Taurus 85
The Taurus 85 is the company’s flagship compact .38 Special revolver—a 5-shot, 2” barrel double-action design that has been in continuous production for over four decades. Available in blued steel, matte stainless, and ultra-lite alloy frame configurations, the Model 85 covers the full range of carry weight preferences from the durable steel versions through featherweight alloy models under 17 oz. Fixed sights, exposed or concealed hammer variants, and the .38 Special +P rating make it a capable and straightforward carry revolver that competes directly with the Smith & Wesson J-frame at a lower price point.
Read our full Taurus 85 Buying Guide ↓
Taurus 85 vs. S&W J-Frame: The Classic Comparison
The Taurus 85 and Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers (Models 642, 638, 340) compete directly in the compact .38 Special carry revolver market. Both offer 5 rounds of .38 Special in a similar dimensional envelope. The S&W J-frame has a more refined action, stronger resale value, and the prestige of the S&W name. The Taurus 85 delivers comparable functionality at a lower price point, with Taurus’s modern quality control behind it. For budget-conscious buyers who want a compact .38 revolver, the 85 provides the same core capability as the J-frame for less money. For buyers who prioritize resale value and brand heritage, the J-frame is worth the premium.
Steel vs. Ultra-Lite: Choosing Your Frame
The Taurus 85 steel frame weighs approximately 21–24 oz unloaded depending on finish—more mass that absorbs recoil and makes the pistol more comfortable to shoot with .38 Special +P loads. The Ultra-Lite alloy frame version drops to approximately 17 oz, making it significantly more comfortable for all-day carry at the cost of increased felt recoil per shot. For buyers who carry primarily and shoot occasionally for practice, the Ultra-Lite is the practical choice. For buyers who shoot regularly and want a more comfortable range experience, the steel frame is worth the carry weight.
Exposed vs. Concealed Hammer
The standard Taurus 85 uses an exposed hammer that allows both double-action and single-action use. The 85CH (Concealed Hammer) uses a bobbed or internal hammer for fully snag-free draw from a pocket or IWB holster. The exposed hammer allows deliberate single-action shots for precision at distance; the concealed hammer is optimized for close-range defensive use where speed and snag-free draw matter more than single-action capability. For pocket carry specifically, the concealed hammer variant is strongly preferred — an exposed hammer can catch on clothing and prevent a clean draw under pressure.
Taurus 85 vs. Taurus 605: .38 Special vs. .357 Magnum
The Taurus 85 and 605 share a similar compact carry format but differ meaningfully in power: the 85 is .38 Special +P only, the 605 accepts full-power .357 Magnum. For most defensive carry use, premium .38 Special +P hollow points are adequate. For buyers who want the option of .357 Magnum stopping power and can manage the additional recoil, the 605 is the appropriate step up. Both are 5-shot revolvers with 2” barrels at similar price points — the choice is purely about how much recoil you want to manage.
Related Pages
Compare the .357 Magnum upgrade on the Taurus 605 page, see the 6-shot option on the Taurus 856 page, or browse all snub-nose revolvers.
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