Taurus® Defender 856 38 SPECIAL +P

[CSW]

Has anyone tried a JM Appendix holster [j frame] for the 3 inch 586 yet?
I'm wondering if the j holster would be a better choice than one for the sp 100.

[BN]

I got to shoot my new 856 today. I am impressed.

First 6 shots from 7 yards. 74680

Glamor shot with the grips from my older 85. 74681

After the first 12 rounds, I knew the grips had to be replaced. They hurt me. :( I ended up with the Taurus rubber grips like I have on my S&W 43c. They're small enough to conceal and pretty comfortable to shoot.

The sights hit POA/POI with my reloads. 138 grain Bayou wadcutter over 3.0 Bullseye and 158 Xtreme plated over 4.0 Bullseye. I shot one cylinder of Federal 148 match wadcutters at 7 yards that hit POA/POI and one cylinder at 30 yards. I had only shot DA until 30 yards so I tried SA. The group was pretty loose but they were all in the down 0 and 1 of the IDPA target. In total I fired around 75 rounds and all fired and ejected cleanly.

I had watched jetfire shoot the Test with a revolver and thought, Hey why not try it. First run was with my 158 reloads and a Safariland Comp 2. 12.95 with a 5.85 reload. 74682

The next run was with my IDPA reloads and a bubberized Comp 3. 11.90 with a 4.83 reload. 74683

The Safariland K-Frame Comp 2 and Comp 3 were the only speedloaders to work OK. Both HKS and Dade were too thick and would bind on the side of the frame.

Sights were pretty good as long as the light was good. They are head and shoulders above 442/642 sights. The front sight is pinned and I'm going to experiment with other sights.

The only thing I did before starting to shoot was run a patch through the chambers and bore. Cylinder locks up good and the trigger stacks very slightly just before the break, and I was able to slow down and almost shoot like a SA. Trigger is a little heavy but no glitches.

I didn't spend much time trying holsters. The only J-Frame holster that might work was an old leather pancake. None of my kydex J-Frame holsters would work. I tried a couple of K-Frame holsters and they might work if I can tighten the tension enough.

One thing I noticed was the cylinder latch didn't beat up my thumb like a J-Frame. When I shoot a J, I put tape around my thumb or I will bleed.

Here's a pic with a longer set of Taurus grips. They were the most comfortable to shoot. 74685

I'm pretty impressed. :)

[revchuck38]

One thing I noticed was the cylinder latch didn't beat up my thumb like a J-Frame. When I shoot a J, I put tape around my thumb or I will bleed.

I put 105 rounds through my 642 this morning and have the hole in my thumb to prove it. That, and how well yours runs, isn't helping me not pick one of these up.

[willie]

Taurus has demonstrated a 20 year period of sub standard quality control and poor customer service. For this reason, I do not trust their products. Has the company corrected these faults?

[jandbj]

Popped a couple of the Galloway hammer springs in 2 of my 3” 856s. Trying to get some rounds down range tomorrow to confirm function.

Added a drop of marvel mystery oil in the hole through the frame where the hammer spring strut interacts with the hammer too.

Noticeable weight reduction from stock but I have no scale to provide numbers.

Fired 5 cylinderfuls of lost river’s 38SC through one of the pair. No issues. All fired double action.

[BN]

74739 74740

78 rounds today. Groups at 7 and 20 yards with my Bullseye, Bayou 138 grain wadcutter load. All fired and ejected smoothly.

I said yesterday that the thumb latch didn't hurt me and then I noticed a red mark. So I filed off the offending sharp corner. OK now. After shooting today I noticed that the bottom of my trigger finger had a small sore spot, so more filing will be in order. I have springs on the way. The front sight is way better than 442/642 J-Frame sights, but still needs to be easier to see especially at speed. I'll probably try and see if I can get some of the pinned S&W or Ruger sights to work.

[CSW]

It pleases me to know that someone else is experiencing good results with this inexpensive 6 shooter.
I'm gonna order the Galloway kit, and that should make a good gun a bit better.
I had trepidations about purchasing it, but have had stellar results.

[TheNewbie]

This really is a good little gun. Taurus needs to offer and an “enhanced” 2 inch version. Same bobbed DAO trigger, but with better grips, better trigger and real sights.


If they continue to prove reliable, I think Taurus would sell a lot of the “enhanced” versions.

[CSW]

I rarely carry the 642 for anything, anymore.

And there's got to be a holster out there that'll work.

[BN]

This really is a good little gun. Taurus needs to offer and an “enhanced” 2 inch version. Same bobbed DAO trigger, but with better grips, better trigger and real sights.

I have a hacksaw and a Dremel. It won't be the first hammer I ever bobbed. ;)

https://www.shoptaurus.com/revolver-grips/taurus-small-frame-rubber-boot-grip-5-20880 These grips that Taurus sells for $9 are quite good. I have put them on my J-Frames.

[CSW]

I've installed these.
They feel great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0924S283W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_S9CT1J5WME6B8D92E85K?_ encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Curious about the Vz's offered as well.

[TheNewbie]

I have a hacksaw and a Dremel. It won't be the first hammer I ever bobbed. ;)

https://www.shoptaurus.com/revolver-grips/taurus-small-frame-rubber-boot-grip-5-20880 These grips that Taurus sells for $9 are quite good. I have put them on my J-Frames.

And they fit well? I will give them a look.


Oh, one more thing Taurus. Collaborate with a decent, doesn't even have to be excellent just decent, holster maker.

[TheNewbie]

What about this holster?


https://www.shoptaurus.com/holsters/galco-hornet-strongside-crossdraw-belt-holster-856-black-rh-ht118b

[CSW]

What about this holster?


https://www.shoptaurus.com/holsters/galco-hornet-strongside-crossdraw-belt-holster-856-black-rh-ht118b

1. I'm lefty.
2. I'm looking for an appendix carry rig.
Got a leather owb for it that was made for the m&p, but fits the 586 perfectly

[TheNewbie]

1. I'm lefty.
2. I'm looking for an appendix carry rig.
Got a leather owb for it that was made for the m&p, but fits the 586 perfectly

They have it for lefties too.


The M&P holster works?

[CSW]

They have it for lefties too.


The M&P holster works?

Indeed it does.
I would post a link, but the website, https://www.winthropholsters.com/ appears to be down for maintenance.

I'll post a pic of mine for reference.

*ETA* picture.

74766

[HeavyDuty]

Indeed it does.
I would post a link, but the website, https://www.winthropholsters.com/ appears to be down for maintenance.

I'll post a pic of mine for reference.

*ETA* picture.

74766

It’s been down for over a month. I think they may be gone.

[TheNewbie]

If Taurus only knew how significant the fact that one of their products had a 27 page thread on PF is, they might listen to us.

[BN]

I installed the Galloway springs today with quite an improvement. Before, the SA was 6# and the DA was way over the 8# limit on my trigger scale. After, the SA is 4# and the DA is just beyond the 8# limit on my scale. Probably around 9#. I haven't polished anything inside yet. I fired 18 rounds of my handloads OK.

Next up is sights. I ordered a couple of extra sights from Taurus to experiment with. Reading on the Taurus forum, it looks like getting parts from Taurus is pretty spotty, so I don't know if they will show up or not. I'll probably get a Dawson S&W pinned fiber optic of the correct height and see if I can fit it.

I measured the cylinder diameter of a J-Frame; 1.308", K-Frame; 1.443" and the 856; 1.408". I tried several J-Frame holsters and none of them would work except an older leather pancake and it didn't fit great. Several K-Frame holsters fit, but pretty loose. I don't know if the tension could be tightened enough to be satisfactory.

[entropy]

Maybe it’s been covered in previous posts, but how about a simple Galco Stow n Go or similar for AIWB? That’s what I’ve used forever on my SP101. Heck, you could probably go to Hobby Lobby, buy a hunk of leather and a sewing needle, a belt clip, and make your own. It’s ironic that my bench has a box full of nice leather I seldom use anymore, and what looks like a dog chew toy (it’s seen a lot of use) which cost prolly $20 gets the most use.

I’m starting to pay more than usual attention to this thread. Wife decided to get her CCW and has a fondness for my little Ruger. This may be what replaces it for one of us.

[Navin Johnson]

If Taurus only knew how significant the fact that one of their products had a 27 page thread on PF is, they might listen to us.

....With 15 participants....not exactly a "market"

[BN]

http://clevelandkydex.com/ Lists the Taurus 856 in their holster list. I have one of their holsters for a Beretta and it is a decent holster.

[revchuck38]

....With 15 participants....not exactly a "market"

The few...the proud... :)

[willie]

Have any of the new purchasers removed the side plate and peered inside? I'm curious what the internals look like.

[revchuck38]

I tried to order one of the DAO versions today. None of my LGS's distributors even list them, much less have them in stock. Guess I need to buy a Dremel and a cutoff wheel...

[BN]

Have any of the new purchasers removed the side plate and peered inside? I'm curious what the internals look like.

I had mine off when I replaced the springs. I didn't study it closely, but it looked OK. Lightly oiled on the pivot points. I wanted to do one thing at a time. Later, I'll probably polish the contact points.

[entropy]

Gonna hit the mega-LGS tomorrow and look for this. It’s been months since I’ve been in there. Stocking dealer for most everyone. It’ll be interesting to see available inventory. I might have to leave the CC at home...lol

[CSW]

http://clevelandkydex.com/ Lists the Taurus 856 in their holster list. I have one of their holsters for a Beretta and it is a decent holster.

Spoke to them via a customer request email.
Offerings only for the 2" version.

[HeavyDuty]

Gonna hit the mega-LGS tomorrow and look for this. It’s been months since I’ve been in there. Stocking dealer for most everyone. It’ll be interesting to see available inventory. I might have to leave the CC at home...lol

Mega had them a few weeks ago the last (truly last) time I was in there. Rural King in Plano seems to keep them around, too.

[entropy]

I see you caught on to my “subtle” hint. Lol. I’ve been buying stuff from Mark since he had his first store that was destroyed by the tornado. RK really surprised me. I was in there in the spring to get some 55gal burn barrels. They had a surprising amount of stuff for a farm store.

[TheNewbie]

http://clevelandkydex.com/ Lists the Taurus 856 in their holster list. I have one of their holsters for a Beretta and it is a decent holster.


Have any of you had any experience with them?

Of all the OWB holsters they offer, what do you think would go best with the 856?

[TheNewbie]

Debating if I want to try the Cleveland kydex or the Galco holster.

[TheNewbie]

Seeing mixed reviews about Cleveland Kydex and a review on Amazon said the Galco holster does not fit the 856.

Suppose I just need to call them on Monday.

[jandbj]

2 failures to pop primers with the Galloway mainsprings today. Going back to stock.

[Jim Watson]

Reducing springs without reducing friction is asking for misfires. I don't know if there is any received wisdom on real "action jobs" for a Taurus.

[CSW]

I just finished installing the Galloway springs in the 856 3 inch.
Followed the instructions on the you tube video embedded on their site, and it was pretty straight forward.
1. The factory trigger return spring is stout! Better to grip it with a set of thin gloves when reinstalling the new spring.
2. The 'keeper' for the trigger return has a flat, and a cup. The flat goes against the spring. 🙄😬 (2nd times a charm)
Cleaned and lubed all contact and wear points with TM25 grease.

There's a very small ball on the trigger strut that I sanded with 1000 paper and polished with the felt dremel wheel till it shined like a mirror.
Did the same thing with the "ball end" of the hammer strut where it meets the hammer.
Considerably less grit feel, and very smooth double action now.

Gonna shoot it tomorrow for reliability.

I'm really liking this revolver. For an inexpensive gun, it has proven very accurate and reliable.
Let you know if the ignition system is effected by the springs.

[Lex Luthier]

I just finished installing the Galloway springs in the 856 3 inch.
Followed the instructions on the you tube video embedded on their site, and it was pretty straight forward.
1. The factory trigger return spring is stout! Better to grip it with a set of thin gloves when reinstalling the new spring.
2. The 'keeper' for the trigger return has a flat, and a cup. The flat goes against the spring. 🙄😬 (2nd times a charm)
Cleaned and lubed all contact and wear points with TM25 grease.

There's a very small ball on the trigger strut that I sanded with 1000 paper and polished with the felt dremel wheel till it shined like a mirror.
Did the same thing with the "ball end" of the hammer strut where it meets the hammer.
Considerably less grit feel, and very smooth double action now.

Gonna shoot it tomorrow for reliability.

I'm really liking this revolver. For an inexpensive gun, it has proven very accurate and reliable.
Let you know if the ignition system is effected by the springs.

This is really helpful stuff.

[CSW]

This is really helpful stuff.

Glad to help.
Also, while you have the 3 screws out and the side plate off, the cylinder and crane will slide out as well.
Cleaned, polished and lubed that too.

[lee n. field]

I just finished installing the Galloway springs in the 856 3 inch.
Followed the instructions on the you tube video embedded on their site, and it was pretty straight forward.
1. The factory trigger return spring is stout! Better to grip it with a set of thin gloves when reinstalling the new spring.
2. The 'keeper' for the trigger return has a flat, and a cup. The flat goes against the spring. 🙄😬 (2nd times a charm)
Cleaned and lubed all contact and wear points with TM25 grease.

There's a very small ball on the trigger strut that I sanded with 1000 paper and polished with the felt dremel wheel till it shined like a mirror.
Did the same thing with the "ball end" of the hammer strut where it meets the hammer.
Considerably less grit feel, and very smooth double action now.

Gonna shoot it tomorrow for reliability.

I'm really liking this revolver. For an inexpensive gun, it has proven very accurate and reliable.
Let you know if the ignition system is effected by the springs.


Yes, useful.

I bought one Thursday. Stainless with the basic Hogue rubber grip. It's sitting in Illinois' gun purgatory until Sunday.

Current plan is to retire my Taurus 605 to loaner/tertiary spare status, or give it to one of the kids, and move the Crimson Trace grip on it to the 856.

[BN]

1. The factory trigger return spring is stout! Better to grip it with a set of thin gloves when reinstalling the new spring.
🙄😬

My wife was in the room and heard where the parts landed across the room. :rolleyes:

CSW would you measure the height of the front night sight on your gun? I have a 2" and I'm considering getting one of these sight for it, but I think it might be too short.

[CSW]

My wife was in the room and heard where the parts landed across the room. :rolleyes:

CSW would you measure the height of the front night sight on your gun? I have a 2" and I'm considering getting one of these sight for it, but I think it might be too short.

From my old eyes and non digital micrometer it appears to be a 165 height and a 120-125 width.

[BN]

From my old eyes and non digital micrometer it appears to be a 165 height and a 120-125 width.

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered one of these sights. I've spent 30 bucks on more foolish things. I also ordered another set of the boot grips https://www.shoptaurus.com/revolver-grips/taurus-small-frame-rubber-boot-grip-5-20880 to replace the ones I took off my 85 to put on the 856.

[CSW]

My 3 inch defender came with a set of Hogues and the Taurus rubber boot grips.
The wood ones I found are awesome.

[CSW]

Trip to the range this morning.
Quick 30 rounds of mixed 147, 158 and some 125+p. Some reload wadcutters, the rest factory ammo.
All fired, no light hits and one helluva better trigger both in double and single.

[BN]

I put the Orange Ameriglo sight on my 2" 856. Took about 5 minutes. It's pre-drilled. It is the right height. My wife and I shot 100 rounds of hand loads today. All fired and ejected OK. I have around 275 rounds total through it so far with no problems. This front sight is much easier to see.

[defilade]

This damn forum made me do something that I swore that I would never do again, buy a Taurus.

I picked up yesterday and only have about 100 rounds through it so far, but I have to say I kind of like it. I got the regular steel frame because I wanted a little heft to tame recoil. I am used to my 442, but it isn’t fun to shoot very much.

I guess I’m starting to get old and am getting tired of lugging around my 92X especially around the house.


Time will tell on this Taurus on wether or not I wasted money, but it was $330 out the door, so if nothing else it will make a snake gun for around the property.

.76644

[gato naranja]

This damn forum made me do something that I swore that I would never do again, buy a Taurus.

I picked up yesterday and only have about 100 rounds through it so far, but I have to say I kind of like it. I got the regular steel frame because I wanted a little heft to tame recoil. I am used to my 442, but it isn’t fun to shoot very much.

I guess I’m starting to get old and am getting tired of lugging around my 92X especially around the house.


Time will tell on this Taurus on wether or not I wasted money, but it was $330 out the door, so if nothing else it will make a snake gun for around the property.

.76644

Keep us updated. I, too, swore off Taurii/Rossii after a good deal of previous swearing... the expletive kind.

That said, I have the need for a S&W 640 but am a bit leery of new ones, and the sharks with inside connections get all the good used ones (which only occasionally show up in this neck of the woods). Estimating that even a Taurus is likely to last as long as I will - getting old is scary, kids - has me looking at Brazilian crap again.

[CSW]

Just about 100 shy of 1000 rounds without a hitch.
Galloway springs are working with factory and reloads.
I'm liking the Brazilian brick.

[defilade]

I ran 100 more of my reloads through the Taurus today for a total of 193 rounds.

Towards the end the cylinder felt like it was binding a little, but I haven’t cleaned the gun and my reloads are lead with Winchester 231 so it was pretty dirty.

I took it inside to clean and when I got done, I noticed that it was hard to close the cylinder and it was still binding up. This is when I figured that my new Taurus had just Taurused and was going to have to be sent back. 😡🤬

Then I looked again and saw that there was still a small amount of crud under the extractor, so I got that cleaned out and everything seems to have returned to normal. I did a bunch of dry fire and it operated normally.

I just wish my Galloway springs would hurry up and get here. My finger was exhausted by the time I quit.

[willie]

As a Taurus critic, let me say that I'm pleased to hear that these revolvers are showing promise. If they function reliably for the 1st 150 rounds, then they should continue to function. If they do not spit gas or lead particles, and if they shoot to point of aim, then they are a bargain. If Taurus has fixed its terrible customer service with its sub standard repair procedures, then that's even better. Would I buy one? No, but I'm old, ornery, cantankerous, and biased against the brand. I do admit to liking the old Charter Arms 5 shot snubbies and these usually crashed at the 500 round mark. I was not biased against them yet I knew their short comings.

[defilade]

Today my Galloway spring kit arrived! I was able to get them installed and then made a quick trip outside to my range for a test fire.

I didn’t have a bunch of time so I just ran a box of 148 grain wadcutters and 5 Hornady 110 grain critical defense +p rounds through her. The wadcutters are my reloads and I had used some old Winchester magnum primers in them so I wanted to see if they would go bang with the springs.


Great success! No misfires and a dramatically easier trigger pull. The gun seems to like the wadcutters and hit to the sights other than a little to the right (probably me not the gun). So I now have a grand total of 248 trouble free rounds through it. So far so good. Hopefully I will get some more rounds through it this week and then may start carrying it.

[defilade]

Just came in from shooting the Taurus yet again. I’m finally getting better accuracy, because I am getting better with the trigger. Plus the Galloway springs made a huge improvement.

Fired another 100 rounds of 158 grain lead semi wadcutters. No issues other than the gun was getting dirty and I had to run a tornado brush through the cylinders and clean under the extractor star a few times. When it gets dirty, you can feel the cylinder start to bind up. Not the guns fault, the 231 Winchester powder is pretty dirty stuff.

Also I did order some HKS DS-A speed loaders to try out. The HKS-10’s don’t fit very well when reloading. I don’t know if it is the speed loader or the grips interfering. So hopefully they will work a little better.

I’m comfortable with it enough that it will be a carry gun for everyday, until I get tired of it or decide to carry a 1911 or a Beretta 92X again.

[CSW]

What are you going to do for a holster?

[defilade]

I am using an old DaSantis medium auto holster (106B6) that added an extra raven concealment soft loop to. It holds it pretty good for right now until I actually find a holster that will work. It’s not my first choice but I had it on hand. I noticed that there isn’t a lot on the market for the gun. I was really hoping that my Phlster City Special would work but it wound fit unless I modify it and I still use it for my 442.

7707777078

[CSW]

I have read that the new Colt Cobra is the same size, approximately.

[lee n. field]

What are you going to do for a holster?

77086

A Simply Rugged pancake made for the Charter Bulldog works well enough I probably won't look for something else. (This is the 3" Defender version. The holster was made for a 2.5" Bulldog, and the 856's 3" barrel just reaches the bottom of the holster.)


I am using an old DaSantis medium auto holster (106B6) that added an extra raven concealment soft loop to. It holds it pretty good for right now until I actually find a holster that will work. It’s not my first choice but I had it on hand. I noticed that there isn’t a lot on the market for the gun.

The joys of holster shopping for a non-mainstream gun.


was really hoping that my Phlster City Special would work but it wound fit unless I modify it and I still use it for my 442.



https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/taurus-856-2-ultra-lite-vs-smith-wesson-model-642

The size difference is pretty visible in this comparison, assuming it's accurate. They cylinder is larger, of course, and the frame itself is taller.

[jandbj]

https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/taurus-856-defender-3-vs-kimber-k6s-dasa

Closest semi mainstream comparison I could find on handgunhero.

[CSW]

A model 60, 3"is generally the same size.
If someone can find a holster for that...

[BN]

I put 50 rounds of my hand loads through it the other day. No drama. It just went bang every time and hit the center of the target.

The Ameriglo sight is better. The rear sight notch needs to be deeper and maybe wider. I have a file. ;)

I need to trim my grips a little to let the speedloaders work better.

[TheNewbie]

I put 50 rounds of my hand loads through it the other day. No drama. It just went bang every time and hit the center of the target.

The Ameriglo sight is better. The rear sight notch needs to be deeper and maybe wider. I have a file. ;)

I need to trim my grips a little to let the speedloaders work better.


Can you take a pic of the sight?

[BN]

Can you take a pic of the sight?

77705 77706

[TheNewbie]

77705 77706

That looks good.

I would like Taurus to do something like a 2 inch “856 enhanced”. With a better trigger, maybe different grips, and real sights. Don’t get me wrong, I really like the Taurus as is, especially compared to current offerings.


This thing actually pocket carries ok. The lightweight version with smaller grips would do really well.

[BN]

That looks good.

I would like Taurus to do something like a 2 inch “856 enhanced”. With a better trigger, maybe different grips, and real sights. Don’t get me wrong, I really like the Taurus as is, especially compared to current offerings.


This thing actually pocket carries ok. The lightweight version with smaller grips would do really well.

I've sorta made mine "enhanced". I got it just for a mess around gun to see what it could become and how long it could last. I paid a little over $300 for the gun. Galloway spring kit, $14, Taurus boot grip, $9, Ameriglo sight, $30. The trigger pull is now a little better than a stock J-Frame. I didn't polish anything when I installed the springs. The gun weighs about the same as a steel J. The 6 shot cylinder makes the frame taller than a J.

I'll probably bob the hammer. I bobbed the hammer in a 90s era Taurus 85 and it just keeps running. Maybe open up the rear sight and do a little bit of a carry melt.

If I run across a lightweight 856, I might get it and do the enhancement treatment. For the price of a properly set up J-Frame, I can have a lightweight carry gun plus a heavy practice gun. ;)

[TheNewbie]

I've sorta made mine "enhanced". I got it just for a mess around gun to see what it could become and how long it could last. I paid a little over $300 for the gun. Galloway spring kit, $14, Taurus boot grip, $9, Ameriglo sight, $30. The trigger pull is now a little better than a stock J-Frame. I didn't polish anything when I installed the springs. The gun weighs about the same as a steel J. The 6 shot cylinder makes the frame taller than a J.

I'll probably bob the hammer. I bobbed the hammer in a 90s era Taurus 85 and it just keeps running. Maybe open up the rear sight and do a little bit of a carry melt.

If I run across a lightweight 856, I might get it and do the enhancement treatment. For the price of a properly set up J-Frame, I can have a lightweight carry gun plus a heavy practice gun. ;)


My only question is the durability of the lightweight frame. I know I’m advocating Taurus via the 856, but the lightweight does give me pause.


However, the 856s seem to be great so maybe the lightweight with wadcutters would be a nice setup.


Right now I pocket carry it with a speed strip in my pants’ watch pocket. This is in Old Navy blue jeans that fit me because it’s difficult for me to find jeans.

[TheNewbie]

Between these two holsters what do you all think?


https://www.shoptaurus.com/holsters/galco-hornet-strongside-crossdraw-belt-holster-856-black-rh-ht118b

http://clevelandkydex.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27_1&products_id=657


The Cleveland kydex is mad specifically for the 856.


On a revolver, would you recommend hi guard or just the regular holster setup?

[CSW]

Between these two holsters what do you all think?


https://www.shoptaurus.com/holsters/galco-hornet-strongside-crossdraw-belt-holster-856-black-rh-ht118b

http://clevelandkydex.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27_1&products_id=657


The Cleveland kydex is mad specifically for the 856.


On a revolver, would you recommend hi guard or just the regular holster setup?

Do they offer it for the 3"?

[TheNewbie]

Do they offer it for the 3"?

They do but I have the two inch. You have the three inch version?


I feel so weird typing that.

[CSW]

They do but I have the two inch. You have the three inch version?


I feel so weird typing that.

🤣🍆🤣

Yes, the 3 INCH BARREL! 😏

[FrankB]

My wife and I went to the LGS/range this afternoon, and they had a black 856. Everything seemed tight and smooth, and the price is inline with online. I have 3 J frames already, but that sixth round is tempting.

[TheNewbie]

My wife and I went to the LGS/range this afternoon, and they had a black 856. Everything seemed tight and smooth, and the price is inline with online. I have 3 J frames already, but that sixth round is tempting.


I tried out my dads 642 and no question it is easier to carry and has a better stock trigger. That said, the trigger isn’t amazingly better and if you plan to belt carry the 856 most of the time, while still having the ability to pocket carry if needed, it might be a good buy.


I just can’t decide between the two holsters.

[BN]

I tried out my dads 642 and no question it is easier to carry and has a better stock trigger. That said, the trigger isn’t amazingly better and if you plan to belt carry the 856 most of the time, while still having the ability to pocket carry if needed, it might be a good buy.


I just can’t decide between the two holsters.

http://clevelandkydex.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27_1&products_id=75

I'm probably going to order this one.

[TheNewbie]

http://clevelandkydex.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27_1&products_id=75

I'm probably going to order this one.

The one I’m looking at is what Cleveland Kydex suggested for OWB, but that one looks good too.

Do you think the “sweat guard” is an advantage or disadvantage for a revolver ?

[revchuck38]

The one I’m looking at is what Cleveland Kydex suggested for OWB, but that one looks good too.

Do you think the “sweat guard” is an advantage or disadvantage for a revolver ?

Not the same holster, but the IWB and OWB holsters I ordered from JMCK for my 4” K frames came with the high guard at my request, because I had ordered all my autoloader holsters that way and liked them. I found that with the revolver holsters, the high guard impeded getting a good firing grip on the gun. I sent them back to Tony to have them cut down to “no guard” configuration and they’re fine now. I don’t know if the same thing would happen with the holster you’re looking at.

[TheNewbie]

Not the same holster, but the IWB and OWB holsters I ordered from JMCK for my 4” K frames came with the high guard at my request, because I had ordered all my autoloader holsters that way and liked them. I found that with the revolver holsters, the high guard impeded getting a good firing grip on the gun. I sent them back to Tony to have them cut down to “no guard” configuration and they’re fine now. I don’t know if the same thing would happen with the holster you’re looking at.


I’ll take your advice.

[TheNewbie]

I am going to order a Cleveland Kydex holster next week, I hope. Emailed them today to go over a few more questions.

Let's hope they are decent holsters.

[Duelist]

My wife and I went to the LGS/range this afternoon, and they had a black 856. Everything seemed tight and smooth, and the price is inline with online. I have 3 J frames already, but that sixth round is tempting.


I tried out my dads 642 and no question it is easier to carry and has a better stock trigger. That said, the trigger isn’t amazingly better and if you plan to belt carry the 856 most of the time, while still having the ability to pocket carry if needed, it might be a good buy.


I just can’t decide between the two holsters.

I’ve had my 642 for what seems like forever. I got a Taurus 605 to kind of help out a friend, and while it was okay and everything worked fine, I ended up just not really liking it (trigger stacked, had a weird angle to it compared to the S&W, other more intangible things), and sold it for what I had in it. The 642 was more pleasant to shoot for most loads, anyway, and easier to shoot accurately.

Then I bought a S&W 60-9 LS that, on paper, really isn’t *that* different from the 605: weighs about the same, chambered for .357, 5 shot cylinder. But it’s just ... nicer? Smoother? Matches my 642 as a steel-frame trainer better?

I don’t know. It’s a nice little gun I have no qualms about, though. And it’s easier to shoot accurately than the 642, so there’s that.

I imagine an 856 would be fine, especially to experiment with while owning a trio of jframes that work for you, but I haven’t seen one to be able to compare to my earlier Taurus revolver experiences. Dad has an old stainless 85 that he’s had to have the firing pin spring replaced on (he broke it dry-firing without a snap cap), but it’s been fine besides that.

[BN]

http://clevelandkydex.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27_1&products_id=75

I'm probably going to order this one.

I ordered this holster today. I'll probably bob the hammer, deepen the rear sight notch and do a de-horn.

[CSW]

I ordered this holster today. I'll probably bob the hammer, deepen the rear sight notch and do a de-horn.

Following.
What refinish will you do?

[BN]

Following.
What refinish will you do?

Probably no refinish. I got the "stainless" model with this thought in mind.

[TheNewbie]

I ordered this holster today. I'll probably bob the hammer, deepen the rear sight notch and do a de-horn.

I ordered a OWB holster from Cleveland Kydex. Look forward to seeing how it turns out.

[BN]

I just got an email from Rural King. They have a special on the 856. $259.98.

[HeavyDuty]

I just got an email from Rural King. They have a special on the 856. $259.98.

Today only, apparently:

78327

[CSW]

Today only, apparently:

78327

Appears there's no night sight on that model.

[lee n. field]

Appears there's no night sight on that model.

Possibly older guns. Or a stock image of an older gun. On Taurus' website, spurred hammer 2" guns are pretty much all pictured as not having the pinned in front sight. "It is what it is."

[Chuck Whitlock]

Appears there's no night sight on that model.

https://www.shoptaurus.com/iron-sights/ameriglo-front-orange-night-sight-small-frame-revolvers-322-0006-00

Easy fix.

[BN]

78699

Today I fired 51 rounds of my assorted reloads from 10 yards. No drama. Fire 6 rounds, eject clean, reload with a speed loader and continue. Every round fired and ejected easily. I'll need to trim my grips a little more and maybe take a corner off the cylinder latch. All of the K-Frame speed loaders worked OK, but the clearances are tight. Most of the rounds I have fired have been either jacketed or coated. I ran a patch through each chamber when I first got the gun and I haven't done any cleaning since. I have fired almost 400 rounds so far. I probably won't clean until I see a problem just to see what happens.

I filed the rear notch a little deeper and that helped. It tends to hit a little right, so I'll probably take a little off one side of the rear notch when I decide on a load.

Even being steel, this isn't a shoot all day gun for me.

[TheNewbie]

Got my OWB holster from Cleveland Kydex. It is so tight that it takes serious effort to get the gun out.


Not sure if it will loosen up, but I kind of wish I had ordered the Galco leather holster now.

[BN]

Got my OWB holster from Cleveland Kydex. It is so tight that it takes serious effort to get the gun out.


Not sure if it will loosen up, but I kind of wish I had ordered the Galco leather holster now.

I got mine a couple of days ago too. Mine is pretty tight also. I'm either going to touch it a little with a heat gun or see if I can put a shim in between the screws that hold it together. I've found that many kydex holsters can be tight if there isn't a tension adjustment. I've had big name holsters that needed adjusted. All the Galco holsters I have are in the not used box.

I have a lot of Glock holsters and all my Glocks don't fit the same. I have one big name kydex Glock 17 holster that holds my S&W M&P Compact 22 like it was made for it but the S&W won't fit any of my other Glock 17 holsters.

[TheNewbie]

I got mine a couple of days ago too. Mine is pretty tight also. I'm either going to touch it a little with a heat gun or see if I can put a shim in between the screws that hold it together. I've found that many kydex holsters can be tight if there isn't a tension adjustment. I've had big name holsters that needed adjusted. All the Galco holsters I have are in the not used box.

I have a lot of Glock holsters and all my Glocks don't fit the same. I have one big name kydex Glock 17 holster that holds my S&W M&P Compact 22 like it was made for it but the S&W won't fit any of my other Glock 17 holsters.


My OWB is so tight, that I think person compromised in the strength department would not be able to remove it. Right now I would say it is unusable.


I read about heating it up or even wrapping the gun in a plastic bag, and then placing it in the holster.


Besides the tight fit, what are your thoughts on the holster?

Were your Galco holsters not very good?

[BN]

My OWB is so tight, that I think person compromised in the strength department would not be able to remove it. Right now I would say it is unusable.


I read about heating it up or even wrapping the gun in a plastic bag, and then placing it in the holster.


Besides the tight fit, what are your thoughts on the holster?

Were your Galco holsters not very good?

I was going to try a shim in my holster but it's riveted together. I have a Cleveland Kydex holster the same style you got but mine is for a Beretta PX4CC. The tension is just right but I think I heated it to adjust it.

I have a Raven Phantom for a Glock 19 that I had to heat to adjust. I remember it being very tight when I first got it. I'll get out the heat gun tomorrow and see what I can do.

I have a Galco holster for a J-Frame that I can barely get the gun in or out. I got it off a table at a gun show for $10. The guy had $20 on it and he smiled when I offered him the $10. :) I just wanted a cheap holster. I got it. ;)

I wanted to add that the injection molded holsters can't be heated to adjust. They just melt into an unattractive blob. It has to be real kydex.

[BN]

I took the heat gun to my holster. Just a couple of minutes with heat applied to the back side of the holster and ran the gun in and out. It's just right now.

[TheNewbie]

I took the heat gun to my holster. Just a couple of minutes with heat applied to the back side of the holster and ran the gun in and out. It's just right now.

I need to do the same. Wrapping the gun in a plastic bag and putting it in the holster helped but it needs heat gun time.

Where was yours most tight at?

[BN]

I need to do the same. Wrapping the gun in a plastic bag and putting it in the holster helped but it needs heat gun time.

Where was yours most tight at?

I heated around the cylinder and a little down toward the trigger guard. I only heated the back side. It didn't take much heat.

[defilade]

I’m at just over 600 rounds fired on my 856. I started having some light strikes on a box of 38 reloads. At first I thought it was just that box, but then it happened again with another box. These were my reloads, but I also noticed that the primer was hardly even dimpled.

I had installed the Galloway spring kit and it had a better trigger than my 442. I decided to put the factory hammer spring back in the gun and see how it worked. So today I took it out and ran about 92 trouble free rounds. The primers looked like they had been hit with enough force this time, so I will keep the Galloway trigger return spring in with the factory hammer spring. The trigger isn’t as good but it’s still pretty good. I was easily making hits on my 9X12 steel plate at 25 yards so The trigger is still pretty good as long as I do my part.

Now I just have to figure out an AIWB holster and I should be good to go. I have really been impressed with this gun. Hopefully this is a good sign that Taurus is starting to produce better stuff than they have in the past.

[TheNewbie]

I’m at just over 600 rounds fired on my 856. I started having some light strikes on a box of 38 reloads. At first I thought it was just that box, but then it happened again with another box. These were my reloads, but I also noticed that the primer was hardly even dimpled.

I had installed the Galloway spring kit and it had a better trigger than my 442. I decided to put the factory hammer spring back in the gun and see how it worked. So today I took it out and ran about 92 trouble free rounds. The primers looked like they had been hit with enough force this time, so I will keep the Galloway trigger return spring in with the factory hammer spring. The trigger isn’t as good but it’s still pretty good. I was easily making hits on my 9X12 steel plate at 25 yards so The trigger is still pretty good as long as I do my part.

Now I just have to figure out an AIWB holster and I should be good to go. I have really been impressed with this gun. Hopefully this is a good sign that Taurus is starting to produce better stuff than they have in the past.



Have you measured the trigger weights with the different combos?

How would you describe the trigger with how you have it set up now?

[defilade]

Have you measured the trigger weights with the different combos?

How would you describe the trigger with how you have it set up now?

No, I don’t have a very good trigger scale, it only goes to 8lbs. It’s slightly heavier than my 442 with the Apex duty springs in it. It’s not near has heavy as the factory trigger was. I haven’t smoothed anything so there is a slight grittiness to the trigger still, but it has smoothed out with dry fire and live firing. It does have some stacking at the end of the trigger pull, but it’s not terrible. When it had both Galloway springs installed, it was a really nice trigger. So it does suck that those springs didn’t work out.

Even with the slightly heavier trigger pull, it’s still very manageable and better than the factory trigger pull that it started with.

[TheNewbie]

I heated around the cylinder and a little down toward the trigger guard. I only heated the back side. It didn't take much heat.

How is the holster holding up? I need to do the heat gun stuff this week.

[BN]

How is the holster holding up? I need to do the heat gun stuff this week.

OK, I guess. I wore it and shot a little one day. I did a few draws and it worked OK. I wore it AIWB. I'll probably mess around with a wedge later just because.

[SCCY Marshal]

A buddy swung by with his new, original model Colt Cobra. We ended up having it out with a S&W model 36, the 2" model 10 off my belt, and the Taurus 856 for some dryfire comparisons. I was surprised how well the 856's trigger compared to the old Colt even with the Wolff hammer spring, cleaning, and lot of dryfire in mind.

As someone who can't afford a classic Cobra, it makes me appreciate the little Taurus all the more. It is a handy belt/pocket crossover frame size.

[BN]

Black Friday special at Dunhams Sports. $279.99.
https://www.dunhamssports.com/product/856_38_special_revolver/W0000106403.html

[Borderland]

Those Brazilians must work for peanuts.

I hope the 856 is better than the old 85.

[jandbj]

https://www.shoptaurus.com/942-accessories/um-tactical-iwb-owb-ambi-qualifier-holster-sm-frame-revolver-qu-tau-856-am

[JCN]

https://www.shoptaurus.com/942-accessories/um-tactical-iwb-owb-ambi-qualifier-holster-sm-frame-revolver-qu-tau-856-am

I bought one when I ordered the 856 night sight today.

[SSGN_Doc]

Those Brazilians must work for peanuts.

I hope the 856 is better than the old 85.

Curious to hear your negative experience with the 85 series.

[CSW]

https://www.shoptaurus.com/942-accessories/um-tactical-iwb-owb-ambi-qualifier-holster-sm-frame-revolver-qu-tau-856-am
I've been using one since the summer, when I bought the 856.
It is mediocre at best.
Not worth the money as far as I am concerned

[Borderland]

Curious to hear your negative experience with the 85 series.

I don't have any experience with the 856 which I believe replaced the model 85. I have a 2" model 85 that I bought around 1990. The barrel was canted from the factory as I purchased it new. It shoots about 4" high and about 4" left at 7 yards. I never sold it because it isn't worth anything. I mostly used it to train bird dogs with blanks so it worked for what I wanted it for. IIRC I paid less than $200 for it.

The new ones might be better but that soured me on Taurus revolvers. Never bought another one.

[SSGN_Doc]

I don't have any experience with the 856 which I believe replaced the model 85. I have a 2" model 85 that I bought around 1990. The barrel was canted from the factory as I purchased it new. It shoots about 4" high and about 4" left at 7 yards. I never sold it because it isn't worth anything. I mostly used it to train bird dogs with blanks so it worked for what I wanted it for. IIRC I paid less than $200 for it.

The new ones might be better but that soured me on Taurus revolvers. Never bought another one.

Thanks for the info. My experience with the 85s was pretty limited. Knew a couple guys who worked at a range who owned 85s which seemed pretty decent in the mid ‘90s. Also several customers at the same range who generally had positive experiences with them. But that was a while ago.

I have exactly one Taurus product. A 1996 85. It kind of fell into my lap a a handgun that was offered at a price I couldn’t pass up. Actually been impressed with it. I had always kind of turned my nose up at them, despite the favorable reports I had heard. But those same reports nudged me over the edge when the deal on mine came along. Favorable enough to consider adding an 856.

I asked because, of my own biases against Taurus. I have witnessed enough issues with some of their other handguns but hardly ever heard anything bad about the 85s. Figure maybe I was just deaf to anything really to do with Taurus. So, trying to open my ears a bit more.

Thanks again.

[Borderland]

Thanks for the info. My experience with the 85s was pretty limited. Knew a couple guys who worked at a range who owned 85s which seemed pretty decent in the mid ‘90s. Also several customers at the same range who generally had positive experiences with them. But that was a while ago.

I have exactly one Taurus product. A 1996 85. It kind of fell into my lap a a handgun that was offered at a price I couldn’t pass up. Actually been impressed with it. I had always kind of turned my nose up at them, despite the favorable reports I had heard. But those same reports nudged me over the edge when the deal on mine came along. Favorable enough to consider adding an 856.

I asked because, of my own biases against Taurus. I have witnessed enough issues with some of their other handguns but hardly ever heard anything bad about the 85s. Figure maybe I was just deaf to anything really to do with Taurus. So, trying to open my ears a bit more.

Thanks again.

You bet. Probably lots of satisfied customers out there. For what I paid for mine I didn't think it was a big deal. I still have it.

One thing it did prompt me to do was buy a S&W model 36. I found a good deal on a used one at Cabela's and I carry it. Better than a knife. ;)

[CJK]

856 at 7 yards double action. 200 rounds so far and no issues. Action seems decent. Do i take it apart and clean it up, leave it as is? Any experience with action jobs?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211122/d9b0df7a8e505758538673d7f34692de.jpg

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

[lee n. field]

856 at 7 yards double action. 200 rounds so far and no issues. Action seems decent. Do i take it apart and clean it up, leave it as is? Any experience with action jobs?



Shoot it. It'll smooth up with time.

Not difficult to get into, but do take care disassembling it. Taurus won't sell you internal parts. (I ended up having to scrounge the aftermarket to find a cylinder bolt spring, which was, weight for weight, probably one of the most expensive thing I've ever bought.)

There's a thread on disassemble with good pictures, on the Taurus Armed forum. See https://www.taurusarmed.net/threads/taurus-revolver-disassembly-pictorial-guide.22219/

[CJK]

Shoot it. It'll smooth up with time.

Not difficult to get into, but do take care disassembling it. Taurus won't sell you internal parts. (I ended up having to scrounge the aftermarket to find a cylinder bolt spring, which was, weight for weight, probably one of the most expensive thing I've ever bought.)

There's a thread on disassemble with good pictures, on the Taurus Armed forum. See https://www.taurusarmed.net/threads/taurus-revolver-disassembly-pictorial-guide.22219/Then maybe I'll just buy one with a bobbed hammer. Everyone should have a half dozen or more small frame revolvers anyway. They are just so convenient to carry any leave various place in the home.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

[JCN]

856 at 7 yards double action. 200 rounds so far and no issues. Action seems decent. Do i take it apart and clean it up, leave it as is? Any experience with action jobs?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211122/d9b0df7a8e505758538673d7f34692de.jpg

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

I did an action job on an M380 which is similar.


https://youtu.be/xmNMjZKKn-A


https://youtu.be/C8vdt9u3uvs

The light strikes turned out to be the shape of these particular bullets not seating in the throats of two chambers so light strikes because of the initial failure to seat with that ammo.

[TheNewbie]

Took the heat gun to my Cleveland Kydex holster. It was so tight that it would prevent any gun grab, even from the user.

Now it works well and is just about right. It’s not the most comfortable holster though. Is leather usually more comfortable with revolvers? It’s not horrid or anything, but it’s not what I would like for EDC.

[CJK]

Took the heat gun to my Cleveland Kydex holster. It was so tight that it would prevent any gun grab, even from the user.

Now it works well and is just about right. It’s not the most comfortable holster though. Is leather usually more comfortable with revolvers? It’s not horrid or anything, but it’s not what I would like for EDC.What other revolver holsters will the 856 be a close fit in? Don Hume is having a sale if you want leather.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

[TheNewbie]

What other revolver holsters will the 856 be a close fit in? Don Hume is having a sale if you want leather.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk


Idk. Galco sells one that fits a few revolvers like the SP101 and the 856. I’ll look at Don Hume.

[CSW]

I have found that holsters for the 101 are a bit big for the 856.
The Colt Cobra 3" is closer in size

[TheNewbie]

I have found that holsters for the 101 are a bit big for the 856.
The Colt Cobra 3" is closer in size

Close enough to have a secure fit?

Would a S&W 640 holster be a candidate ?

[CSW]

MY 856 fits sloppy in a 101 holster,

But a Security Six won't fit in the holster.

My 642 [close to a 640????] swims in the 101 holster.

[Chuck Whitlock]

Is leather usually more comfortable with revolvers?



What other revolver holsters will the 856 be a close fit in?

https://www.galcogunleather.com/holsters_8_1.html?product_sort_by=popular&pcf_manufacturer=17&pcf_model=765&p=8&catid=1&all=0&product_search=

https://www.galcogunleather.com/holsters_8_1.html?mult=1&pcf_manufacturer=17&pcf_model=702

[lee n. field]

https://www.galcogunleather.com/holsters_8_1.html?product_sort_by=popular&pcf_manufacturer=17&pcf_model=765&p=8&catid=1&all=0&product_search=

https://www.galcogunleather.com/holsters_8_1.html?mult=1&pcf_manufacturer=17&pcf_model=702

The Galco Combat Master is one Taurus itself sells, for a few dollars less. https://www.shoptaurus.com/856-accessories

[revchuck38]

The availability of this sight (https://www.shoptaurus.com/856-accessories/ameriglo-front-orange-night-sight-small-frame-revolvers-322-0006-00) might have just sold me.

[BN]

The availability of this sight (https://www.shoptaurus.com/856-accessories/ameriglo-front-orange-night-sight-small-frame-revolvers-322-0006-00) might have just sold me.

I have one of these on my 856. Today I was shooting some revolvers and this sight was the most visible. :)

[revchuck38]

I have one of these on my 856. Today I was shooting some revolvers and this sight was the most visible. :)

What weight bullet does it shoot to POA?

[BN]

What weight bullet does it shoot to POA?

I've been mostly shooting my 138 Bayou wadcutter at 700 fps and a few light loaded 158 grain. Today I shot some 135 Gold Dots at steel and they were in the same group as the other stuff I was shooting. Pictures in my latest LCR post.

[Chuck Whitlock]

The availability of this sight (https://www.shoptaurus.com/856-accessories/ameriglo-front-orange-night-sight-small-frame-revolvers-322-0006-00) might have just sold me.

Considering the apparent similarity of these two front sights:

https://www.shoptaurus.com/856-parts/factory-front-sight-856-2-10025032

https://www.shoptaurus.com/856-parts/factory-front-sight-856-10025031

to the factory front on my SP101, I am wondering if the orange Ameriglo would fit? It's probably worth $30 to find out.

[CSW]

What weight bullet does it shoot to POA?

148 grain wadcutters and 158's all shoot to POA out of my3" 856 with the Ameriglo sight.

[BN]

Considering the apparent similarity of these two front sights:

https://www.shoptaurus.com/856-parts/factory-front-sight-856-2-10025032

https://www.shoptaurus.com/856-parts/factory-front-sight-856-10025031

to the factory front on my SP101, I am wondering if the orange Ameriglo would fit? It's probably worth $30 to find out.

I did some measuring. My Ruger Sp101 sight is .125" wide and .145" tall.
My Taurus 856 Ameriglo front sight is .115" wide and .170" tall. This is predrilled and may or may not line up with the holes in your SP101. Plus being taller, it would have you hitting low.

Here's what you want for your SP101. https://www.geminicustoms.com/small-wonder-sights/

[Chuck Whitlock]

I did some measuring. My Ruger Sp101 sight is .125" wide and .145" tall.
My Taurus 856 Ameriglo front sight is .115" wide and .170" tall. This is predrilled and may or may not line up with the holes in your SP101. Plus being taller, it would have you hitting low.

Here's what you want for your SP101. https://www.geminicustoms.com/small-wonder-sights/

Thanks for checking that out. The gold bead sight would be pretty sweet.

[Moylan]

I bought a 3" model like this one. https://www.taurususa.com/revolvers/taurus-856/taurus-defender-856-38-spl-p-matte-stainless-3-00-in-vz-black-gray

First things first. These grips feel pretty good when I'm just holding the gun. When I'm firing the gun, they are possibly the worst grips I have ever used. This is no doubt just subjective, but there it is. Partly because of the grips--for example, my thumb is cut up right now from hitting the cylinder latch when I was trying out the revolver thumbs down grip--and partly because of cost, I have so far only shot about 60 rounds through it, so I obviously can't give a meaningful review. But here's what I've got so far. Trigger is very heavy but actually not too bad otherwise. It's fairly smooth, and doesn't really stack. It's got a very definite catch in its motion, when the cylinder locks into place. Not at all noticeable in quick fire, of course. I just took the gun down and did a very light polishing job and it feels...more or less the same, but a little bit better.

The gun seems pretty well made to me. I don't see any obvious problems. It works perfectly (so far). I haven't done any shooting from a bench or tried for real accuracy. At this point, from up to 10 yards freestyle, it basically hits what I'm aiming at with PPU 130gr fmj's. If I ever get any reasonably affordable 38 special, or manage to get myself set up to load for it, I will do some more careful work on figuring out the sights.

This is not a carry gun for me, more a teaching gun for the beginners I work with. But I have ordered an aiwb holster for a Kimber K6 and will report on that once it arrives. I haven't decided on a speedloader pouch yet. I like the desantis second six pouch I have for my 642, but it works best with hks and i do prefer comp II's. And of course I need to order some decent grips. I tried the hogue I put on my 642, but it didn't work.

I'm enthusiastic about the revolver.

[jandbj]

Moylan

Check the box... all of my 3” 856’s came with hogue grips, but also had a set of the Taurus factory grips and a plain black ramp front sight hidden in the box too. I like the hogue grips thus far and haven’t seen the need to try the Taurus rubber grips at this point.

[lee n. field]

Moylan

Check the box... all of my 3” 856’s came with hogue grips, but also had a set of the Taurus factory grips and a plain black ramp front sight hidden in the box too. I like the hogue grips thus far and haven’t seen the need to try the Taurus rubber grips at this point.

Oh, really? Mine came with the Hogue grip only. (I did get the extra front sight, as well.)

[Moylan]

Moylan

Check the box... all of my 3” 856’s came with hogue grips, but also had a set of the Taurus factory grips and a plain black ramp front sight hidden in the box too. I like the hogue grips thus far and haven’t seen the need to try the Taurus rubber grips at this point.

Wow, I look just like your avatar now. I never would have thought to look for an extra grip. It's this tiny little cardboard box. But yep, I pull up a layer of cardboard and underneath is the hogue grip and the ramp sight. Thank you!

I don't know if the grip will work better, but I'm looking forward to trying it out.

[CSW]

These are working out great.
Purchased thru Amazon. 81480

[Moylan]

The little rubber grips are much better than the wood vz grips, but they are very small. I may go with something like what CSW posted.

[CSW]

As I stated, they are from Amazon.
Maybe 35 bucks.
Anything that fits the model 85, will also fit the 856.

[SCCY Marshal]

While dryfiring, just now, I thought I finally had a problem. The 856 started intermittently locking up. After a reload drill, it resumed working just fine

Sorting through the A-Zoom snap caps I had ejected, one has a high "primer" where the firing pin padding material was proud of the case head. Being...err...frugal, I sliced the high material off with a boxcutter and used all the same snapcaps in my next reload. The Taurus continued running fine.

If nothing else, I can confidently state that an 856 should outlast what might as well be a spot of hot glue.

[BN]

I shot 24 rounds off the back porch today with my 2 inch 856. It just keeps on working. I loaded with a Comp lll and it works mostly OK. Not as smooth as in a K-Frame. There is a tiny interference somewhere.

I shot steel at 15, 25 and 50 yards. I have 426 rounds shot total since I got it. I bought a Sticky holster for it and it is comfortable at AIWB for a quick put on and go.

[defilade]

Since holster seem to be an issue, I decided to try my hand at making one of my own. I’m still learning on working with leather and it shows, but it was a fun project.

It sits a little higher than I think I want it to, so I may have to move the monoblock up a little higher. It still seems pretty secure where it is, but I don’t know if it would stay in place if I ended up rolling around on the ground.

8458484585

[defilade]

Okay, I made a slight modification to the holster. I wore it while walking the dog. The first design had the holster sitting up too high, and it just didn’t feel very secure.

So I mad e a new piece that made the clips sit up higher therefore lowering the gun into my waistband. The new issue was that the clips weren’t as stable and would unclip from my belt, so I decided to put on a snap loop and trim the leather down to one attachment point instead of two for better access to the grip. This has been a good learning experience for me and I think I now have a solid holster to carry my 856 around.

The leather had to be thinner so that it didn’t add too much bulk, so it does collapse a bit, but it’s a better system than I had before.

All in all I am happy with it. I may make a new holster sometime and see if I can’t improve the design a bit.

8469784698

[CSW]

Okay, I made a slight modification to the holster. I wore it while walking the dog. The first design had the holster sitting up too high, and it just didn’t feel very secure.

So I mad e a new piece that made the clips sit up higher therefore lowering the gun into my waistband. The new issue was that the clips weren’t as stable and would unclip from my belt, so I decided to put on a snap loop and trim the leather down to one attachment point instead of two for better access to the grip. This has been a good learning experience for me and I think I now have a solid holster to carry my 856 around.

The leather had to be thinner so that it didn’t add too much bulk, so it does collapse a bit, but it’s a better system than I had before.

All in all I am happy with it. I may make a new holster sometime and see if I can’t improve the design a bit.

8469784698

That looks great, a functional no frills get the job done holster.

Wanna build a lefty version?
I'll commission you.

[OlongJohnson]

Stainless-in-the-white model in stock. Reputable vendor. Priced as well as I've ever seen it listed.

https://www.kygunco.com/product/taurus-2-85639ns-856-defender-38-spl-3-6rd-night-sights-ss

$15 better than the next best price. https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/725327933854

[BN]

I now have 480 rounds through my 2" 856.

I put the Galloway springs in early on. A couple days ago I fired 12 Fed 148 wad cutters and 12 Gold Dot 135 +P. I had 2 light strikes with the GD that fired on the second try. That worried me. I have some old Wolf primers that are very hard and more difficult to light off than most primers. I hand loaded some and fired 18 in my 856 with 2 light strikes that went off on the second strike DA. These are the primers I have used in the past on revolvers to assure myself that I would have good reliability. If a revolver will fire these, it will fire anything. I haven't cleaned the gun in a while and I didn't press on the rear of the cartridge when I chambered them. I'm going to clean the gun and shoot more of the Wolf primers.

I plan on bobbing the hammer soon. One theory is that the lighter hammer falls faster, hits harder and gives better reliability. It works that way with Smith & Wessons.

[Polecat]

The Balloway TRS is the shizzle. Works great no issues, much improved pull!

[Polecat]

The Balloway TRS is the shizzle. Works great no issues, much improved pull!

Or Galloway to those that havent been drinking😀

[BN]

I cut the hammer spur off my 2" 856. I fired 32 rounds with the very hard Wolf primers and had 4 light strikes that went off on the second strike. I then fired 54 rounds of my hand loads with Fed primers and every one went off with the first strike DA. 158 grain loads hit center from 5 yards out to 15 yards with the Taurus Ameriglo front sight. I now have 566 rounds through mine.



I now have 480 rounds through my 2" 856.

I put the Galloway springs in early on. A couple days ago I fired 12 Fed 148 wad cutters and 12 Gold Dot 135 +P. I had 2 light strikes with the GD that fired on the second try. That worried me. I have some old Wolf primers that are very hard and more difficult to light off than most primers. I hand loaded some and fired 18 in my 856 with 2 light strikes that went off on the second strike DA. These are the primers I have used in the past on revolvers to assure myself that I would have good reliability. If a revolver will fire these, it will fire anything. I haven't cleaned the gun in a while and I didn't press on the rear of the cartridge when I chambered them. I'm going to clean the gun and shoot more of the Wolf primers.

I plan on bobbing the hammer soon. One theory is that the lighter hammer falls faster, hits harder and gives better reliability. It works that way with Smith & Wessons.

[TheNewbie]

The 856 is a good revolver. I can’t believe Taurus does a good job of making what Ruger should be making, but they do and they deserve credit for it.

[BN]

The 856 is a good revolver. I can’t believe Taurus does a good job of making what Ruger should be making, but they do and they deserve credit for it.

I've had 4 Taurus's. 3 of them have been very good. A copy of the Beretta 92, a model 85 and now the 856 have had no trouble at all. I have a PT22, the copy of the Beretta model 21 that is not reliable at all.

[Dave T]

I cut the hammer spur off my 2" 856. I fired 32 rounds with the very hard Wolf primers and had 4 light strikes that went off on the second strike. I then fired 54 rounds of my hand loads with Fed primers and every one went off with the first strike DA. 158 grain loads hit center from 5 yards out to 15 yards with the Taurus Ameriglo front sight. I now have 566 rounds through mine.

I'd be interested in seeing your bobbed hammer. Got any pictures?

Dave

[BN]

I'd be interested in seeing your bobbed hammer. Got any pictures?

Dave

86307

Here is the 856 on the left along with a M-85 I bobbed many years ago.

edit to add: I intend to make it look a little better when I have time, but lucky enough, the picture is blurry enough that it doesn't look too bad. ;)

[CSW]

A few weeks ago I commissioned defilade to build me a left hand holster for my 3" 865.

It came today.
His holster is a no frills get it done holster, built to fit to the 856.
He built it in a natural color, and a basket weave design. He added a simple strap with a PTD to secure it to the belt.
I changed mine to a slimmer PTD Loop.
86349
86351
I added the Mastermind Tactics pillow pad to the bottom of it, and wore it appendix around the house for 3 hours.
It's definitely well thought out, because the grip sits at a great height, allowing the belt to work in keeping it snug to your waist.
It would definitely work at 3 or 9 o'clock as well.
While the holster moves slightly with your movements, the gun most certainly does not.
It's rock solid secure in his holster.

If you are at an impasse holster wise, I would strongly recommend you send him PM him.

Thank you again Wade for the great work!

Chris

[defilade]

A few weeks ago I commissioned defilade to build me a left hand holster for my 3" 865.

It came today.
His holster is a no frills get it done holster, built to fit to the 856.
He built it in a natural color, and a basket weave design. He added a simple strap with a PTD to secure it to the belt.
I changed mine to a slimmer PTD Loop.
86349
86351
I added the Mastermind Tactics pillow pad to the bottom of it, and wore it appendix around the house for 3 hours.
It's definitely well thought out, because the grip sits at a great height, allowing the belt to work in keeping it snug to your waist.
It would definitely work at 3 or 9 o'clock as well.
While the holster moves slightly with your movements, the gun most certainly does not.
It's rock solid secure in his holster.

If you are at an impasse holster wise, I would strongly recommend you send him PM him.

Thank you again Wade for the great work!

Chris


Thank you so much for the kind words and great review! I’m glad it worked out for you and I was happy to help out.

Wade

[BN]

If I run across a lightweight 856, I might get it and do the enhancement treatment. For the price of a properly set up J-Frame, I can have a lightweight carry gun plus a heavy practice gun. ;)

I'd been checking around for a 2" concealed hammer Ultra-Lite 856 but hadn't had much success. I found a dealer on Gunbroker that had 11 of them. He only has 10 now. I should have mine in a few days. ;)

I think this model only comes in Black.

I figure springs, a different front sight and probably a grip change and it will be ready for testing.

My steel 856 has run great. I have 626 rounds through it so far. My Grand Daughter was shooting some of my handguns the other day to decide what her CCW is going to be. For revolvers, the 856 was her second favorite, right after the Model 10 that Randy Lee tuned for me. :)

[JCN]

I'd been checking around for a 2" concealed hammer Ultra-Lite 856 but hadn't had much success. I found a dealer on Gunbroker that had 11 of them. He only has 10 now. I should have mine in a few days. ;)

I think this model only comes in Black.

I figure springs, a different front sight and probably a grip change and it will be ready for testing.

My steel 856 has run great. I have 626 rounds through it so far. My Grand Daughter was shooting some of my handguns the other day to decide what her CCW is going to be. For revolvers, the 856 was her second favorite, right after the Model 10 that Randy Lee tuned for me. :)

One of these?

87027

I like them.

I really like the Taurus offered replacement front sight.

87028


https://youtu.be/M1MqgvDVRaI

[TheNewbie]

Taurus should hire JCN as their sponsored shooter.

[SouthNarc]

One of these?

87027

I like them.

I really like the Taurus offered replacement front sight.

87028


https://youtu.be/M1MqgvDVRaI

Is there a size differential between the 856 and a J frame that's significant? That orange sight looks nice.

[TheNewbie]

Is there a size differential between the 856 and a J frame that's significant? That orange sight looks nice.


Maybe for *some* pockets, but I don’t think significant is the word I would use. Especially if you get a light weight version. All other things being equal, and I could pick the 856 with 6 shots vs a very very slightly smaller j frame with 5 shots, there would be no question, I would take the 856.


The only thing easier about pocket carrying an LCRx is the weight.


I guess if you got one of the 11 oz j frames, then you would really notice the difference.

[CSW]

Is there a size differential between the 856 and a J frame that's significant? That orange sight looks nice.

The 856 is almost the size of a Colt D frame.
Not as small as the J, but surely not a K.


Almost

[JCN]

Is there a size differential between the 856 and a J frame that's significant? That orange sight looks nice.

Here are some pictures and weights.

The 856UL is approximately the weight of an MP340 and just a whiff larger. The cylinder width is wider but you get 6 shots instead of 5. It’s also lighter than the LCR327 by a couple ounces and still has the 6 shot capacity.

87041

856 is middle left.

87042

This is a 2” J-frame Aholster that I heated a little bit to fit the cylinder.

87043

This is the factory sight picture which would be horrible in low light with a dark clothed target. rehn

87044

I would take an SAS sight over most stock revolver sights in low light.

The Taurus replacement is cheap and accurate. Night sight dot in the middle of orange.

87045

[SouthNarc]

Here are some pictures and weights.

The 856UL is approximately the weight of an MP340 and just a whiff larger. The cylinder width is wider but you get 6 shots instead of 5. It’s also lighter than the LCR327 by a couple ounces and still has the 6 shot capacity.

87041

856 is middle left.

87042

This is a 2” J-frame Aholster that I heated a little bit to fit the cylinder.

87043

This is the factory sight picture which would be horrible in low light with a dark clothed target. rehn

87044

I would take an SAS sight over most stock revolver sights in low light.

The Taurus replacement is cheap and accurate. Night sight dot in the middle of orange.

87045


Thank you! Seems like a good option for the money especially.

[OlongJohnson]

The Taurus replacement is cheap and accurate. Night sight dot in the middle of orange.

87045

That night sight dot is too low in the sight and I'm not a fan of the orange inside black outline. I'd rather just paint the standard sight orange.

[CSW]

That night sight dot is too low in the sight and I'm not a fan of the orange inside black outline. I'd rather just paint the standard sight orange.

I called Taurus on that very thing.
Their "answer' was that it was very much engineered as a sight for point shooting in dark environments.

[OlongJohnson]

The Taurus replacement is cheap and accurate. Night sight dot in the middle of orange.

87045

Where is the dot supposed to be in the sight picture? In the image above, it's half obscured by the bottom of the gutter in the frame. Would be almost completely obscured if the top of the post was level with the edges of the gutter. If tops of everything aligned is a correct sight picture, then raising the dot so it's fully visible will have you shooting high. Especially with the barrel length of a snubby.

[CSW]

Where is the dot supposed to be in the sight picture? In the image above, it's half obscured by the bottom of the gutter in the frame. Would be almost completely obscured if the top of the post was level with the edges of the gutter. If tops of everything aligned is a correct sight picture, then raising the dot so it's fully visible will have you shooting high. Especially with the barrel length of a snubby.

Yes, in a 'normal' sight picture, when all 3 flats are aligned, the tritium is obscured.

In a dark environment, when aligning the black fixed rear with the front, it's a bit "different".
My point I guess, is that if you point at the intended target in the dark, you'll at least see the tritium.

Was it Defoor who had designed a sight of similar?

[Lester Polfus]

Where is the dot supposed to be in the sight picture? In the image above, it's half obscured by the bottom of the gutter in the frame. Would be almost completely obscured if the top of the post was level with the edges of the gutter. If tops of everything aligned is a correct sight picture, then raising the dot so it's fully visible will have you shooting high. Especially with the barrel length of a snubby.

It seems like you would hit pretty high to me. It wouldn't be the first time Taurus has had a great idea with flawed execution. As a friend of mine once said, Taurus assembles all the right ingredients to bake a great cake, then takes a shit in the batter.

It sounds like maybe they improving though.

[BN]

Is there a size differential between the 856 and a J frame that's significant? That orange sight looks nice.

The window in the frame is a little taller for the 6 round cylinder. Everything else is J-Frame size. I can swap grips between the 856 and J-Frames although the locating pin is in a slightly different spot. The 856 won't fit many J-Frame holsters because of the frame height and cylinder size. I have a Safariland pocket holster that works for both.

https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/smith-wesson-model-642-vs-taurus-856-2-ultra-lite This is a pretty close comparison but the 856 grips are a little longer but the grip frame is the same size.

The steel 856 weight compares roughly to a S&W 60 and the Ultra-Lite 856 compares to a S&W 442.

My eyes don't see orange as well as green so I painted the top half of my 856 sight. Using the tritium dot would cause you to hit very high. I'm going to experiment with S&W pinned sights to see if I could narrow the tenon to make them fit the 856.

870488704987050

My Ultra-Lite 856 should be here in a couple of days.

[Dave T]

I confess to being a little surprised at those of you who want a perfectly aligned sight picture on a gun of this type.

Now don't get me wrong, I was taught by Jeff Cooper (among others) to always used the sights as they confirm proper presentation and alignment. But for me this would be a "git off me" gun. If you had the luxury of bringing this gun up to eye level it's still a "put the colored part in the middle" kind of aiming strategy.

For get off me distances of say 3-5 yards I train to put the bight colored sight on the bottom "V" of the ribs or there abouts and fire a few for effect. If you're well practiced you might just crack the sternum with a round or two, which is a pretty good "get off me" statement.

Just sayin',
Dave

[OlongJohnson]

You never know what you're going to need to do with the gun. Having sights that enable you to get hits at 10-25 yards doesn't impair the utility of the gun as a get-off-me, but sights that are really only useful for get-off-me but don't work well at 10-25 yards will be a problem if you need to shoot something at 10-25 yards.

[Jim Watson]

What I call "shotgunning" a target with just a front sight reference.

Chic Gaylord said of such things as small or no sights and no hammer spur, "suitable for an affair of honor in a telephone booth."

Question: Is anybody doing real action work on these things as is commonly done on Smiths? Or is it just a case of apply manly strength to a stock action? Or put in limber springs and hope they are enough to overcome the Factory Friction?

[OlongJohnson]

Question: Is anybody doing real action work on these things as is commonly done on Smiths? Or is it just a case of apply manly strength to a stock action? Or put in limber springs and hope they are enough to overcome the Factory Friction?

I'm obviously tempted, but have so far resisted the urge.

[BN]

I confess to being a little surprised at those of you who want a perfectly aligned sight picture on a gun of this type.

Now don't get me wrong, I was taught by Jeff Cooper (among others) to always used the sights as they confirm proper presentation and alignment. But for me this would be a "git off me" gun. If you had the luxury of bringing this gun up to eye level it's still a "put the colored part in the middle" kind of aiming strategy.


You can still do this at 40 yards. :) 10 out of 12 and I'm not sure the misses weren't me.

87060

[BillSWPA]

I confess to being a little surprised at those of you who want a perfectly aligned sight picture on a gun of this type.

Now don't get me wrong, I was taught by Jeff Cooper (among others) to always used the sights as they confirm proper presentation and alignment. But for me this would be a "git off me" gun. If you had the luxury of bringing this gun up to eye level it's still a "put the colored part in the middle" kind of aiming strategy.

For get off me distances of say 3-5 yards I train to put the bight colored sight on the bottom "V" of the ribs or there abouts and fire a few for effect. If you're well practiced you might just crack the sternum with a round or two, which is a pretty good "get off me" statement.

Just sayin',
Dave

These past 2 years have really caused me to try to assume nothing about what my fight might look like. I simply do not know what I might be required to do in order to prevail.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BN]

Question: Is anybody doing real action work on these things as is commonly done on Smiths? Or is it just a case of apply manly strength to a stock action? Or put in limber springs and hope they are enough to overcome the Factory Friction?

I just put a set of Galloway springs in mine and I'm not going to do anything else. It's about 8 or 9# and smooth. Reset is good. I have 729 rounds total through mine.

[JCN]

Okay gents. I did some testing and here are my opinions:

1. Snub revolver sights can be variable for elevation depending on the power and weight of the cartridge. “One size fits none” come to mind since ammunition can be quite variable.

2. Three flat across assumes that the ammunition will hit to that elevation at that distance. Which is a big assumption.

3. I just tested in darkness with this sight and it turns out it’s appropriate if you use it “properly.” It’s only a single tritium… which means if the full tritium is up in the notch it looks the same as it would out of the notch….

Behold.

87071

Full tritium visible.

But whoops!

87072

Wasn’t in the notch.

Looks the same as this…

87074

Which is in the notch…

87075

But with motion if I can see the tritium partially shield from below and / or shield from the sides, I know I’m actually on target. So I’m not looking to see the whole tritium… because then I can’t tell it from being out of the notch in very low light.

Check this out. With the tritium just peeking into the notch at 10 yards aiming at the head and with a green Wheeler laser on the muzzle…

87076




That night sight dot is too low in the sight and I'm not a fan of the orange inside black outline. I'd rather just paint the standard sight orange.


I called Taurus on that very thing.
Their "answer' was that it was very much engineered as a sight for point shooting in dark environments.


Where is the dot supposed to be in the sight picture? In the image above, it's half obscured by the bottom of the gutter in the frame. Would be almost completely obscured if the top of the post was level with the edges of the gutter. If tops of everything aligned is a correct sight picture, then raising the dot so it's fully visible will have you shooting high. Especially with the barrel length of a snubby.


Yes, in a 'normal' sight picture, when all 3 flats are aligned, the tritium is obscured.

In a dark environment, when aligning the black fixed rear with the front, it's a bit "different".
My point I guess, is that if you point at the intended target in the dark, you'll at least see the tritium.

Was it Defoor who had designed a sight of similar?


It seems like you would hit pretty high to me. It wouldn't be the first time Taurus has had a great idea with flawed execution. As a friend of mine once said, Taurus assembles all the right ingredients to bake a great cake, then takes a shit in the batter.

It sounds like maybe they improving though.


You never know what you're going to need to do with the gun. Having sights that enable you to get hits at 10-25 yards doesn't impair the utility of the gun as a get-off-me, but sights that are really only useful for get-off-me but don't work well at 10-25 yards will be a problem if you need to shoot something at 10-25 yards.

[Dave T]

These past 2 years have really caused me to try to assume nothing about what my fight might look like. I simply do not know what I might be required to do in order to prevail.

Bill,

I agree, which is why I don't carry one of these guns (small frame 2" 5-6 shot). My carry gun is a 386 NG with an adjustable rear sight. The factory 'no snag' rear was as JCN said, "One size fits none." The sights on the 386 are now regulated to the ammo I carry.

Dave

[Lester Polfus]

Said and did a bunch of smart stuff with pictures and LASERS

Well, there you go meeting my speculation with actual empirical stuff...

Cool.

I don't think I want any more guns, but I'm not totally discounting the Taurus like I would have in the past.

[BillSWPA]

Bill,

I agree, which is why I don't carry one of these guns (small frame 2" 5-6 shot). My carry gun is a 386 NG with an adjustable rear sight. The factory 'no snag' rear was as JCN said, "One size fits none." The sights on the 386 are now regulated to the ammo I carry.

Dave

I doubt I could name a better revolver setup than this one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CSW]

I just put a set of Galloway springs in mine and I'm not going to do anything else. It's about 8 or 9# and smooth. Reset is good. I have 729 rounds total through mine.I did the Galloway spring kit as well. My DA pull is about the same but very smooth.
While I had the side plate off, I polished all the contact points with Mas metal polish and a felt dremel pad at a low speed.

It's been 100% reliable with any ammo since the springs were installed.
Over 1200 rounds now.

I have yet to get any speed-loaders yet, but have some strips that are half moon shaped that work well, but not quick.

[CSW]

Okay gents. I did some testing and here are my opinions:

1. Snub revolver sights can be variable for elevation depending on the power and weight of the cartridge. “One size fits none” come to mind since ammunition can be quite variable.

2. Three flat across assumes that the ammunition will hit to that elevation at that distance. Which is a big assumption.

3. I just tested in darkness with this sight and it turns out it’s appropriate if you use it “properly.” It’s only a single tritium… which means if the full tritium is up in the notch it looks the same as it would out of the notch….

Behold.

87071

Full tritium visible.

But whoops!

87072

Wasn’t in the notch.

Looks the same as this…

87074

Which is in the notch…

87075

But with motion if I can see the tritium partially shield from below and / or shield from the sides, I know I’m actually on target. So I’m not looking to see the whole tritium… because then I can’t tell it from being out of the notch in very low light.

Check this out. With the tritium just peeking into the notch at 10 yards aiming at the head and with a green Wheeler laser on the muzzle…

87076

Well done.

[JCN]

I agree, which is why I don't carry one of these guns (small frame 2" 5-6 shot). My carry gun is a 386 NG with an adjustable rear sight. The factory 'no snag' rear was as JCN said, "One size fits none." The sights on the 386 are now regulated to the ammo I carry.


I doubt I could name a better revolver setup than this one.

Dave, nice! Would you post a picture of your night guard? I love those guns.

I have an N frame set up for playing around, cut for 9mm moons.

87086

87087

What I did on some of my J frame type things with non adjustable sights was either mark the front, file it down or pick ammo that shoots to POA.

Or use one of the Big Dot glue on sights.

87088

87089

87090

[BN]

I tried shooting with the tritium dot. Using the top of the iron front sight had me hitting the center of the down zero of an IDPA target at 7 yards. Raising the front sight until I could see the tritium dot had me hitting the head of the IDPA target at 7 yards. I wish they had put the tritium dot at the top of the sight like they should have.

My 856 Ultra-Lite came yesterday. It's broke. :( The cylinder binds on a couple of chambers. It's now headed back to Taurus for repair and they are paying for shipping.

[kwb377]

My 856 Ultra-Lite came yesterday. It's broke. :( The cylinder binds on a couple of chambers. It's now headed back to Taurus for repair and they are paying for shipping.

Keep us updated...I'm curious as to their turnaround time before I decide to dive into the Taurus pool (again).

[BN]

Keep us updated...I'm curious as to their turnaround time before I decide to dive into the Taurus pool (again).

They said to allow up to 4 weeks for repair. I think the ejector star has a bad spot that didn't allow the hand to move the cylinder enough. I checked barrel/cylinder gap and headspace and they were within limits. No end shake. I'm anxious to get it back to see how it does.

[BN]

The place I got my Ultra-Lite had 11 when I ordered a few days ago and now they only have 5. Are you guys snapping them up? )

[kwb377]

They said to allow up to 4 weeks for repair.

About a year or so, I bought a G3 (I have no idea why), and it wouldn't feed @ 30% of the rounds (FMJ or JHP) from any of the four magazines I had for it (feedramp issue). At the time, word on the Taurus forum was that turnaround was @ 6 months. I sold it for a loss, disclosing the issue to the buyer.

I've been eyeing the 85/856/605 models, but hesitant due to the bad taste of the G3. I've had mid 80's - early 90's 66/669/85's in the past and they were flawless performing tack drivers.

[OlongJohnson]

My 856 Ultra-Lite came yesterday. It's broke. :( The cylinder binds on a couple of chambers. It's now headed back to Taurus for repair and they are paying for shipping.

Having fitted a few binding ratchet teeth on my M&P 340, I would view that as an opportunity to get it right myself, rather than letting them f it up again.

[BN]

Having fitted a few binding ratchet teeth on my M&P 340, I would view that as an opportunity to get it right myself, rather than letting them f it up again.

I decided that since they are paying for shipping, I would give them one chance to fix it.

Here are pictures of the black Ultra-Lite that doesn't work, compared to my "stainless" that has about 750 rounds through it. Cell phone pics.

87176871778717887179

[SSGN_Doc]

87406

Old and new.

[Whirlwind06]

Picking up a 3-inch model today or tomorrow.
Now to find a holster.

[Noah]

Picking up a 3-inch model today or tomorrow.
Now to find a holster.


Will it fit in any K frame holsters?

[CSW]

Will it fit in any K frame holsters?

In a nutshell, no.
It's been discussed within this thread.
An SP101 holster is loose.
J Frame's are too tight.
A Colt D frame holster is said to work, but I cannot confirm

[JWintergreen]

In a nutshell, no.
It's been discussed within this thread.
An SP101 holster is loose.
J Frame's are too tight.
A Colt D frame holster is said to work, but I cannot confirm

SPs and snubby D frames use the same holsters. The 856 frame is just slightly shorter (in length) than other D frame sized revolvers and that makes it a special snowflake. Hopefully, the market will catch up soon. I feel for anyone on the hunt right now.

[CSW]

I bought a brand new SP holster, and NG.
It was swimming in it.
PF member defilade made me one that rocks.

[JCN]

SPs and snubby D frames use the same holsters. The 856 frame is just slightly shorter (in length) than other D frame sized revolvers and that makes it a special snowflake. Hopefully, the market will catch up soon. I feel for anyone on the hunt right now.

J frame kydex + heat gun and foam pad to mold it and it’s easy to make one.

[JWintergreen]

J frame kydex + heat gun and foam pad to mold it and it’s easy to make one.

Perhaps, but there are not many non-custom leather options for people that want real holsters.

87843

[Whirlwind06]

I ordered a holster from The Holster Store for a Kimber K6 3-inch, it wasn't crazy expensive. I should have it a in a few days.
I have bought a number of holsters from this place over the years. Decent leather holsters for the price.

I have a Ruger LCR with a frame mounted laser and they were one of the few places I found that had that as an option.

I ran about 60 rounds though my 856 yesterday, seems to like my 148 grain reloads. Sights were right on with that load.

With my Rugers and S&W at this point I would be think that it's good to go, but I'll run another 100-150 rounds though it just to be sure.

[BN]

My 856 Ultra-Lite came yesterday. It's broke. :( The cylinder binds on a couple of chambers. It's now headed back to Taurus for repair and they are paying for shipping.

It's back. A little over 3 weeks. They originally reported no problem after firing 12 test rounds. I told them to try again and they fired 50 rounds of Federal 158 LRN and said no problem. It works now but it still has a little catch some times. I have a loupe ordered and I'm going to touch up the star. I think they just fired it enough to knock off the high spots on the star. Over all, these still seem like a reasonably good deal compared to revolvers from the big companies. Most on this thread are not reporting big problems.

Now waiting on the return of my 22 LR LCR that has sticky extraction.

[Buckeye63]

SPs and snubby D frames use the same holsters. The 856 frame is just slightly shorter (in length) than other D frame sized revolvers and that makes it a special snowflake. Hopefully, the market will catch up soon. I feel for anyone on the hunt right now.

For my 856UL I use same leather holsters I use with my LCR’s and Charter Bulldog framed revolvers

[Moylan]

Most on this thread are not reporting big problems.

FWIW, mine's out of time. I don't know if it came that way or got that way through the little bit of shooting and dry fire I've done. I didn't know to test for failure to carry up when I bought it. Currently, one charge hole will fail to lock when I thumb- or trigger- cock very slowly. Two additional charge holes will fail to lock if I drag my thumb on the cylinder while cocking.

[Ndbbm]

jetfire posted a video about an 856 executive grade, https://youtu.be/0F5CbVBzcyQ.

Jason

[Dave T]

I've watched a couple of YouTube videos about this new Executive Grade 856. Each one warned they will be hard to get. Well ain't that just peachy. Everything is hard to get these days and they tell us these are going to be harder to get than other stuff. Why not just say we came up with this new variation but you can't have one. Good grief!

Dave

[SSGN_Doc]

Pics of the internals compared to the older early 1990s 85. For anyone interested.

https://i.ibb.co/vBYgZkj/121-B9-AAD-DF96-42-B8-88-AB-6-BED281-E6-E64.jpg (https://ibb.co/ZJmtWxM)
https://i.ibb.co/98y52p7/F0-D3-B6-C2-DAC6-45-E4-B1-F8-485-B8-B4-F549-D.jpg (https://ibb.co/3rSZWTn)

[jeep45238]

I've watched a couple of YouTube videos about this new Executive Grade 856. Each one warned they will be hard to get. Well ain't that just peachy. Everything is hard to get these days and they tell us these are going to be harder to get than other stuff. Why not just say we came up with this new variation but you can't have one. Good grief!

Dave

While true, Brownells currently has a pre-order for them.

https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/revolver/taurus-856-executive-38-spl-3--prod146341.aspx

Price was better than I thought it would be, and the Ameriglo front sight is $30 from Taurus. Should make for a pretty handy setup, running K frame comp-2's.

[Hizzie]

Anyone regret picking up one these new 856’s?

[OlongJohnson]

While true, Brownells currently has a pre-order for them.

https://www.brownells.com/firearms/handguns/revolver/taurus-856-executive-38-spl-3--prod146341.aspx

Price was better than I thought it would be, and the Ameriglo front sight is $30 from Taurus. Should make for a pretty handy setup, running K frame comp-2's.

I've seen a bunch on GB for $400.

[CSW]

Anyone regret picking up one these new 856’s?

Nope.
It's folded into the dependable, reliable catagory.

[Moylan]

Anyone regret picking up one these new 856’s?
Yes. Mine was out of time. I'm not an experienced revolver guy and didn't know to check carry up before I bought it. Stuck between trying to deal with Taurus's CS and selling at a significant loss (obviously, with full disclosure of the issue), I sold at a significant loss. Before buying this latest Taurus I had decided years ago never to buy Taurus. I went back on that because the 856 was such a great idea. Found, however, that my previous judgment had in fact been the correct one. At least for me. I'm very glad others are having different results.

[lee n. field]

Anyone regret picking up one these new 856’s?

not yet

[OlongJohnson]

I've seen a bunch on GB for $400.

Figure I should add: I've read that many of the dealers selling multiples on GB of anything will buy a bunch from the distributor, inspect them all, and then put the ones they find are less nice on GB, saving the "good ones" for their local brick and mortar customers.

I recalled that specifically when contemplating buying one off GB, so figured I'd share it for others to do the same.

[defilade]

Mine has been very reliable. Not as refined as a Smith & Wesson, but for the price point very good. I haven’t babied it and it’s still running great. I’m not sure of the round count off the top of my head, but it’s getting close to around 1000 rounds or so.

I did check the carry up when I pull the trigger slow and it’s a little off, but it has always functioned flawlessly for me on the range and dry fire. Once it locked up, it locks up tight.

I do wish I would have bought the 3” instead of the 2” but that’s what they had at the store. I was mainly looking for something more pleasant to shoot than my 442 so I bought the steel model. Once I made a holster, it pretty much became my primary carry gun.

Wade

[Hizzie]

Ordered the Talo edition 856 Defender. The bobbed hammer was the deciding factor over the other versions. After purchase and all fees it’ll cost me considerably less than the Executive.

90228

[Half Moon]

Handled one at a regional box store last weekend. Lock up seemed a little loose. Probably within my comfort level for a used revolver but more than expected for a new one. Is this typical to the design or an outlier?

[OlongJohnson]

If Taurus is anything like S&W, the final ratchet fitting is done by hand, which makes the outcome (tightness of lockup) completely random.

[willie]

Now that Taurus has improved quality, has anyone dealt with their customer service? I wonder if they pay the freight both ways and have a reasonable turn around time. I do hope they continue to sell a better product. At my lgs I've examined a few of these. They have a very heavy mainspring giving a heavy double action pull. I noticed that a couple had timing issues, but exerting enough force to shoot double action caused the cylinder to turn fast enough to lock up. Hence, Taurus folks might claim that these particular revolvers are within specs. At my shop, none of the young workers has ever owned a revolver. My revolver comments fall on deaf ears and bore the listeners.

[OlongJohnson]

At my shop, none of the young workers has ever owned a revolver. My revolver comments fall on deaf ears and bore the listeners.

You can use my avatar if you want.

[lee n. field]

Ordered the Talo edition 856 Defender. The bobbed hammer was the deciding factor over the other versions. After purchase and all fees it’ll cost me considerably less than the Executive.

90228


How did you find that? I looked on Talo's website, could find nothing at all for Taurus.

[Hizzie]

Saw a pic and tracked it down. Here’s the designation:

90233

[DrkBlue]

Saw a pic and tracked it down. Here’s the designation:

90233

So color me intrigued.
I probably shouldn’t be so impressed by the color scheme, but looks serious.

A quick search found this - https://handguncloud.com/gun/taurus-856-ch-talo-edition

[Hizzie]

So far I've fired 100 rds thru my 856. No issues with it. When I got it home I cleaned the internals and examined it. The internal finish was as good or better than my recent manufacture S&W's. After lubing it and some dry fire I checked the trigger pull. Double action was off the reading of my Lyman digital gauge and single action was around 6.5 lbs. I changed the mainspring and rebound spring with a set from Galloway Precision, which has given it a 7.3 Double action and a 4.1 Single action pull average over 10 trigger pulls in each mode. I think that will get better with dry fire as parts wear in. I've tried my Comp 2 speedloaders, which work but do bind. I then tried HKS DS loaders for the Detective Special which seem to work the best. Metal CD holders work well as do Split 6 holders. I'm carrying Buffalo Bore 158 LSWCHP +p which hit closest to POA/POI but are still a bit high. More manageable than when fired in an Airweight though. I ordered a JMCK AIWB Holster for a 3 inch J Frame. I loosened the screws and warmed the holster with a heat gun (Just Warmed NOT Softened) I put the gun in the holster and tightened the screws a bit, once cooled I adjusted the screws for final fit and it works fine. Should you choose to do this, you do so at your own risk. And I do not hold Tony responsible for any issues with the holster, as I have chosen to alter it. (I don't expect there will be any). I have s set of Eagle Secret Service Boot Grips on order. Hope this helps anyone who's looking for gear for their 856.

72475

How’s this holding up for you? How tight was it to begin with?

[MDFA]

How’s this holding up for you? How tight was it to begin with?
Holding up fine. The shape wasn't quite right for a correct fit and needed that slight alteration.

[jh9]

If Taurus is anything like S&W, the final ratchet fitting is done by hand, which makes the outcome (tightness of lockup) completely random.

That's still true for the 7-shot L-frames. And it very much shows. Comparing hand fit 7-shot extractors from when the 686+ was a new thing to anything recent is night-and-day.

The standard 6 shot K/L/N frame "square" extractors (w/o pins) have not been a fitted part since sometime in the 90s, IIRC. 1992, maybe.

The 8-shot N-frames I don't know. I don't think so. All that I've looked at were done way too evenly to have been done by hand.

[Dave T]

After something like 47 pages of this I finally stopped by a local gun shop and wouldn't you know they had one of the frosted stainless 3" versions of the 856 with the Americal (sp?) front sight, and it was used so the price was pretty reasonable.

I asked the guy behind the counter if I could look at it and he said sure. When he handed it to me (cylinder closed - grumble, snarl) I checked that it was clear, then asked if I could dry fire it. Again he said sure. First try aimed at the floor went click. Second try went click. Third try went...well there's the rub. It didn't click until multiple tries. The hammer was stucking about half way back. It finally snapped so I tried again (#4) and it went click. Fifth try was another lock up. After multiple attempts at pulling then releasing the trigger it finally went snap. The final chamber did in fact go snap on the first attempt.

I set the gun back on the counter and asked if the failures to function might have something to do with it being in the used case. The talkative young man with the name tag just shrugged his shoulders. I thanked him for his time, thinking the 856 wasn't going to solve any problems for me. Besides the trigger was way too skinny and close for my hand size, even with the rubber stocks that covered the back strap.

Guess if I want a D-frame sized 38+P I'd have to buy the Colt at three times the asking price of that 856. The Cobra doesn't come with a 3" barrel (my preference) but the two I looked at before went "click" with every pull of the trigger. Such is life!

Dave

[willie]

After something like 47 pages of this I finally stopped by a local gun shop and wouldn't you know they had one of the frosted stainless 3" versions of the 856 with the Americal (sp?) front sight, and it was used so the price was pretty reasonable.

I asked the guy behind the counter if I could look at it and he said sure. When he handed it to me (cylinder closed - grumble, snarl) I checked that it was clear, then asked if I could dry fire it. Again he said sure. First try aimed at the floor went click. Second try went click. Third try went...well there's the rub. It didn't click until multiple tries. The hammer was stucking about half way back. It finally snapped so I tried again (#4) and it went click. Fifth try was another lock up. After multiple attempts at pulling then releasing the trigger it finally went snap. The final chamber did in fact go snap on the first attempt.

I set the gun back on the counter and asked if the failures to function might have something to do with it being in the used case. The talkative young man with the name tag just shrugged his shoulders. I thanked him for his time, thinking the 856 wasn't going to solve any problems for me. Besides the trigger was way too skinny and close for my hand size, even with the rubber stocks that covered the back strap.

Guess if I want a D-frame sized 38+P I'd have to buy the Colt at three times the asking price of that 856. The Cobra doesn't come with a 3" barrel (my preference) but the two I looked at before went "click" with every pull of the trigger. Such is life!

Dave

The hand may have been slipping over(by moving backwards)one of the ratchets, and this hand position then caused the problem you discovered. My guess is that the dealer was unaware of the issue. Another guess is that it was an out of the box issue.

[Dave T]

The hand may have been slipping over(by moving backwards)one of the ratchets, and this hand position then caused the problem you discovered. My guess is that the dealer was unaware of the issue. Another guess is that it was an out of the box issue.

As a used gun I would have thought they would have been aware before they took it in. The talkative (snark) young man behind the counter provided no further information, which made me suspect they knew about it and hoped some prospective buyer wouldn't notice.

Anyway, any interest I might have had in the 856 is dead and my chances of being a customer in that store again are about as bad.

Dave

[jeep45238]

As a used gun I would have thought they would have been aware before they took it in. The talkative (snark) young man behind the counter provided no further information, which made me suspect they knew about it and hoped some prospective buyer wouldn't notice.

Anyway, any interest I might have had in the 856 is dead and my chances of being a customer in that store again are about as bad.

Dave

The range I used to work at did this for used guns - fire 2 rounds, put a tag on it, put it in the log book, put it up for sale. No cleaning, lubrication, or inspection. I asked about a Smith 43c a year or two before working there, and it went something like
"You mean a Glock 43?"
No, a Smith 43c, 22LR J Frame.
"Well, I only shoot and like Glocks"
You won't go far with that attitude, you might want to expand your horizons.



That said, I mess with one a year ago in the case, and was surprised compared to what my expectations were. I grabbed one of the executive grade models for the 3" barrel and the (hopeful) improved quality control from their dedicated build area.

I shot 250 rounds in the first session, straight from the box (no checking of screws, lubrication, etc.). One high primer that I caught before loading, would have dead-lined the gun if it was forced (same with any revolver).
All side plate screws were loose when I got home, the front was barely in the frame (got lucky it didn’t fall out at the range).
Trigger has smoothed surprisingly well after a basic lubrication (modern MIM components). The whole gun is extremely tight, and all cylinders/forcing cone fits a 0.005” feeler gauge but not a 0.006”.
Impressive carrying case (Pelican vault)
The grips are garbage to shoot with, and the gun rocks back and slips deeper into my hand every shot. I put Pachy wood grips on it wrapped in hockey tape to address that concern.
A Galloway spring kit brough the DAO pull from a smooth 10lb 14oz pull to 8lb 8oz pull, 6 shot average for both.
The front sight could stand to be a little thinner, which I'm probably going to address with a file. I did nail polish (yellow) on the top 1/2 or so of the ramp for high-vis instead of buying a new front sight.


The price of the gun could be dropped a fair amount if the usual Taurus box would be used, and grips meant for shooting vs presentation were used as well. That said, I still don't regret buying the gun.

[BN]

9057590576

I have a hard time seeing the ramp sights on most compact revolvers, so I replaced the front sight on my 2" 856 with a patridge sight for a S&W. The Taurus sight is .117" wide and the S&W sight is .125" wide, so I filed the tenon down a little so it would fit. I had to drill the new sight, but that wasn't hard. I cut serrations on the face of the new sight to make it more visible. I ordered the new sight the same height as the original Taurus sight.

[willie]

I examined a new stainless Taurus with a 3 inch barrel. Sitting in my chair at the lgs, I spent 20 minutes trying to find something wrong with this damned Taurus. I failed. It was perfect in every respect including a beautiful bore. I would buy this one.

[Hizzie]

Picked mine up today. Lockup is good. Trigger was way better than expected. Lighter and smoother than the last new J I tried. Finish is clean and well applied. Minimal tool marks. No shooting today because the ankle was already past it’s limit.

[CSW]

My trigger was good out of the box as well, but with the Galloway spring kit, it feels like it's had a trigger job.

[Hizzie]

My trigger was good out of the box as well, but with the Galloway spring kit, it feels like it's had a trigger job.

Not sure it’ll have enough oomph with the bobbed hammer version.

Teaser pic.
p/CfeVJF6LUbH

[jeep45238]

My trigger was good out of the box as well, but with the Galloway spring kit, it feels like it's had a trigger job.

Same.

[Hizzie]

Some pics to go with my initial thoughts.

p/CfjiegJrDeQ

[Flamingo]

I have to say that the 856 executive (https://www.taurususa.com/executivegrade) seems like a lot of revolver for $650ish.

[tlong17]

I have to say that the 856 executive (https://www.taurususa.com/executivegrade) seems like a lot of revolver for $650ish.

Have one on the way....excited to see what it's all about.

[awp_101]

So with all the new Taurus love, is anyone willing to take a chance on a 2022 production Raging “fill in the blank”?

[sharps54]

So with all the new Taurus love, is anyone willing to take a chance on a 2022 production Raging “fill in the blank”?

It looks like the Raging Hunter series are also newer products, they don’t appear to have the safety on the hammer, so they may be worth researching. If you get one I look forward to your observations and reports.

[jeep45238]

So with all the new Taurus love, is anyone willing to take a chance on a 2022 production Raging “fill in the blank”?

I won't be, but mostly because I have no need for anything in that genres. I'd be far more excited about more 3" barreled LCR offerings with adjustable rear sights to be completely frank.

[jeep45238]

Update - during dry fire the gun started to lock up intermittently. The 856 by design locks up when you short-stroke the trigger, which I thought was what the cause was initially. This was not the case, as the trigger could be pulled about half way before it stopped. Upon closer inspection, the ejector rod was barely screwed in, meaning the bolt wasn't getting full spring pressure from the center pin with the cylinder closed.

This provided a chance to do a detail strip as well, which revealed a powder flake on the head of the hammer strut where it interfaces with the hammer (similar to a Beretta 92 in this regard). All else was as it should be inside the revolver.

In summary so far - put threadlocker on the side plate screws (if only one, the crane screw), and carry a proper screwdriver kit with you to the range, periodically check your ejector rod tightness as well.

[willie]

S&W ejector rods will also unscrew making opening or removing the cylinder difficult. Extreme cases require using a thin blade to push back the lug under the barrel that locks into the rod. Feeler gage works well if ground to reduce width. Here you're dealing with left hand threads. Not relevant but I'm including thread info.

[Ndbbm]

jetfire just posted a video on Instagram where he had the ejector rod unscrew at a match on a S&W 317. Anyone played with one of the executive versions yet?

Jason

[jeep45238]

jetfire just posted a video on Instagram where he had the ejector rod unscrew at a match on a S&W 317. Anyone played with one of the executive versions yet?

Jason

Yup. Outside of screws and the ejector rod all coming unscrewed, it's been a good gun (which really, are known maintenance items). The galloway precision spring kit transforms the gun in a positive way and is a direct swap. The grips that come with the executive I've found to not be conductive at all to shooting. It is possible to swap the front sight with an Ameriglo option for pretty cheap.


If you don't value the dedicated build room setup, I'd honestly purchase a 3" model with the hi-vis front sight and get grips of your choice and a spring kit and save some cash. I spent the premium because it isn't a newer Ruger revolver and wanted to minimize potential problems with the gun out of the box.

[Hizzie]

Took the Talo 856 to the range today. I ended up firing off 50 rounds of WWB 130gr, 40 rounds of Federal PD 110gr and 60 rounds of Federal 38G 158gr +P. Shoots straight windage wise. Elevation wise it shot closest to POA with FBI loads. Not a fan of the “ribbed for her pleasure” grips at all. By the end my grip strength was completely shot. The gun got so hot I had to wear gloves. No malfunctions or failures. I’ll dive into the gun later and check screws.

[jeep45238]

Took the Talo 856 to the range today. I ended up firing off 50 rounds of WWB 130gr, 40 rounds of Federal PD 110gr and 60 rounds of Federal 38G 158gr +P. Shoots straight windage wise. Elevation wise it shot closest to POA with FBI loads. Not a fan of the “ribbed for her pleasure” grips at all. By the end my grip strength was completely shot. The gun got so hot I had to wear gloves. No malfunctions or failures. I’ll dive into the gun later and check screws.

Have you found any speed loaders that work with those grips?

[Hizzie]

Have you found any speed loaders that work with those grips?

I haven’t tried anything beyond speed strips. Theses grips gotta go anyway.

[tlong17]

Was able to pick up the Executive Grade 856 today. I'm not a revolver expert by any means. The trigger felt great. Very smooth, straight through action. My comparisons are '21 production Cobras/Pythons, LCRs, and SP101/GP100 with trigger work. I find it better than any of these. I realize none of these are exactly the prime example of revolver triggers. Once I can get a weight gauge on it I'll report back.

It has good fit and finish. There is a bit of space between the frame and the Altamont grips. The chamfered cylinder chambers are a nice touch and the alignment pins under the extractor star are nice also. I wasn't able to measure it, but the cylinder had very minimal endshake. Less than any revolver I've handled, maybe similar to the Python. Again I'm no revolver collector and can't measure it up against anything considered priceless.

I couldn't wait to shoot it so bought a box of Fiocchi 130 grain range fodder that was on the shelf and shot it all. Sights were right on!

Extraction was clean and positive everytime. I actually really like the grips after shooting it.

All in all, I really like it so far. Once I get some time I'll put some gold dots and other loads through it to see what I get. And post pictures.

[Hizzie]

Definitely check and possibly loctite your cylinder release screw and crane screw. My crane screw was loose upon purchase but didn’t back out during firing. The cylinder release screw was loose initially and I tightened it prior to shooting. It did loosen back up considerably. After cleaning/inspection today I degreased the screw and threads of the bolt. Loctite was applied to the screw before reassembly.

Pachmayr grips ordered to replace the factory VZ.

[RevolverRob]

They are so close with this gun. A dehorned adjustable rear sight, because not all .38s are created equal.

VZ needs to get with the program in 2022 - Finger Grooves suck (even Glock has dumped them!) and proper relief for all speed loaders (I really don't understand why that is a problem, when speed loaders have existed for ~120 years).

BUT personally, I'm thinking an 856 Defender with an Allchin RMR mount...The question is - how close are the top strap dimensions of the 856 to a J-Frame, K-Frame, or Ruger? Hizzie

https://allchingunparts.com/smith-wesson-revolver-micro-dots-scope-mount

[Hizzie]

Wrote two pieces for P&S.

Range report:
https://primaryandsecondary.com/range-report-taurus-856-talo/

Size comparison:
https://primaryandsecondary.com/taurus-856-size-comparison/

[jeep45238]

They are so close with this gun. A dehorned adjustable rear sight, because not all .38s are created equal.

VZ needs to get with the program in 2022 - Finger Grooves suck (even Glock has dumped them!) and proper relief for all speed loaders (I really don't understand why that is a problem, when speed loaders have existed for ~120 years).

BUT personally, I'm thinking an 856 Defender with an Allchin RMR mount...The question is - how close are the top strap dimensions of the 856 to a J-Frame, K-Frame, or Ruger? Hizzie

https://allchingunparts.com/smith-wesson-revolver-micro-dots-scope-mount

If they could include grips that go up to the top of the frame, are of moderate circumference, aren't tacky rubber, lack finger grooves, and don't cause severe pain or fatigue when shooting out of the box, it would be so close to being there.

The rear sight you're describing would be a blessing for a gun this size.

[CSW]

The rear sight you're describing would be a blessing for a gun this size.

I would love to be able to machine the rear sight area and have a real fixed sight installed.
The black frame has a decent sight picture, but it could be better.
With the stainless gun, it's got to be a difficult picture with the silverish color.

[jandbj]

I would love to be able to machine the rear sight area and have a real fixed sight installed.
The black frame has a decent sight picture, but it could be better.
With the stainless gun, it's got to be a difficult picture with the silverish color.

Novak uses their LMR01 on their LCR package…

http://novaksinc.com/lcr-revolver.html

On the stainless ones, I use a sharpie to blacken the rear face and inside of the notch.