Taurus Model 85

Lore & Background

The Taurus Model 85 is a small-frame revolver that has become one of Taurus International's signature weapons. In the United States, it is marketed primarily for concealed carry and personal protection. There are a number of significant internal differences between the Taurus 85 and similar Smith & Wesson revolvers, which have allowed Taurus to keep costs relatively low, though those same differences can make customization of the Model 85 more expensive.

The Model 85 is available with either 2" or 3" barrels and is capable of firing +P rated .38 Special rounds. It utilizes a transfer bar safety. Models manufactured after 1997 feature the Taurus Security System, a keyed, quarter-turn style socket-head screw that can be set to prevent the hammer from pivoting back into the frame, rendering the weapon inoperative. The revolver is available in several configurations including blued steel, stainless steel, polymer frame, and "Ultralite" variants constructed of aluminum and titanium with steel lockwork components. Much like Smith & Wesson revolvers, Model 85s can come equipped with exposed, "bobbed" (850), or shrouded (851) hammers, and there are numerous cosmetic options including gold-plated hardware and grips of wood or pearl.

The Model 85 line has been enlarged to include the Model 856, which adds an additional round in the cylinder for a capacity of 6 rounds. Other related models include the Taurus 856 Executive Grade with a three-inch barrel and stainless-steel construction where the barrel and underlug are machined as one piece. The Taurus 85VTA, also known as the View, was introduced in 2014 with a 1.41 inch barrel, aluminum frame, titanium cylinder, and a clear polycarbonate side plate for an unloaded weight of 9.5 ounces. Unlike other models, the View is only rated for standard pressure .38 Special ammunition. It was not a commercial success and was pulled from production in December 2014. A revised model, the "No View" with an aluminum side plate replacing the clear one, was introduced in 2015.

Reader's Guide

The Taurus Model 85 holds significance as a signature weapon for Taurus International, establishing the company's presence in the concealed carry and personal protection market in the United States. Its internal differences from similar Smith & Wesson revolvers allowed Taurus to offer a lower-cost alternative, though this design choice also made customization more expensive for owners. The Model 85's legacy includes a range of variants that expanded its utility: the 6-shot Model 856, the lightweight Ultralite models, and the experimental View (85VTA) with its clear polycarbonate side plate. The View's commercial failure and quick discontinuation in 2014, followed by the revised No View in 2015, illustrate the challenges of introducing unconventional designs. The Model 85 has seen law enforcement use, being issued to frontline officers of the Singapore Police Force in 2002 before being replaced by the Glock 19, and remains in use by auxiliary units, the Singapore Prison Service, and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Its mixed reception in reviews—with one author noting accuracy problems and lead bullet protrusion in the View, while another reviewer did not encounter those issues—reflects the variability in user experience. Overall, the Model 85 line represents a cost-effective, adaptable revolver platform that has maintained a role in both civilian and limited law enforcement contexts.

Did You Know?

• The Taurus Model 85 is available in Ultralite variants constructed of aluminum and titanium with steel lockwork components.
• The Model 85VTA (View) had a clear polycarbonate side plate and was pulled from production in December 2014.