Taurus 856 Defender 3" 38 special +P

[Mr. Tettnanger]

I am picking one of these up Tomorrow. This will be my second one. I had a black version very shortly and decided rather quickly that I was not a fan of the black. The one I am getting is the stainless steel version. I really wanted a Kimber Dasa 3" or the Colt King Cobra, but I really can not justify the cost.

Anybody else out there have one? Likes/dislikes?

Holster suggestions would be helpful as well. I am a southpaw!

 

[Pat Riot]

I was considering one of these a few months back and as fate would have it someone bought the one I was looking at shortly before I showed up at the shop to buy it.

If I recall correctly holsters that fit a 3” Colt “D” frame or a Charter Bulldog also fit the Taurus 856, but I can’t find a reference to confirm that. It was info that I found online. I do not know this for sure.

Let us know how you like it once you get to shoot it.

 

[Buckeye63]

I have a 2 inch 856UL Stainless… great revolver

 

[Waveski]

Anybody else out there have one? Likes/dislikes?

Likes: 6 round capacity in a revolver only slightly larger than a J frame.
Value. The quality to price ratio is quite good in my assessment.
Aesthetics , finish and ergonomics are all good. Not great , quite good.
Recoil - the all steel construction , 3" bbl and shrouded ejector rod makes this a soft shooter.
Front sight - the bright front sight is quite superior to a basic blade. (goes back to value ...)

Dislike : DA trigger was horrible ; mid teens. Sporing swap got me just inside of 10# , a huge improvement.
Some will criticize the 23/24 oz. weight , but I like the shooting characteristics that come with the steel. Anyone planning to carry while running a marathon may wish to consider a lighter firearm.

The 856 fits into my Bianchi IWB soft leather holster. It is a bit snug but would break in just fine. If you wish to use Kydex or heavy molded leather you would need something specific to that slightly larger frame and cylinder.

 

[mongoslow]

stainless with VZ grips, pretty decent so far , i have to really bury the front sight in the rear trench with 158 gr, 125-130 are POA/POI mostly, the fast 110-115 gr. cover your target lower on the front sight,

 

[Waveski]

Better picture.

 

[lincen]

I bought two of these and have had issues on one with the cylinder stop hanging up. After a few rounds the cylinder will spin freely. They are a great value and I also like the weight. Mine fit nicely in holsters for the 3" barrel Ruger SP101.

 

[Tallball]

Nice piece! I've had my eyes halfway open for a 3" 38 myself lately.

I've not owned an 856, but I've owned four of the five-shot Model 85's and had no problems with any of them.

 

[Don Van Winkle]

I am picking one of these up Tomorrow. This will be my second one. I had a black version very shortly and decided rather quickly that I was not a fan of the black. The one I am getting is the stainless steel version. I really wanted a Kimber Dasa 3" or the Colt King Cobra, but I really can not justify the cost.

Anybody else out there have one? Likes/dislikes?

Holster suggestions would be helpful as well. I am a southpaw!

I have the 856 3" 38 SPL Taurus. I love it as it carries nicely and is not noticable at all. Even loaded, it doesn't make a difference. As for holsters, I just repurposed one I made for my glock years ago. Cased it and put the Taurus in it and let it dry in the AZ sun. It looks like I made it for this one.