Hunter 85 Gun

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

05-01-2025

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The Hunter 85 is a popular .22 LR revolver, known for its reliability and affordability. Manufactured by Heritage Manufacturing, this firearm has carved a niche for itself in the market, appealing to both novice shooters and experienced enthusiasts. This article will explore its key features, pros, cons, and overall suitability for various applications.

Key Features of the Hunter 85

The Hunter 85 boasts a number of features that contribute to its popularity. These include:

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR), a readily available and inexpensive cartridge.
• Action: Single-action, meaning the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot. This contributes to the gun's simplicity and relative ease of maintenance.
• Capacity: Six-shot cylinder, providing ample ammunition for plinking, small game hunting, or target practice.
• Construction: Typically manufactured with a blued steel finish, offering good corrosion resistance. Some models feature different finishes.
• Sights: Simple fixed sights, adequate for shorter-range shooting.
• Grip: Generally features a rubber grip for improved comfort and control.

Pros and Cons of the Hunter 85

As with any firearm, the Hunter 85 presents both advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Affordable: It's a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider range of shooters.
• Reliable: Known for its consistent performance and relatively few malfunctions.
• Easy to Use: Its simple action makes it easy to learn and operate, ideal for beginners.
• Versatile: Suitable for plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting (with appropriate ammunition).
• Lightweight: Easy to carry and handle for extended periods.

Cons:

• Single-Action Only: Requires manual cocking before each shot, which can slow down firing speed compared to double-action revolvers.
• Basic Sights: The fixed sights are not ideal for long-range accuracy.
• Limited Power: The .22 LR cartridge has relatively low stopping power compared to more powerful handgun cartridges.

Is the Hunter 85 Right for You?

The Hunter 85 is a solid choice for several situations:

• Beginners: Its simplicity and ease of use make it an excellent entry-level revolver.
• Plinking and Target Practice: Its affordability and reliability make it ideal for casual shooting.
• Small Game Hunting (with appropriate ammunition): It's suitable for hunting small game at close ranges.

However, it's not the best choice for:

• Self-Defense: Its relatively low stopping power makes it less suitable for self-defense situations.
• Long-Range Shooting: Its basic sights and low-powered cartridge limit its accuracy at longer distances.

Conclusion

The Heritage Manufacturing Hunter 85 is a dependable and affordable .22 LR revolver. Its simple design, reliability, and affordability make it a popular choice for many shooters. However, potential buyers should carefully consider its limitations, particularly its single-action only operation and the relatively low power of the .22 LR cartridge, before making a purchase. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses will help determine if the Hunter 85 is the right fit for your specific needs.