a new $1200 Colt or $600 smith snub to shoot that well. It shoots an inch high and right every single time and I pull low and left when firing fast so I generally shoot better the faster I shoot unlike every other firearm I've shot. Gotta work on your grip before commenting on recoil. You are too low on the gun. Gotta get real high up on it, damn near stopping the hammer coming back, cross the thumbs, and torque your whole dominant hand tighter by pushing your dominant thumb and index finger as tight and close together as possible with your supporting hand. Once you figure it out the gun will not move at all.
Sure is good enough, goes bang every time. Bucks some with the P+ , but still plenty accurate if I am. Easy to conceal I wear it on my ankle a lot and never even know it's there.
I have this gun. it's nice and shoots well. their customer service sucks. you are 100% about the grip catching the shells from falling out. I feel you can probably fix that though with some diy.
Yeah. But you really shouldn't have to. The gun should be ready to go right out the box. Atleast that's my general theory when I do reviews on new production guns.
+mark3smle you are correct. but in my experience there are lots of guns that need a tweak here and there. or you can pay 300 more for a gun that doesn't need a tweak. but many times even a $1200 1911 needs a little work
Very nice! I like it!
Any thoughts on Taurus revolvers vs charter arms revolvers?
That would make a great video topic... With that said, the jury is still out. They are both acceptable choices in my opinion. I would definitely avoid any of the polymer framed revolvers from Taurus. The workmanship leaves something to be desired.
This was my first carry gun and I didn't do bad. Revolvers never jam/stove pipe and never screw up. My problem was with 5 rounds of 38 Special and slow reloading compared to a Glock 19. Yet I wish to get another for some reason and perhaps it is to be buried with: Should I go to heaven with it, God would bless me. Should I go to hell with it, it will take the fire and filth and still protect me from demons.
Better off a super soaker filled with holy water if your going to hell
I have the 605 with the same grips do you know If the other style of small grips are smaller or are they the same size as these ? Great video and I can't wait to shoot mine !!
I had the option of going with the 605 and the 85. The guns look essentially identical.
mark3smle I like it the option of having 357 and 38 spl I have 38spl plus p hornady in it now do you know how the other grips are? The ones with out the bull on the side ?
Nice, always liked Taurus.
This indoor range footage turned out better than I thought.
The 357 won't fit in a regular 38 revolver as it is too long on purpose. 38+p is just fine out of this revolver. It is rated for it.
The hammer actually comes off with a twist on this model
Not this particular model. There was one that could though.
You made a very helpful video here. I have been wondering about this revolver and now I have confidence in the quality of the firearm. What is the trigger pull weight on the gun, if you know?
About ten pounds double action. Not the lightest in the world, but far from the worst.
Thanks!
Hes holding it wrong with cylinder open. Your thumb pushes the ejector. Or if they are stuck the palm of your other hand
Can you put 3 through the same hole at that distance? He's doing well enough.
The owners manual clearly says no +P ammo
Charles Tucker mine doesn't mention that
Wrong
The website specifically says +P
I just read my manual and its said its fine to shoot SAAMI rated +P loads. Its says never to shoot +P+ though.
Have you had a chance to do any ballistics testing with this revolver? I am interested to see if you can get much expansion with +p defensive rounds because that would make it a pretty good self defense weapon at short range.
I'm gonna go buy one right now $230 out the door taxes and all. Is that a good deal?
Alfonso Ramos where u find that price?
Yes