Matte Black 2" Taurus 856 .38spc

[GBExpat]

Just a quick post to share some observations ...

A month, or so, ago a Rural King email ad arrived listing a $259 special on these. I could not resist.

3 weeks later, after their camel caravan from Mattoon, IL delivered it to the Front Royal store (~40mi from me), I took an early-morning trip into the beautiful Blue Ridge and picked up my new pistol along with some well-priced critter food and other things. I really like that store & the folks working there ... but I digress.

I am delighted with this little revolver. It exhibits a level of fit&finish that I did not expect. Much better than I expected. O'course, my only other experience with this "grade" of small revolver has been 2 NIB 2014-purchased Charter Arms Bulldogs, so ...

I popped the side plate to smooth the trigger action (a bit of stoning + tiny amount of quality grease lightly applied) and was happy to see how well-designed it appears to be.





I added the front sight paint (fluorescent orange on a matte white fingernail polish base) and the 2 sets of "Chicago"s to tighten-up the Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. It also fits well in the Bianchi pancake holster that I sometimes use to carry a Bulldog.

In case there are those here that have been considering getting one of these but are hesitating because of quality concerns ... I think that you might be equally & nicely surprised. If you see one at your LGS, take a moment to check it out.

 

[Barry the Bear]

they're serviceable guns for sure, there are some things though that make you notice you are getting less than a Smith or Ruger including:

Fit and Finish (the frame above the grips is notorious for rusting easily. The finish is not the most durable, and cylinder play is more pronounced, not dangerous but more "slop" then Smith.
Trigger Pull, the trigger pull was atrocious on the 6 I've had since 2014 including a 605 I have bought in June. This can be rectified by installing a spring kit from galloway. Last I heard Galloway spring kits will soon come installed on Taurus revolvers from the factory. This gives it a smoothness near a Smith trigger.

 

[GBExpat]

... Trigger Pull, the trigger pull was atrocious on the 6 I've had since 2014 including a 605 I have bought in June. This can be rectified by installing a spring kit from galloway. ...

I got mine from Wolff.

 

[Barry the Bear]

I got mine from Wolff.

I saw those as well, I read more about light primer strikes then with galloway, so I went with them, I have tested 5 different brands with no light strikes but we will see if anything develops.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I am quite pleased with my early '00 vintage blued 605 .357 Mag and Ti 445 .44 Special.

The key with Taurus is doing a complete revolver checkout on the EXACT gun you are purchasing. The next one down the production line could be excellent or a complete dog.

 

[jstert]

$259 for a new taurus 856 is a total steal these days. my used, $200, five shot, little brother, taurus 85 is faultlessly reliable, smooth and accurate. the only problem is finding reasonably priced 38sp ammo now, its supply is clearly lagging 9mm.

i am convinced that most gun-newby, civilian, suburbanites who desperately shopped for a one and done, centerfire, defensive handgun in the past 18 months should have a 38sp steel taurus revolver rather than a 9mm polymer wonder blaster.

 

[ThomasT]

Nice to here about the 856. I have been looking at those for several months and recommended them to another poster here who is on a tight budget. I have owned at least 5 model 85 Taurus guns and everyone of them was a great example of a fine pocket gun. I wish I had kept them especially the last one I owned.

A range report with target pictures would be nice.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I’ve got an 856 Stainless/stainless that I reported on here earlier.
It’s clearly the superior revolver to the last several Smiths I’ve acquired (mostly won in matches).
It’s one of only two (other a Mod 642 Smith I won) that doesn’t need trigger/action work AND shoots POI/POA .
ONLY draw back is that it’s HEAVY for a 2” compact revolver.
But that makes it a delightful shooter. Ridiculously accurate with a 148gr DEWC over 3gr of HP38.
I would recommend the brushed Aluminum/Stainless version for EDC. Besides, Academy Sports has them for $299.

 

[Tallball]

The one I handled was excellent. I would like to have a 3" model.

 

[lee n. field]

The one I handled was excellent. I would like to have a 3" model.

I have the 3" 856. It's like an old cop revolver, but "petite". Too big, too heavy for pocket carry, but petite.

I do contemplate getting the 2" version. Not that I need another snubby.

 

[BlueHeelerFl]

I would like to get one of the 3" models. The steel versions feel like a solid revolver. I have yet to see an ultra light model