Possible New Revolver For Me

[Good Ol' Boy]

Got a gift card to a LGS for Christmas and don't have a ton of extra money.

Background: I do have a HRR and do not have a DA revolver.

The two guns I'm looking at are a Ruger Wrangler and a Taurus 856 3".

I have been happy with my HRR and obviously .22lr I have plenty of. The Wrangler looks nice and I have read nothing but good things about it. However do I really need another SA .22 revolver being that I'm happy with the HRR I already have?

The Taurus is in .38 of which I have no ammo and don't have the money to invest in a stockpile right now. I also do not have a DA revolver. My personal experience with Taurus has mainly been semi's and unimpressive. I have shot a couple of Taurus revolvers that a buddy has that seemed very solid. I very much want a DA revolver.


Given the above what would you do?



ETA- I went to said LGS today with the intention of checking both out but 20min after we got there the power went out due to the wheather so it'll be next weekend before I get to handle either.

 

[adcoch1]

Look the Taurus over closely. Some are awesome, some not so much. 38 spcl is a lot more gun than a 22, but if you reload, it isn't very expensive to shoot. Off the shelf ammo for 38 has gotten crazy expensive recently though.
The wrangler on the other hand, is a nice affordable 22 made to a price point. They aren't perfect, but perfect for a cheap 22. I love mine.

I'd probably buy the Taurus if it checks out...

 

[troy fairweather]

I'd go for the ruger, but get what you want, handle them and see what you like better. Have been seeing 38s around at some shops for reasonable prices for these days but you can shoot a lot of 22 for the 38s price.

Maybe get or if you have the mag cylinder for your heritage you can leave it to shoot mags and the ruger for 22lr.

 

[tubeshooter]

Given what has been said, I think I would try the Taurus.
With the full understanding they are both considered budget options...


Neither gun is particularly hard to obtain.
Seems like Wranglers are everywhere, in fact...

 

[WestKentucky]

When looking at revolvers built to a price point you really can’t go wrong with the things mentioned so far. The heritage guns are solid. The wranglers should be but like most fairly new things there seems to be a few lemons out getting the squeeze. In a couple more years the lemon stories will likely dry up as the happy camper stories become more prevalent.

on DA revolvers built to a price point. There are 2 that you may run across. Taurus and Charter. I have owned both and have worked on both. I will not own another charter. I also will not sell my current charter because I finally have the bugs worked out of it. The Taurus is going to be a few dollars higher… very few… but it’s money well spent. They are a more refined action, and just flat out work. I have never seen a Taurus that was actually damaged internally without being abused significantly. The charter I have has had several small parts replaced that should never have worn out. As for the 856, it’s ever so slightly larger than a J frame but not quite K frame size. 3” seems very very fitting for the frame size, and 38 is a very appropriate chambering for a gun of that size and weight. I can’t imagine the cheaper 856 guns being fine target shooters but they will be a fine fighting gun should that be a role you may need to use it in.

If I were to be buying a 38 these days, I would likely be looking at a 856. They just don’t make the concoction I like yet. Give me an Executive but keep the hammer on it, and leave the SA option there. Essentially a pretty polished metal 856 with nice woods grips is what I want… and I’m not convinced I won’t end up with one soon.

 

[12Bravo20]

I have a 3" Taurus 85, a 2" 856 and a 2" 942. I haven't had any problems out of them. Now if you are wanting to get a double action and still want a 22LR, then look at the Taurus 942.

 

[P89DCSS]

I've heard the Armscor/Rock Island Armory revolvers are a good lower cost DA choice:
https://www.armscor.com/revolvers

 

[12Bravo20]

I have compared the Armscor/RIA revolvers along side Taurus revolvers. For those that complain about how a Taurus or Charter Arms are finished, you definitely won't like the Armscor/RIA.

The shop I bought my Taurus 856 had several RIA and Taurus revolvers and picked every single one up and inspected them all. Every single RIA had a horrible gritty trigger. That was on top of the rough finish. The RIA triggers made even the worse Taurus trigger feel good.

That being said, I would still own a RIA revolver over a Charter Arms.

 

[Tallball]

The Wrangler is practically the same thing as the HRR, so there would be very little point.

If you find an 856 with a decent trigger, and inspect it a bit, it should be fine. I've owned six of the precursor Model 85's, and all of them went bang. It would be adequate for SD, and more exciting to shoot than a 22. 38 special is slowly becoming more available and less expensive.

Taurus Model 85 3 inch Banana Grips

• Tallball
• Aug 25, 2022

 

[sparkyv]

My Dad speaks highly of modern Taurus revolvers. I think this is the best compromise solution offered in this thread to the situation Good Ol' Boy described.

Now if you are wanting to get a double action and still want a 22LR, then look at the Taurus 942.

 

[lee n. field]

Got a gift card to a LGS for Christmas and don't have a ton of extra money.

Background: I do have a HRR and do not have a DA revolver.

The two guns I'm looking at are a Ruger Wrangler and a Taurus 856 3".

The 856 is a carry gun. If that's the way you want to go, look it over carefully. Timing, endshake, pushoff. Check for loose sideplate screws (not a deal killer, just be aware of it.) Canted barrel.

I'm carrying one right now.

However do I really need another SA .22 revolver being that I'm happy with the HRR I already have?

Probably not.

The Taurus is in .38 of which I have no ammo and don't have the money to invest in a stockpile right now. I also do not have a DA revolver. .... I very much want a DA revolver.

Well, there you are.

Given the above what would you do?

Buy the 856, assuming it passes inspection. BTW, with the 3" barrel, this is just a bit too big for a pocket carry gun.

 

[Yukon_Cola]

It was pretty obvious from the OP that you want the Taurus over the Ruger. If you buy the Ruger you'll likely regret it later.

I see a lot of people knocking Charter Arms but I've been very happy with mine. Shot it a lot since I've owned it, dry fired it thousands of times, carried it daily and had zero issues. Either CA had a rough patch and rubbed a few people the wrong way or I got extremely fortunate. But I've talked to enough people about them now to think the former.

 

[Buckeye63]

If you are wanting to plink get a Ruger Wrangler or Heritage Arms .. SD 856 ….but with all DA revolvers give it a look over .. I mean all of’em .. no matter what name plate is on’em

Also .. Taurus has the 905 … small frame revolver in 9mm

 

[ontarget]

I have a 3" Taurus 85, a 2" 856 and a 2" 942. I haven't had any problems out of them. Now if you are wanting to get a double action and still want a 22LR, then look at the Taurus 942.

My wife's 942 has been a good reliable 22 revolver. Same as all of my other Taurus models.

 

[MedWheeler]

For a "HRR/Wrangler-priced" double-action plinking revolver in a caliber for which you already have plenty of ammo, look at the Diamondback Sidekick. The Taurus 942 in three-inch is nice, too, but nearly unobtainable (even more so for the two-inch version.) The Charter Arms Pathfinder seems a little rough around the edges, but there are plenty of people who have been satisfied with theirs. Most of the guns available seem to be in pink, though.

Taurus revolvers, particularly their .38 Specials, are largely good to go.

 

[Stevel]

I second looking at the RIA. There's a reason they have been around 20 years. I just watched a TFB review on them.

I've owned 2 Taurus revolvers. A 650 CIA (hammerless 5 shot 357) which worked fine.
And a 4" 669 I bought used. It had a little cylinder end shake. Would shoot .38's fine, but the .357's had a significant amount of blow by at the cylinder gap.

I was looking at the Taurus 856's also. I like them for the intended purpose, and would get a 3" steel framed model for carry. YMMV.

 

[buck460XVR]

Given the above what would you do?

Since Gift Cards generally do not expire, I would wait, take my time and hope to find either some spare cash to add to it, or find the 856 that passes my inspection. I definitely think the little Taurus would bring you more joy than the Wrangler. From feedback from folks that have a HRR, it seems the Wrangler has yet to match it. IMHO, if you want another inexpensive .22 revolver, that another HRR in a different model might be a better choice. For the most part, I have always thought of any gun purchase as a investment. Thus if I have to wait a while while I find the cash to get what I really want, isn't an issue. Seems those gun purchases that I rushed into or bought on a whim, never lived up to my expectations. Part of the fun for me in buying a new gun is fondling and handling a multitude of them in the LGSs before I make my decision. Many times I start out with a particular firearm in mind and end up with something else.

 

[br549arkie]

A lot of the 856's have timing issues. I'd look for a used Model 85 Taurus had them pretty well sorted out. I have a new 856 with timing issues which went back to them for repair right away. Got it back and it still has timing issues. Do a little research on the internet and you'll find this is a very common problem with the 856.
On the other hand I have two model 85's that are just fine in that respect.

 

[stonebuster]

As far as 38spl ammo cost, you might consider reloading like I did two years ago and haven't bought 38spl or 357 ammo since. Minimal investment in Lee Classic Turret & dies. 158gr copper plated 38spl +P in brass case I can make for @$13/50 rnds even at todays inflated component prices. You just need the time and inclination.

 

[Riomouse911]

I second getting a gun other than the Wrangler, only because I think it will basically duplicate the Heritage revolver you already have.

The RIA M-200 4” is a budget priced, fixed sight .38 that offers more options to shoot/plink with than a 2” and can still be carried if needed. That may be a more versatile option if you are so inclined.

Stay safe.

 

[Yamifrk]

I have an older Taurus 357mag model 65 21/2” barrel. Paid $165 in 93. Has been a great gun.

 

[defjon]

When looking at revolvers built to a price point you really can’t go wrong with the things mentioned so far. The heritage guns are solid. The wranglers should be but like most fairly new things there seems to be a few lemons out getting the squeeze. In a couple more years the lemon stories will likely dry up as the happy camper stories become more prevalent.

on DA revolvers built to a price point. There are 2 that you may run across. Taurus and Charter. I have owned both and have worked on both. I will not own another charter. I also will not sell my current charter because I finally have the bugs worked out of it. The Taurus is going to be a few dollars higher… very few… but it’s money well spent. They are a more refined action, and just flat out work. I have never seen a Taurus that was actually damaged internally without being abused significantly. The charter I have has had several small parts replaced that should never have worn out. As for the 856, it’s ever so slightly larger than a J frame but not quite K frame size. 3” seems very very fitting for the frame size, and 38 is a very appropriate chambering for a gun of that size and weight. I can’t imagine the cheaper 856 guns being fine target shooters but they will be a fine fighting gun should that be a role you may need to use it in.

If I were to be buying a 38 these days, I would likely be looking at a 856. They just don’t make the concoction I like yet. Give me an Executive but keep the hammer on it, and leave the SA option there. Essentially a pretty polished metal 856 with nice woods grips is what I want… and I’m not convinced I won’t end up with one soon.

The matte 3 inch with front night sights, will polish up well

 

[defjon]

I've owned both of these and in your shoes the 856 makes sense.

There was nothing wrong with mine. I ordered sight unseen from smoky mountain gun works and everything came out roses.

You're in much better shape, as you can do the Revolver Checkout on the exact model on which you may put your money (or gift card) down. If everything is tight and in time, you're all set. Very handy with a six shot cylinder. Plus p rated and cheap Remington 38+p 125 gr jhp will expand at that barrel length. You're set!

I was able to get it in a front pocket with a pocket holster that I still have. Great for coat pocket winter carry. I'd still have it, except that it became trade fodder on a local 686+ that was just too tempting...

 

[P89DCSS]

Every single RIA had a horrible gritty trigger. That was on top of the rough finish. The RIA triggers made even the worse Taurus trigger feel good.....

While others write about the bad timing Taurus revolvers have a reputation for, and Taurus' inability to fix bad timing, some folks think nothing is more important that how their trigger finger feels. I never understand it.

My coworker bought an Armscor 38 snubby and it's well-timed, handles P+ and had a durable finish. Not bad for a ~$300 revolver.The Armscor 22lr/22m revolvers are in the $550/$650 range. At that price I'd go for a LCRx, which I is what I bought.

 

[12Bravo20]

While others write about the bad timing Taurus revolvers have a reputation for, and Taurus' inability to fix bad timing, some folks think nothing is more important that how their trigger finger feels. I never understand it.

My coworker bought an Armscor 38 snubby and it's well-timed, handles P+ and had a durable finish. Not bad for a ~$300 revolver.The Armscor 22lr/22m revolvers are in the $550/$650 range. At that price I'd go for a LCRx, which I is what I bought.

Believe me, I did check the timing and everything else when looking at both the Taurus 856 and the RIA revolvers. And it was more than just the gritty trigger on the RIA that made me decide to go with the Taurus. The fit and finish also was rough on the RIA when compared to the Taurus. When I bought my last revolver, if anything would have been wrong with the 856 then I would not have bought it either.

The shop had several revolvers from each brand and I inspected all of them. Granted it was only a sample of 5 or 6 revolvers from each company. But the fit, finish and overall quality was better with all of the Taurus revolvers compared to the RIA revolvers.

And even with the fit, finish and gritty trigger, I will still buy the RIA over a Charter Arms.