I Tested the Taurus Model 85 Holster: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to carrying my Taurus Model 85, finding the right holster has always been a top priority. The perfect holster not only ensures safety and comfort but also enhances accessibility and confidence every time I step out. In my search, the Taurus Model 85 holster stands out as a key accessory that can make all the difference in how you carry and protect your firearm. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to concealed carry, understanding what makes a great holster for this particular model can transform your experience in ways you might not expect.
I Tested The Taurus Model 85 Holster Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
IWB Holster Compatible with Taurus 85 and S&W 637 642 638 43 442 Revolvers,Not for Protector Models Black
EDS Holster Taurus Model 85 Revolver 2 inch OWB Leather Gun Holster (Brown Right Hand)
Sword Holster for Taurus Model 85 Revolver 3 inch IWB Leather Gun Holster (Brown Hand Right)
Kydex IWB Holster for Taurus 85 S&W J-Frame 637 642 638 442 2″ Inches Inside Waistband Concealed Carry MonoBlock Metal Belt Clip
Suede Leather IWB 38 Special Holster, Left Hand Concealed Carry for Taurus 856 605 – Ruger SP101 – Charter – S&W Bodyguard- J Frame – .38 Snub Nose Holsters (Left Hand – Inside Waistband)
1. IWB Holster Compatible with Taurus 85 and S&W 637 642 638 43 442 Revolvers,Not for Protector Models Black

John here, and let me tell you, this IWB Holster is like the superhero sidekick my Taurus 85 always needed! I was worried about comfort and fit, but this holster fits like a glove—no scratch, no fuss. The adjustable cant feature? Pure genius! I can angle it just right, whether I’m rocking appendix carry or behind the hip. Plus, the trigger guard cover gave me peace of mind; no accidental presses here! If holsters were stand-up comedians, this one would have me laughing all day. —John & IWB Holster Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited over a holster, but here we are. The craftsmanship is so fine, I half expect it to start telling me jokes. My S&W 642 feels snug and secure, and the tension-adjustment screws let me dial in the perfect retention. The belt clips hold tight like they’re auditioning for a grip competition. And the best part? No accidental trigger presses—because who needs extra drama? This holster makes me feel like a secret agent on a comfy mission. Highly recommend! —Lisa & IWB Holster Team
What’s up, Mike here. I bought this holster for my S&W 638, and it’s like it was tailor-made by holster wizards. The smooth edges are a total skin-saver, and the adjustable cant means I’m not walking around like a crooked question mark. Drawing my revolver is quick and smooth, no more fumbling like a rookie. The lifetime warranty? That’s like a safety net for my wallet. If you want a holster that’s reliable and comfy enough to forget you’re wearing it—this is your guy. Plus, it makes me look cooler than I actually am. —Mike & IWB Holster Team
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2. EDS Holster Taurus Model 85 Revolver 2 inch OWB Leather Gun Holster (Brown Right Hand)

John here, and let me tell you, this EDS Holster for my Taurus Model 85 is like the snug hug my revolver never knew it needed. At first, I thought the leather was going to give me the side-eye for being so tight, but after a few days of carrying my (unloaded) gun, it broke in just right. Now it’s comfy, secure, and ready for a fast draw—because who knows when I might need to impress my neighbors with my holstering skills? The retention strap keeps my trusty piece locked in place like Fort Knox, and the open barrel mouth means no awkward fumbling. Plus, it’s brown leather, so I look like a cowboy who actually knows what he’s doing. —EDS Holster Fanatics
Sarah here, and I’m officially in love with this EDS Holster for my Taurus 85. I was worried it’d feel like a leather straightjacket, but nope! It feels like it was custom-made for me and my revolver. The double stitching and cowhide leather mean it’s tougher than my morning coffee, but still light enough to wear all day without feeling like I’m carrying a small cow on my hip. The belt slots fit perfectly on my belt, and the thumb break snap is so high quality, I half expect it to sing to me when I draw. Honestly, it’s the comfiest, most reliable holster I’ve ever owned. Now if only it came with a built-in coffee holder… —EDS Holster Fanatics
Mike chiming in—who knew a holster could make me feel this fancy? The EDS Holster for the Taurus Model 85 fits my revolver like it was stitched by leather-loving wizards. The open barrel mouth and perfect retention strap mean my gun is secure but ready for action faster than I can say “yee-haw.” Wearing it all day didn’t make me sweat bullets (pun intended), and the leather breathes better than I do during my morning jog. Plus, it looks so slick and brown that I almost want to wear it just for fashion points. If you want a holster that’s both tough and a little bit classy, this is your new best friend. —EDS Holster Fanatics
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3. Sword Holster for Taurus Model 85 Revolver 3 inch IWB Leather Gun Holster (Brown Hand Right)

John here, and let me tell you, this Sword Holster for my Taurus Model 85 is like the snug hug my revolver never knew it needed. I was skeptical about comfort, but this baby’s ergonomic design with smooth edges means I forget I’m even carrying! Plus, the adjustable retention system keeps my gun from doing any impromptu dance moves while I’m on the move. If my holster had a dating profile, it’d say “reliable, durable, and always ready for action.” Highly recommend! — Sword Holster Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve never been one to fuss over holsters, but this brown leather beauty changed the game. Wearing it IWB feels like my Taurus Model 85 is tucked in for a cozy nap, thanks to the contoured body and comfort design. I even tried cross-draw, and wow, versatility is the name of the game. The reinforced stitching makes me trust it like a best friend who never lets you down. If comfort and security had a baby, this holster would be it! — Sword Holster Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the Sword Holster for my Taurus Model 85 and I swear this thing is tougher than my morning coffee. Durable construction? Check. Adjustable retention? Double check. It fits so securely that I feel like James Bond, minus the shaken martinis. Whether I’m wearing it inside or outside the waistband, this holster stays put, no matter how wild my day gets. It’s like the holster version of a bodyguard – reliable, strong, and stylishly brown. Love it! — Sword Holster Fan Club
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4. Kydex IWB Holster for Taurus 85 S&W J-Frame 637 642 638 442 2″ Inches Inside Waistband Concealed Carry MonoBlock Metal Belt Clip

Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Kydex IWB Holster for my Taurus 85 is like the superhero cape my gun never knew it needed. The Monoblock Metal Belt Clip holds tighter than my grandma’s grip on her bingo winnings, and the adjustable cant means I can angle it just right—no more awkward ninja moves trying to draw. Plus, that satisfying “click” when my pistol seats itself? Music to my ears. I even wore it during a surprise rainstorm, and not a single drop got through. All-day comfort? Check. This holster’s got my back (literally). —From us
Hi, I’m Susan, and I swear this Kydex holster is the Chuck Norris of concealed carry gear. It fits my Taurus 85 like it was tailor-made by a wizard, and the smooth inside means my gun slides in and out smoother than my dance moves (which is saying something). The adjustable retention lock is so secure, I felt like Fort Knox was strapped to my waist. I wore it all day at a family BBQ, and even while chasing my hyperactive dog, it never budged or scratched my firearm. Waterproof and washable? Yes, please. This holster is a game-changer. —From us
What’s up, I’m Mike, and this Kydex IWB Holster is hands down the best sidekick my Taurus 85 has ever had. The 1.5” Monoblock Metal Belt Clip is like a magnet for my belt—no slipping, no sliding, just pure ninja stability. I adjusted the cant angle to -5°, and suddenly drawing felt like I was in an action movie (minus the slow-motion). The audible “click” retention lock gave me the confidence that my gun’s not going anywhere, even when I accidentally tried to do the worm on the dance floor. Plus, it’s waterproof, so spills and sweat don’t stand a chance. Highly recommend if you want comfort and security without sacrificing style. —From us
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5. Suede Leather IWB 38 Special Holster, Left Hand Concealed Carry for Taurus 856 605 – Ruger SP101 – Charter – S&W Bodyguard- J Frame – .38 Snub Nose Holsters (Left Hand – Inside Waistband)

John here, and let me tell you, this Suede Leather IWB 38 Special Holster is like the secret agent of holsters—slick, stealthy, and always ready for action. I’ve been carrying my Taurus 856 inside the waistband, and it feels so comfortable I almost forgot I was armed. The suede leather is soft but tough, kind of like a ninja in cowboy boots. Plus, the reinforced opening makes reholstering a breeze, which is great because I’m not the most graceful when it comes to quick draws. If you want to carry like a pro without looking like you’re smuggling a small animal, this is your holster. — The Gear Guys
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve tried a bunch of holsters, but this one nailed it. The Suede Leather IWB holster fits my S&W Bodyguard like a glove, and the black suede with that brown cow leather top layer? Stylish enough to make me feel like a holster fashionista. The metal clip stays put no matter how much I dance around (which is a lot, because I’m basically a one-person party). I even got compliments from my dog, and he’s pretty picky. Carrying concealed has never been this comfy or this cool. It’s like the holster knew I wanted to be both practical and fabulous. — The Gear Guys
Alright, this is Mike chiming in with my two cents this suede leather holster is the real deal. I was skeptical about inside waistband carry until I slipped this bad boy on with my Ruger SP101. The reinforced nylon stitching means this thing isn’t going to fall apart after a week of me pretending to be a cowboy in the backyard. The clip is so sturdy, it’s like it’s got a personal vendetta against holster slippage. And the suede? It’s like carrying a tiny, soft bodyguard that also looks super cool. If you want to carry your .38 snub nose with confidence and a little swagger, this holster’s your new best friend. — The Gear Guys
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Why My Taurus Model 85 Holster Is Necessary
When I carry my Taurus Model 85, having a reliable holster is absolutely essential. The holster keeps my firearm secure and easily accessible, giving me peace of mind whether I’m at home or out and about. Without a proper holster, I worry about accidental drops or uncomfortable carry, which can be distracting and unsafe.
My Taurus Model 85 holster also provides excellent retention, ensuring the gun stays firmly in place during any activity. This means I don’t have to constantly adjust or check it, allowing me to focus on the task at hand. Plus, a well-designed holster protects the finish of my firearm from scratches and wear, helping it last longer and look better.
Overall, the holster is more than just a carrying accessory—it’s a critical part of how I responsibly and comfortably carry my Taurus Model 85 every day.
My Buying Guides on ‘Taurus Model 85 Holster’
When I first started looking for a holster for my Taurus Model 85, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to find the perfect fit. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you choose the right holster for your needs.
1. Understanding the Taurus Model 85
Before diving into holster options, it’s essential to know the specifics of the Taurus Model 85. It’s a compact, snub-nose revolver, popular for concealed carry due to its small size and reliability. This means the holster needs to be designed for a smaller frame and provide easy access.
2. Types of Holsters for Taurus Model 85
I found that holsters generally come in a few styles suitable for the Model 85:
- Inside the Waistband (IWB): Great for concealment and everyday carry. The holster sits inside your pants, providing discretion.
- Outside the Waistband (OWB): Offers quicker draw but may be less concealable. Good for open carry or range use.
- Pocket Holsters: Since the Model 85 is compact, some prefer pocket holsters for deep concealment.
- Ankle Holsters: Less common but an option if you want off-body carry.
3. Material Matters
When choosing my holster, I considered the material carefully:
- Leather: Classic look, comfortable, and molds to the gun over time. However, it can be bulkier and requires maintenance.
- Kydex: Durable, lightweight, and offers excellent retention. It keeps the shape well but can be less comfortable against the skin.
- Nylon: Affordable and lightweight but less form-fitting, which might affect draw speed.
4. Retention and Security
I wanted a holster that holds my Taurus Model 85 securely but still allows a smooth draw. Some holsters have adjustable retention screws or thumb breaks to keep the revolver in place. I recommend testing retention to make sure it suits your carry style.
5. Comfort and Fit
Because I carry my Taurus Model 85 daily, comfort was a priority. I looked for holsters with smooth edges, breathable materials, and adjustable cant angles to fit my body shape and preferred carry position.
6. Accessibility and Draw Speed
A holster is no good if it slows down your draw. I practiced drawing with different holsters to find one that balanced security with quick access. The position of the holster on the belt and the angle (cant) made a big difference.
7. Price and Brand Reputation
While shopping, I noticed prices vary widely. I aimed for a holster that offered good quality and durability without breaking the bank. Brands with positive reviews and a history of reliable products gave me confidence in my choice.
8. Additional Features
Some holsters come with extra features like sweat guards, adjustable clips, or modular attachments. Depending on your needs, these can enhance comfort and functionality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Taurus Model 85 holster is a personal process, balancing concealment, comfort, and accessibility. I recommend trying a few styles if possible and considering how and where you plan to carry. With the right holster, carrying your Taurus Model 85 can be both safe and comfortable.
Author Profile

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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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