model 85 or 605? or look for another brand??

[oldfart]

i went to my local shop this morning and they have a sale, they have got a taurus model 85 38spl for $305.00 + tax for blue or $330.00 for stainless. they have a model 605 357mag., for $330.00 for blue or $350.00 for stainless. both guns are snub nosed 2inch barrels, which one is the better deal? i'm thinking the 605 but 357 in a snubby is more than i want, i have trouble with my grip strength thats why i shoot revolvers instead of autos. what do yall think?, after reading some horror stories here about taurus c.s., i modified this post to ask also would something else be better? i own two charter arms, their great both of them, just thought i'd try something different. i have never owned a taurus, owned a rossi 971 once, it was bad a six shot, five shooter. the problem was one of the chambers was so tight you had to force the shell in,then if you shot it it had to be driven out. about $350 is all i can spend on one, i've saved awhile to get here. thanks for any help.

[Graybeard]

Taurus is having a lot of quality issues and their customer service is nearly nonexistent. I'd chose another brand.

[j104wd]

Around here tauruses dont hold much resale value, I picked up a used titanium ultralight 85 for under 200 including a uncle mikes inside the pants holster. that being said I had to replace the firing pin return spring after my first 1000 rounds but have not had a problem since. keep looking around there have been shops that sell the ultralights for 300 new

[corbanzo]

The 605 is great gun, I would go for it.  I have one, it shoots great, and have held up very well also.  From what I have seen, 605 owners are very happy with their guns, you can search the 605 in the older threads here, and see what people have said about them.  I think the craftsmanship of the 605 is better than the 85 and worth the extra price. 

[teamnelson]

Got a Taurus 606 (6x357 ported snubbie) that I like fair enough. Like my wifes SP101 in 32 mag better as a snubbie, Dad kept one holstered on his wheelchair til the end - MD affected his strength but he could handle the Ruger fine. Ruger makes them in a 5 shot 357 if you prefer.

[mattmillerrx]

I have yet to buy a taurus.  I have looked at many of them.  I usually treat a new taurus like I would a used anything else.  Look everything over, check lock up, ect.  I have yet to buy one and usually find a used smith for near the same money and go with it out of fear of a lemon. (a lemon with poor customer service).  But I may get one someday.

[NickSS]

I own the 357 Taurus snub nose as well as a Taurus PT99 and a 1911 clone.  The are all fine handguns.  I have heard of the QC problems but to date have not had any with the weapons I own.  The 357 snubby has considerable kick when shooting even +P 38 spl ammo so I mostly use mine with standard 38 spl loads.  My carry load is a wad cutter at about 700 fps.

[boondocker]

I have a 669 cp ss that I bought in mid ninties with a least 4 or 5 k rounds thru it all 357 mid to high power loads. The lock up is still tight and has good accruacy.  I have a 605 snubby that has at least 500 rounds thru it half and half 38 ,357. I like it as I bought it for a warm weather carry piece and have faith in it to perform. I have read of a lot of problems but have yet to experience them yet.  I also have colts/ a glock and rugers. I feel fortunate as I have never had a lemon yet.

[oldfart]

well i went yesterday and got the 85 ultra light, it worked great at the shop but boy did it mess up at home. i went out in my back yard and fired regular 38 thru it, cylinder would bind and be almost impossible to turn to the next cylinder. also the back of the cylinder was wearing a groove in the alloy frame, glad i had the understanding that if it didn,t work that i get my money back. i went today and got a eaa windicator in 357 magnum from another dealer, i left a report on it on the double action revolver forum.

[4296]

I own a Model 85, 94, 96, 605, three 441s, 454, 608, and 1911.I also own numerous S&Ws and Rugers. The quality of Taurus is comparable to the other brands, IMO. Their innovation is second to NONE. My experience with customer service, while somewhat slow, has on two occasions, been satisfactory.