Taurus Model 85 - Yay or Nay?

[esizer]

I've never come across a Taurus semi auto I was fond of...but have heard their revolvers can be pretty decent. With Taurus' current mail in rebate, their Model 85 can be found new at $150-160.
I've been looking for an inexpensive revolver for my girlfriend to start gaining familiarity with and this seems like a good starting point.

Does anyone here have much experience with these?

[crays]

Don't start her out with a lightweight revolver or semi. She may get recoil-shy.

Find something that is going to handle the recoil of whatever caliber you're going for (.22LR or .22Mag would be great starting points, but I'm going to assume you're thinking .38).

Unless you're willing to spend the premium for reduced power/recoil loads such as Hornady Lite, you're not doing her any favors giving her a lightweight snubnose, even with standard target loads.

This is just my opinion and based on the assumption that she is a new shooter.

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[crays]

I will add, if she has some shooting experience, and is comfortable with short barrel lightweight handguns, the value is there with the Taurus 85.

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[henpecked]

Nice gun, the early version had a nice trigger pull to it.

[esizer]

She eventually wants to carry and I've discussed with her at great length my rationale for her starting with a DA/SA snub nose. She has shot my Glock 19 and 26 in the past and liked them...but had difficulty understanding slide manipulation, magazine changes, etc. to the point where it would likely take years of training before I would recommend her carrying one. There is still going to be a learning curve on the DA/SA snubbie but the battery of arms is a lot simpler.

I was looking for something that would be an eventual carry gun for her that she could get comfortable with. I definitely appreciate the input!

Maybe picking an 85 up while the price is right but also looking for a used DA/SA snubbie in .22 or .22 mag for her to learn the battery of arms with is the route I go.

[ray1970]

As Crays mentioned, small revolvers really aren’t very shooter friendly for new shooters. No need to put something in her hands that she will find difficult to shoot accurately, noisy, and likely have a fair amount of kick. (Guys like the kick, girls not so much.)


Also, and this is just totally my opinion based on personal experience, but I wouldn’t buy a Taurus product. I’ve only ever had one firearm that was truly a lemon straight out of the box and it was a Taurus revolver. I wouldn’t ever own another one even if somebody gave it to me for free.

My wife isn’t a shooter. She hated my GP100 because it “kicks to much”. I find it a pleasure to shoot because it’s big and heavy. She had no complaints about any of my polymer 9mms and actually shot them very well for a non-shooter.

[buffalobo]

Be fair, take her out and spend a full afternoon shooting many different pistols. She should be able choose what is most comfortable for her to shoot.

Manipulation of firearms can be practiced at home many times before even going to range.

As to the Taurus 85, have shot a couple, both functioned fine, average accuracy. For the price advertised ok value.

Taurus semi autos, I echo Rays sentiments about the revolvers, wouldn't own one.

For beginners - Ruger SP101, even the snubbie can be used as bludgeon when empty. Most recoil friendly snubbie. Mrs bo carries one, kinda heavy but not uncomfortable.

If you're unarmed you are a victim

[Fentonite]

I have an old (almost 30 yr old) Taurus revolver that is every bit as good as most Smiths and Colts in my safe. I also have an 85 that is a true POS, that I wouldn't give to a friend. Several others that are fine, mid-grade guns. My wife hiked the 500 mile Colorado Trail (solo) a number of years ago, and for weight considerations, all I could get her to carry was a titanium 85. She isn't a big shooter, but had no problem with it, and feels confident with it as her go-to. Hit and miss, wouldn't trust a random pick, but there are some reliable ones out there. You're welcome to try out our examples, if you like.

[esizer]

Thanks all! I wouldn’t want to get her something to work with that she absolutely hates. Trying out a number of handguns and seeing what she is most comfortable with from the get-go is probably the best plan of action...even if it requires more practice with the battery of arms.