Possums is good practice! (pic)

[Slacker]

Sweet little revolvers! You've got the same one as I do, except mine has an exposed hammer.
Looking at your pic a bit closer...it looks like that 85 is also SA/DA. How long have you had this gun? I never realized that the 85 was available in that cofiguration. I thought it was only with an exposed hammer or DAO.

I take it you carry in your pocket.

That exact model is available currently as model #851SSULT. It is DA/SA, but the hammer is tricky to cock as it only protrudes a little bit. Here is a link to the Taurus ad:
Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

It also has low profile adjsutable sights (windage only). I REALLY like the sights. Normal snubby sights don't work well for me, but the slightly elevated sight on the UL 85 works great. I can find the front sight much faster than the old "groove" type. The only downside to the snubby is its only available with a ported bbl. Not a desirable thing in my mind, but to each his own.

I carry it in a Desantis belt slide or an Alessi ankle rig, depending on the situation and clothing. I also have a "belly band" that is used when the other methods are not possible.

 

[RoyJackson]

It also has low profile adjsutable sights (windage only). I REALLY like the sights. Normal snubby sights don't work well for me, but the slightly elevated sight on the UL 85 works great. I can find the front sight much faster than the old "groove" type. The only downside to the snubby is its only available with a ported bbl. Not a desirable thing in my mind, but to each his own.

I carry it in a Desantis belt slide or an Alessi ankle rig, depending on the situation and clothing. I also have a "belly band" that is used when the other methods are not possible.

Here's mine (attached)

No sights on this gun. Other then a problem with light strikes initially, this has been a fine little carry pistol. I normally carry in my pocket, but have a IWB holster for it too.
I really liked the stainless steel guns, but they're a bit too heavy for pocket carry. I definitely kick my butt for trading the stainless 85's. One went toward this gun, the other went when I picked up a Stainless .357 Tracker (real nice revolver! Try one sometime...)
I never had any concerns about the porting. It does make it a bit more manageable if you're shooting +P rounds.

 

[Slacker]

My concern with the porting lies in scenario's that cause the weapon's porting to be close to my or someone else eyes or skin. Have you ever shot a ported snubby in the dark? It lights up pretty good...and kills your night vision for 30 or so seconds. Not a good thing.
In IDPA competitons its a requirement to shoot from awkward positions, as in real life. One may shoot one handed, or while laying on the ground. Shooting from the hip is required in some stages. All possible real life scenario's. I've found that porting can be a bad thing on a defensive handgun. I wish mine was not ported.

ETA: that is exactly like my snubby except your hammer is a true spur. I'm sure Taurus could swap out the hammer for a bobbed model. If you're still getting light strikes, don't be afraid to pull the grip off and adjust the main spring. Its not difficult at all. You can also smooth up the DA pull with a toothpick and some "Flitz". Just apply a tiny bit to the mateing surfaces and pull the trigger DA a few hundred times. It did wonders for mine, which stacked horribly when it was new.

I also shoot full size wheelguns, and prefer the older S&W blued models. (586, 517, 625 etc) Most of them I only shoot DA, as the trigger pulls are wonderfully smooth. Taurus makes an OK wheelgun, but they can't complete with early S&W workmanship.

 

[RoyJackson]

"ETA: that is exactly like my snubby except your hammer is a true spur. I'm sure Taurus could swap out the hammer for a bobbed model. If you're still getting light strikes, don't be afraid to pull the grip off and adjust the main spring. Its not difficult at all. You can also smooth up the DA pull with a toothpick and some "Flitz". Just apply a tiny bit to the mateing surfaces and pull the trigger DA a few hundred times. It did wonders for mine, which stacked horribly when it was new."

The light strikes were when new. Taurus did the repair under warranty and haven't had any problems since (not that this gun gets shot much...box of 50 every few months).
DA was never too bad with this one although a couple of the Tauri I owned (had at least a half dozen revolvers over the years) weren't so good. I'm just a plinker so I'm not as discriminating as someone with your skills.

There are a couple ways to work the hammer spur. A gun smith acquaintance suggested just cutting it down for DAO, but I do prefer to plink SA. Snagging hasn't really been that big an issue. It really depends on how well the holster covers it. One of these days I'll do something, or buy that 851 (which is my preference).

Good point about the flash from the ports. No doubt, there's a trade off when porting is used as a self defense gun! LOL, at my age, I don't go out that much after dark any more, so I'm not sure porting would be a problem. And I'm carrying a little Kahr MK9 more (now that I finally got a holster I like) which conceals quite nicely under a tee shirt. The 85 is more of a toss me in the pocket when I run down the mailbox or the local Quick Stop store nowadays. Of course, since those trips are my most frequent type, the 85 still does go...day time though.

 

[johnk]

Heres a few pics of my carry gun. Glock compact 10mm. I like firepower. I have a Colt combat commander I also carry once in a while but definitley heavier and more cumbersome and less power..

 

[RoyJackson]

Oh Boy! Glock heaven!

How's the recoil on that 10mm gun? I have shot the G22. Not too bad, a little snappy.

Any of you guys tried .45GAP yet?

I looked at a Glock 30 on my last trip to the shop. That's a nice one too.

Since I bought a RRA AR15 late in 2006, I'm done purchasing for a bit. When I do buy anything, I'm going to have to do a partial trade to keep the wife chilled (but I hate selling any guns!). Guess I'll be holding off on any purchases...but, maybe do a trade on the 851...still kicking that around.

 

[schmism]

ahhhhhh tatcial tupperwere... so now the OTHER thread makes much more sence.

 

[johnk]

The little 10mm has an awesome muzzle blast. Everyone was telling me to put the grip extender on so you have another finger to wrap around the grip. I bought it but never put it on there. You can only get 3 fingers on it without the extender.My son loaded up some max hand loads and it is controllable. I think it puts out about 700 foot pounds max loaded whic is double the .45. It's like a .41 mag basically. I like it but I still like my colt 45 series 70 for cranking out a lot of rounds. Shooting the 10mm is quite expensive and reloading is a neccessity. I just use it for carry .

 

[RobertN]

I looked at a Glock 30 on my last trip to the shop. That's a nice one too.

I have a Glock 30. I put a mag extension on it; I have big hands; the grip was just too short. Now it is ok.

I have found I shoot a 21 better than a 30, and a 1911a1 even better. I was out a few weeks ago, was shooting ok with my G30, but picked up a buddies stock cheapo 1911(don't remember brand, but definitely a budget entry level jobber) and shot much better than my G30. I had not fired a 1911 in a couple of years...

 

[ctpres]

Since we are on guns. Been looking for a good tractor snake gun.Bought snake charmer 410, but pattern to tight at short distance for moving snake. Found this Super Comanche and baring any better ideas I plan on getting one. Seems to me 45lc/410 combo in a pistol would be a good tractor carry item.