First thing I do when I get a Taurus revolver (605, 856 UL & 856 Defender) is dump the pinned grip and replace it with a Hogue 67000. I carry at 3:00 as I don't have to sweat printing where I live. Once the grip is off, I replace the springs with a Galloway Precision spring kit. Front sight gets a dab of neon green paint. Snubs go in a Galco Hornet and the Defender goes in a Combat Master, also from Galco. Carry rounds are 148 grain wadcutters from Georgia Arms. Nice review.
Looks like the front sight is pinned, I'd replace it with a fiber optic green sight and put a viridian laser grip on it. That's what my plans are anyway.
That's a nice set up! The twist rate on these 1:16.5rh should stabilize that wad cutter nicely. I'm going to have to check out that load. Love Georgia Arms and I'm here in Georgia😂, convenience 👌 I did order a XS Standard Dot Revolver Front Sight - Taurus TS-0003N-4G. I find the stock serrated front sites with a dab of yellow for a black gun is very accurate. The stock pinned sites shoot point of aim. I got a few of these snubs. Got the M327, M605 and the M905. All great so far.
This Taurus 856 hammerless revolver is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment due to its reasonable price and exceptional design. As a revolver aficionado, I acknowledge the existence of higher-end models, but this particular revolver stands out. I inherited a .38 Agent Colt revolver from my late mother, which is both impressive and aesthetically pleasing. Kimber and Smith & Wesson revolvers are also highly regarded. This revolver is ideal for concealed carry and self-defense. Charter Arms revolvers are also noteworthy for their quality.
I`ve been shooting over 50 yrs.. I really like the 856. The hammer model is best for me. I get the hammer catching on something but has never been a problem for me. Very nice review.
We have seen cops on the ground getting hit by an attacker, how do you think this could happen when most cops have the gun out if even threatened, attacks are planned, fast and violent, If jumped on in such an attack that hammer is not worth the risk of any bodily harm, plus if you want to pocket or purse carry I would never do it with snag city just waiting.
For what I do professionally this is the Goldilocks gun. I need to pocket carry and the snub fits my work pants perfectly. This gentleman may fail to realize the front site is pinned as is the grip. You can swap out both. XS sites makes an excellent Standard Dot Revolver Front Sight model- Taurus TS-0003N-4G. I use the no longer manufactured Taurus model 85 boot grip which is great for my hands and excepts all speed loaders. Any small frame Taurus grip will fit these. Not all ammo shoots the same out of every similar firearm. Snubbies' have different twist rates (1:16.5-in RH Twist in the 856) and barrel lengths even though subtle differences. The 1:16.5 twist is a nice compromise between 1:14-1:18 and may stabilize a slightly heavier bullet. I like the 158 grain if I can find them standard pressure. This is not a great gun for multiple attackers or distances especially under stress. This is a point and shoot defensive firearm. It's as accurate as you are. The good thing is it carries well which means it'll always be with you. Shoot what ammo you shoot best in it. If you miss your target you're liable wherever that bullet goes. Only use deadly force if you have no other choice. Know your laws the DA's are usually Left wing Marxists who want you disarmed especially if you're a law abiding citizen. If you are ever about to be assaulted or under assault you will "grey out" go into adrenaline shock. The less obtrusive the easier to operate a firearm is will help you use it to save your life. The concealed hammer is perfect, no safety and not to light of a trigger which you can press accidentally under stress (which even happens to cops). This gun has a very serviceable trigger. Training with it and getting a feel for it is mandatory. It's a little stiff but very smooth and very stageable. It will break in as you shoot it. I personally like it. It tends not to false reset like my LCR(also great gun). I also don't find it necessary to swap the main spring and trigger spring which you can. Good job Taurus. Learn how to service your revolver. Clean it correctly. Check the screws and the ejector once in a while. They can back out under pressure. Revolvers are reliable but they require good maintenance. Taurus warranty may be a pita they do stand by their firearms. That gives a little confidence if something does go wrong. Be strong and of good courage! Thanks for your review of a great high value firearm.
When you need to defend yourself with a concealed revolver a hammer can be a liability. The confrontation is likely to be very close and sudden. Bobbed or enclosed hammers are much more trouble free in that sort of scenario.
I have never had an issue with revolver hammers. Me and my partners love the 856/605 hammer because it aid in keeping gun in the holster on your belt or ankle. Having that precise single action shot is always a good thing.
I only use Underwood xtreme defenders and xtreme penetrators in my 38 snubbies. 856 is a great little pistol at a great buy. I have the 856 in the hammerless stainless version and love it. Thanks for sharing.
I have 2 of them, a Ultra-lite 2" and a steel 3", love them both so much I went out and bought a 4" M44 4" 6 shot Taurus 44 magnum, basically a copy of my 6.5" 629. (that's a lot of 4's) Seriously, I am a big Smith fan and own a 2" 642, a brace of Rugers, a SRH in 454 Casull and a 3" 7 shot GP100. All great revolvers but with the night sights, an excellent trigger, 2 grips and the fact mine are very accurate at over half the cost of a Smith they are winners. My steel 3" 856 has over 2000 rounds thru it, most +P and it's still rock solid and the action has smoothed up like butter. Quality is excellent, right on par with a new Smith, after all they were owned by the same company and as you can tell I'm very pleased with mine. By the way 38 Special +P is more than comparable with a 357 magnum out of a 2" tube. I've tested it with equal 125gr rounds including 9mm and the 38 & 9mm are almost even with the 357 a close second, add an extra inch to that 357 barrel and it's a different story. Most 357's are loaded to work with barrels over 4" at least not to mention blast and recoil make follow up's difficult. 38+P is a great defense load and if you don't believe they will punch thru an arm and penetrate another 12"-14" to do it's job, I can tell you it will. I've shot deer I've taken with a rifle just to check penetration. After butchering I can attest to the fact those rounds will ruin anyone's day even from a 2" barrel.
Completely agree about .38sp+P in snubs, I've done some research and watched ballistic tests and typically the .357 magnums don't penetrate as well out of the shorter barrels, from what I've seen. The hollow points still expand nicely but I don't think it's worth the extra recoil.
@@MannixKnives I try to tell folks that but they are hard headed and just have to find out for themselves. If they want all that extra recoil for not much better performance than a .38Spl. +P then more power to them.
Great review. I got one a while ago and have started to prefer it over tiny semis. It fits my hand, and 6 rds is better than 5 rds, so that's a win. IRL, that is not an issue. And I would say that it's faster to load an unloaded revolver, than to load an unloaded semi auto without an ALREADY loaded magazine.
Had a Taurus 85CH, .38 Special DAO, stainless steel, five-shot. Great in colder weather for carry in a jacket pocket. Plan to replace it with the Taurus 856 DAO snubbie for that sixth shot. Still kick myself for selling my Colt Detective Special.
You know how you tell if a revolver is out of time? When you pull the trigger it either fires or it blows the front of the gun off. Revolvers are good guns but by no means have less problems or less wear parts than a semi auto
My first snubbie had a concealed hammer (S&W Centennial). I found that the lack of a hammer kept me from taking advantage of the security strap on holsters. Yes, a fitted (Kydex) holster is pretty secure - but this is a gun you’ll use up close and personal. That is, while grappling with someone, rolling around on the ground, running and jumping about, etc. Hammer getting caught? Hasn’t been an issue, even when drawing from deep concealment. And, contrary to the magazine commandos, I’ve yet to even imagine a situation where I’d want to fire it from inside a pocket. (There’s a reason for the front sight!). My current snubbie is this gun - WITH an exposed hammer. A fine gun.
I own a 856 ultr-lite and Its my main summer gun in a pocket holster with Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special (non +p). The “+p” really is not needed.
I like the idea of coat pocket carry when I am out for walks in my neighborhood. I don't usually get out until 9:30-10pm - because of idiotic dem/lib/marxist lawlessness there have been increased firearm-based robberies encroaching my neighborhood. More likely than that would be a rabid coyote or other rabid critter coming out of the woods after me.
You have a pinned sight model just like one I have on the way, but mine is the black hammerless ultra lite. The front sight you can remove and swap out with the factory orange with tritium or you can get XS sights red or green big dot sight for it. Just be aware the hole size is slightly smaller then 1/16th punch.
You might actually be able to stage the trigger so the hammer comes back and use your support thumb to cock the hammer back in single action. Some bobbed hammer revolvers allow you to do that but others don't. You still might be able to single action it for more precise shots. Generally with non-moon clip revolvers yes they are slower to reload but moon clip revolvers beat autoloaders on reload time. Just make sure the moon clips are durable and don't warp or bend out of shape. .38Spl. is plenty good enough and has put a lot of folks six foot under. My 856 is a Defender three inch matte black stainless with Hogue grips and Ameriglo tritium day/night front sight. The longer ejector rod is better at ejecting cases, longer sight radius, and better muzzle velocity and energy than the two inch. Conceals about the same. But I don't use it as a pocket gun. I use Bianchi speed strips because they lay flat in a pocket but folks have to practice and train revolver reloading under live fire stress to be proficient. Thanks for sharing.
Use Underwood xtreme defenders or penetrators standard pressure loads and you will be in good hands. Go check out the ballistics on those. Need say no more. Thanks for sharing and shoot strait.
Semi autos have far fewer parts than a revolver. I don’t know who said this “The internals of a revolver looks like Swiss watch on the inside.”, but they are correct. Nothing but levers, springs and pins. However they tend to be more reliable because there is no feeding issues from a magazine to feed ramp dynamics.
Anyone have an issue with the free-floating firing pin rattling a ton with this? I have that on mine and just moving it up/down/left/right makes it move and it's annoying
@mr.speyside5240 The 856 is a great revolver. Like with any gun just make sure you inspect it before buying from the FFL dealer so you don't get defects or damage. They do come with a warranty just in case. I really like my 856 Defender three inch a lot. Costs a little more than the standard two inch though but I get Hogue grips and a tritium day/night front sight. Easier to eject cases with the longer ejector rod, longer sight radius, and better muzzle velocity and energy. Conceals about the same.
A lot of talk, would have been nice to see it fired at the range and some comments on Recoil. Even better have the live fire done by a woman. To get a womans perspective.
First thing I do when I get a Taurus revolver (605, 856 UL & 856 Defender) is dump the pinned grip and replace it with a Hogue 67000. I carry at 3:00 as I don't have to sweat printing where I live. Once the grip is off, I replace the springs with a Galloway Precision spring kit. Front sight gets a dab of neon green paint. Snubs go in a Galco Hornet and the Defender goes in a Combat Master, also from Galco. Carry rounds are 148 grain wadcutters from Georgia Arms. Nice review.
Looks like the front sight is pinned, I'd replace it with a fiber optic green sight and put a viridian laser grip on it. That's what my plans are anyway.
That's a nice set up! The twist rate on these 1:16.5rh should stabilize that wad cutter nicely. I'm going to have to check out that load. Love Georgia Arms and I'm here in Georgia😂, convenience 👌 I did order a XS Standard Dot Revolver Front Sight - Taurus TS-0003N-4G. I find the stock serrated front sites with a dab of yellow for a black gun is very accurate. The stock pinned sites shoot point of aim. I got a few of these snubs. Got the M327, M605 and the M905. All great so far.
This is the way
You have a radio news talk voice, lol. i just bought that same gun last week, and i love it. Nice review!
This Taurus 856 hammerless revolver is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment due to its reasonable price and exceptional design. As a revolver aficionado, I acknowledge the existence of higher-end models, but this particular revolver stands out. I inherited a .38 Agent Colt revolver from my late mother, which is both impressive and aesthetically pleasing. Kimber and Smith & Wesson revolvers are also highly regarded. This revolver is ideal for concealed carry and self-defense. Charter Arms revolvers are also noteworthy for their quality.
I`ve been shooting over 50 yrs.. I really like the 856. The hammer model is best for me. I get the hammer catching on something but has never been a problem for me. Very nice review.
We have seen cops on the ground getting hit by an attacker, how do you think this could happen when most cops have the gun out if even threatened, attacks are planned, fast and violent, If jumped on in such an attack that hammer is not worth the risk of any bodily harm, plus if you want to pocket or purse carry I would never do it with snag city just waiting.
@@ak-488 Someone is jumping on the hammer? With correct holster snag is not likely. I`d worry more if I got kicked in the nuts.
I own and carry a Taurus 856 UL, I use a Sticky Pocket Holster and never had an issue with the exposed hammer snagging while presenting.
For what I do professionally this is the Goldilocks gun. I need to pocket carry and the snub fits my work pants perfectly. This gentleman may fail to realize the front site is pinned as is the grip. You can swap out both. XS sites makes an excellent Standard Dot Revolver Front Sight model- Taurus TS-0003N-4G. I use the no longer manufactured Taurus model 85 boot grip which is great for my hands and excepts all speed loaders. Any small frame Taurus grip will fit these. Not all ammo shoots the same out of every similar firearm. Snubbies' have different twist rates (1:16.5-in RH Twist in the 856) and barrel lengths even though subtle differences. The 1:16.5 twist is a nice compromise between 1:14-1:18 and may stabilize a slightly heavier bullet. I like the 158 grain if I can find them standard pressure. This is not a great gun for multiple attackers or distances especially under stress. This is a point and shoot defensive firearm. It's as accurate as you are. The good thing is it carries well which means it'll always be with you. Shoot what ammo you shoot best in it. If you miss your target you're liable wherever that bullet goes. Only use deadly force if you have no other choice. Know your laws the DA's are usually Left wing Marxists who want you disarmed especially if you're a law abiding citizen. If you are ever about to be assaulted or under assault you will "grey out" go into adrenaline shock. The less obtrusive the easier to operate a firearm is will help you use it to save your life. The concealed hammer is perfect, no safety and not to light of a trigger which you can press accidentally under stress (which even happens to cops). This gun has a very serviceable trigger. Training with it and getting a feel for it is mandatory. It's a little stiff but very smooth and very stageable. It will break in as you shoot it. I personally like it. It tends not to false reset like my LCR(also great gun). I also don't find it necessary to swap the main spring and trigger spring which you can. Good job Taurus. Learn how to service your revolver. Clean it correctly. Check the screws and the ejector once in a while. They can back out under pressure. Revolvers are reliable but they require good maintenance. Taurus warranty may be a pita they do stand by their firearms. That gives a little confidence if something does go wrong.
Be strong and of good courage! Thanks for your review of a great high value firearm.
My first ever revolver and it's one of my EDC and I love it! 6 shots with critical defense rounds and I have no problem with it!
I own this revolver it is beyond fantastic I recommend it highly for anyone 6 shots bam bam bam gets the job done
When you need to defend yourself with a concealed revolver a hammer can be a liability. The confrontation is likely to be very close and sudden. Bobbed or enclosed hammers are much more trouble free in that sort of scenario.
Mannix had the best theme music of any detective show.
Beautiful!!! And yes it does come in bobbed hammer light version.
I have never had an issue with revolver hammers. Me and my partners love the 856/605 hammer because it aid in keeping gun in the holster on your belt or ankle. Having that precise single action shot is always a good thing.
I only use Underwood xtreme defenders and xtreme penetrators in my 38 snubbies. 856 is a great little pistol at a great buy. I have the 856 in the hammerless stainless version and love it. Thanks for sharing.
Just bought one this morning she’s a beauty
Nice! I'm thinking of getting one, and throwing a Galloway spring kit and an XS sight on it.
I have 2 of them, a Ultra-lite 2" and a steel 3", love them both so much I went out and bought a 4" M44 4" 6 shot Taurus 44 magnum, basically a copy of my 6.5" 629. (that's a lot of 4's) Seriously, I am a big Smith fan and own a 2" 642, a brace of Rugers, a SRH in 454 Casull and a 3" 7 shot GP100. All great revolvers but with the night sights, an excellent trigger, 2 grips and the fact mine are very accurate at over half the cost of a Smith they are winners. My steel 3" 856 has over 2000 rounds thru it, most +P and it's still rock solid and the action has smoothed up like butter. Quality is excellent, right on par with a new Smith, after all they were owned by the same company and as you can tell I'm very pleased with mine. By the way 38 Special +P is more than comparable with a 357 magnum out of a 2" tube. I've tested it with equal 125gr rounds including 9mm and the 38 & 9mm are almost even with the 357 a close second, add an extra inch to that 357 barrel and it's a different story. Most 357's are loaded to work with barrels over 4" at least not to mention blast and recoil make follow up's difficult. 38+P is a great defense load and if you don't believe they will punch thru an arm and penetrate another 12"-14" to do it's job, I can tell you it will. I've shot deer I've taken with a rifle just to check penetration. After butchering I can attest to the fact those rounds will ruin anyone's day even from a 2" barrel.
Completely agree about .38sp+P in snubs, I've done some research and watched ballistic tests and typically the .357 magnums don't penetrate as well out of the shorter barrels, from what I've seen. The hollow points still expand nicely but I don't think it's worth the extra recoil.
@@MannixKnives I try to tell folks that but they are hard headed and just have to find out for themselves. If they want all that extra recoil for not much better performance than a .38Spl. +P then more power to them.
@hardball107 Same here. I really like my 856 Defender three inch a lot.
I own the 856 it was so stiff in trigger pull I changed the hammer spring to lone wolf few lbs lighter it was all it needed perfect now great revolver
I got the gray 856 UL concealed hammer, it works great. I use HKS quick loaders MODEL-DS-A.
I wonder why not more revolvers have hammers like this. Practically speaking people will use double action only for defense anyway.
This is a newer version of the CH85 5 shot that I bought in 95.....both are very good revolvers.....
Just bought an Ultra-Lite (stainless) with the bobbed hammer. Good review!
Great review. I got one a while ago and have started to prefer it over tiny semis. It fits my hand, and 6 rds is better than 5 rds, so that's a win. IRL, that is not an issue. And I would say that it's faster to load an unloaded revolver, than to load an unloaded semi auto without an ALREADY loaded magazine.
Had a Taurus 85CH, .38 Special DAO, stainless steel, five-shot. Great in colder weather for carry in a jacket pocket. Plan to replace it with the Taurus 856 DAO snubbie for that sixth shot.
Still kick myself for selling my Colt Detective Special.
I have one it is great for CCW, I use Zeta 6 K-Clip for loading.
You know how you tell if a revolver is out of time? When you pull the trigger it either fires or it blows the front of the gun off. Revolvers are good guns but by no means have less problems or less wear parts than a semi auto
My first snubbie had a concealed hammer (S&W Centennial). I found that the lack of a hammer kept me from taking advantage of the security strap on holsters. Yes, a fitted (Kydex) holster is pretty secure - but this is a gun you’ll use up close and personal. That is, while grappling with someone, rolling around on the ground, running and jumping about, etc.
Hammer getting caught? Hasn’t been an issue, even when drawing from deep concealment. And, contrary to the magazine commandos, I’ve yet to even imagine a situation where I’d want to fire it from inside a pocket. (There’s a reason for the front sight!).
My current snubbie is this gun - WITH an exposed hammer. A fine gun.
I own a 856 ultr-lite and Its my main summer gun in a pocket holster with Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special (non +p). The “+p” really is not needed.
I like the idea of coat pocket carry when I am out for walks in my neighborhood. I don't usually get out until 9:30-10pm - because of idiotic dem/lib/marxist lawlessness there have been increased firearm-based robberies encroaching my neighborhood. More likely than that would be a rabid coyote or other rabid critter coming out of the woods after me.
Good presentation, may get one!
You have a pinned sight model just like one I have on the way, but mine is the black hammerless ultra lite. The front sight you can remove and swap out with the factory orange with tritium or you can get XS sights red or green big dot sight for it. Just be aware the hole size is slightly smaller then 1/16th punch.
So they do make a hammerless (internal) 856 in ultra lite?
I have the 856 ul 2 inch Bbl. No problem at hitting beer cans at 25 yards. Good video on a good gun. Thanks enjoyed.
You might actually be able to stage the trigger so the hammer comes back and use your support thumb to cock the hammer back in single action. Some bobbed hammer revolvers allow you to do that but others don't. You still might be able to single action it for more precise shots. Generally with non-moon clip revolvers yes they are slower to reload but moon clip revolvers beat autoloaders on reload time. Just make sure the moon clips are durable and don't warp or bend out of shape. .38Spl. is plenty good enough and has put a lot of folks six foot under. My 856 is a Defender three inch matte black stainless with Hogue grips and Ameriglo tritium day/night front sight. The longer ejector rod is better at ejecting cases, longer sight radius, and better muzzle velocity and energy than the two inch. Conceals about the same. But I don't use it as a pocket gun. I use Bianchi speed strips because they lay flat in a pocket but folks have to practice and train revolver reloading under live fire stress to be proficient. Thanks for sharing.
I was wondering this same thing
Love the feel of the stock grips, but changing them (slightly larger) may improve your ability to "stage" the trigger!?!
I know they now make a 856 Ultra Light with an internal hammer, I just bought one! Weights less than a pound!
Howdy! I enjoyed your review. I had an all-steel Model 85. Taurus seems to get their revolvers right where all else fails.
Boy, do I ever wish that were true...
the front sight is re-movable, you can put a high visibility sight on that gun.
Your thumb can easily rest on the concealed hammer to serve as a safety switch
Use Underwood xtreme defenders or penetrators standard pressure loads and you will be in good hands. Go check out the ballistics on those. Need say no more. Thanks for sharing and shoot strait.
Looking into videos their isn't much on the concealed hammer as far as disassembly. Is it similar to the hammer version?
Paint and the front site is interchangeable
Semi autos have far fewer parts than a revolver. I don’t know who said this “The internals of a revolver looks like Swiss watch on the inside.”, but they are correct. Nothing but levers, springs and pins. However they tend to be more reliable because there is no feeding issues from a magazine to feed ramp dynamics.
CH imo is the best configuration
What radio program do you host? 😂
best in it's class
I carry the stainless version, it just works.
Where do I find that holster which brand model?
Anyone have an issue with the free-floating firing pin rattling a ton with this? I have that on mine and just moving it up/down/left/right makes it move and it's annoying
It looks like you can switch out your front sight.
Lo tengo color gris y el 617 y son excelentes
I want this so bad
@mr.speyside5240 The 856 is a great revolver. Like with any gun just make sure you inspect it before buying from the FFL dealer so you don't get defects or damage. They do come with a warranty just in case. I really like my 856 Defender three inch a lot. Costs a little more than the standard two inch though but I get Hogue grips and a tritium day/night front sight. Easier to eject cases with the longer ejector rod, longer sight radius, and better muzzle velocity and energy. Conceals about the same.
Thoracic cavity
It's a "bobbed" hammer, not "concealed". The original Ruger LCR would be an example of a "concealed" hammer.
The manual lists this model as CH, short for concealed hammer.
A lot of talk, would have been nice to see it fired at the range and some comments on Recoil. Even better have the live fire done by a woman. To get a womans perspective.
nice commentary but kindly suggest that you lay the piece down and remove your hands from the action. all that hand movement is dizzying.
Just close your eyes and pretend you're listening to a podcast.
@@robwilson3749 then not much point to opening utube to watch this video, eh.
Less talk - more demonstration.