Questions about new Model 85

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XIIIthguards

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Recently got my mitts on a new Taurus Model 85 for $260 on Bud's. Wanted to get another J Frame but money is unfortunately extremely tight right now and so I decided to give one of these a try. I have been very pleasantly surprised with it, because even though it's not quite at an S&W level, its fit and finish are still quite excellent. My main question however right now is about the grips. This appears to be the newest model 85 available with the new style grips that I prefer to the old knobby rubber ones, as you can see in the picture I found. That being said, I was hoping to get a pair of aftermarket Altamont grips for it, but I don't really see a way to change these grips, and I can't seem to find any information online about them. There appears to be a roll pin in the grip but other than that, no obvious means of disassembly. Anyone have any insights on these new style grips and if older style aftermarket grips are still compatible with this frame?
 

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The only thing that would make sense is to remove the pin and then pull the grip straight down to remove. But I'm just guessing, not speaking from experience.
 
From your photo, it looks like you got a Taurus 605 .357 Magnum, not a Taurus 85 in .38 Special. I don't know how those grips come off, sorry.
 
I had an 85 with these new style grips, for a short time. Removal is easy - just drive out the cross pin at the bottom and slip the grip off the frame. If memory serves, the grip frame is the same as before, so "older" style grips can be used. Simply reinsert the cross pin through the frame (to serve as the locating pin), after grip removal...and older split grips can be installed. Thus Altamonts or whatever other brand should work fine.
 
Yeah the picture I found was for a 605, but the grips are exactly the same. I figured that was the only way to remove them, looks like I'll have to finally invest in some punches to drive the pin out since I don't seem to have a thin enough tool otherwise.
 
http://www.taurususa.com/pdf/revolver-manual.pdf

I did some more internet research and found the, above, downloadable Taurus revolver manual. All the grips on the various models seem to have a grip screw (part no. 52). They appear to be in various sizes and location depending on the grip used. Some even screw in from the bottom.

Look between pages 17 to 26.
 
Recently got my mitts on a new Taurus Model 85 for $260 on Bud's. Wanted to get another J Frame but money is unfortunately extremely tight right now and so I decided to give one of these a try. I have been very pleasantly surprised with it, because even though it's not quite at an S&W level, its fit and finish are still quite excellent. My main question however right now is about the grips. This appears to be the newest model 85 available with the new style grips that I prefer to the old knobby rubber ones, as you can see in the picture I found. That being said, I was hoping to get a pair of aftermarket Altamont grips for it, but I don't really see a way to change these grips, and I can't seem to find any information online about them. There appears to be a roll pin in the grip but other than that, no obvious means of disassembly. Anyone have any insights on these new style grips and if older style aftermarket grips are still compatible with this frame?
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The new style Taurus grips are removed by driving the transverse roll pin at the bottom of the grip out. A small hammer and appropriately sized punch should be all you need.

You can probably do without that roll pin for the Altamont grip set (or other grip that comes in two halves, and attaches by a screw through the middle). If you use a Hogue Monogrip, you'll need to put it back in, as that grip attaches to a steel strip hung from that pin.
 
You could use any S&W J frame grip you have.

I adapted an "old" style Taurus 85 grip for my J frame, just had to drill two shallow holes in the grip for the pin in J frame butts. Otherwise the dimensions were exactly the same.

Someone above mentioned the "old" style is the same as "new" style.

If that's so you should be able to take any S&W J frame grip that uses a screw and plop it right on the Taurus with no modification. The medallion would be upgraded to say S&W rather than Taurus too. :D
 
I adapted an "old" style Taurus 85 grip for my J frame, just had to drill two shallow holes in the grip for the pin in J frame butts. Otherwise the dimensions were exactly the same.
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Interesting. I have an older style Taurus wood small frame grip I'm not currently using. I should see if I can get it to work on my 642.
 
It should work, as from what I gather only the grips are what were referred to above as "old" or "new" while the Taurus 85 butt dimensions have stayed the same.
 
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