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Thread: Taurus 85 replaced by new 856?

  1. #1
    Boolit Grand Master FergusonTO35's Avatar
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    Taurus 85 replaced by new 856?

    I saw that Taurus has brought back the 856 six shot snubby, so I called up the fun store to order one. He said they haven't showed up at his distributor yet but he will get me one as soon as they do. He also told me that the 85 five shot has been discontinued for a month now. Anybody else heard about this? I always thought the 85 was rather bulky for a five shooter but I am looking forward to the 856.
    Currently casting and loading: .32 Auto, .380 Auto, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30 WCF, .308 WCF, .45-70.

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy hollywood63's Avatar
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    Still on the site. But I've heard the same that they discontinued the 85

    https://www.taurususa.com/gun-select...=M85&toggle=tr

  3. #3
    Boolit Master

    leadhead's Avatar
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    I don't understand why they would discontinue the M85...
    Wasn't that supposed to be there best seller?
    Denny

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master FergusonTO35's Avatar
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    All I can think of is that the tooling for the 85 was worn out and they figure there are so many of them out there at very low prices it would make more sense to go with a new 856. I am planning to get a new 856, my S&W 637 has me covered quite well when it comes to really little .38's.
    Currently casting and loading: .32 Auto, .380 Auto, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30 WCF, .308 WCF, .45-70.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master



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    my wife like's her 85 ultralite.
    she'd better get a couple more while she can.
    WebMonkey
    Retired 19D
    Psalm 91:9
    Honda 919

  6. #6
    Boolit Buddy Low Budget Shooter's Avatar
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    If they really are discontinuing the 85 to replace it with the 856, I think that's a great move for the customer, as long as the gun works!

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
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    Well the old method of "new and improved" works to sell more. So I can see them changing it. Marketing 101.

  8. #8
    Boolit Grand Master FergusonTO35's Avatar
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    If the new 856 is as good as the 85 was, then it is in fact new and improved. I've been begging for Ruger to add a sixth round to the SP-101 for years as this would create the ultimate carry size .38/.357. They didn't, so Taurus will get my money on this one.
    Currently casting and loading: .32 Auto, .380 Auto, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30 WCF, .308 WCF, .45-70.

  9. #9
    Boolit Mold


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    If they have retooled will great for the customer..PeashooterJoe

  10. #10
    Boolit Master
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    Hum,, I prefer the proven track record rather than new and improved. An 85 has been in the family for near 15 years with no problems. Hope the new one is as good.
    “You don’t practice until you get it right. You practice until you can’t get it wrong.” Jason Elam, All-Pro kicker, Denver Broncos

  11. #11
    Boolit Grand Master FergusonTO35's Avatar
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    Well, the new 856 was officially announced in January and my local guy still can't get them, in fact I haven't even seen them available from the online giants like Bud's and Kentucky Gun Co. I hope this means Taurus wants to work out any potential problems and make sure the guns are truly ready before they are sold at retail. I'm not holding my breath given their track record, but I will say that Taurus .38 and .357 revolvers have always been their best products and they sell like crazy around here. I like the concept so much that I am willing to buy one whenever they come available.
    Currently casting and loading: .32 Auto, .380 Auto, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30 WCF, .308 WCF, .45-70.

  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master

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    They are available in a lot of places now. Some for as low as $256.

    I'm gonna do it.
    KE4GWE - - - - - - Colt 1860, it just feels right.

  13. #13
    Boolit Grand Master FergusonTO35's Avatar
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    Finally saw an 856 in person and was impressed. Workmanship looked really good, barrel/cylinder gap looked to be .005 or so to my eyes. The revolver is just slightly bigger than the five shot J frames next to it, I don't think the 856 would be any more difficult to carry than those. This shop used to sell tons of 85's and had few complaints about them, in fact they were the only Taurus products they consistently kept in stock. If the new 856 is just as good then it will be a winner indeed.
    Currently casting and loading: .32 Auto, .380 Auto, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30 WCF, .308 WCF, .45-70.

  14. #14
    Boolit Master
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    The 85 is an excellent gun. It is the only Taurus product I would buy twice.

  15. #15
    Boolit Grand Master FergusonTO35's Avatar
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    I compared the 856 to the new Colt Cobra also in the safe. The Cobra is noticeably larger. It would be a good choice for OWB, but the 856 would work alot better for pocket or ankle carry.
    Currently casting and loading: .32 Auto, .380 Auto, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30 WCF, .308 WCF, .45-70.

  16. #16
    Banned
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    I hope they didn't discontinue the Model 85. It was the ONE gun Taurus got right.

  17. #17
    Boolit Grand Master FergusonTO35's Avatar
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    The Taurus 82 is another one that they did right.
    Currently casting and loading: .32 Auto, .380 Auto, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30 WCF, .308 WCF, .45-70.

  18. #18
    Boolit Grand Master FergusonTO35's Avatar
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    Well, the fun store had the 856 stainless for $240.00. So that pushed me over the edge and I layawayed it. Will report how it does when I pick it up.
    Currently casting and loading: .32 Auto, .380 Auto, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30 WCF, .308 WCF, .45-70.

  19. #19
    Boolit Grand Master FergusonTO35's Avatar
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    Well, the fun store had the 856 stainless for $240.00. So that pushed me over the edge and I layawayed it. Will report how it does when I pick it up.
    Currently casting and loading: .32 Auto, .380 Auto, .38 Special, 9X19, .357 Magnum, .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, .30 WCF, .308 WCF, .45-70.

  20. #20
    Boolit Master



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    I was in a local gun store to get some powder and there was one on consignment. The guy wanted $250. The factory hang tags were still on it and it looked NIB. I asked if he could call him and see if he'd take $200. He said he wouldn't take $200, but he would take $225. It wound up $243 out the door. Finish is a little rough, but it shot really well. I was cleaning the plate rack at 25 yds. with it.

    Attachment 253358

    An HKS 10A speedloader works perfectly. I've owned 2 model 85's in the past, but traded them off for something or other. I think I prefer the 856 over the 85 - just for the 1 extra round.
    So many guns, so little time
    _____________________________

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