I just picked up a used Taurus M85CHSS from a local shop; I went to the Taurus website, entered the serial number and found out the gun was made in ‘94. It’s older than I thought (looks like it was used very little). Anyone with around this year make? What is your experience? Shot a box of Magtech 158gr. LRN through it so far. It seems OK. Not impressed with the ammo though. Pretty dirty stuff. Picked up some Winchester 125gr. JSP for the next round. Hope there isn’t a problem using the semi jacketed ammo (I’m not familiar with it). I paid $220.00 out the door with a 30 day shop warranty (of course Taurus gives a lifetime of the gun warranty).
Taurus M85
- Thread starter DennisD
- Start date
Dennis I switched to complete FMJ because the LRN left the gun really dirty. You'll be fine shooting it. I have an 85 from '03. Don't worry about the age of the gun. As long as it works like it should you'll be alright.
Yes, Taurus does have a lifetime warranty, but they're slow as molasses on a cold day. I sent mine back for lockup problems and it took them over 6 wks to finish
Heck, it took them one week after receiving it (signed for and everything) from UPS to even get it into their system 
Yes, Taurus does have a lifetime warranty, but they're slow as molasses on a cold day. I sent mine back for lockup problems and it took them over 6 wks to finish
Heck, it took them one week after receiving it (signed for and everything) from UPS to even get it into their system Sir William
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I have owned a few Taurus revolvers. They don't like lead bullets. I usually shot 158 FMJ for practice. I used Federal Hydrashoks for a carry load. I have not had any issues with a Taurus cenerfire revolver.
I own a Taurus 85CH that I bought as my first off duty weapon. Never have had a problem with it and consider it to be a fine weapon. The fit and finish is not as good as say Smith or Ruger, but still an excellent weapon. I also use 158 gr. +p Federal Hydrashoks and have never had a problem. I bought it in 1994. The only "catch" to Taurus' guarantee is that I believe the gun must be completely original, down to grips. As far as time frames for returning weapons, My partner just had to return his Millineum Pro in .45 b/c it had a dimple in the barrell, it took about a month untill he got it back.
44mag@ucnsb.net
New member
DennisD,
I have the same model around the same age in blued versus stainless. I love my little gun. It has been abused and still keeps on ticking. It’s a fun shooter and great for CCW. It’s nice to see you purchased it from a shop that gave you some warranty, most shops are as is on used guns. While Taurus has been slow on their customer service as has been pointed out, but I haven’t had to send one back for a second time. I can’t say that about my experiences with Smith & Wesson. The major point to keep in mind is that if you treat this gun well you will be happy and will most likely never have to send it off for any repair. My gun is fed a steady diet of handloaded hard cast SWC’s in the 158 grain range and 158 grain FMJ's. I completely agree with Sir William on this one, that's why I buy hard casts for these handloads. Most LRN's that you find are soft lead. Definately an issue in the Taurus. Have a great one.
.44mag
P.S. As a comment on Jim276's post, Taurus will give you a hard time for sure if you have had gunsmith or aftermarket work done on your gun. Keep your original parts with your box would be my suggestion.
I have the same model around the same age in blued versus stainless. I love my little gun. It has been abused and still keeps on ticking. It’s a fun shooter and great for CCW. It’s nice to see you purchased it from a shop that gave you some warranty, most shops are as is on used guns. While Taurus has been slow on their customer service as has been pointed out, but I haven’t had to send one back for a second time. I can’t say that about my experiences with Smith & Wesson. The major point to keep in mind is that if you treat this gun well you will be happy and will most likely never have to send it off for any repair. My gun is fed a steady diet of handloaded hard cast SWC’s in the 158 grain range and 158 grain FMJ's. I completely agree with Sir William on this one, that's why I buy hard casts for these handloads. Most LRN's that you find are soft lead. Definately an issue in the Taurus. Have a great one.
.44mag
P.S. As a comment on Jim276's post, Taurus will give you a hard time for sure if you have had gunsmith or aftermarket work done on your gun. Keep your original parts with your box would be my suggestion.
Thanks all for the good info. I felt pretty good about buying from this shop (it's been around a long time and is only getting bigger but the owner still comes over and says hello). I intended to buy a Ruger SP101 in .357 but this price was hard to pass up. Might save up for the Ruger later. I will definately be sticking to the FMJ or at least the JSP.