Taurus Model 85

Model 85
Type Revolver
Place of origin  Brazil
Service history
Used by See "Usage"
Specifications
Width 1.346 in (34.2 mm)
Height 4.28 in (109 mm)
Cartridge .38 Special
Action Double action / single action
Feed system 5 shot cylinder
Sights fixed front sight

The Taurus Model 85 is a small-frame revolver manufactured by the Brazilian firearm company Taurus International. In the United States, the guns are marketed for concealed carry and personal protection. [1]

Specifications

The Model 85 is available in several configurations. These include blued steel, stainless steel, and "Ultralite" variants constructed of aluminum and titanium, with steel lockwork components.

Much like Smith & Wesson revolvers, Model 85s can come equipped with exposed, 'bobbed', or shrouded hammers. However, there are a number of significant internal differences between the Taurus 85 and similar Smith & Wesson revolvers.[2] Because of these differences, Taurus has been able to keep costs relatively low. However, those same differences can make customization of the Model 85 more expensive.[3]

There are numerous cosmetic options, including gold-plated hardware and grips of wood or pearl. The Model 85 is available with either 2" or 3" barrels, is capable of firing +P rated .38 Special rounds, and utilizes a transfer bar safety.

Models manufactured after 1997 feature the Taurus Security System, which consists of a keyed, quarter-turn style socket-head screw which can be set to prevent the hammer from pivoting back into the frame, thus rendering the weapon inoperative.

The Model 85 line has been enlarged to include the Model 856. This model is similar to the Model 85, but adds an additional round in the cylinder to bring the Model 856's capacity to 6 rounds.[4]

The View, also known as the model 85VTA, was introduced in 2014.[5] It had a 1.41 inch barrel, an unloaded weight of 9 ounces, and a clear polycarbonate sideplate.[6][7] Unlike other models, the View was only rated for standard pressure .38 Special ammunition.

Reviews on the 85VTA were mixed. Noted author Massad Ayoob found the View he shot had accuracy problems and bullets tended to prairie dog and bind the cylinder.[8] Another reviewer did not have those problems when testing the gun.[9] Ultimately, the View was not a commercial success, and was pulled from production in December 2014.[10] A revised model, the "No View" with an aluminum side plate replacing the clear one was introduced in 2015. [11]

Usage

Singapore Police Force Corporal carrying a Taurus Model 85 revolver

See also

References

  1. ↑ 2014 Taurus USA Product Catalog, p. 7
  2. ↑ The Taurus Model 85
  3. ↑ Why I Don't Work on Taurus Revolvers
  4. ↑ Taurus’ 856 Revolver
  5. ↑ Taurus View Press Release
  6. ↑ 2014 Taurus View Product Page
  7. ↑ Taurus USA Product Catalog, p. 9
  8. ↑ One View of the Taurus View
  9. ↑ Taurus Model 85 View Review - A Clearly Different Revolver
  10. ↑ End of the Road for the Taurus View
  11. ↑ Sportsman's Guide
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