Model 85s are very useful. Dedication to shooting these harder to shoot revolvers over their bigger brethren is needed. But they offer some advantages over pistols.
Simple manual of arms,easier to grasp when drawing from pocket or holster(don't make me quote Mas Ayoob,Clint Smith,Chuck Karwan, or Chuck Taylor on this ) and it's always there for carry anywhere one goes, when the bigger gun is in the locker at home. Can shoot through pockets if it's a CH or shrouded model without jamming. Have to practice this very carefully if possible and where one can. Too easy to shoot one's self or others. I use snap caps.
Long range accuracy to 50 or 100 yards can be amazing for many different brands, makes, and models of snubbies.
It has been documented well back a decade or two ago, that anyone with a snubbie is still a dangerous opponent out to some rifle range distances. There were a number of cases where snubbie wielding criminals were shot and killed at over 25 yards,closer to 50 yards or more. LEOs and civilians were taken to court or to the grand jury level.
It was proven without a doubt the accuracy and threat that a snubbie armed person was at rifle ranges approaching and up to 100 yards. Even a little beyond that.
Courts and grand juries were shown physically at the ranges and on video the snubbie's and the shooter's capabilities.
While a majority of criminals are not going to be that accurate or practice to hit at long distance there were enough cases where criminals had shot at 50- 100 yards and severely hurt or killed others with short barreled revolvers.
Thus the LEOs and civilians in all these cases were given clean records and exonerated of any wrong doing.
Major precedent for those who have to defend themselves against criminals bearing short barreled revolvers being shot at long range has been around for quite a while.
Granted, most owners of snubbies are not going to go practice or have to use their snubs at 50 or more yards. It happens enough to have to consider though.
In several recent( make that last year or so) there have been cases in Combat Handguns or police and tactical journals on just such documented cases where this has happened in recent years.
Also has been documented where civilians and LEOs had only a snub revolver and had to go up against rifle toting thugs. No back up was near by and something had to be done as people were being shot. Said civilian or off duty LEO went, engaged the perp or perps, and won.
Doesn't mean one just runs off into a situation. But for moral reasons these responders had a plan,knew how to shoot at extended ranges, and saved others and themselves from great harm or death.
Not everybody is going to make this kind of commitment to the snub nor is it expected. Nor can one practice at gun ranges at these extended ranges. Just for consideration.
