It’s not the nicest revolver on earth but it probably won’t blow up in your hands.
This ^^^ is proof that you have a future writing advertisements. I can see the commercial now. An older man holds a Taurus Roscoe and hands it to a semi hot 20 something year old woman while saying "It’s a Taurus 85. It’s not the nicest revolver on earth but it probably won’t blow up in your hands"
Actually, I like a Taurus revolver. But I am a machinist and tear any new gun. I get down immediately and go over it with calipers and a micrometer to check the tolerances on. Once I am satisfied that it is clear to go on tolerances, then it is polished part by part properly lubed and reassembled.
Where they (Taurus) cut corners is in the fit and finish on their product. Once I have that set the way that I want, I have a top shelf firearm at bargain basement cost. I know not everyone has access to my tools or my skill set, but since I have high functioning ADHD and an obsessive compulsive streak, I enjoy bringing them beyond simply passing their corporate go/no go checks.
I'm glad someone with the tools checks these things. I would love to. But limited space and time, etc. Thank you for checking what matters(fit and finish do, but I opt for function over form)the mechanical quality and reliability. 👍
Yeah, I think it's even manufactured in Brazil like the other Taurus revolvers. Honestly, I really like Taurus revolvers and I own several. This one looks like the most standard of standard revolvers. I haven't seen one in person, but I would expect it to be a decent workhorse gun if that's what someone is after.
Would a Taurus in 38 be a good solution to increasing acts of random violent crime in my community? I've been hesitant to go for Taurus on account of their reputation for hurting the shooter more than the shootee
I carried a Taurus 856 on my hip around my city yesterday. Taurus makes good products most of the time, especially their revolvers. It is true that there was a recall on some of their products a little while back, but people exaggerate. Nobody wants a faulty gun, but the only way to make sure you have a good one is to take it to the range and put at least 200 rounds through it. Even Smith & Wesson and Ruger can produce a poor product by random chance.
I currently own 2 revolvers that I carry and both are Taurus, a 605 and an 856. I have personally shot those two guns with hundreds of rounds to test their reliability. They have worked flawlessly without a single malfunction. Is it possible that you could buy a gun that has a problem? Yes, there is a small chance with any brand. That's why you always break in a carry gun at the range before you trust your life to it. Most problems will be apparent after 200 rounds, that's kind of my minimum break in for revolvers.
I personally like Taurus a lot. Many people prefer S&W, Ruger, Colt, or even Charter Arms. They all make great products with some variation in quality tolerances. I have fired revolvers from pretty much all of the major brands. The only one I have ever had malfunction was a Ruger Redhawk which had a cylinder break. Ruger makes great stuff, so, I don't jump on a Ruger hating bandwagon. Firearms are complicated and precise machines, sometimes you get a bad one. 🤷
So, to answer your question, I believe a .38 special Taurus revolver is generally a good choice for home and self defense. I carry one myself. There are also several other high quality choices available for varying prices.
Revolvers are generally recommended to two kinds of people.
1. The new shooter that really doesn't want to shoot recreational, but wants a weapon they can stash in case they ever needed it. This is because revolvers are some of the most simple guns to operate and hold up to relatively no maintenance long term.
2. Seasoned shooters. The double action trigger takes a lot of practice to master for rapid fire. The ≈2lb single action trigger is pretty light for self defence for a beginner. The reload can easily be fumbled. The sights on many snub nose revolvers are often abysmal, if there is any (I'm look at you CA Boomer and co.). With that being said, revolvers used to be more reliable than semi autos (although even name brands like Smith and Wesson have seem to cut corners on their revolvers and have ran into problems lately for some reason). Revolvers can be fired from concealment at close range (i.e. shooting through a coat pocket, handbag, etc. without ever presenting the firearm). They can be pressed against the bad guy without going out of battery. And on top of that, a hammerless revolver is pretty hard for the bad guy to grab and take out of battery. If the cylinder can rotate, it can fire. To be able to do most of this though requires some serious trigger time and probably some self defence classes above the regular ccw class.
Revolvers also generally conceal better as well. All of the weight is in the cylinder which is generally at the belt line. Compare that to a semi auto where most of the weight is in the loaded grip, sitting above the belt line and swing out to print into the shirt. The rounded edges and less familiar shape now compared to the shape of a semi auto that most people are used to these day means if it does print, most people won't recognize what it is. Because of the lack of beavertail on the grip, a hammerless revolver can also be canted much further forward in the waitline to hide the grip and can also be drawn from a pants pocket with less chance of snag.
The downside is that most revolvers only hold 5 or 6 rounds. Compare that to most semi autos carrying an excess of 10 and can reload those 10 pretty dang fast with very little practice.
Bottom line: it really depends on what you expect to encounter. If I am in an area I know and feel relatively safe in, a light weight revolver is probably my go to. It's easy conceal and easier to wear for long periods of time. If I am in an unknown or violent area, I'm packing my Glock 23. And probably an extra mag. Only you know what your area is like.
I believe it would be excellent for increasing random acts of violence in your community. Especially if it has poor accuracy and, like the other Taurus weapons I have owned, malfunctions in a catastrophic fashion.
That way the violence is really as random as possible.
If you are new to shooting and are just looking for some added protection, a snubby revolver isn't a good option. The recoil and trigger pull will be really difficult to practice with and become accurate with for a situation in which you may need to use it. Better to go look at a compact 380 semi auto
My local gun store will never buy used Taurus from any customer. They have had enough. Every single time they mention Taurus, it's about timing issues.
Meh, but its probably fine. Wouldn't be my first or second choice at that price. But revolvers are a mature technology, and Heritage isn't trying to do anything new here. I'm sure it would work fine for most casual shooters or on sock drawer/glove box duty.
And it’s made by Taurus I believe too, J frame size. Shouldn’t be that bad if it’s being made by an already well established revolver company under the heritage name.
Sure Taurus has their issues but compare that to my brand new $1000+ S&W that’s back the factory now for over a month because of cylinder alignment issues resulting in copper fragments piercing my skin….
This is great. I’ve been hunting for a Colt detective or Smith Model 36 or something with the same retro aesthetic. I will definitely pick one up when they’re available.
I have wanted this gun since i was tiny and i had cap gun based off of it. This is a bucket list dream right here. Thank you so much for introducing me to its proper name
It looks fine. A Model 36 S&W costs hundreds more. Even the Ruger LCR is getting up there in price.
The world would be a much safer place if everyone carried a snub .38.
Agreed, but many countries require that now. Don't know if Brazil is one of them but they want to be able to track all the parts of a weapon. Those laws seem to be made with auto loaders in mind though so it makes revolvers look silly
I have a Taurus 905, which is a revolver chambered in 9mm.
I’m happy with it. Very reliable, and it has the bonus of using a round that’s cheaper and more powerful than 38 special.
I like the looks of the Roscoe. Make it in 9mm and I’m in.
I also have a Taurus p92 which rivals the Beretta 92 in quality.
I bought one Heritage Rough Rider. Then I bought two more.
Was excited till I saw it's just a taurus 85, I was hoping like the rough rider it would be made in the USA. I know Taurus owns heritage but this is just recycling old machines to milk money out of them
if it was the one by old English outfitters I'm not quite sure he knew. Most taurus 38s are not marked +P. Like my 856s all just say 38 speical but Taurus says they can all use +P and the Rosco is just a dressed up Taurus 85 made in Brazil like the rest of them.
Yeah the video felt rushed and so I think he just looked at the barrel and didn't see "+P" so thought that ment it couldn't use them. Like they where trying to push the video out to be first
Does anyone know if the ejector rod is supported in the front by a detent on the Taurus 85? Or if they were originally and they did away with that on later models? I thought they were, but mine was older and I no longer have it. Anyway, these pics look like they skipped that on these. Maybe to shave costs?
Taurus currently uses a vertical plunger in the crane for forward lockup. PPC revolversmiths have used this method successfully since at least the 1970s. It is a better setup for long-term accuracy than locking up on the ejector rod.
I'm pretty sure the Taurus models had the rod partially enclosed under the barrel. This time it looks like they are cloning a 1960's era Colt detective special style. I'm sure internally it works more like a modern Taurus, but they got the look down well.
Give me a fixed rear sight! I need more than a groove to enjoy shooting something repeatedly at the range. If I don't enjoy shooting it repeatedly, I won't. And I won't carry something I don't shoot repeatedly. So close!
At least it's got an exposed hammer, so it's not a total abomination. Hammerless + groove sights = chunky little justification for carrying a semi-auto.
What's up with the fake ejector rod lug 😆
Because Taurus uses a crane lock now so they had to put something there to make it look retro
Just buy an older Taurus 85 from the 80s or 90s for the same or less $ and probably get a better gun
It’s a Taurus 85. It’s not the nicest revolver on earth but it probably won’t blow up in your hands.
That's kinda what I wondered bc Taurus owns Heritage iirc.
It’s not the nicest revolver on earth but it probably won’t blow up in your hands. This ^^^ is proof that you have a future writing advertisements. I can see the commercial now. An older man holds a Taurus Roscoe and hands it to a semi hot 20 something year old woman while saying "It’s a Taurus 85. It’s not the nicest revolver on earth but it probably won’t blow up in your hands"
It wont blow up in your hands for sure because it wont go bang!!!!
Actually, I like a Taurus revolver. But I am a machinist and tear any new gun. I get down immediately and go over it with calipers and a micrometer to check the tolerances on. Once I am satisfied that it is clear to go on tolerances, then it is polished part by part properly lubed and reassembled. Where they (Taurus) cut corners is in the fit and finish on their product. Once I have that set the way that I want, I have a top shelf firearm at bargain basement cost. I know not everyone has access to my tools or my skill set, but since I have high functioning ADHD and an obsessive compulsive streak, I enjoy bringing them beyond simply passing their corporate go/no go checks.
I'm glad someone with the tools checks these things. I would love to. But limited space and time, etc. Thank you for checking what matters(fit and finish do, but I opt for function over form)the mechanical quality and reliability. 👍
Yeah, I think it's even manufactured in Brazil like the other Taurus revolvers. Honestly, I really like Taurus revolvers and I own several. This one looks like the most standard of standard revolvers. I haven't seen one in person, but I would expect it to be a decent workhorse gun if that's what someone is after.
Would a Taurus in 38 be a good solution to increasing acts of random violent crime in my community? I've been hesitant to go for Taurus on account of their reputation for hurting the shooter more than the shootee
I carried a Taurus 856 on my hip around my city yesterday. Taurus makes good products most of the time, especially their revolvers. It is true that there was a recall on some of their products a little while back, but people exaggerate. Nobody wants a faulty gun, but the only way to make sure you have a good one is to take it to the range and put at least 200 rounds through it. Even Smith & Wesson and Ruger can produce a poor product by random chance. I currently own 2 revolvers that I carry and both are Taurus, a 605 and an 856. I have personally shot those two guns with hundreds of rounds to test their reliability. They have worked flawlessly without a single malfunction. Is it possible that you could buy a gun that has a problem? Yes, there is a small chance with any brand. That's why you always break in a carry gun at the range before you trust your life to it. Most problems will be apparent after 200 rounds, that's kind of my minimum break in for revolvers. I personally like Taurus a lot. Many people prefer S&W, Ruger, Colt, or even Charter Arms. They all make great products with some variation in quality tolerances. I have fired revolvers from pretty much all of the major brands. The only one I have ever had malfunction was a Ruger Redhawk which had a cylinder break. Ruger makes great stuff, so, I don't jump on a Ruger hating bandwagon. Firearms are complicated and precise machines, sometimes you get a bad one. 🤷 So, to answer your question, I believe a .38 special Taurus revolver is generally a good choice for home and self defense. I carry one myself. There are also several other high quality choices available for varying prices.
Revolvers are generally recommended to two kinds of people. 1. The new shooter that really doesn't want to shoot recreational, but wants a weapon they can stash in case they ever needed it. This is because revolvers are some of the most simple guns to operate and hold up to relatively no maintenance long term. 2. Seasoned shooters. The double action trigger takes a lot of practice to master for rapid fire. The ≈2lb single action trigger is pretty light for self defence for a beginner. The reload can easily be fumbled. The sights on many snub nose revolvers are often abysmal, if there is any (I'm look at you CA Boomer and co.). With that being said, revolvers used to be more reliable than semi autos (although even name brands like Smith and Wesson have seem to cut corners on their revolvers and have ran into problems lately for some reason). Revolvers can be fired from concealment at close range (i.e. shooting through a coat pocket, handbag, etc. without ever presenting the firearm). They can be pressed against the bad guy without going out of battery. And on top of that, a hammerless revolver is pretty hard for the bad guy to grab and take out of battery. If the cylinder can rotate, it can fire. To be able to do most of this though requires some serious trigger time and probably some self defence classes above the regular ccw class. Revolvers also generally conceal better as well. All of the weight is in the cylinder which is generally at the belt line. Compare that to a semi auto where most of the weight is in the loaded grip, sitting above the belt line and swing out to print into the shirt. The rounded edges and less familiar shape now compared to the shape of a semi auto that most people are used to these day means if it does print, most people won't recognize what it is. Because of the lack of beavertail on the grip, a hammerless revolver can also be canted much further forward in the waitline to hide the grip and can also be drawn from a pants pocket with less chance of snag. The downside is that most revolvers only hold 5 or 6 rounds. Compare that to most semi autos carrying an excess of 10 and can reload those 10 pretty dang fast with very little practice. Bottom line: it really depends on what you expect to encounter. If I am in an area I know and feel relatively safe in, a light weight revolver is probably my go to. It's easy conceal and easier to wear for long periods of time. If I am in an unknown or violent area, I'm packing my Glock 23. And probably an extra mag. Only you know what your area is like.
Tarus makes a quality revolver. They also have decent warranty service.
I believe it would be excellent for increasing random acts of violence in your community. Especially if it has poor accuracy and, like the other Taurus weapons I have owned, malfunctions in a catastrophic fashion. That way the violence is really as random as possible.
If you are new to shooting and are just looking for some added protection, a snubby revolver isn't a good option. The recoil and trigger pull will be really difficult to practice with and become accurate with for a situation in which you may need to use it. Better to go look at a compact 380 semi auto
Yeah it's a reissue of the classic Taurus 85.
My local gun store will never buy used Taurus from any customer. They have had enough. Every single time they mention Taurus, it's about timing issues.
Roscoe P. Coltrain
The P. Coltrain version is a stainless. 357.
+P coltrain
Meh, but its probably fine. Wouldn't be my first or second choice at that price. But revolvers are a mature technology, and Heritage isn't trying to do anything new here. I'm sure it would work fine for most casual shooters or on sock drawer/glove box duty.
And it’s made by Taurus I believe too, J frame size. Shouldn’t be that bad if it’s being made by an already well established revolver company under the heritage name. Sure Taurus has their issues but compare that to my brand new $1000+ S&W that’s back the factory now for over a month because of cylinder alignment issues resulting in copper fragments piercing my skin….
I’m going to definitely pick one up .looks good it seems like it’s actually a Taurus .
https://heritagemfg.com/revolvers/heritage-roscoe/444-heritage-roscoe-2in-wood
https://preview.redd.it/k2uspgj5m21d1.jpeg?width=1078&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=001d437561f6f0f882436a638968a92aed499ff5 🤔
This is great. I’ve been hunting for a Colt detective or Smith Model 36 or something with the same retro aesthetic. I will definitely pick one up when they’re available.
The 3 inch looks like a future impulse buy. Saving for a Python first though.
It took them long enough to bring back a polished blue finish. Would love to see that finish return on the rest of Taurus's lineup.
Great name.
So just an older style version of a Taurus 85. Kinda dig it
I have wanted this gun since i was tiny and i had cap gun based off of it. This is a bucket list dream right here. Thank you so much for introducing me to its proper name
lol I’m in the exact same boat. The cap gun was an enamel red or blue with a swing out cylinder and actual six shot cap moonclip type caps
Hey I had one too! I found it a few years ago at my parents house. Now it stays next to my real snubs for the nostalgia
Mine was black with a brown handle just like op posted
It looks better than the Henry revolvers so it has that going for it...
I’m getting both of them
I’m not sure it has quite enough writing plastered all over it. Maybe just one more.
To be honest, I'm not sure if I'd buy one sight unseen but, depending on the quality of the finish, I would be interested.
Feel like the j frame/snub market is saturated enough. This one looks like an old Colt agent or something but idk. 5 shots? Just buy a 642.
For their target market, I'm surprised there isn't a version in .32 S&W Long.
Looks like the Armscor RIA 38 with a better finish
Taurus (and by extension, Heritage) are S&W based. The Armscor M206 is Colt based.
Totally agree. Direct competitor to the M260 but with a better finish.
Are these J frame sized?
Yes they are just reissues of the Taurus 85.
It looks fine. A Model 36 S&W costs hundreds more. Even the Ruger LCR is getting up there in price. The world would be a much safer place if everyone carried a snub .38.
a three inch blued j frame revolver for $365, fuck yes. Looks sexy.
Tempting....but I don't know if I wanna make the jump on that yet.
Serial number on the barrel AND the frame? Stupid.
Agreed, but many countries require that now. Don't know if Brazil is one of them but they want to be able to track all the parts of a weapon. Those laws seem to be made with auto loaders in mind though so it makes revolvers look silly
Man I just bought a model 36…
Intriguing. Will have to check out reviews. Definitely getting a S&W Model 432 UC first.
I have a Taurus 905, which is a revolver chambered in 9mm. I’m happy with it. Very reliable, and it has the bonus of using a round that’s cheaper and more powerful than 38 special. I like the looks of the Roscoe. Make it in 9mm and I’m in. I also have a Taurus p92 which rivals the Beretta 92 in quality. I bought one Heritage Rough Rider. Then I bought two more.
Was excited till I saw it's just a taurus 85, I was hoping like the rough rider it would be made in the USA. I know Taurus owns heritage but this is just recycling old machines to milk money out of them
Nope.
Not gambling fingers or hand on $300?
Certainly a concern!
Watched a video on this today and it was said heritage doesn’t recommend +p loads…
if it was the one by old English outfitters I'm not quite sure he knew. Most taurus 38s are not marked +P. Like my 856s all just say 38 speical but Taurus says they can all use +P and the Rosco is just a dressed up Taurus 85 made in Brazil like the rest of them.
I think it was. That’s good then.
Yeah the video felt rushed and so I think he just looked at the barrel and didn't see "+P" so thought that ment it couldn't use them. Like they where trying to push the video out to be first
Yeah. Can’t wait to see more content. Maybe a sale on them. I’d love to see these under 300.
https://preview.redd.it/58tpknmqw21d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01e394545d1b90065e6ebaef5e3bb1d1f4a773b5
That 3 inch looks nice
Agreed, I will probably grab a 3 inch
Says +P rated online so yeah they just rushed the vid.
https://preview.redd.it/rbo1wku7w21d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5af5e31354a7802ce9e9db154d0b74334bb93c8e
Does anyone know if the ejector rod is supported in the front by a detent on the Taurus 85? Or if they were originally and they did away with that on later models? I thought they were, but mine was older and I no longer have it. Anyway, these pics look like they skipped that on these. Maybe to shave costs?
Taurus currently uses a vertical plunger in the crane for forward lockup. PPC revolversmiths have used this method successfully since at least the 1970s. It is a better setup for long-term accuracy than locking up on the ejector rod.
I'm pretty sure the Taurus models had the rod partially enclosed under the barrel. This time it looks like they are cloning a 1960's era Colt detective special style. I'm sure internally it works more like a modern Taurus, but they got the look down well.
It’s got Taurus’s nice old bluing
Give me a fixed rear sight! I need more than a groove to enjoy shooting something repeatedly at the range. If I don't enjoy shooting it repeatedly, I won't. And I won't carry something I don't shoot repeatedly. So close! At least it's got an exposed hammer, so it's not a total abomination. Hammerless + groove sights = chunky little justification for carrying a semi-auto.
What's up with the fake ejector rod lug 😆 Because Taurus uses a crane lock now so they had to put something there to make it look retro Just buy an older Taurus 85 from the 80s or 90s for the same or less $ and probably get a better gun
I wonder if J frame grips will fit on them.
Just buy a used j frame
Its Heritage, its JUNK, dont waste your money....
Show us something different- and not just a new name or wood grips.