[Foofer]

Well, I finally drove down to Gander Mtn. and bought a used Taurus 85. Looks to be in geat shape. I wasn't sure when it was manufactured, so I called Taurus and they told me it was made in 1997. Do any of you guys own a 1997 Taurus, gun of course ? Is so, was that a "good year" for this the model 85?

 

[frostyeyes]

I have a 85 I think it was 2003 production ( it's pic is in the gallery ) also have a 605 in SS like both of them a lot I picked up the 85 used and for what I bought it for couldn't be happier, it shoots POA at 15 yds which is a trick for my eyes anymore, I keep it in the vehicle locked up for just in case I forgot to put something on my hip or have a failure on my primary. At under 200.00 used I didn't think I could go wrong.

 

[Foofer]

Yep, when you get a quality revolver whether it be a 38 or 357 mag, under $200.00, that's awesome. I have yet to shoot my gun, I hope it doesn't make me look like an idiot :-\

 

[NativeTexan]

Not sure the exact manufacturing date, but I bought my M85UL in 96 or 97. Excellent gun, very accurate, excellent DA trigger, and easy to carry. I like it a lot.

 

[Foofer]

Not sure the exact manufacturing date, but I bought my M85UL in 96 or 97. Excellent gun, very accurate, excellent DA trigger, and easy to carry. I like it a lot.

You must have one of the very first ultra's that Taurus made, which I think began in 1997. I did a brief historical study and that was one of the pieces of info that sticks out in mind because I was wishing mine was an ultra.

It's off to the range on Saturday to see how she fires.

 

[NativeTexan]

Yep, they were in the Zines at the time and I'd just got my CCW permit. It's a wonderful gun to carry and it's +P rated, which at the time was a little unusual for an alloy gun. Danged accurate little fart.

 

[powerkicker]

I've got the older model 85 in blued steel. I've got thousands of handloads through it with no problems.

 

[Foofer]

Finally had chance to shoot it last Saturday. As I slowly pulled the trigger back, I thought to myself, "I wonder if this thing works since I got such a good deal." Then... BOOM. Yep, it works alright. It works just fine

 

[powerkicker]

Yep, when you get a quality revolver whether it be a 38 or 357 mag, under $200.00, that's awesome. I have yet to shoot my gun, I hope it doesn't make me look like an idiot :-\

Speaking of 200 dollar revolvers; I bought a new-looking 44 special Taurus five shooter. The gun looked great but shot 16" high at 25 yards and gave light primer strikes in DA that caused countless misfires. It's away at Taurus right now being repaired(I hope they fix it anyway). I'm glad you got a good one!

 

[Foofer]

Speaking of 200 dollar revolvers; I bought a new-looking 44 special Taurus five shooter. The gun looked great but shot 16" high at 25 yards and gave light primer strikes in DA that caused countless misfires. It's away at Taurus right now being repaired(I hope they fix it anyway). I'm glad you got a good one!

Yep, sometimes its the luck of the draw. But I would feel the same no matter what used gun I purchased. There's dud smiths, dud rugers, etc. Oh yeah, your going pay much than $200.00 dollars worth of dead presidents for those guns. Hope you get your gun back in perfect working order and she shines for you.

 

[Qwiks draw]

For those just coming in on this the only .44 Special revolvers are 445,441 or 431 models. Funny an owner wouldn't know the designation of a revolver that was purchased. This is for newbies who are or will purchase a revolver. Checking to see if a few things are good on the revolver are as follows. Is there end shake in the cylinder? Check cylinder alignment and timing as well as lockup with the gun cocked. Hammer falls and can not be pushed forward when cocked in single action mode. Gently push on the hammer. If it falls the inner parts are worn to a point of being unsafe.There are other checks to make. Hopefully a FAQ might be created for this.

 

[schlemer]

Foofer, congrats on the new/used 85. I recently bought one in .38 for the wife and it's really great. Enjoy many hours of shooting.

Mike

 

[drummin_man627]

I keep this page in my favorites list. Maybe it will help you, too. http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=19

 

[Foofer]

I keep this page in my favorites list. Maybe it will help you, too. http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=19

Very helpful. One does not need to entertain a gun purchase both blind and ignorant. Thanks for the link.

 

[NativeTexan]

One thing about a used gun you never know and must accept as possible, some yahoo might have trimmed the hammer spring to lighten the DA trigger. That can cause light strikes. Not a big deal at all to fix, though.

I've got two M66s, one was 197 bucks, the other 180, both bought at gun shows. The $197 one is cherry, nickel finished, fantastic shape. The other is the older lockwork blued gun. I wanted it for the 3" barrel length for carry. It had a timing problem I used to bargain the price down that didn't cost me anything other than some head scratching and taking the side plate off to figure out. Been shooting tight groups with it ever since.

That's one thing I love about the Taurus revolvers, genuine high quality guns for very low prices. Seems like the older a Smith gets, especially with all the griping about locks and MIM parts from the purists, the more expensive they get! I saw a decent Ruger Security Six 4" stainless gun like the one I used to own the other day going for $400! I'm a shooter, not a gun investor. I like to buy quality at low prices.