Taurus Model 85
Encyclopedia
The Taurus Model 85 is a small-frame revolver
manufactured by the Brazil
ian firearm company Taurus International
.
The Model 85 is available in several configurations. These include blued steel, stainless steel, and "Ultralite" variants constructed of aluminum and titanium, with steel lockwork components. Much like their distant Smith and Wesson cousins, Model 85's can come equipped with exposed, 'bobbed', or shrouded hammers. There are numerous cosmetic options, including gold-plated hardware and grips of wood or pearl. The Model 85 is available with either 2" or 3" barrels, is capable of firing +P rated .38 Special
rounds, and utilizes a transfer bar safety.
Recently manufactured models feature the Taurus Security System, which consists of a keyed, quarter-turn style socket-head screw which can be set to prevent the hammer from pivoting back into the frame, thus rendering the weapon inoperative.
The Model 85 is the service sidearm of the Singapore Police Force
's patrolling officers, while specialized divisions employ various automatic pistols instead. It has replaced the Smith & Wesson equivalent which had been in service for decades.
The Model 85 line has been enlarged to include the new Model 856. This model is similar to the Model 85, but adds an additional round in the cylinder to bring the Model 856's capacity to 6 rounds. Because Taurus has done this while keeping the Model 856's size virtually identical to the 5-shot Model 85, they have created a firearm comparable to the Colt Detective Special in terms of size, reliability, and shot capacity while still retaining the dimensions of a 5-shot snub.
Revolver
A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first revolver ever made was built by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson...
manufactured by the Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian firearm company Taurus International
Taurus (manufacturer)
Forjas Taurus is a manufacturing conglomerate based in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Beginning as a tool and die manufacturer, the company now consists of divisions focusing on firearms, metals manufacturing, plastics, body armor, helmets, and civil construction.-History:Taurus produced its first...
.
The Model 85 is available in several configurations. These include blued steel, stainless steel, and "Ultralite" variants constructed of aluminum and titanium, with steel lockwork components. Much like their distant Smith and Wesson cousins, Model 85's can come equipped with exposed, 'bobbed', or shrouded hammers. There are numerous cosmetic options, including gold-plated hardware and grips of wood or pearl. The Model 85 is available with either 2" or 3" barrels, is capable of firing +P rated .38 Special
.38 Special
The .38 Smith & Wesson Special is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson. It is most commonly used in revolvers, although some semi-automatic pistols and carbines also use this round...
rounds, and utilizes a transfer bar safety.
Recently manufactured models feature the Taurus Security System, which consists of a keyed, quarter-turn style socket-head screw which can be set to prevent the hammer from pivoting back into the frame, thus rendering the weapon inoperative.
The Model 85 is the service sidearm of the Singapore Police Force
Singapore Police Force
The Singapore Police Force is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and order in the city-state. Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police , it has grown from an 11-man organisation to a 38,587 strong force...
's patrolling officers, while specialized divisions employ various automatic pistols instead. It has replaced the Smith & Wesson equivalent which had been in service for decades.
The Model 85 line has been enlarged to include the new Model 856. This model is similar to the Model 85, but adds an additional round in the cylinder to bring the Model 856's capacity to 6 rounds. Because Taurus has done this while keeping the Model 856's size virtually identical to the 5-shot Model 85, they have created a firearm comparable to the Colt Detective Special in terms of size, reliability, and shot capacity while still retaining the dimensions of a 5-shot snub.