Hello Phillip. Always good to hear from you and I'm looking forward to having you over for Thanksgiving. I might also put your pretty face in a youtube video 👍😎
@phillipforrester9764 My first time was back in 1983. I was only five years old. I still love everything firearm. Most of my family are hunters and I've never been in a real hunt.
I was a police officer for 14 years in Brazil. We used Taurus pistols, which have a very bad reputation there. But as far as revolvers go, they definitely do a good job.
I've never owned any Taurus revolvers but I do own and absolutely love my G3 and G3C. I've put tons of rounds through both of them over the last few years and they have done fantastic. They're super accurate too. I'd kinda like to check out one of the TH9's that they just recently started to import into the USA.
So far my Taurus Revolvers have been great shooters. 441 .44spl, 445 .44spl Titanium 2 1/2" barrel, 455 .45ACP, and a Tracker .44mag. Three are 4" barrels. The only Taurus I ever had trouble with was with a TCP38 in .380ACP. Taurus built it in the U.S. and did little to no polishing on the compact pistol. My SIL polished the ramp and the barrel over 10 years ago. Turned a jammamatic to a totally reliable weapon.
I, too, have a G3C and I love it!! It’s my EDC and I keep it loaded with Federal 124 grain HST +Ps. I’ve put every style of HP I can find through it. No issues whatsoever! Love it!!👍👍
yeah, I have 3 old ones that work really good, and 3 newer ones that don't. sent each back to Taurus only to wait 4 months to have them returned to me with the same issues. would I recommend them, no.
I really love the Rock Island. When I was a kid I loved those old detective movies and I don’t know why, those small revolvers look so classic and awesome.
@@Bhethar rock island is essentially a poor man's Colt. Since they are made on the same presses that Colt used in the Philippines and sold to the Filipino government after ww2. Their 1911s are fantastic
I was a small city PD officer in the '70's. We were all still using blued wheel guns. Most everybody either had red fingernail polish or glow in the dark paint (my personal preference) on the top edge of the front blade sight. I still keep a small vial of it for my Para GI Expert 1911. It works great and is cheaper than replacing the sight. If you make sure that your sight is really clean and free of oil, it adheres very well and will last through hundreds of rounds
I think stainless steel wheel guns were already available back in the 70's. The first stainless steel model 60 came out in 1965, and a lot of people placed an order for that. Did LE agencies around the country ever made a transition to stainless steel revolvers before they transitioned to semi-autos all the way?
@@williamwatson4625 Both my county agency and the Sheriff's Dept. begin issuing our deputies the S&W Model 66 about 1975. Before that about half the local agencies set requirements but the deputies provided their own firearms and ammunition, beside uniforms and leather gear. My agency also bought a small number of Model 60 2" revolvers for our plain clothes Fugitive Detail. We began the transition process to privately purchased 9mm pistols in 1989, and then to issued Glock 22 .40S&W pistols in 1997. My wife carried a 4" Model 19 up until she took that transition class. She wore an Expert pin on her on her uniform shirt.
I believe in Taurus, I had a nickel satin mod 66 .357, I inadvertently fired some loads by an outside source,they expanded in the barrel and cylinder and cracked the cylinder. I sent it in too taurus,they scolded me for the rounds,but completely replaced the entire pistol for the cost of shipping only. Never had an issue with that one. Now that's a great manufacturer.
Only if you don't shoot or dry fire much, those M200's are POS. They go out of time faster than any other modern production revolver. RIA makes a decent cheap 1911 but they should have stayed away from wheel guns.
I "daily" the S&W 642. So yeah I love "wheelguns" My grandfather (a cop in the olden days: 1930s 1970s) carried the S&W Military and Police (Model 10) then upgraded to the Model 13 (Really a "Model 10" but in .357). My MOTHER (decidedly NOT a cop..) carried an S&W "Chiefs Special" (Model 36) from the '50s until she passed in the 1990s. I still have the Model 13 and 36!
I bought my wife a Taurus 85CH many years ago. It's a stainless steel 5 shot with a concealed hammer. She's a good shot with that little gun. It really fits her hand well. It's a little small for me, though. We've put many hundreds of rounds through it and never had one problem. I really like Taurus firearms. I have a few and they function perfectly. Would I recommend Taurus firearms? Yes, I would.
I have a half dozen of the things, 3 of them 2" barrels, 3 of them 3" barrels. I also have a Taurus 94 in .22, which is built on the same frame. As for the grips, the first one I got had the older "banana" style grips on it. I cut them down even with the bottom of the frame, rounded them off, and even for my meaty hands, (I wear an XL glove), they fit well. When I got more of them, I acquired more of the same grips, and modified the same way. I even put a set of them on the 94 so that it handles the same.
The old rule we had when I worked in a gun shop back in the 1980s was "Buy the best you can afford, it's hard to go wrong that way." That rule still applies when you come down to it. Looking at both there seems to be little difference in practical accuracy between the two, especially if the purchaser intends to keep it as a home protection or personal carry piece. One isn't likely to use either at any range further than the seven yard test range used in the video.
I also love revolvers! I enjoy all of your video's. I like it when you go back to the shop and give us a close up of what you're shooting today. Thank you.
Thank you for the thorough evaluation and description of these two revolvers. Most firearm channels do not go into the meaningful details like you did, which are very helpful to anyone considering a purchase. After watching your video, my choice would be the Taurus. Thanks for another excellent video.
I didn't realize the Taurus had three lockups like a smith and wesson, in the Rock Island only had 2. Even if they were the same build quality, I'd be willing to pay the extra for better sghts. I'm glad to still be watching you.
Back in 1975 or 76 I bought my first wheel gun, a Taurus model 82 .... .38 special, with wood grips looked exactly like a S&W. I don't remember the model of the S&W but the clerk, at the pawn shop laid the Taurus 82 next to a S&W ... and the only difference was that the brand new Taurus, cost me $200 where the S&W would have cost over $400. The quality was great, accurate ... my buddy a week later picked up a Ruger .38 special revolver, and it broke twice, while I owned the Taurus, with no issues. Stupidly I sold it, in 1996 and have been kicking myself since. I did buy another Taurus, recently, and have a Rock Island 206 ... but my new Taurus is nothing like the old 82.
After watching this, I checked the fitting of my M206. Definitely better than yours seems to be. No gaps. Side plate fits tight. No irregular gap when opening the cylinder. Of course, variances between individual guns can happen in a world where hand-fitting is not, and cannot, be done on lower-priced weapons. Buyer be aware. You did convince me to give the Taurus a whirl. The 3-point lock-up for the win, but I wonder, as the M206 rotates away from the crane if that reduces the importance of that difference. However, your hopefully unlikely scenario of a handgun bouncing along the sidewalk or down a rocky hillside makes better cylinder retention more important. Always great content. Thanks.
@@swagginfarmerI can only speak for myself. I have the 5 shot 2 inch 357 and the 327 federal magnum. Both work nicely I like the 4 inch personally much more as an all around pistol. You can shoot 38 special for range practice. And use the 357 ammo for self defense. Or if you are unable to handle the recoil, 38 special +p for self defense. You can't go wrong with a Taurus.
Like the Taurus, have three versions of the 856, just great workhorses. Bought my first 441 SS Taurus in 93 as my fake Dirty Harry afford able gun for 200.00 , still works great.Now have over a dozen of their revolvers, if I could only have one, I would take my 692 SS 3 '' barrel. But they all have been flawless. Thanks for your effort to make these great videos !
Thanks, that's helpful. I have carried snub-nosed .38Spl revolvers for 45 years. I do not enjoy shooting them, but I do shoot them to keep current on them. They are a challenge, and it's not always pleasant. I enjoy watching you shoot them, because you shoot them well. Thanks for taking us along.
My edc is a Model 85UL Taurus. I am a Smith and Wesson guy, So the same control layout is paramount. I bought it when poor, and have bought a lot of revolvers in the decades since. But never felt a need to replace it.
nice video !!! The reason the fit/finish and lockup on S&W and Taurus are similar is because Bangor Punta owned bothTaurus & S&W for years.... used the S&W tooling
It has been a while since I've thrown a can in the air and shot it. When I was much younger and had better eyesight I would throw golf balls in the air and shoot them. Maybe someday I will try hitting a golf ball in one of my future youtube videos 👍😁
I knew a Lady that used to work for a 3 letter agency and carried a smith snub-nosed 38 special in 36 different countries using 158gr lead round nose, and several of those years it was the American eagle 158gr lead round nose, snd she definitely used it in many situations to great effect. She always told me that she just stuck with what worked and had saved her life many times!!!
That lovely old lady is no longer with us, but she was an amazing friend and mentor for our brief friendship. She really was classy though, and she was down to earth for how well traveled she was!!! She was so cool though, and she had a pet bobcat!!! It was cool, and sometimes friendly!!!
@@Wildwestwrangler many people don't know this, but the 158 gr wadcutter 38 special actually has a better stopping rate than 125 gr hp 357 magnum... 1% better, but better is better.
Very nice comparison of the wheel guns! I purchased the S&W Bodyguard 38 (internal hammer and ‘Insight’ Laser not CT. I didn’t like the grip after shooting just a few 38 Specials, it would make my palm sore. I then saw on TH-cam a video and the poster had a similar problem, small grip and would bite the palm. Solution was the purchase of the Hogue ‘Tamer’ Grip and was night N day on shooting comfort. It does make the grip slightly larger, however not overly. This grip fits my hand better and eliminated the sore palm after shooting. The grip also gives me a better ‘Grip’ of the pistol to handle recoil. The Hogue ‘Tamer’ was a very affordable replacement and does not break the bank. Best to all!
Well I do have a Rock Island 200 that I am very fond of. I did buy a set of 206 grips to put on it, Do not shoot it a lot but I trust it enough that it is the revolver of choice to live next to my bed. Which to me says a lot, but may not speak as loud to others.
The Taurus has the Smith style push button cylinder release and the Rock Island has the Colt style pull button. Smith began using the front cylinder pin lock to enhance lock up.
Having no intention of shooting thousands of rounds through a revolver, and not wanting to spend S&W, Colt, or Kimber-type purchase prices, I bought a Taurus 856 Exec. Grade (for well-below MSRP), and have been completely happy, both mechanically and cosmetically. We'd all agree, having a nearby desert for a shooting range would be fun.
I have the newer version of the 856 in stainless. First revolver I've ever owned. I love it. I'm more accurate with it than any semi auto I've ever shot. I carry it everywhere
Nice review. I considered both these revolvers, but instead settled on the Zastava M83. It is a somewhat larger, Yugoslavian military and police surplus revolver, with a 4 inch barrel, but is a true .357 magnum, and can shoot .38 special, .38 special +P, and .357 magnum. It is all steel, sturdy construction, 2 - 2..6 lbs. They are currently being imported and can be had for just a little more than the Taurus at the Taurus sale prices. I paid the little extra and got mine special select. The revolver looks like it was hardly used, with its original wood grips and almost no signs of wear. Even the bluing inside the cylinder chambers is perfect. I find the sights on it very adequate.
@@mixup98 if you do. buy one pay extra for a hand selected one in good condition- i haven’t heard anything much abt the guns and i wouldn’t trust a revolver with no real info available in shit condition.
I actually picked the 856 taurus over a smith and wesson. Because it carried 6 rounds and had a nice comfortable rubber grip. And it's been reliable as anything these past 4 years.
Because of your videos, I almost got the M206, but I ended up with the Taurus 856 Concealed version (The hammer is bobbed so it's DA only). I was able to snag the weapon for $25 bucks more then the M206 at the time ($250 for the 856) One thing I did notice on the website is Taurus says the 856 Concealed version says it's rated for steady diet of +p. But since you mentioned yours is only "if you have to", it's got me asking questions. The only other difference is my front sight is pinned. Great breakdown of the weapons and great work on the video!
If it makes you feel any better about using +P, Taurus makes a 5 shot .357 magnum on the same exact frame; I have one, put hundreds of full house 158gr magnums through it, and the lockup is still the same as when it was New In Box. I did, however, break the firing pin by dry firing it, so I'd also recommend investing in some snapcaps
Bought the Taurus 605 T.O.R.O (.357) and the RIA 206, love revolvers! Also, a little neon orange finger nail paint on the front sight of the RIA, I had a hard time picking up the sight, too!
I got back 2 back bad 605 TOROs and after 5 months, I'm expecting my 2 replacement from Taurus, making it my 3rd TORO. Hoping i finally get a good one.
I have a Taurus Model 85. I carry it probably 70 percent of the time. I assume the 856 gets its name because of its capacity. I really like the Model 85.
I own 2 of the Rock Island 2" 206s and one of the 4". I lucked out as all 3 work great but a couple of my friends got lemons and had to send them back for repairs. RIA is really good about getting their stuff up and running pretty fast and doing a good job of it. I have never fired +P in any of them. All my wife and I have used is the old police loading of a 158 Gr LRN at 755 fps which hits with about 200 psi at the muzzle. Not great but it should get a bad guys attention at the very least. We dont do great with heavy recoil any longer so thats about all were willing to put up with. A .38 special in the head beats a 500 S&W in the foot any day so practice practice practice and then practice some more. Thanks for another great video Mixup98. God bless you & yours.
@@mixup98Rock Island has good customer service had a m200 NIB with lockup issues.they replaced with a new gun could of been a performance center gun was completely perfect
@@Leonard-t6b Awesome, thanks for the feedback on Rock Island customer service. I have never delt with them but if I ever do I will be sure to post a video review on my experience.
I had bought a Taurus 856, unfortunately it was a lemon and I had to send it back to Taurus to get it fixed. It was the second Taurus revolver I had to send back due to it being defective, brand new out of the box. After that ordeal I tend to only buy revolvers from S&W, Colt, Ruger and Cimarron
I think you would enjoy shooting a .38 special or even a .357 mag revolver. I'm glad that you like my revolver videos and I am sure I will be posting many more in the future.
1:31 Look at that angle of the hammer on the Taurus and then that of the Rock Island, when the rock island hammer os pulled back in the firing mode, look how close the hammer would get to the shooter's hand
I carried a S&W model 19 on duty for 10 yrs before we went to autos in 86. As for the Taurus I prefer the S&W push cylinder release over the Colt type pull release.
My personal favorite revolver is a six eighty six plus.. Smith and wesson..three fifty seven magnum.. Thanks for getting me into revolvers. There is something so. Elegant And classic about them. And a whole lot of fun too.
I was on my way to buy a Rock Island at Turners in Santa Maria and stopped in at a small gun shop to see what they might have in the way of a small revolver. They had a used 856 for $50 less than what I was going to spend on the Rock Island.....No Brainer! Very happy with my Taurus though I don't find it fun at the range. The felt recoil from a small/light 38spl to me is more than the felt recoil from my 6.5in barrel .357 Ruger Blackhawk.
I found your channel about a year ago, and after six months of watching I wanted to add a 38 to go with my semi’s. I contemplated the Rock Island but went with the Taurus in the 3” model. Very happy with it. Not as good as a Smith but a fine firearm. Thank you for your videos
I have two Taurus revolvers one is the poly protector snub-nosed in 357 mag. My second Taurus revolver is the Judge with the six inch barrel, and 2- 3/4 cylinder chambered in 410/45 LC. Love both of them and my next purchase will be the Rock Island revolver with the 3 inch barrel can't wait to get one after the holidays.
Great video again 👏. Always love hearing mixup, such great common sense. Ill say something and a second later mixup will address that very thing😅. He knows what were thinking. Keep showing off that rock island! Prove those haters wrong by showing its long run with you. ❤
I bought my first revolver in 77 as well, I have the rock island and it shoots well and I own and have shot a few Taurus revolvers and I like them too......I just like revolvers!
I have had a fascination with revolvers since I was a little boy. I'm 60 now. I was mesmerized by my dad's Iver Johnson .38 S&W when he opened his briefcase at the hotel in L.A. we had just flown in from San Francisco (he had that briefcase on the plane). I had a little trouble being good with a revolver. I think it was my trigger control, but two revolvers I shot well were my S&W model 29 6" barrel and my old nickle S&W M&P model 10. I have wanted a short barreled .38 for quite some time. Fun comparison.
Good morning Steve. I bet that Iver Johnson was a hoot to shoot. The first centerfire handgun I ever shot, more than fifty years ago, was my dad's nickel S&W Model 10. I recently bought an older nickel Model 10 and it brought back a lot of good memories I have with my dad. Here is that Model 10 video if you are interested: th-cam.com/video/9_7rttOVjPw/w-d-xo.html
@mixup98 yeah that old Iver Johnson. I think I had to school my brothers that it didn't shoot .38 special😁. That gun got stolen, buried in the hills of Thousand Oaks, California. The police caught the guy and got some of the guns back. The old Iver was never the same after that. My brother has my 5" m&p now because I am very sick. For some reason I could shoot that decent (double action) and my model 29 with light loads, I could shoot that well. Thanks Mixup for the link to that other video! Take Care, God bless you with continued health and many more days of shooting!
I have owned Taurus revolvers since the early 1980s and their absolutely great. I had one problem back in the old days and that was the cylinder release button screw with stripped. I now own a 2019 tracker model 627 357 Magnum and I've never had a single issue😊 one thing I do like about the Rock Island is the pullback cylinder release button like the Colts have. I also like ruger's push button cylinder release and prefer these over Smith & Wesson and Tauruses push forward cylinder release buttons😊
I love the 856 Ultralight. I like to pocket carry and I ditched Model 36 that has a long grip like the Rock Island. The Taurus carries much better imo.
I hear ya Amigo! I'm torn between the Taurus 327 and the Charter Arm Undrcoverette in .32 H&R mag.. about the same price but a big difference in weight
@@donnyarmstrong9559 I have a Taurus 327. .32 H&R mag is a fine caliber to shoot. Little recoil and perhaps a little below the 38 in power/nearly equal. But they are hard to come by and expensive. I still like .32's. .327 mag is fun to shoot.
I have a 206 and an 856 Ultra Lite, and while I like them both, I like the Rocker better. There's just something about it. It's like finding a stray mutt, and falling in love with it. I really can't explain it either. And I've found the lockup excellent. No play at all. But my favorite is my Charter Arms Undercover. I'd sure like another video, including that against these two
I've got a Colt Lawman Mark III and by the latch on that Rock Island they are identical so that Rock Island reminds me of the cult looks like the same tools did the works
You have a nice collection. I had a stainless Judge years ago but sold it. Now I'm thinking of getting a poly Judge and doing a review on it. Should be lots of fun.
I’ve got a couple Taurus revolvers. A 44 mag 8-3/8 stainless, and a 38 special ultralight. I absolutely love shooting my 44 mag, but I don’t shoot the 38 near as much. It’s a good pistol, but I really wish I had a 357 mag that size, so I could shoot 38 or 357mag with it.
I shot my first revolver with mixup98 in 1980 or 81. Thanks for starting me on my love of firearms and shooting!
Yeah dude!!!
Hello Phillip. Always good to hear from you and I'm looking forward to having you over for Thanksgiving. I might also put your pretty face in a youtube video 👍😎
@phillipforrester9764 My first time was back in 1983. I was only five years old. I still love everything firearm. Most of my family are hunters and I've never been in a real hunt.
I was a police officer for 14 years in Brazil. We used Taurus pistols, which have a very bad reputation there. But as far as revolvers go, they definitely do a good job.
I've never owned any Taurus revolvers but I do own and absolutely love my G3 and G3C. I've put tons of rounds through both of them over the last few years and they have done fantastic. They're super accurate too. I'd kinda like to check out one of the TH9's that they just recently started to import into the USA.
So far my Taurus Revolvers have been great shooters. 441 .44spl, 445 .44spl Titanium 2 1/2" barrel, 455 .45ACP, and a Tracker .44mag. Three are 4" barrels. The only Taurus I ever had trouble with was with a TCP38 in .380ACP. Taurus built it in the U.S. and did little to no polishing on the compact pistol. My SIL polished the ramp and the barrel over 10 years ago. Turned a jammamatic to a totally reliable weapon.
I, too, have a G3C and I love it!! It’s my EDC and I keep it loaded with Federal 124 grain HST +Ps. I’ve put every style of HP I can find through it. No issues whatsoever! Love it!!👍👍
yeah, I have 3 old ones that work really good, and 3 newer ones that don't. sent each back to Taurus only to wait 4 months to have them returned to me with the same issues. would I recommend them, no.
Their revolvers are a lot better than their semi autos I think.
I really love the Rock Island. When I was a kid I loved those old detective movies and I don’t know why, those small revolvers look so classic and awesome.
@@Bhethar rock island is essentially a poor man's Colt. Since they are made on the same presses that Colt used in the Philippines and sold to the Filipino government after ww2. Their 1911s are fantastic
Same here, exactly the same reason I love those snub nosed pistols
Check out the Heritage Roscoe, thats exactly the aesthetic they were going for
Same reason I bought my 206. Was binge watching Peter Gunn on Prime.
You will be way happier with the Rock island than any piece of junk Taurus. I have the R.I.A. model 200. It's been very reliable. @WyattNErdy
I was a small city PD officer in the '70's. We were all still using blued wheel guns. Most everybody either had red fingernail polish or glow in the dark paint (my personal preference) on the top edge of the front blade sight. I still keep a small vial of it for my Para GI Expert 1911. It works great and is cheaper than replacing the sight. If you make sure that your sight is really clean and free of oil, it adheres very well and will last through hundreds of rounds
I think stainless steel wheel guns were already available back in the 70's. The first stainless steel model 60 came out in 1965, and a lot of people placed an order for that. Did LE agencies around the country ever made a transition to stainless steel revolvers before they transitioned to semi-autos all the way?
I use Testers model paint, either red or green.
@@williamwatson4625 Both my county agency and the Sheriff's Dept. begin issuing our deputies the S&W Model 66 about 1975. Before that about half the local agencies set requirements but the deputies provided their own firearms and ammunition, beside uniforms and leather gear. My agency also bought a small number of Model 60 2" revolvers for our plain clothes Fugitive Detail. We began the transition process to privately purchased 9mm pistols in 1989, and then to issued Glock 22 .40S&W pistols in 1997. My wife carried a 4" Model 19 up until she took that transition class. She wore an Expert pin on her on her uniform shirt.
@@egroegmcdonald9870 you can put a thin coat of clear super glue over it to make it last longer
OKC PD and Oklahoma highway patrol used stainless steel revolvers due to the climate. Those were the good ol days
Never apologize for doing more revolver videos 🤣😂🤠🇺🇲 we love it
Thanks! 👍😎
Truth!
I believe in Taurus, I had a nickel satin mod 66 .357, I inadvertently fired some loads by an outside source,they expanded in the barrel and cylinder and cracked the cylinder. I sent it in too taurus,they scolded me for the rounds,but completely replaced the entire pistol for the cost of shipping only. Never had an issue with that one. Now that's a great manufacturer.
Those revolvers just work! Nothing fancy, just a pair of working girls.
*pair of fine working horses. 😊
I agree; they work.
Working girls?
In Nevada?
@keithhartman9946 You're killing me.
@@keithhartman9946 I see what you did there 😄😄👍
Got the Rock Island M200 after watching your review a couple of years ago. Was a great inexpensive first revolver.
Only if you don't shoot or dry fire much, those M200's are POS. They go out of time faster than any other modern production revolver.
RIA makes a decent cheap 1911 but they should have stayed away from wheel guns.
I bought a S&W Model 19 and no regrets. Pinned and Recessed 👍
.picked up.a model 13..357..pinned/recessed also
I picked up a model 13 not pinned and recessed. @@cbroz7492
I recently bought a S&W 686-6+, amazing revolver
@@RookCAF One of the finest handguns ever made. I carried one on-duty for half of my LE career. It will serve you well.
oh it has. Had it for over 3 decades now. It's tied with my Stainless Combat Commander for my favorites
I "daily" the S&W 642. So yeah I love "wheelguns" My grandfather (a cop in the olden days: 1930s 1970s) carried the S&W Military and Police (Model 10) then upgraded to the Model 13 (Really a "Model 10" but in .357). My MOTHER (decidedly NOT a cop..) carried an S&W "Chiefs Special" (Model 36) from the '50s until she passed in the 1990s. I still have the Model 13 and 36!
Great analysis as always mix...honest and fair.
I bought my wife a Taurus 85CH many years ago. It's a stainless steel 5 shot with a concealed hammer. She's a good shot with that little gun. It really fits her hand well. It's a little small for me, though. We've put many hundreds of rounds through it and never had one problem. I really like Taurus firearms. I have a few and they function perfectly. Would I recommend Taurus firearms? Yes, I would.
Absolutely yes. They work well for budget. Both brands are great for the money😊
I have a half dozen of the things, 3 of them 2" barrels, 3 of them 3" barrels. I also have a Taurus 94 in .22, which is built on the same frame. As for the grips, the first one I got had the older "banana" style grips on it. I cut them down even with the bottom of the frame, rounded them off, and even for my meaty hands, (I wear an XL glove), they fit well. When I got more of them, I acquired more of the same grips, and modified the same way. I even put a set of them on the 94 so that it handles the same.
I'm also a woman, a smaller older one and I love my m856 Taurus 38 spl.
The old rule we had when I worked in a gun shop back in the 1980s was "Buy the best you can afford, it's hard to go wrong that way." That rule still applies when you come down to it.
Looking at both there seems to be little difference in practical accuracy between the two, especially if the purchaser intends to keep it as a home protection or personal carry piece. One isn't likely to use either at any range further than the seven yard test range used in the video.
Have both, love both
I also love revolvers! I enjoy all of your video's. I like it when you go back to the shop and give us a close up of what you're shooting today. Thank you.
Correct answer Sir! The Taurus is a no brainer the superior weapon. Thank you for a great vid!
Great minds think alike! 👍😁
The RI is colt like with the pull open button! 👍🏽😊❤️🇺🇸
I noticed that as well. Like my Colt 38 Detective Special.
I bought my first revolver in the late 80s at a pawn shop its a ruger super Blackhawk and it's never failed me
A ruger super cinder block
Long live the revolver!
Thank you for the thorough evaluation and description of these two revolvers. Most firearm channels do not go into the meaningful details like you did, which are very helpful to anyone considering a purchase. After watching your video, my choice would be the Taurus. Thanks for another excellent video.
I really like Taurus revolvers.
Good Job Sir!
I really enjoy your videos. Your son is a welcome addition to your content. He adds a lot of value and comic relief. Thank you.
I have both the M200 and the M206, and I really like both of them. They will get the job done.
I didn't realize the Taurus had three lockups like a smith and wesson, in the Rock Island only had 2.
Even if they were the same build quality, I'd be willing to pay the extra for better sghts.
I'm glad to still be watching you.
@@harolddavis4138 New Smiths are copying Taurus lockup and barrel shroud.
@@harolddavis4138 The Taurus and Rossi revolvers are both clones of S&W designs with some minor changes.
@MrStickthrower2001 which is the better pistol, Taurus or Rossi ?
Taurus brought proprietary rights for S&W revolver dies, as well as Beretta dies for the PT 92.
They are identical now. Older versions, I personally like the Rossi. Their M68 and M88 are direct clones of the old S&W model 19 and model 60.
Back in 1975 or 76 I bought my first wheel gun, a Taurus model 82 .... .38 special, with wood grips looked exactly like a S&W. I don't remember the model of the S&W but the clerk, at the pawn shop laid the Taurus 82 next to a S&W ... and the only difference was that the brand new Taurus, cost me $200 where the S&W would have cost over $400. The quality was great, accurate ... my buddy a week later picked up a Ruger .38 special revolver, and it broke twice, while I owned the Taurus, with no issues. Stupidly I sold it, in 1996 and have been kicking myself since. I did buy another Taurus, recently, and have a Rock Island 206 ... but my new Taurus is nothing like the old 82.
After watching this, I checked the fitting of my M206. Definitely better than yours seems to be.
No gaps. Side plate fits tight. No irregular gap when opening the cylinder.
Of course, variances between individual guns can happen in a world where hand-fitting is not, and cannot, be done on lower-priced weapons. Buyer be aware.
You did convince me to give the Taurus a whirl. The 3-point lock-up for the win, but I wonder, as the M206 rotates away from the crane if that reduces the importance of that difference. However, your hopefully unlikely scenario of a handgun bouncing along the sidewalk or down a rocky hillside makes better cylinder retention more important.
Always great content. Thanks.
I like the Taurus better Mixup. Enjoyed the video.
👍😎
I have a Taurus 66 and I love that 7-shot little beast. Solid and accurate. Everything I want in a Revolver.
I'm looking at buying one with a 4 inch barrel for my 21st birthday. Would you mind telling me a little bit about how yours has been running?
Had to look it up on gunbroker. That 4 inch barrel is great for all around. The 6 looks great for a hunting adventure
@@swagginfarmerI can only speak for myself. I have the 5 shot 2 inch 357 and the 327 federal magnum. Both work nicely
I like the 4 inch personally much more as an all around pistol. You can shoot 38 special for range practice. And use the 357 ammo for self defense. Or if you are unable to handle the recoil, 38 special +p for self defense. You can't go wrong with a Taurus.
@@stormlakebobcat9058 Thank you, much appreciated. God bless and take care of yourself.
@@swagginfarmer I have the model 66 with a 4" barrel and no problems ever and better accuracy than a snub nose.
I own both of these and find your enjoyable review spot on.
Like your videos, I've got the 206 and the 200. Haven't had a nickels worth of trouble out of either.
Like the Taurus, have three versions of the 856, just great workhorses. Bought my first 441 SS Taurus in 93 as my fake Dirty Harry afford able gun for 200.00 , still works great.Now have over a dozen of their revolvers, if I could only have one, I would take my 692 SS 3 '' barrel. But they all have been flawless. Thanks for your effort to make these great videos !
Thanks, that's helpful. I have carried snub-nosed .38Spl revolvers for 45 years. I do not enjoy shooting them, but I do shoot them to keep current on them. They are a challenge, and it's not always pleasant. I enjoy watching you shoot them, because you shoot them well. Thanks for taking us along.
Thank you for the kind words Frank and we are glad to have you tagging along with us to the range.
My edc is a Model 85UL Taurus. I am a Smith and Wesson guy, So the same control layout is paramount. I bought it when poor, and have bought a lot of revolvers in the decades since. But never felt a need to replace it.
nice video !!! The reason the fit/finish and lockup on S&W and Taurus are similar is because Bangor Punta owned bothTaurus & S&W for years.... used the S&W tooling
I love your revolver videos!!! Still remember seeing you throw cans up and shooting them with a snub nose. I think that’s what got me to subscribe.
It has been a while since I've thrown a can in the air and shot it. When I was much younger and had better eyesight I would throw golf balls in the air and shoot them. Maybe someday I will try hitting a golf ball in one of my future youtube videos 👍😁
I knew a Lady that used to work for a 3 letter agency and carried a smith snub-nosed 38 special in 36 different countries using 158gr lead round nose, and several of those years it was the American eagle 158gr lead round nose, snd she definitely used it in many situations to great effect. She always told me that she just stuck with what worked and had saved her life many times!!!
That lovely old lady is no longer with us, but she was an amazing friend and mentor for our brief friendship. She really was classy though, and she was down to earth for how well traveled she was!!! She was so cool though, and she had a pet bobcat!!! It was cool, and sometimes friendly!!!
@@Wildwestwrangler many people don't know this, but the 158 gr wadcutter 38 special actually has a better stopping rate than 125 gr hp 357 magnum... 1% better, but better is better.
Very nice comparison of the wheel guns!
I purchased the S&W Bodyguard 38 (internal hammer and ‘Insight’ Laser not CT. I didn’t like the grip after shooting just a few 38 Specials, it would make my palm sore. I then saw on TH-cam a video and the poster had a similar problem, small grip and would bite the palm. Solution was the purchase of the Hogue ‘Tamer’ Grip and was night N day on shooting comfort. It does make the grip slightly larger, however not overly. This grip fits my hand better and eliminated the sore palm after shooting. The grip also gives me a better ‘Grip’ of the pistol to handle recoil. The Hogue ‘Tamer’ was a very affordable replacement and does not break the bank.
Best to all!
I love these videos brother! Don’t ever apologize
I have an 856 and also a 66, both with short barrels, I love them both. Fine firearms.
Thanks for your review. I learned a lot especially how revolvers cylinders lock up when closed.
Well I do have a Rock Island 200 that I am very fond of. I did buy a set of 206 grips to put on it, Do not shoot it a lot but I trust it enough that it is the revolver of choice to live next to my bed. Which to me says a lot, but may not speak as loud to others.
Always good content. I would love to see a Charter Arms 38 added to the mix for comparison.
The Taurus has the Smith style push button cylinder release and the Rock Island has the Colt style pull button.
Smith began using the front cylinder pin lock to enhance lock up.
Having no intention of shooting thousands of rounds through a revolver, and not wanting to spend S&W, Colt, or Kimber-type purchase prices, I bought a Taurus 856 Exec. Grade (for well-below MSRP), and have been completely happy, both mechanically and cosmetically. We'd all agree, having a nearby desert for a shooting range would be fun.
I have the newer version of the 856 in stainless. First revolver I've ever owned. I love it. I'm more accurate with it than any semi auto I've ever shot. I carry it everywhere
I like both companies, love my 85 and 65
Nothing like a good revolver in my opinion. Thanks for the video.
Nice review. I considered both these revolvers, but instead settled on the Zastava M83. It is a somewhat larger, Yugoslavian military and police surplus revolver, with a 4 inch barrel, but is a true .357 magnum, and can shoot .38 special, .38 special +P, and .357 magnum. It is all steel, sturdy construction, 2 - 2..6 lbs. They are currently being imported and can be had for just a little more than the Taurus at the Taurus sale prices. I paid the little extra and got mine special select. The revolver looks like it was hardly used, with its original wood grips and almost no signs of wear. Even the bluing inside the cylinder chambers is perfect. I find the sights on it very adequate.
I just googled the Zastava M83 revolver and it looks very interesting. Hopefully I can find one and do a review on it. Thanks for the suggestion.
I have a bigger Zastava arms, I'm definitely interested in one of their revolvers. I have a Taurus 38 spl. No complaints.
@@mixup98 if you do. buy one pay extra for a hand selected one in good condition- i haven’t heard anything much abt the guns and i wouldn’t trust a revolver with no real info available in shit condition.
Really great video comparison. Very concise and informative.
I love the revolver videos. They are my favorite gun to shoot. Thank you 👍
I actually picked the 856 taurus over a smith and wesson. Because it carried 6 rounds and had a nice comfortable rubber grip. And it's been reliable as anything these past 4 years.
Because of your videos, I almost got the M206, but I ended up with the Taurus 856 Concealed version (The hammer is bobbed so it's DA only). I was able to snag the weapon for $25 bucks more then the M206 at the time ($250 for the 856) One thing I did notice on the website is Taurus says the 856 Concealed version says it's rated for steady diet of +p. But since you mentioned yours is only "if you have to", it's got me asking questions. The only other difference is my front sight is pinned. Great breakdown of the weapons and great work on the video!
He also mentioned he got his used, so it could be one that was made over a decade ago...
If it makes you feel any better about using +P, Taurus makes a 5 shot .357 magnum on the same exact frame; I have one, put hundreds of full house 158gr magnums through it, and the lockup is still the same as when it was New In Box. I did, however, break the firing pin by dry firing it, so I'd also recommend investing in some snapcaps
My pick is the Taurus 856! I did change out the front sight! Great shooter!
I stepped out with mine last night.
I like my Taurus 856,painted the front ramp a nice bright red. Easy to get on target.
I carry the heritage roscoe 38spl made by taurus and I love it beautifully done weapon
They do look nice
Bought the Taurus 605 T.O.R.O (.357) and the RIA 206, love revolvers! Also, a little neon orange finger nail paint on the front sight of the RIA, I had a hard time picking up the sight, too!
I got back 2 back bad 605 TOROs and after 5 months, I'm expecting my 2 replacement from Taurus, making it my 3rd TORO. Hoping i finally get a good one.
I have a Taurus Model 85. I carry it probably 70 percent of the time. I assume the 856 gets its name because of its capacity. I really like the Model 85.
I own 2 of the Rock Island 2" 206s and one of the 4". I lucked out as all 3 work great but a couple of my friends got lemons and had to send them back for repairs. RIA is really good about getting their stuff up and running pretty fast and doing a good job of it. I have never fired +P in any of them. All my wife and I have used is the old police loading of a 158 Gr LRN at 755 fps which hits with about 200 psi at the muzzle. Not great but it should get a bad guys attention at the very least. We dont do great with heavy recoil any longer so thats about all were willing to put up with. A .38 special in the head beats a 500 S&W in the foot any day so practice practice practice and then practice some more. Thanks for another great video Mixup98. God bless you & yours.
It's always good to hear from you Anthony and I always appreciate the nice comments.
@@mixup98Rock Island has good customer service had a m200 NIB with lockup issues.they replaced with a new gun could of been a performance center gun was completely perfect
@@Leonard-t6b Awesome, thanks for the feedback on Rock Island customer service. I have never delt with them but if I ever do I will be sure to post a video review on my experience.
@@mixup98 they also paid shipping both ways
I had nothing but bad luck with Taurus…finally gave up on them…may try the RIA
I call them tore ass. Theyre garbage
I have had very good luck, with Taurus Revolvers.
My newest revolver...Rossi RP63....357/.38, six rds, 3" barrel...Love it.
Thanks for the feedback on your Rossi. Maybe someday I will get the opportunity to do a review on one.
I like my Taurus 856 +P Defender three inch snub a lot. Thanks for sharing.
You're not alone. Best bang for the buck! Mine goes everywhere with me. 👍
same here!!!
I have the Rick Island DAO model 206. I love mine for carry. It has had about 1000 rounds through it. It works fantastic for me
Love your vids and how often you upload! Great Content! Keep it up!
We were limited to S&W or Colt revolvers for off-duty carry (retired in ‘97) so I appreciate your videos for the eval of other brands.
Much better design with the Taurus revolver !!
I have the 206 and a Taurus in another caliber and I like the trigger on the 206 a lot more. Both fine pieces.
I had bought a Taurus 856, unfortunately it was a lemon and I had to send it back to Taurus to get it fixed. It was the second Taurus revolver I had to send back due to it being defective, brand new out of the box.
After that ordeal I tend to only buy revolvers from S&W, Colt, Ruger and Cimarron
This is a great channel, my #1 since Paul Harrell passed away 🙏
Just feels "Real"
Hello nsmith9862. I never met Paul but he was genuine and was apparently a good man. Thank you for the excellent comment.
Always a good day when mixup post's a video
The only revolver i have is a heritage rough rider, always wanted to get something with more power! I like the revolver videos.
I think you would enjoy shooting a .38 special or even a .357 mag revolver. I'm glad that you like my revolver videos and I am sure I will be posting many more in the future.
@@mixup98 Please keep em coming!!!!
@@MHamer82shotgun 👍😎
Glad you picked the Taurus. Triple lockup points vs the single lockup point makes the big difference. You almost always get what you pay for.
1:31 Look at that angle of the hammer on the Taurus and then that of the Rock Island, when the rock island hammer os pulled back in the firing mode, look how close the hammer would get to the shooter's hand
I carried a S&W model 19 on duty for 10 yrs before we went to autos in 86. As for the Taurus I prefer the S&W push cylinder release over the Colt type pull release.
My personal favorite revolver is a six eighty six plus.. Smith and wesson..three fifty seven magnum.. Thanks for getting me into revolvers. There is something so.
Elegant And classic about them. And a whole lot of fun too.
That Taurus looks great. Somehow classy and modern at the same time.
I was on my way to buy a Rock Island at Turners in Santa Maria and stopped in at a small gun shop to see what they might have in the way of a small revolver. They had a used 856 for $50 less than what I was going to spend on the Rock Island.....No Brainer! Very happy with my Taurus though I don't find it fun at the range. The felt recoil from a small/light 38spl to me is more than the felt recoil from my 6.5in barrel .357 Ruger Blackhawk.
It’s always good to find a deal on a nice revolver!
I love and appreciate all your videos sir, but especially the revolver specific ones. Also love your range backgrounds. Beautiful! Thank you.
Its not next Saturday yet, but here I am!
I found your channel about a year ago, and after six months of watching I wanted to add a 38 to go with my semi’s. I contemplated the Rock Island but went with the Taurus in the 3” model. Very happy with it. Not as good as a Smith but a fine firearm. Thank you for your videos
Love the wood grips. So much easier to conceal.
I have two Taurus revolvers one is the poly protector snub-nosed in 357 mag. My second Taurus revolver is the Judge with the six inch barrel, and 2- 3/4 cylinder chambered in 410/45 LC. Love both of them and my next purchase will be the Rock Island revolver with the 3 inch barrel can't wait to get one after the holidays.
I really learned a lot, good info. My first revolver I bought in 1978, ruger security six. Thanks
I bought my Security Six three years after you bought yours. Love that revolver.
@ very nice revolvers, went through police academy with it. You guys are the best.
Great video again 👏. Always love hearing mixup, such great common sense. Ill say something and a second later mixup will address that very thing😅. He knows what were thinking. Keep showing off that rock island! Prove those haters wrong by showing its long run with you. ❤
I bought my first revolver in 77 as well, I have the rock island and it shoots well and I own and have shot a few Taurus revolvers and I like them too......I just like revolvers!
I own a Taurus 605 and love it! A great little revolver.
I prefer the Rock Island with the black rubber grips.
I have had a fascination with revolvers since I was a little boy. I'm 60 now. I was mesmerized by my dad's Iver Johnson .38 S&W when he opened his briefcase at the hotel in L.A. we had just flown in from San Francisco (he had that briefcase on the plane). I had a little trouble being good with a revolver. I think it was my trigger control, but two revolvers I shot well were my S&W model 29 6" barrel and my old nickle S&W M&P model 10. I have wanted a short barreled .38 for quite some time. Fun comparison.
Good morning Steve. I bet that Iver Johnson was a hoot to shoot. The first centerfire handgun I ever shot, more than fifty years ago, was my dad's nickel S&W Model 10. I recently bought an older nickel Model 10 and it brought back a lot of good memories I have with my dad. Here is that Model 10 video if you are interested: th-cam.com/video/9_7rttOVjPw/w-d-xo.html
@mixup98 yeah that old Iver Johnson. I think I had to school my brothers that it didn't shoot .38 special😁. That gun got stolen, buried in the hills of Thousand Oaks, California. The police caught the guy and got some of the guns back. The old Iver was never the same after that. My brother has my 5" m&p now because I am very sick. For some reason I could shoot that decent (double action) and my model 29 with light loads, I could shoot that well. Thanks Mixup for the link to that other video! Take Care, God bless you with continued health and many more days of shooting!
I have owned Taurus revolvers since the early 1980s and their absolutely great. I had one problem back in the old days and that was the cylinder release button screw with stripped. I now own a 2019 tracker model 627 357 Magnum and I've never had a single issue😊 one thing I do like about the Rock Island is the pullback cylinder release button like the Colts have. I also like ruger's push button cylinder release and prefer these over Smith & Wesson and Tauruses push forward cylinder release buttons😊
I love the 856 Ultralight. I like to pocket carry and I ditched Model 36 that has a long grip like the Rock Island. The Taurus carries much better imo.
I got the .38 Taurus 856. I LOVE that lil thing! Very comfortable!
Thanks for the video and comparison. I do like the Taurus….
You are in good company...a lot of people like the Taurus.
The Taurus performed very well, seemed to suit Mixup perfectly.
I vote Charter arms
I hear ya Amigo!
I'm torn between the Taurus
327 and the Charter Arm Undrcoverette in .32 H&R mag.. about the same price but a big difference in weight
@@donnyarmstrong9559 I have a Taurus 327. .32 H&R mag is a fine caliber to shoot. Little recoil and perhaps a little below the 38 in power/nearly equal. But they are hard to come by and expensive. I still like .32's. .327 mag is fun to shoot.
I have a 206 and an 856 Ultra Lite, and while I like them both, I like the Rocker better. There's just something about it. It's like finding a stray mutt, and falling in love with it. I really can't explain it either. And I've found the lockup excellent. No play at all. But my favorite is my Charter Arms Undercover. I'd sure like another video, including that against these two
I have an older Taurus Model 85 that has never given me trouble, even shot plenty of +P ammo through it.
Taurus has been making some good revolvers for many years and I have always heard good things about the model 85. Thanks for sharing.
Revolvers are the best.
I've got a Colt Lawman Mark III and by the latch on that Rock Island they are identical so that Rock Island reminds me of the cult looks like the same tools did the works
Great head to head review on a couple budget revolvers. I had an 856 at one time and sold it, another one that got away.
My M200 came with both wooden grips and the hard plastic. I got this one for $200.00. in Oregon. Loads of range fun.
Good review, my first revolver was a Ruger sp101.....now I have a windicaror eaa .357 snub and a poly Judge .
You have a nice collection. I had a stainless Judge years ago but sold it. Now I'm thinking of getting a poly Judge and doing a review on it. Should be lots of fun.
I’ve got a couple Taurus revolvers. A 44 mag 8-3/8 stainless, and a 38 special ultralight. I absolutely love shooting my 44 mag, but I don’t shoot the 38 near as much. It’s a good pistol, but I really wish I had a 357 mag that size, so I could shoot 38 or 357mag with it.