Keep Taurus 84UL .38 or trade for S&W J frame

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bricz75

New member
I own a Taurus 85UL. It has five hundred rounds through it and it seems ok so far. I'm debating keeping it or selling it for a S&W J frame. I'm concerned about the longevity of the Taurus.

The Taurus is under warranty (lifetime). I figure if it needed say $50 worth of work down the line it would be better for a local 'smith to do it rather than send it in due to shipping charges. If something catastrophic happened, I would send it in for servicing. Would they fix it right?
 
Do you not like the gun and that is why you're asking? Or, is this a "grass is greener on the other side" type situation?

If you like the Taurus, then keep it. If not, then don't.

:)
 
From what I have read on here and other places most local smiths won't work on a Taurus, they can't get the the parts. That being said if it has passed the 500 round mark I would think is pretty reliable. Also consider that you will not get whole lot if you try to sell it.

Keep it and save your pennies and get the J frame in a few months would be my advice.
 
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

If I was thinking of a gun that I could shoot the crap out of it and then hand down to my kids, etc., I would get a Ruger SP101. But I would still keep the Taurus.
 
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I own a Taurus 85UL. It has five hundred rounds through it and it seems ok so far. I'm debating keeping it or selling it for a S&W J frame. I'm concerned about the longevity of the Taurus.
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500 rounds, you're past the "birth defects" period. If it hasn't broke by now, quite likely it will continue to work fine.

Keep or sell? I think that would depend on what you can get for it. (Probably not what you want.)

If it works, I'd keep it. Save your pennies, buy the J-frame when you can, then make the decision on what to do with the Taurus.
 
The Taurus should be fine

If you have the itch to get a J-frame then you won't ever sleep at night until you get one.
 
One thing I would add is it might also depend on the Smith J frame. I never owned a 85UL, but I did own a S&W 642. I was very disappointed with the 642. The finish was cheap and flaked off easily. I too would say if the Taurus is running fine then don't trade it in for a S&W Airweight. Some of the more expensive J frames might be a different deal. As has been stated, you will likely not get what the Taurus is actually worth. Personally, I think a good working Taurus is a good deal because they are so much less expensive than S&W. I have never had any trouble from any of my Taurii.
 
Is there another reason for losing your confidence

I would send it in for servicing. Would they fix it right?
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I don't want to second guess you and perhaps your concern might be the motivation for going to the Smith. From my experience, I can tell you that they would fix it, as you say; right. I have had issues with Taurus and still own a couple. Personally I would not have a problem with keeping the Taurus but it's your call .... ;)

Is there another reason for losing your confidence, in the Taurus ???

Be Safe !!!
 
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I own 2 Taurus snubbies that I wouldn't dream of trading for a J frame. They're both 100% reliable. I would (and sometimes do) trust my life to them.
 
I've owned serveral Taurus revolvers, including an 85CH, and have always found them to be very good revolvers. I know others say they've had problems, and I'm sure they have, but if it works, I wouldn't get rid of it.

Unless, like me, you just like to buy/sell/trade/swap guns.

I'm guilty of that. :D
 
I've never owned a Taurus nor shot one . . . but you must have liked it if you bought it? I know Taurus gets a bad rap . . but if you like it and it functions well . . keep it. Then look for a good used J frame - they are out there. I have a Model 36 J frame snub for carry and I love it - but that's me. Everyone is different. Don't second guess yourself . . . if you like the Taurus, keep it . . . the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
 
Keep the 85 and buy another 85.

I've put lots of rounds through these guns, no problem.

I currently own the blue steel model.
 
500 rounds, you're past the "birth defects" period. If it hasn't broke by now, quite likely it will continue to work fine.

Keep or sell? I think that would depend on what you can get for it. (Probably not what you want.)
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As stated, if your Taurus is still in good working condition, you should not have any major problems. Do remember to cycle the action from time to time, as Taurus uses a VERY heavy internal lube that will thicken and lock up the revolver if not used from time to time. Do to their reputation, often deserved, Taurus have very low resale value.

If you want a J frame save your $$ and but it outright. Remember having two revolvers are always better than having just one.
 
I had a lot of use out of my Taurus 85UL....a few thousand rounds thru it...keep it if it is a good one...some are not. Also had 2 or 3 J frames...whatever feels best to you, and you shoot the best...both are
acceptable weapons.
 
Typically, your Taurus won't be worth squat as a trade. Just know that before going any further.

I'm not a Taurus fan (bad experience with a M85) but it sounds like you actually have one that seems to work. Taurus, their ability to actually stand behind their products and fix them correctly, is a matter of hit or miss. Their customer service is legendary for all the wrong reasons.

That said, I'd suggest you keep the Taurus, shoot the hell out of it and see where it takes you. I wouldn't worry about what might or might not happen. Taurus can, and occasionally makes a good gun. You might even have one of them.

See where it takes you. If you want a S&W buy one out right. You'll lose a hell of a lot of money on your trade making the S&W much more expensive than just buying one out right.
 
Responses from OP

Thanks to all who responded.

@waspinator: I like it, I'm just not sure of it's longevity.

@Whirlwind06: Hearing that about 'smiths not wanting to work on it dampened my enthusiasm for a second Taurus.

@Pahoo: My other concern was whether it could take +P rounds on a semi-steady basis

@huskybiker: That's good to hear.

@old bear: Thanks for the advice about the lube/cycling...Yes, two is better than one.

@Kreyzhorse: My concerns about warranty servicing are why I mentioned possibly going to a 'smith in the future instead of sending it back. Someone mentioned their servicing is hit or miss. Another said they would fix it right.

I should have mentioned part of the equation is putting some +P rounds though it.

Thanks, fellas!
 
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