Taurus 85 . . A good buy?

[Right to bear arms]

I'm sorry but I occasionally use the forums to evaluate a purchase. I know there is a lot of information here about all aspects of gun use and I try to read them. A friend of mine has offered me a 1990's vintage blued 2" Taurus 85 for $200. It has less than a box of shells through it and it is in mint condition. Two questions. Is this a fair deal? and would this make a good carry or CCW gun for when I am prospecting for gold in some pretty sketchy areas in rural North Georgia? Any opinions would be appreciated.

[willmc33]

I would say if its in good condition then yes. I would buy it in good condition for $200.00 and you could always offer $175.00.

[drail]

If you get a good one. Take someone who knows revolvers with you or read the stickies on how to check it out yourself. Taurus made some pretty good ones but they also made some pretty lousy ones.

[Jim123_321]

I have a 85 Taurus, In the stainless...Paid 280 for it with 5 rounds run through it,

Tried to sell it for 200 with less than 50 run through it and got no buyers
That was two years ago...I never took to it, But still throw it in the truck from time to time, I figured if it got scratched up I really didnt worry,

It shoots ok, When I did try rapid fire with it, It seem to lock up when it got hot, Maybe just me.....

Would I buy another no...I would not..Just not a Taurus fan..
If you live in south florida, I'll make you a deal.....lol
Jim

[TripHlx]

I have an 85 and the 357 version of that same revolver. Both shoot well, but the 85 tries to lock up if you short stroke the trigger at all. A good range toy at 175-200, but I wouldn't want to rely on it for SD.

[lee n. field]

A friend of mine has offered me a 1990's vintage blued 2" Taurus 85 for $200. It has less than a box of shells through it and it is in mint condition. Two questions. Is this a fair deal?

Good price. If it passes the revolver checkout procedure stickied at the top of the revolver forum, get it.

[badge851]

I have a 1994, & 1997 Taurus® Mdl 85B2 revolvers with over 10K rounds through them w/o a single hiccup of any kind. Additionally I have a 2007 Mdl 85SS2UL with about 5K rounds down the barrel with flawless performance. With Taurus® you have a lifetime warranty even though the gun is used!

[Buckeye!]

yep, good deal

[mordis]

Problem with taurus is there qc is non existant. With a smith or ruger or other reputable company you have a high likely hood of getting a functioning gun right out of the box. With Taurus that is not the case at all. My first semi auto was a NIB taurus pt945, every time i fired a round out of it, the magazine plate would fall off and all the ammo would come racing out of the guns mag well.

Also the sights would get dirty as hell after a few rounds due to the placement of the porting mine came with. They were angled improperly. Couldnt get it to work with certain ammo either. Was picky as hell.

Back then you couldnt get mags at the gun dealers, and i didnt have internet, nor did i know you could order them on line.

Honestly do your self a favor, save up a few more months, and get a smith and feel confident your gun will function when you need it..

[B.N.Real]

I'd buy it especially an older one like that.

$200 is a good price for a barely shot one especially if he will let you take it to the range and try it out first.

I own a much newer Model 85 Ultralight that shoots great and has never given me any problem.

One note though,as soon as I got it-used-I took off the sideplate,sprayed it clean with spray gun cleaner and lubed it up well.

Been a great gun and I do trust my life with mine.

[Tom Servo]

Problem with taurus is there qc is non existant.

That's true for recent examples, but back in the 1990's, quality was much better.

It's not a Smith, but if it checks out, it should be a good gun.

[badge851]

I have seven Taurus® revolvers.
• Mdl 85B2CH 38 Special - 1994
• Mdl 669SS4CP 357 Magnum - 1996
• Mdl 85B2 38 Special - 1997
• Mdl 617SS2 357 Magnum - 2003
• Mdl 605SS3 357 Magnum - 2006
• Mdl 85SS2UL 38 Special - 2007
• Mdl 605SS2 357 Magnum - 2010

All have performed superbly and I continue to shoot them all almost every week.

I have only encountered these problems.........
• Mdl 85B2CH broke a firing pin (part# 19) after 11,000+ rounds. I replaced the firing pin & it's still going strong.
• Mdl 85SS2UL had the cylinder stop (part# 44) wear down after 10,000 rounds. Called Taurus® and they shipped the part right away. Installed new cylinder stop and now the gun works fine.

I have zero complaints with Taurus® customer service. The one time I had to send a gun in they fixed and returned it when they said they would. Specifically.....................
• Mdl 617 developed excessive cylinder to forcing cone gap (.011") after almost 6,000 rounds. I sent it to Taurus® and they replaced the cylinder (part# 8) and adjusted the yoke (part# 9) I've since put 3,000+ rounds through it and it's still going strong.

I will not hesitate to buy additional Taurus® revolvers. They are an outstanding value.
Here is a wealth of Taurus® information..........

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php

[baddarryl]

I have a 1985 SS model and I would turn down $200 for it.

[Redhawk5.5+P+]

$200 is about right I think. I'd try to low ball him though. Or make a deal, that if it breaks he buys it back or meat you half way.

[kozak6]

Taurus makes me nervous.

Since he's your friend, that makes for an opportunity to test fire the pistol. If it checks out, you might as well.

[James K]

Advice that is worth exactly what it costs you:

Anytime a "friend" offers to sell you a gun (or a TV, car, boat, etc.) ask him why he isn't keeping it. If he tap dances, thank him for thinking of you and respectfully decline the offer.

Jim

[Baba Louie]

Shoot a box or two of ammo thru it with friend before you commit.
If it works for 100 rds... might be good to go. Probably be fine. Mine are.

If it balks... your call.

Good enough price tho'.

[9mm]

for $200 I would buy it and keep it as a extra gun in the car.

You can buy Taurus 85's for 275-350 normally. An older one IMO would be better. I heard newer stuff have some problems. I like the older ones anyways, grips are different.

I seen people try to sell Taurus 85's with like 10 rounds through them, and even some other guns like LC9. I question that because why would you sell a gun after the first few shots? did it break on you? lol

[lee n. field]

I seen people try to sell Taurus 85's with like 10 rounds through them, and even some other guns like LC9. I question that because why would you sell a gun after the first few shots? did it break on you? lol

Probably stung their hands more than they were expecting.

[joneb]

I have a mid 90's Taurus 85 2" SS that I bought new for $235. I have shot about 1K rnds threw it with zero problems, I would not trade it for a new S&W J frame I have a S&W m-36 no dash that I would choose over the Taurus, but they are close in function.

[Right to bear arms]

I picked up the gun from my friend. Absolutely new pristine condition. Less than 50 round through it. Test fired fine. Burnished hammer a little bit to smooth edges. I bought a cheap Blackhawk polyester RH hip carry holster for it. I recently got a GA CCW permit and would like advice on what forum members think would be the best concealed holster for this little 5 shot .38.

[Kreyzhorse]

Delete.

[treg]

think would be the best concealed holster for this little 5 shot .38

Uncle Mike's Mirage pancake holster.

Mine has been extremely durable. Hides the gun well and makes it unobtrusive in your daily activities. Won't break the bank either.

[JerryM]

[That's true for recent examples, but back in the 1990's, quality was much better.]

Not in my experience. No Taurus at any price for me.
Jerry

[a7mmnut]

IMHO with Taurus experience:

1. It's a great gun.

2. Yes, it's a great price in the condition you described.

3. The 85's were accurate and super snake killers with CCI #9 shot, which is what you migh need in rural GA!

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