Range Report: Taurus M85 UltraLite 38 Snub

Digger · March 5, 2001, 08:01 AM

I was having buyer's regret that I didn't spend an extra $85.00 to get the S&W airweight, until I went to the range.

My Taurus M85 Ultralite 38 snub is terrific!! The trigger is great. The double action trigger was very easy to keep on target. The single action trigger was very crisp at the break. I was hitting 4" groups at 20 yds (single action).

The most impressive part was the little 2-finger grips. They really helped soak up recoil and make the pistol a natural pointer. I was hitting within a 12" target on 7 yard draw and point shoot drills. For a non-aimed shot, I think that's pretty good out of a snub.

The best.... it went BANG every time. I'm very comforted carrying my new little friend!

Who has a S&W airweight? Are they worth the difference in price? What are the differences in shooting? Any other Taurus fans out there?

sox · March 5, 2001, 05:28 PM

I have both an 85UC ported and a SW 342PD, I do really like my Taurus better, but I think because it is more comfortable to shoot with the porting. I am going to magnaport my SW and see. I would like to shoot one of the 13.5 oz. 37s to see if it is the weight that makes the difference, but I believe it is the porting. The Taurus has a better trigger out of the box by far.

Lightsped · March 5, 2001, 05:46 PM

I like my Total Titanium Taurus 85 so well, I bought a Stainless Steel version of the Taurus 85 too. They are cool guns. Very cool.
I would recommend staying away from leaded ammo though. Leaded ammo causes the ports and front sight to get really dirty....

Ezeckial · March 5, 2001, 06:04 PM

I've depended on an 85UL for personal defense for quite a while now. It replaced a Stainless 85.

I carry a Kahr MK9 or Glock 19 too...but the most often is that little light weight .38.

Glad it worked well for you...I had a problem with light strikes initially (fairly common problem, if you do a search on TFL).

I'd use standard velocity .38's for most of your shooting...keep the +P's for carry.

AUTiger73 · March 5, 2001, 06:35 PM

Purchased a Taurus M85 Aluminum frame (pre-titanium version)revolver over 4 years ago and have had no problems with it. One of my sons has a Taurus M85 all steel version, again with no problems. Both equal the accuracy of comparable S&W revolvers.

While I have a nice collection of S&W "J-frame" revolvers and prefer the S&W Model 60, Model 36, et.al. J-frame revolvers, the Taurus is the best buy for the dollar. Taurus quality has improved greatly in recent years. As I continue to buy used (pre-agreement) S&W revolvers, the Taurus would be my choice for a new titanium revolver.

denfoote · March 6, 2001, 06:29 AM

My wife, and I both own Tauri. Hers is the Aluminum M85UL, and mine is the blued steel version. She carries hers, while I have gravitated to bigger things. I have stated before that I do not consider her to be ill armed.

One thing, I do not advise shooting lead bullets through the light framed Tauri. The crimp on the bullets is not strong enough to resist the recoil of the frame. Use jacketed bullets only, or you will lock up your gun!!!!!!

mini14jac · March 6, 2001, 11:59 AM

Digger,
Congrats on your purchase.
I bought a Model 85, UL (Aluminum and Stainless) about 3 weeks ago.
We have put about 125 rounds through it so far.
I too was very pleased with the accuracy, both SA and DA.
I am not sure that I agree with denfoote about the lead bullets.
Lead are the cheapest, and most aluminum frame guns are heavy enough that the bullets won't unseat.
Most of the rounds that we shot were lead, with no problem.
We also have a S&W Airweight, 642 ( I think).
Internal hammer, and about 2 - 3 oz. lighter than the Taurus. Because the backstrap on the S&W is exposed, it is much more uncomfortable to shoot than the Taurus.
When I bought my 85UL, there was a used Airweight, just like my wife's available, but it was $30 more than the new Taurus.
I emailed S&W to see if the life time warranty applied to used guns.
I got two replies from different individuals at S&W.
One said "Yes, if it was an ovbious manufacturing defect."
The last one said " NO, the warranty only applies to the original owner."
I prefer a warranty on my guns.

Enjoy,
JP

pinetree · March 6, 2001, 01:22 PM

I really like my Ultra Light Taurus 38spcl. It may only be five shots, but it is handy, light, shoots a real round and concealable. At my property in the summer it is loaded with snake shot. other times it is with Hydrashoks. It shoots well for a snubby and I have no regrets. I sold a Colt Mustang to buy it. I didn't like carrying the mustang cocked & locked and found the safety too small.

tjg

Doug S · March 7, 2001, 06:18 PM

I have a friend who recently purchased a model 85 ultralight. He is very happy with it. He has had the cylinder lock up twice when shooting the heavier 158 grain (he has only shot the 158gr twice) wadcutters. Upon inspection it appeared that the primers had backed out a little. He was using cheap magtech ammo, I think. This has never happened with the lighter grain stuff. I own a stainless 85 which I like very much.

ECHOONE · July 23, 2009, 09:59 AM

Just remember DO NOT shoot any lead ammo thru the 85 ul titanium ultralite and you won't have any problems,it's right in the manual,alot of people fail to read those darn things! another words the semi leaded wad cutters are a no no, pick another round!

dgludwig · July 23, 2009, 12:12 PM

And speaking of manuals, don't dry-fire your Taurus revolvers without using snap caps. Don't know what Taurus's reasoning is but it's right there in the manual.

LightningJoe · July 23, 2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

And speaking of manuals, don't dry-fire your Taurus revolvers without using snap caps. Don't know what Taurus's reasoning is but it's right there in the manual.

Yes. I broke mine that way. I think that breaks the firing pin.

B.N.Real · July 23, 2009, 08:33 PM

I am very happy with the three 85's I have owned and the third one is a Ultralight that shoots great and is very easy to carry.

Looks great too.

Doug S · July 23, 2009, 10:00 PM

This is funny, I posted to this thread about 8 years ago. Well, since someone saw a need to get it started again, I thought I should update. The Taurus 85 I owned broke. I had a number of Taurus guns after this date that also required repairs. I no longer purchase Taurus firearms as a result of my experiences. Don't honestly know what my friend did with his, but he has since moved on to other guns. I much prefer S&W and Ruger today. I had a lot of problems with Taurus reliability. I was a fan after the first couple revolvers in the late 90's, but they went downhill from there.

isanchez2008 · July 23, 2009, 10:12 PM

Have a Taurus 850 and a S&W 642 with crimson trace rubberized grips. The smith is much more comfortable to shoot. Not that 38's are that painfull. The trigger on my smith is much smoother. No reliability issues with either. Both are good guns. By the way the crimson grips cover the backstrap and are softer than the taurus stock rubber.

Shadi Khalil · July 23, 2009, 10:29 PM

Congrats. I had a Taurus 617 that had a better trigger pull then any of the S&W's I've owned.

Quote:

I would recommend staying away from leaded ammo though. Leaded ammo causes the ports and front sight to get really dirty

The 617 was also ported and it didnt matter what ammo I used, after a couple of cylinders of 357 the sites were gone.

Jkwas · July 24, 2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

The most impressive part was the little 2-finger grips. They really helped soak up recoil and make the pistol a natural pointer.

I couldn't agree more. My small frame Taurus (605) with the boot grips is the best pointing gun I have. It's also very comfortable and helps conceal the gun. I put the combat grips on but went back to the boots. Way better.

10 Beers · July 24, 2009, 04:45 PM

Jersey huh, what exit?

ECHOONE · July 25, 2009, 02:30 AM

I've had my Taurus 85ULB ultralite for over a yr now althought the trigger was great from the factory I had a local smith do a little trigger job on it and it couldn't be sweeter now.I find myself loving to carry it as it's like totting nothing,you forget you have a gun on you it's so light.for a snub it's very accurate,I never had a problem with it.I see people bashing Taurus all the time,maybe I just got a good one,maybe there customer service is bad and I never had to use them,I don't know,I do know My 85 is one hell of a revolver and I'd put it up against any s&w! for the price I just couldnt ask for anything better!

dgludwig · July 25, 2009, 04:24 AM

I take it that you like your Taurus, ECHOONE!

dpetreikis · July 25, 2009, 09:58 AM

nice to see a positive Taurus thread for a change...

Qwiks draw · July 26, 2009, 02:48 AM

Own an older DAO 85CH made back in the 1980s. It is still going strong and giving good service.

Like the fact that the hammer is recessed enough not snag from a pocket or holster.

Many of you may be aware of this, but one can slip their thumb over the back of the hammer and use the thumb as a shroud while drawing. Keeps the hammer from catching on anything.

That or get a Taurus 650/651/850/851. LOL 650/850s have the internal hammer and the 850/650 have the a small section of hammer sticking through the shroud for single action shooting if so desired or needed.

Not much chance for that. Just that there are those who like that feature.

Jkwas · July 26, 2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Jersey huh, what exit?

Believe it or not: "0" on the Garden State

Qwiks draw · July 27, 2009, 07:25 PM

Taurus snubbies and Taurus pictures:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=369143

March 5, 2001, 06:35 PM	#5
AUTiger73 Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2000 Posts: 375	Taurus M85 Purchased a Taurus M85 Aluminum frame (pre-titanium version)revolver over 4 years ago and have had no problems with it. One of my sons has a Taurus M85 all steel version, again with no problems. Both equal the accuracy of comparable S&W revolvers. While I have a nice collection of S&W "J-frame" revolvers and prefer the S&W Model 60, Model 36, et.al. J-frame revolvers, the Taurus is the best buy for the dollar. Taurus quality has improved greatly in recent years. As I continue to buy used (pre-agreement) S&W revolvers, the Taurus would be my choice for a new titanium revolver.

March 6, 2001, 06:29 AM	#6
denfoote Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 1999 Location: Buckeye Arizona Posts: 5,526	My wife, and I both own Tauri. Hers is the Aluminum M85UL, and mine is the blued steel version. She carries hers, while I have gravitated to bigger things. I have stated before that I do not consider her to be ill armed. One thing, I do not advise shooting lead bullets through the light framed Tauri. The crimp on the bullets is not strong enough to resist the recoil of the frame. Use jacketed bullets only, or you will lock up your gun!!!!!! __________________ Ich bin kein Nationalsozialist!!!!!! Ich bin Republikaner!!!!!!!! Neca eos omnes. Deus suos agnoset. Arizona: Flush the Johns!!!

July 23, 2009, 12:12 PM	#11
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	And speaking of manuals, don't dry-fire your Taurus revolvers without using snap caps. Don't know what Taurus's reasoning is but it's right there in the manual. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

July 23, 2009, 10:00 PM	#14
Doug S Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Posts: 745	This is funny, I posted to this thread about 8 years ago. Well, since someone saw a need to get it started again, I thought I should update. The Taurus 85 I owned broke. I had a number of Taurus guns after this date that also required repairs. I no longer purchase Taurus firearms as a result of my experiences. Don't honestly know what my friend did with his, but he has since moved on to other guns. I much prefer S&W and Ruger today. I had a lot of problems with Taurus reliability. I was a fan after the first couple revolvers in the late 90's, but they went downhill from there. __________________ "The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles." Col. Jeff Cooper, from The Art of the Rifle Last edited by Doug S; July 24, 2009 at 09:12 AM.

July 24, 2009, 04:45 PM	#18
10 Beers Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Location: Paradise(South Florida) Posts: 343	Jersey huh, what exit? __________________ I got a fever, and the only cure is more guns. Ya wanna go shootin' tomarrow?

March 5, 2001, 08:01 AM	#1
Digger Member Join Date: January 26, 2000 Posts: 82	I was having buyer's regret that I didn't spend an extra $85.00 to get the S&W airweight, until I went to the range. My Taurus M85 Ultralite 38 snub is terrific!! The trigger is great. The double action trigger was very easy to keep on target. The single action trigger was very crisp at the break. I was hitting 4" groups at 20 yds (single action). The most impressive part was the little 2-finger grips. They really helped soak up recoil and make the pistol a natural pointer. I was hitting within a 12" target on 7 yard draw and point shoot drills. For a non-aimed shot, I think that's pretty good out of a snub. The best.... it went BANG every time. I'm very comforted carrying my new little friend! Who has a S&W airweight? Are they worth the difference in price? What are the differences in shooting? Any other Taurus fans out there?

March 5, 2001, 05:28 PM	#2
sox Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 1999 Location: Atlanta Georgia Posts: 591	I have both an 85UC ported and a SW 342PD, I do really like my Taurus better, but I think because it is more comfortable to shoot with the porting. I am going to magnaport my SW and see. I would like to shoot one of the 13.5 oz. 37s to see if it is the weight that makes the difference, but I believe it is the porting. The Taurus has a better trigger out of the box by far.

March 5, 2001, 05:46 PM	#3
Lightsped Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2000 Location: Kennesaw/Marietta, Georgia Posts: 810	I like my Total Titanium Taurus 85 so well, I bought a Stainless Steel version of the Taurus 85 too. They are cool guns. Very cool. I would recommend staying away from leaded ammo though. Leaded ammo causes the ports and front sight to get really dirty....

March 5, 2001, 06:04 PM	#4
Ezeckial Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2000 Location: Windsor. PA, USA Posts: 394	I've depended on an 85UL for personal defense for quite a while now. It replaced a Stainless 85. I carry a Kahr MK9 or Glock 19 too...but the most often is that little light weight .38. Glad it worked well for you...I had a problem with light strikes initially (fairly common problem, if you do a search on TFL). I'd use standard velocity .38's for most of your shooting...keep the +P's for carry.

March 6, 2001, 11:59 AM	#7
mini14jac Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2001 Location: The Volunteer State. Posts: 691	Digger, Congrats on your purchase. I bought a Model 85, UL (Aluminum and Stainless) about 3 weeks ago. We have put about 125 rounds through it so far. I too was very pleased with the accuracy, both SA and DA. I am not sure that I agree with denfoote about the lead bullets. Lead are the cheapest, and most aluminum frame guns are heavy enough that the bullets won't unseat. Most of the rounds that we shot were lead, with no problem. We also have a S&W Airweight, 642 ( I think). Internal hammer, and about 2 - 3 oz. lighter than the Taurus. Because the backstrap on the S&W is exposed, it is much more uncomfortable to shoot than the Taurus. When I bought my 85UL, there was a used Airweight, just like my wife's available, but it was $30 more than the new Taurus. I emailed S&W to see if the life time warranty applied to used guns. I got two replies from different individuals at S&W. One said "Yes, if it was an ovbious manufacturing defect." The last one said " NO, the warranty only applies to the original owner." I prefer a warranty on my guns. Enjoy, JP

March 6, 2001, 01:22 PM	#8
pinetree Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2001 Location: Cumming GA Posts: 626	I really like my Ultra Light Taurus 38spcl. It may only be five shots, but it is handy, light, shoots a real round and concealable. At my property in the summer it is loaded with snake shot. other times it is with Hydrashoks. It shoots well for a snubby and I have no regrets. I sold a Colt Mustang to buy it. I didn't like carrying the mustang cocked & locked and found the safety too small. tjg

March 7, 2001, 06:18 PM	#9
Doug S Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Posts: 745	I have a friend who recently purchased a model 85 ultralight. He is very happy with it. He has had the cylinder lock up twice when shooting the heavier 158 grain (he has only shot the 158gr twice) wadcutters. Upon inspection it appeared that the primers had backed out a little. He was using cheap magtech ammo, I think. This has never happened with the lighter grain stuff. I own a stainless 85 which I like very much.

July 23, 2009, 09:59 AM	#10
ECHOONE Junior member Join Date: February 10, 2008 Location: FL Posts: 204	Just remember DO NOT shoot any lead ammo thru the 85 ul titanium ultralite and you won't have any problems,it's right in the manual,alot of people fail to read those darn things! another words the semi leaded wad cutters are a no no, pick another round!

July 23, 2009, 08:33 PM	#13
B.N.Real Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Posts: 4,092	I am very happy with the three 85's I have owned and the third one is a Ultralight that shoots great and is very easy to carry. Looks great too.

July 23, 2009, 10:12 PM	#15
isanchez2008 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2008 Location: WA Posts: 344	Have a Taurus 850 and a S&W 642 with crimson trace rubberized grips. The smith is much more comfortable to shoot. Not that 38's are that painfull. The trigger on my smith is much smoother. No reliability issues with either. Both are good guns. By the way the crimson grips cover the backstrap and are softer than the taurus stock rubber.

July 25, 2009, 02:30 AM	#19
ECHOONE Junior member Join Date: February 10, 2008 Location: FL Posts: 204	I've had my Taurus 85ULB ultralite for over a yr now althought the trigger was great from the factory I had a local smith do a little trigger job on it and it couldn't be sweeter now.I find myself loving to carry it as it's like totting nothing,you forget you have a gun on you it's so light.for a snub it's very accurate,I never had a problem with it.I see people bashing Taurus all the time,maybe I just got a good one,maybe there customer service is bad and I never had to use them,I don't know,I do know My 85 is one hell of a revolver and I'd put it up against any s&w! for the price I just couldnt ask for anything better!

July 25, 2009, 04:24 AM	#20
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	I take it that you like your Taurus, ECHOONE! __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

July 25, 2009, 09:58 AM	#21
dpetreikis Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2005 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 262	nice to see a positive Taurus thread for a change...

July 26, 2009, 02:48 AM	#22
Qwiks draw Junior member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Posts: 879	Own an older DAO 85CH made back in the 1980s. It is still going strong and giving good service. Like the fact that the hammer is recessed enough not snag from a pocket or holster. Many of you may be aware of this, but one can slip their thumb over the back of the hammer and use the thumb as a shroud while drawing. Keeps the hammer from catching on anything. That or get a Taurus 650/651/850/851. LOL 650/850s have the internal hammer and the 850/650 have the a small section of hammer sticking through the shroud for single action shooting if so desired or needed. Not much chance for that. Just that there are those who like that feature.

July 27, 2009, 07:25 PM	#24
Qwiks draw Junior member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Posts: 879	Taurus snubbies and Taurus pictures: http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=369143