I would buy one, and carry it. They aren't the best looking guns out there, but they work. If you intend to shoot it a lot, you might be better off with a little more expensive pistol.
I would buy one, and carry it. They aren't the best looking guns out there, but they work. If you intend to shoot it a lot, you might be better off with a little more expensive pistol.
My vote is for the Airweight .38. The S&W will hold it's value, the Taurus will not. The S&W is a much better gun that you can bet your life on for not that much more money. The Taurus is no bargain. Save up a few more bucks and pop for the Smith. JMO
I own a stainless 85 and love this revolver. I does go bang when you need it, it's priced very inexpensive and if you're going to carry it the normal scratches and wear aren't going to cost you anything in depreciation like the higher priced snubbies. You can spend a lot more but I don't why you would, this gets the job done.
Had a stainless CH85 that I like well enough to give to my oldest daughter when she moved out on her own., I am currently looking at giving my youngest daughter one being they are inexpensive and reliable
some years back I got in a deal and bought 10 of the model 85s that were Russian police or some such thing, trade ins.
I bought 10 of them for $1350 plus shipping. Every one of them were the ugliest, most beat up looking guns I ever owned.
But all 10 shot like a dream.
I have owned a Taurus 85UL w/external hammer for about 15 years. It is one of my primary carry guns in either a belt holster or a pocket holster. As others have said it is less expensive than the S&W J frames and would probably wear out before a S&W would. I have not shot all that many rounds through mine but I have not had any problems at all with it. We also own 2 S&W J frames, one steel frame and 1 allow frame. They are both Centennials with enclosed hammers. We also own 2 Ruger LCR's, a .22 cal and a .38 Special. I consider them just as good as the J frames in every way and have a better trigger than the J frames.
But to answer your original question, the Taurus 85 is a very good revolver for pocket carry and is a great value for the price paid. The light weight versions are more pleasant to carry than the steel frames because they are so much lighter.
I stopped by a one of our local gun shops and looked at a Taurus .38 UltraLite, it seemed to me that there was too much play in the cylinder. It was a brand new gun but it looked cheap. What is your thoughts on this?
The difference between the S&W and the Taurus copy is readily apparent when you handle them side by side. If you don't notice a huge difference, you need a visit to an eye doctor for an exam.
Okay, so I went to a gun shop down the road from us and compared the S&W.38 Airweight and the Taurus .38 Ultralight. There was a price on the new Taurus for $319, on the used (but in great condition) Airweight was $379. I offered them $340 for the Airweight which they accepted, so I am now a proud owner of an Airweight.
I'm sure you will enjoy your S&W Airweight for years to come. Good choice!
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