Taurus Model 85

The Taurus Model 85 is a small-frame revolver manufactured by the Brazilian firearm company Taurus International.

Specifications
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.

Models manufactured after 1997 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 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.

Usage
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 Model 36 which had been in service for decades.