Taurus 856 T.O.R.O.

[SURVIVOR619]

My lovely wife got me an 856 Defender for Christmas, noting how I thought it's optic-ready design was cool.

I have no experience with Taurus and admittedly had a preconceived notion their revolvers are hit and miss.

Nonetheless, I took this to the range and shot 106 .38spl rounds (including some old stock Miwall 180 gr. JHP). No hiccups whatsoever and although the front blade sits a tad but low, it was plenty accurate in my hands, back to 20 yards (on steel plates).

The optic plate included by Taurus fits the Holosun K footprint. I've owned one Holosun and found it to be a solid optic for the price. But, I'm trying where I can to not buy Chinese products - my choice and not knocking anyone else's choice to spend as they see fit.

I didn't want to get the Sig Romeo Zero Elite b/c of far too many real-world complaints about the battery life. I also didn't want to spend nearly the same amount on a red dot as the cost of the gun itself.

I found the Shield SMSC, glass lens, at Lanbo's here in Texas for $201, all-in including shipping. Not USA made but I'm more pleased to support the UK over the CCP. Shield included an awesome minidial to help zero the dot. It worked well!

This 856 defender is a super blast to shoot and the fun of the red dot really added a modern flair to a timeless design of the revolver.

I will punch out the front blade for a taller blade to align with the integrated rear sight in the SMSC. Otherwise, for a $300 optics ready revolver, I think this was a good value for the money.

 

[jimbo]

Taurus has changed for the better. They are producing good quality revolvers now at a good price. I have a couple and like them. The trigger is a little heaver and the hammer is a little harder to pull back than my S&W's but it does not hinder the performance. My 2 cents.

 

[SURVIVOR619]

Agreed @jimbo the trigger feel matches the price. Notwithstanding, I went to the range with realistic expectations the trigger wasn't going to be like my S&W's or my Kimber (which IMHO greatly exceeds the smith). With that expectation, I was very pleased. No timing issues with DA, including fast pull to cycle all 6 quickly or slowly pull to try and learn the break.

The main draw for me was non-picatinny optics ready.

The 8moa SMSC is quite nice too. First experience with Shield and it held zero perfectly.

 

[jimbo]

Agreed @jimbo the trigger feel matches the price. Notwithstanding, I went to the range with realistic expectations the trigger wasn't going to be like my S&W's or my Kimber (which IMHO greatly exceeds the smith). With that expectation, I was very pleased. No timing issues with DA, including fast pull to cycle all 6 quickly or slowly pull to try and learn the break.

I have a Kimber K6S 3 inch and a 2 inch revolver. They are better than S&W in my opinion.

 

[SURVIVOR619]

I have a Kimber K6S 3 inch and a 2 inch revolver. They are better than S&W in my opinion.

Yessir, we are of the same opinion. I have a K6S 3 inch as well. The factory trigger is really excellent.

 

[SURVIVOR619]

Obligatory K6S pic...

 

[jimbo]

Here's mine