Snubby: Taurus 85 or Rossi 68?

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Ignacio49

New member
I had the opportunity to compare the Taurus 85 with the Rossi 68 models.
Both seem to be well made revolvers. There are some minor differences that I noticed:

Rossi has a floating firing pin, while Taurus has transfer bar.
Rossi weights a bit more that Taurus – barrel seems to be thicker, as well as cylinder walls
Taurus trigger action is a bit softer. Both snubbies are new, therefore this could change with use.
Taurus ejector rod is a bit longer.

Which one would you choose? Prices are similar – let’s not take this factor into consideration.
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Assuming it passed Jim March's inspection procedure, probably the Taurus, but I don't think there's enough difference to matter.
 
A steel 85 was the first handgun I ever bought, probably 20 years ago ... I still have it, it still works perfectly, rides around in my glovebox in a gunsock if I'm not carrying concealed ... it's accurate, easy to shoot ... I painted the front sight white to get a better picture and my wife got me a set of Hogue wood grips ... not my favorite gun, but certainly a useful addition to the arsenal ...
 
After having a bad experience with a M85, I'd be hard pressed to pick a Taurus again.

All and all, I doubt there is really much functional difference between the two so pick the one you like the best.
 
I've had a Taurus mdl 85,.38+P Ultra Light for 3 or 4 years now. It came with a Crimson Laser and I am estatic about the accuracy I get with it. I do a lot of 'plinking' with it at ranges. Very happy with it. I find it great for a carry weapon. Light, dependable.
 
I have owned Rossi revolvers and they're pretty good guns for the price. I used to sell and repair Taurus revolvers and internally they're not as robust as a S&W but just about any problems we had with them were pretty easy fixes. We turned some of them into very good IPSC/combat guns. In the 80s and 90s they were making some very good guns but I am hearing a lot more reports of defective guns in the last few years than I ever saw..
 
I owned one Rossi M69, back in 1984 or so... Total piece of crap.
Turned me off of revolvers for about 20 years.
Thanks to Smith & Wesson, I eventually made a full recovery.

If you do some reading, you may find yourself disinclined to purchasing any Taurus/Rossi handguns...and if you do so, you are probably well served.

JMHO.
 
Ignacio49 said:
I had the opportunity to compare the Taurus 85 with the Rossi 68 models.
Both seem to be well made revolvers. There are some minor differences that I noticed:

Rossi has a floating firing pin, while Taurus has transfer bar.
Rossi weights a bit more that Taurus – barrel seems to be thicker, as well as cylinder walls.
Taurus trigger action is a bit softer. Both snubbies are new, therefore this could change with use.
Taurus ejector rod is a bit longer.

Which one would you choose? Prices are similar – let’s not take this factor into consideration.
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Both are good guns. The Rossi® Mdl 68 is an older model from the days that Rossi® was an independent company. As such it no longer has a warranty, while the Taurus; even if used, does (lifetime).

That is not to say the Rossi® is a bad gun; it is not. My wife has the stainless model (88 Lady Rossi) and it has been superb in all respects.

Your safest bet however, would be to buy the Taurus® because of the lifetime warranty even though a used gun. Name any other gun maker offering a lifetime warranty ON A USED GUN! (Just my $0.02.)
 
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no offense intended but

get the taurus. you can still get parts for them. unlike the vintage rossi.
Click to expand...

That seems to make sense to me. I think it might be easier to get parts for a old DLlorean (car) than an old Rossi. LOL

TBS, I see a Smith or Ruger in your future.
 
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