Two Questions From a Newbie

M

mr. ed

Inactive
First, let me clarify "newbie". I have some familiarity w/ weapons, having served in the military during the Vietnam era. However, I haven't owned a weapon in over 30 years until now (a Taurus .38 snubbie, model M85). So, it's sort of like starting all over again. My two questions are:

1. Is this revolver able to handle +P ammo? The instruction book is rather vague but when I called the main office in Fla. the person on the other end assured me it was OK. Still, I'm not sure. Isn't the barrel supposed to specify ".38 spcl +P" if the gun is indeed able to handle this load?

2. This pistol kicks like a mule when firing 158 grain round-nose lead (standard pressure) and sounds exceptionally loud (I can't imagine what +P would be like). I owned a S&W snubbie when I was in the military back in the 60's and have no recollection of the gun kicking like that. Question: Do lighter bullet weights provide less recoil than heavier ones? Or, is it "just the nature of the beast" (I'm guessing snubbies will have more recoil due to their smaller size and lighter weight). BTW, my Taurus is the blued steel model. Thanks for your thoughts.
 
A firearm is safe with +p ammo if it says so in the manual. If you don't have a manual, call Taurus or visit them on the web: www.taurususa.com and look up your model. If you need cleaning supplies, please visit: www.otisgun.com. They have great customer service and a lifetime warrenty on their products, with the exception of oil and patches.

Lighter grain rounds tend to kick slightly less, but you'll hardly notice the difference.
 
Two answers. You may safely shoot +P in M85 Taurus revolvers. You need a set of Pachmayr "Gripper" finger grooved rubber grips or the Taurus "Ribber" factory rubber grips to control the recoil. I prefer heavy bullets in all my revolvers. The lighter weight +P bullets are worse for recoil, increase erosion at the forcing cone and will increase overall wear and tear on your revolver. I use 158 gr Federal Hydra-Shok or Remington Golden Sabers or Speer Gold Dots in the same weight in my M85. The Winchester white box is a decent practice cartridge.
 
If you want soft shooting from a snub nose, take up reloading. 125 grain plated bullets will be a good chice.

Commercial ammo is typically not made for mild recoil.
 
Recoil = OW!

The recoil from any snubby will be quite strong. My model 85 is NOT +P rated as the older ones were not. I can only shoot about 100 rounds of Fiocchi 158 gr. FMJ before I have to quit cuz my hand hurts. ow. :p

For self-defense I would use Federal Hydrashok.
 
Thanks for the replies, folks. You've basically answered my questions. As far as the grip goes, the revolver has already come with the rubberized ones. They are comfortable. I suppose with a little more practice I'll again become used to the recoil as I was in the past (I was a big, strong Marine 35 years ago so I suppose I was more "immune" to recoil :D ). BTW, this little pistol is quite accurate. The first time I fired it (after not having fired any weapons for over 30 years) I got an excellent grouping from about 30 feet....not bad for a sort of "newbie" :) .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top