Taurus® Defender 856 38 SPECIAL +P

[SCCY Marshal]

Another 24 down the barrel.

130 + 24 = 154 total rounds.

Used HeadHunter's 3x3x3 at kinda-sorta level four. Stood four yards out because I paced that many and used a B-27 ten ring. Single shots run as a ball and dummy drill until three live rounds had gone off, three doubles, and three triples. Then my youngest kept a full cylinder on a landscape sheet of printer paper from four yards doing single shot presentations. Ammo used were two different 158 grain cast bullet handloads and Winchester White Box 130 grain flat point FMJ.

[MDFA]

Seriously considering a 3 inch 856 if I don't have better luck in snagging a 3 inch Smith. Will these accept a K frame RB grip ? Any other info on support gear? I see some are using Comp 2 loaders, and the Taurus site has HKS 10A listed. I think my Galco Holsters and possibly my JMCK AIWB will work. Thanks in advance.

[CSW]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000C1CLM...90FTF8XXJ5G8S3

This is a link to what I have found for a speed loader.
I just purchased one.
It's not the Ultra-lite model, but instead the steel version with the black finish.
Seems like a robust little revolver.
Taurus offers several different types of grips on their website.
The gun came with the hogue grips installed, but also came with a set of small rubber grips in the box, as well as a black ramped front sight to replace the Ameriglo front nite sight that comes installed. The orange sight really pops.
I plan on going to shoot it this weekend.

I purchased staggered speed strips for it rather than the speed loader.
One thought that I was considering was to send the cylinder out somewhere to have it accept full moon clips. That would be slick.
I picked it up for 325.
Have not yet looked for a holster, but have heard that anything that will fit a Colt dick special will fit this.
It fits perfectly into my DeSantis Nemesis.

[vaglocker]

My 2 inch stainless 856 has been a pleasant surprise. I guess I should buy a lottery ticket because Taurus is the only revolver brand that I've never had an issue with. I've had lemons from every brand except Taurus. I've been on the look out for the ultra lite bobbed hammer 2 inch as a carry option but so far no luck.

[MDFA]

Well I'm joining the tribe. I just ordered a 3 inch Matt Stainless 856. We need to make this an enablers thread with info regarding support gear etc.

[CSW]

Hit the range today with the 856.
Fifty 148 grain wadcutters, double action to 15 yards, on a dirty bird B8.
It appears that the 148 hits about 1" high poa at that distance.
Recoil was minimal, and I have changed out the Hogues for the Taurus rubber boot style grip.
Double action trigger is Very heavy... Gotta be 12-15 pounds, but also very stageable before ignition.
I did not shoot it SA, as I wanted to get a feel for the double action.
It's a bit gritty as well, but I believe that a reduced power mainspring would bring the trigger pull down..... Also really think that it'll smooth out over time. The orange sight really pops and is very easy to acquire.
The pistol is not rough by any means, but surely not a Smith.
Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the 856, now if I can find a good holster for it...... 🤔

[SCCY Marshal]

...Will these accept a K frame RB grip ? Any other info on support gear?

No on the K-frame. Yes on most Taurus model 85 stocks. Speedloaders I've found to work so far: HKS DS-A, HKS 10-A (not quite as well fit as the DS-A but work fine), Safariland Comp II for a K-frame.

[CSW]

Also, as an FYI...
DON'T waste your money on the holster Taurus is offering.
Cheap at best, and does not really fit as well as it should.
Clip is cheap, but may be salvaged with the dcc mono clip.

[TheNewbie]

Also, as an FYI...
DON'T waste your money on the holster Taurus is offering.
Cheap at best, and does not really fit as well as it should.
Clip is cheap, but may be salvaged with the dcc mono clip.

Here is an option.


https://www.shoptaurus.com/holsters/...3-tan-rh-cm318

[CSW]

Here is an option.


https://www.shoptaurus.com/holsters/...3-tan-rh-cm318

I saw that, unfortunately, I'm lefty.