Taurus Snub: 85 vs 905

MilitantBob · October 12, 2005, 09:15 PM

I am looking into getting a snub nose revolver with CC in mind. I am also not looking to get too spendy, so I figure Taurus would be a good place to go.

Between the 905 in 9mm and the 85 in .38 sp, which would you choose?

The 9mm is thought to be a more capable self defense round, but I think both will get the job done with the right ammo/shot placement. 9mm would also be good cause it would eat of the same plate as my XD-9. The only concern I have is the little clips they use. One of the things I like about wheel guns is that they don't need any anything to fire except the gun itself and ammo.

Does anyone know if you can fire the 905 without the stellar clips and still get the brass out (without tools)?

My other concern is that I have been hearing reports that the 905 is very inaccurate, but I can't see why the 905 would be any more/less accurate then its .38 sp brother.

Anybody care to shed some light on this?

gfen · October 12, 2005, 09:23 PM

85, simplicity is key and +P close that 9mm gap.

(actually, the 851)

SEG45 · October 12, 2005, 09:45 PM

My wife's 905 is quite accurate for a snubnose and a nice little pistol. The draw back for me is the stellar moonclips it uses. Can't really carry extras like a speedloader, as they tend to bend in the pocket. They can be loaded without the moonclips, but the shells can be a pain to get out sometimes, sometimes I can just pull them out with my finger nails, sometimes I just use a pen and punch them out. Same thing with the .45 acp snub I carry. The way I carry is having the revolver loaded with a moonclip for easy extraction and then a magazine in my pocket so that I can thumb in 5 more rounds without using the moonclips. I figure if I have to try and get the shells out for another reload after I loaded it a second time, then it's time to get the hell out of there anyway.

I like these revolvers, but if I had to do it over again, I might just go with a revolver that uses a speedloader. Might, might not, since these are sometimes used as BUGs and I can use the same ammo as my carry gun for the revolver.

MilitantBob · October 13, 2005, 02:36 AM

The main reason I am seeing if I can make the 905 work is financial.

9mm is cheaper per box then .38 sp. That combined with the fact that I can buy in greater bulk because I have one cartridge for both guns.

If only Wolf made revolver cartridges...

Jkwas · October 13, 2005, 08:07 AM

The difficulties outweigh the benefits of a 9mm revolver. 38spl in +p is a very capable round.

John28226 · October 13, 2005, 01:27 PM

While I cannot speak to Bob's question about the 9 mm vs .38, I think I can address the moon clip issue. The moons supplied from Taurus have splits between the openings; makes for easy loading and unloading but does not feel "tight" enough to me. So I ordered some from Steve at Ranch Products - which are not split. They are a lot harder to "de-moon" but the rounds don't feel like they would come loose from carrying one in your pocket. I know Steve makes them for the 9 mm as well as the .45 as he accidently sent me some mixed in with the .45s I ordered. SEG, for my extra ammo with my CC Tracker, I bought an Uncle Mike's single speed loader pouch which I carry upside down on my belt. When I pull the velco loose with my thumb, the loaded moon clip falls into my hand and is positioned properly for a rapid reload. The .45 ACP Tracker is my favorite carry gun; once the trigger had some work done and the cylinder beveled slightly, it is easy to shoot accurately and reloading is quick. Problem is, my wife likes it too so I am hunting another NIB just like it.

John
Charlotte, NC

Bullrock · October 13, 2005, 01:57 PM

I'm glad to hear you like your tracker. I purchase one earlier this week and it should be here in a few days. It's a NIB .455, 4" barrel, in Ti for only $320.00.

I also have a SW 625jm and I purchased a tool to easily detach casings from the moonclip. I probably won't need it with my new Taurus

Russ5924 · October 13, 2005, 06:14 PM

I have shot my 905 with out the moon clips and can be done,but you need a pencil or something to push some of them out, where some will just fall out.Up close and personnel the 905 will get the job done at any distance I would say forget it.But have learned to like the little gun is fun to shoot but just make sure you keep a firm grip it as some kick to it.Don't have a 85 but thinking about getting one.Unless BULLROCK buys them ALL

Bullrock · October 13, 2005, 06:24 PM

I just ordered another M85. The distributor only had 2! I told him to save one for you...

Only kidding!!!

Boarhunter · October 13, 2005, 07:02 PM

MilitantBob,

A number of months back, I found myself in much the same position as you find yourself now. The difference, however, is that I already owned a couple of snubby 38s and 357 Smith revolvers. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting pocket revolvers, but did not particularly enjoy shooting the 357, nor paying the price of 357 or 38 ammo. But since I buy 9 mm ammo in 1000-round lots for a variety of Glock automatics, ammo is always available around my place and cheap to purchase. So I investigated the possibilities of purchasing a 9 mm snubby revolver.

Much to my pleasure, my buddy, a local firearm dealer, had a sale on Taurus model 905 revolvers (under $230) and so I bought one almost on a lark. And man does it shoot (claims of inaccuracy do NOT apply to this revolver), and its action is lighter and smoother than my Smiths. And I have shot the heck out of it over the last few months.

And fearful that the model would be discontinued, I bought another to keep in the safe (and it too has the same slick, light trigger pull of its brother).

I am pleased with it, to say the least. And with the abundance of 9 mm ammo available, I shoot it a lot. The Taurus now resides in my pocket (Safariland pocket holster) full-time. As to the 38s and 357 snubbies? They are gathering dust in the safe.

That is my input. I like them.

Boarhunter

LH2 · October 13, 2005, 08:17 PM

Hmm... I do like the thought of cheaper 9mm ammo. Seems like it's about $2/box less than .38's.

Ballistically, isn't it pretty much "six in one, half dozen in the other" in comparing .38 +P to 9mm? Seems the 9mm is lighter, faster bullets while the .38's are heavier. No clear winner is there?

So the 9mm snubs require some clips to hold the ammo, can't just put the cartridges into the cylinders like a .38? How much of a PITA is that?

detructo4130 · October 13, 2005, 09:12 PM

Just picked up a Taurus 85bul for 275 out the door i just got done cleaning it im shooting tomorow ill let you know what i think

John28226 · October 14, 2005, 07:02 AM

Bullrock - to say I like the 455 is an understatement. I have two Smith 25-2s, a bunch of other handguns and of them all, the 2 inch Tracker is my favorite! I did not like the fuzzy factory rubber grips; could not find any aftermarket grips to fit so I ordered the finger groove ones from Taurus. They fit fine, are hard rubber and don't cushion much if any; problem is, they are a little small for my hands BUT fit my wife's hands perfectly. Now she things the gun is hers!!!

For 20 years I have used an 8 inch length of 1/2 hardwood dowel to de-moon the moon clips - it works great with the 6 shot ones and of course on the Taurus ones but on the Ranch moons (they are tight!) it is a task. But it cost almost nothing and it is handy in my shooting bag.

I think you will like your Tracker. I am trying to find another one NIB in 2 inch like mine but so far no luck.

By the way, the gun will shoot just fine without the moon clips, just load it like any other revolver but the rimless cases do not eject so you have to shake them out or push them out from the other end. Slow but it works O.K.

John

BigBoar · October 14, 2005, 10:17 AM

There are some reloading companies such as Miwall that sell at gunshows and on the Internet. Although it has been some time ago they had reloaded .38 SP and 9mm lead ammo for $90 per 1,000 rounds. Also, a .38 SP can be modified to work both with and without moonclips in the future if desired.

smince · October 15, 2005, 08:52 AM

John28226: Please clarify. I got an email from Steve at RP and he told me they DO NOT make clips for the 905 yet.

I've been carrying an extra clip in my pocket for about a month now and it hasn't bent yet.

3 of my 5 clips did have to be pryed closed a bit more to hold the 9mm extractor groove tight enough, though.

As far 9mm being cheaper than .38special, I find remanufactured 38's for about $7-8 a box (of 50) around here. Great for practice.

John28226 · October 15, 2005, 09:36 AM

SMINCE, sorry for my error. When I received an order of 5 shot 45 ACP moons from Steve there was one, 5 shot that was 9 mm size. I did not mike it to see what it actually was but it definitely was too small for the .45. I returned it to Steve with a note - I did not call him to talk about it. He sent me 4 back (for the one that was wrong - great customer service) which more than solved my problem and not having a 9 mm gun I had no reason to pursue it. If he is not making a 5 shot 9 mm moon I am sorry I mislead you. I wonder if the one I received was a prototype or what but certainly he would know.

I stand corrected.
John

smince · October 15, 2005, 09:59 AM

I think they do make them for the Sp101 and SW9mm, but it is my understanding that the 905 is slightly scaled down from these and their clips won't work.

I reread your post and see where I got confused.

Boarhunter · October 15, 2005, 11:46 AM

Taurus is the only source of moon clips for the 905 that I have found. I recently picked up 30 extra moon clips from that company and figure that should hold me for a while.

If anyone learns of another source, please let us all know.

Boarhunter

Fullfog · October 15, 2005, 12:05 PM

Boar, i think Larry's still has one of the 905's for less than $230(NIB) if you are interested in a third!

Boarhunter · October 15, 2005, 12:23 PM

Fullfog,

Thanks for the info, Fullfog; a man can never have too many snubbies!

Boarhunter

smince · October 15, 2005, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Boar, i think Larry's still has one of the 905's for less than $230(NIB) if you are interested in a third!

Hey, Boarhunter. Look, another neighbor.

Bullrock · October 15, 2005, 05:01 PM

Are you still militant as ever???

Boarhunter · October 15, 2005, 07:12 PM

I noticed that, Smince. With Fullfog now on board, North Alabama has strong representation here, wouldn't you say?

How is this for an idea. I have a credit card that ought to cover some burgers and fries for all of us; you guys tell me when you can meet up around lunch some time. We can all eat on my nickel, then head over to Larry's to demonstrate our skill, or lack thereof, with our pocket 905s and whatever other handguns you bring along.

Sound like a plan?

And if I invite Larry himself to the feed (he and I eat together most every day), you can get details on his next big sale.

What do you think?

Boarhunter

smince · October 15, 2005, 07:58 PM

Sounds cool.

But I've been on vacation for 11 days.

I'm gonna have A LOT of work to catch up on.

But I might let you know sometime.

Boarhunter · October 17, 2005, 08:56 AM

Not a problem; consider the offer outstanding indefinitely....

Boarhunter

October 12, 2005, 09:15 PM	#1
MilitantBob Member Join Date: March 5, 2005 Posts: 90	Taurus Snub: 85 vs 905 I am looking into getting a snub nose revolver with CC in mind. I am also not looking to get too spendy, so I figure Taurus would be a good place to go. Between the 905 in 9mm and the 85 in .38 sp, which would you choose? The 9mm is thought to be a more capable self defense round, but I think both will get the job done with the right ammo/shot placement. 9mm would also be good cause it would eat of the same plate as my XD-9. The only concern I have is the little clips they use. One of the things I like about wheel guns is that they don't need any anything to fire except the gun itself and ammo. Does anyone know if you can fire the 905 without the stellar clips and still get the brass out (without tools)? My other concern is that I have been hearing reports that the 905 is very inaccurate, but I can't see why the 905 would be any more/less accurate then its .38 sp brother. Anybody care to shed some light on this? __________________ *Militant Bob says:* "Proud To Be An Infidel!" Nemo Me Impune Lacessit.

October 12, 2005, 09:23 PM	#2
gfen Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2005 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 808	85, simplicity is key and +P close that 9mm gap. (actually, the 851) __________________ infotainment.org / eighteenpercent.com

October 12, 2005, 09:45 PM	#3
SEG45 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2005 Posts: 139	My wife's 905 is quite accurate for a snubnose and a nice little pistol. The draw back for me is the stellar moonclips it uses. Can't really carry extras like a speedloader, as they tend to bend in the pocket. They can be loaded without the moonclips, but the shells can be a pain to get out sometimes, sometimes I can just pull them out with my finger nails, sometimes I just use a pen and punch them out. Same thing with the .45 acp snub I carry. The way I carry is having the revolver loaded with a moonclip for easy extraction and then a magazine in my pocket so that I can thumb in 5 more rounds without using the moonclips. I figure if I have to try and get the shells out for another reload after I loaded it a second time, then it's time to get the hell out of there anyway. I like these revolvers, but if I had to do it over again, I might just go with a revolver that uses a speedloader. Might, might not, since these are sometimes used as BUGs and I can use the same ammo as my carry gun for the revolver. __________________ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." - Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of Independence, 3rd President of the U.S.

October 13, 2005, 02:36 AM	#4
MilitantBob Member Join Date: March 5, 2005 Posts: 90	The main reason I am seeing if I can make the 905 work is financial. 9mm is cheaper per box then .38 sp. That combined with the fact that I can buy in greater bulk because I have one cartridge for both guns. If only Wolf made revolver cartridges... __________________ *Militant Bob says:* "Proud To Be An Infidel!" Nemo Me Impune Lacessit.

October 13, 2005, 08:07 AM	#5
Jkwas Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Location: Mouth of the Rat, Florida Posts: 1,778	38spl The difficulties outweigh the benefits of a 9mm revolver. 38spl in +p is a very capable round. __________________ I grew up in New Jersey, but later moved to Florida and made a complete recovery. Keltec: The BIC lighter of handguns http://jkwasblog.blogspot.com/

October 13, 2005, 01:27 PM	#6
John28226 Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 292	Moon Clips While I cannot speak to Bob's question about the 9 mm vs .38, I think I can address the moon clip issue. The moons supplied from Taurus have splits between the openings; makes for easy loading and unloading but does not feel "tight" enough to me. So I ordered some from Steve at Ranch Products - which are not split. They are a lot harder to "de-moon" but the rounds don't feel like they would come loose from carrying one in your pocket. I know Steve makes them for the 9 mm as well as the .45 as he accidently sent me some mixed in with the .45s I ordered. SEG, for my extra ammo with my CC Tracker, I bought an Uncle Mike's single speed loader pouch which I carry upside down on my belt. When I pull the velco loose with my thumb, the loaded moon clip falls into my hand and is positioned properly for a rapid reload. The .45 ACP Tracker is my favorite carry gun; once the trigger had some work done and the cylinder beveled slightly, it is easy to shoot accurately and reloading is quick. Problem is, my wife likes it too so I am hunting another NIB just like it. John Charlotte, NC

October 13, 2005, 01:57 PM	#7
Bullrock Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2004 Posts: 2,686	John28226 I'm glad to hear you like your tracker. I purchase one earlier this week and it should be here in a few days. It's a NIB .455, 4" barrel, in Ti for only $320.00. I also have a SW 625jm and I purchased a tool to easily detach casings from the moonclip. I probably won't need it with my new Taurus

October 13, 2005, 06:14 PM	#8
Russ5924 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 1,874	I have shot my 905 with out the moon clips and can be done,but you need a pencil or something to push some of them out, where some will just fall out.Up close and personnel the 905 will get the job done at any distance I would say forget it.But have learned to like the little gun is fun to shoot but just make sure you keep a firm grip it as some kick to it.Don't have a 85 but thinking about getting one.Unless BULLROCK buys them ALL __________________ Russ5924

October 13, 2005, 06:24 PM	#9
Bullrock Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2004 Posts: 2,686	Hey Russ I just ordered another M85. The distributor only had 2! I told him to save one for you... Only kidding!!!

October 13, 2005, 07:02 PM	#10
Boarhunter Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 526	MilitantBob, A number of months back, I found myself in much the same position as you find yourself now. The difference, however, is that I already owned a couple of snubby 38s and 357 Smith revolvers. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting pocket revolvers, but did not particularly enjoy shooting the 357, nor paying the price of 357 or 38 ammo. But since I buy 9 mm ammo in 1000-round lots for a variety of Glock automatics, ammo is always available around my place and cheap to purchase. So I investigated the possibilities of purchasing a 9 mm snubby revolver. Much to my pleasure, my buddy, a local firearm dealer, had a sale on Taurus model 905 revolvers (under $230) and so I bought one almost on a lark. And man does it shoot (claims of inaccuracy do NOT apply to this revolver), and its action is lighter and smoother than my Smiths. And I have shot the heck out of it over the last few months. And fearful that the model would be discontinued, I bought another to keep in the safe (and it too has the same slick, light trigger pull of its brother). I am pleased with it, to say the least. And with the abundance of 9 mm ammo available, I shoot it a lot. The Taurus now resides in my pocket (Safariland pocket holster) full-time. As to the 38s and 357 snubbies? They are gathering dust in the safe. That is my input. I like them. Boarhunter

October 13, 2005, 08:17 PM	#11
LH2 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 635	ammo cost, ballistics comparo Hmm... I do like the thought of cheaper 9mm ammo. Seems like it's about $2/box less than .38's. Ballistically, isn't it pretty much "six in one, half dozen in the other" in comparing .38 +P to 9mm? Seems the 9mm is lighter, faster bullets while the .38's are heavier. No clear winner is there? So the 9mm snubs require some clips to hold the ammo, can't just put the cartridges into the cylinders like a .38? How much of a PITA is that?

October 13, 2005, 09:12 PM	#12
detructo4130 Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Beaver,Pa Posts: 51	Just picked up a Taurus 85bul for 275 out the door i just got done cleaning it im shooting tomorow ill let you know what i think

October 14, 2005, 07:02 AM	#13
John28226 Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 292	Tracker Bullrock - to say I like the 455 is an understatement. I have two Smith 25-2s, a bunch of other handguns and of them all, the 2 inch Tracker is my favorite! I did not like the fuzzy factory rubber grips; could not find any aftermarket grips to fit so I ordered the finger groove ones from Taurus. They fit fine, are hard rubber and don't cushion much if any; problem is, they are a little small for my hands BUT fit my wife's hands perfectly. Now she things the gun is hers!!! For 20 years I have used an 8 inch length of 1/2 hardwood dowel to de-moon the moon clips - it works great with the 6 shot ones and of course on the Taurus ones but on the Ranch moons (they are tight!) it is a task. But it cost almost nothing and it is handy in my shooting bag. I think you will like your Tracker. I am trying to find another one NIB in 2 inch like mine but so far no luck. By the way, the gun will shoot just fine without the moon clips, just load it like any other revolver but the rimless cases do not eject so you have to shake them out or push them out from the other end. Slow but it works O.K. John

October 14, 2005, 10:17 AM	#14
BigBoar Member Join Date: January 26, 2005 Posts: 51	There are some reloading companies such as Miwall that sell at gunshows and on the Internet. Although it has been some time ago they had reloaded .38 SP and 9mm lead ammo for $90 per 1,000 rounds. Also, a .38 SP can be modified to work both with and without moonclips in the future if desired.

October 15, 2005, 08:52 AM	#15
smince Junior member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Northeast Alabama Posts: 2,580	John28226: Please clarify. I got an email from Steve at RP and he told me they DO NOT make clips for the 905 yet. I've been carrying an extra clip in my pocket for about a month now and it hasn't bent yet. 3 of my 5 clips did have to be pryed closed a bit more to hold the 9mm extractor groove tight enough, though. As far 9mm being cheaper than .38special, I find remanufactured 38's for about $7-8 a box (of 50) around here. Great for practice.

October 15, 2005, 09:36 AM	#16
John28226 Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 292	Sorry, my error SMINCE, sorry for my error. When I received an order of 5 shot 45 ACP moons from Steve there was one, 5 shot that was 9 mm size. I did not mike it to see what it actually was but it definitely was too small for the .45. I returned it to Steve with a note - I did not call him to talk about it. He sent me 4 back (for the one that was wrong - great customer service) which more than solved my problem and not having a 9 mm gun I had no reason to pursue it. If he is not making a 5 shot 9 mm moon I am sorry I mislead you. I wonder if the one I received was a prototype or what but certainly he would know. I stand corrected. John

October 15, 2005, 09:59 AM	#17
smince Junior member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Northeast Alabama Posts: 2,580	I think they do make them for the Sp101 and SW9mm, but it is my understanding that the 905 is slightly scaled down from these and their clips won't work. I reread your post and see where I got confused.

October 15, 2005, 11:46 AM	#18
Boarhunter Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 526	Taurus is the only source of moon clips for the 905 that I have found. I recently picked up 30 extra moon clips from that company and figure that should hold me for a while. If anyone learns of another source, please let us all know. Boarhunter

October 15, 2005, 12:05 PM	#19
Fullfog Member Join Date: September 14, 2005 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 16	Boar, i think Larry's still has one of the 905's for less than $230(NIB) if you are interested in a third!

October 15, 2005, 12:23 PM	#20
Boarhunter Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 526	Fullfog, Thanks for the info, Fullfog; a man can never have too many snubbies! Boarhunter

October 15, 2005, 05:01 PM	#22
Bullrock Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2004 Posts: 2,686	MilitantBob Are you still militant as ever???

October 15, 2005, 07:12 PM	#23
Boarhunter Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 526	I noticed that, Smince. With Fullfog now on board, North Alabama has strong representation here, wouldn't you say? How is this for an idea. I have a credit card that ought to cover some burgers and fries for all of us; you guys tell me when you can meet up around lunch some time. We can all eat on my nickel, then head over to Larry's to demonstrate our skill, or lack thereof, with our pocket 905s and whatever other handguns you bring along. Sound like a plan? And if I invite Larry himself to the feed (he and I eat together most every day), you can get details on his next big sale. What do you think? Boarhunter

October 15, 2005, 07:58 PM	#24
smince Junior member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Northeast Alabama Posts: 2,580	Sounds cool. But I've been on vacation for 11 days. I'm gonna have A LOT of work to catch up on. But I might let you know sometime.

October 17, 2005, 08:56 AM	#25
Boarhunter Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 526	Not a problem; consider the offer outstanding indefinitely.... Boarhunter

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