Taurus Model 85 S .38 Special 2" Snub-Nose Revolver – Pre-Lock, Blued, Walnut Grips
This early pre-lock Taurus Model 85 S is a compact, five-shot .38 Special revolver built on a small carbon-steel frame and finished in polished blue. Assembled in Miami from Brazilian-made components during the late 1980s–1990s, it features factory checkered walnut grips with gold-tone Taurus medallions—a less common option compared to later rubber stocks. Its transfer-bar safety allows secure carry with all five chambers loaded, and the gun accepts popular S&W J-frame speedloaders and holsters.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling Condition: Good – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor scratching, scuffing, and blemishing are present on the exterior surfaces.
What’s Included
- Taurus owner's manual
- Taurus Model 85 S factory specification sheet
The 2-inch barrel keeps overall length minimal for convenient concealed carry while still delivering reliable .38 Special performance. A serrated ramp front sight pairs with a square-notch groove in the top strap for a clear sight picture on a defensive snub-nose.
The carbon-steel frame, barrel, and recessed cylinder provide durability and a reassuring weight that helps manage recoil in a lightweight package. The polished blue finish complements the walnut grips, giving this revolver a traditional aesthetic that stands out among modern polymer options.
Taurus equipped this Model 85 S with a transfer-bar hammer block, enabling the revolver to be safely carried fully loaded without the risk of the hammer resting on a live primer. The exposed hammer supports both double-action and precise single-action firing.
Production of the basic steel Model 85 line ended in 2017, making early examples like this pre-lock variant increasingly sought after by shooters who appreciate the simplicity and robustness of a classic snub-nose revolver.