The great thing about a red dot is that it makes dry-firing all the more effective. You can see precisely how your trigger pull affects your point-of-aim.
It's harder to achieve a smooth trigger pull and stay on target with a heavier trigger. The older Taurus revolvers had lighter trigger pulls because they had heavier hammers, which helped to stay on target. The lighter hammer is a design flaw.
That's true. I was just trying to find a solution for a smoother and lighter trigger pull. Aside from the internal parts breaking themselves in through repeated trigger pulls, there does not seem to be one.
@@PassivePortfolios I'd say not a design flaw, merely a design choice. There are pros and cons to everything. If you want a lighter and less easily snagged gun, smaller and lighter hammer, if you want the lighter trigger, heavier hammer, so it can use the momentum instead of a depending on a heavier spring for reliable ignition like the lighter hammer. Neither choice is objectively the one everyone should always make.
Chris, just wanted to say that your company is the only place I buy ammo online. Your videos are always so calm and reasonable with such a level-headed and straightforward approach. No flashy intros, no hyperbole, goofy skits, scaremongering, and not one second of any video is wasted with anything not relevant to the topic. You have the most professional guntube channel on TH-cam, and it's made me a lifelong customer of your ammo store.
My wife's first carry gun was a steel frame 85. Traded it in for a steel frame 856 when they came out. She carries an EZ now, but i generally carry an air weight J frame and was disappointed that Smith doesn't make an air weight 3 inch barrel 38 or 357. Luckily for me Taurus makes an aluminum frame 3 inch barrel 856 and it even comes with a dual tritium fiber optic front sight. Also comes with a Hogue grip. I changed the trigger springs out and its become one of my favorite carry revolvers.
They surprise you, don't they? For me, it's not so much the weight of the pull, but just the smoothness. I've been using wheelguns for like 20 some years. I think they help me improve my trigger pull technique on every other platform.
I started off wanting to own a revolver for concealed carry because I have a frankly weird affection for them. This gun makes me want to go ahead and act on that.
Ruger always gets to the party late, but does a good job of trying to one up everyone. not much originality, a good deal of refinement withing the manufacturing methods they have refined.
The Chiappa Rhino would be perfect for an optic mounting system if they decided to do it, because they could potentially put a spot where normally the barrel would be.
@@revolverDOOMGUY none lf the rhinos are realistically... i have owned the 200ds and 30ds, the geometry is awful for carry. A shame bc i think it is a fantastic firearm.
Good to hear that Taurus is improving quality. Nice to have an affordable option. Like the red dot on a revolver but needs an under-barrel rail for a light. Could also use a folding bayonet for a last-ditch defensive effort.
I have found all eight of my Taurus pistols to be accurate, reliable and eats everything I feed them. I have had more problems with my M&P and the Smith and Wesson warranty service sucked. The representatives were rude and it took over 3 months to get my pistol back. Although I have never needed Taurus warranty service the contacts I have had with Taurus representatives have been helpful and pleasant.
I swore off Taurus after having to return 6 or 7 examples of their micro-sized .380 auto pistols to them, due to various failures that rendered the pistols useless. I did so reluctantly, because I'd had a great experience with their PT1911 - it ran flawlessly. I wasn't as hesitant to pick up one of their revolvers - a 605 in this case - as I had owned a Rossi Model 88 for many years prior to Taurus's acquisition of Rossi and it had been an excellent little revolver, accurate and reliable to a tee. Like the Mod. 88 and the Mod. PT1911, the Taurus 605 has run flawlessly, with all the accuracy it could possibly deliver, given my aging eyesight. I haven't tried .357 magnum loads in it yet and may not - I don't care for hand-jarring recoil these days as much as I did when I was a young buck, but I have fired a number of pretty hot +P+ handloads out of it and it didn't skip a beat with any of them. All of that to say this: I hope that Taurus's reported re-imagining of quality control and customer service will result in a product line in which all models show the same quality and reliability that their revolvers are known for. Not sure if I'd ever want an optic-equipped wheel gun, but I'm sure there are many shooters who would, so ... kudos to Taurus for leading from the front! Cheers.
Taurus is like what Kia has turned into. They used to make cheap unreliable crap but they realized they could make more money if they put some effort into design and quality. It seems to be working and they're regaining respect.
Little by little, revolvers are growing on me. I inherited a few firearms recently..3 of them are 'volvers (two .38 special, and one .colt 45). They are more fun, and easy to conceal than I thought. I'm still new to the world of wheel guns, so optics are something ill have to learn more on. This vid helps slot
How uncomfortable is it to conceal carry a revolver? I don't live in a country where you're allowed to carry but I can't imagine the cylinder not poking into you.
@@MegaHellstrike the cylinder doesn't bother me much, the hammer pokes into my gut sometimes, but having carried a semi for a short time, the smaller grips and barrels on revolvers can make a big difference in concealability and comfort depending on how you do it.
Not related to the specific video, but I just want to say, I put in a large (for me) ammo purchase from Lucky Gunner, for a specific reason. You're just about the only gun channel, and company, that doesn't engage in fear based marketing. You seem like a genuinely respectable, reasonable, and reliable gun channel. I'm so tired of the "group "x culture war nonsense" is gonna gettcha, buy more guns" marketing. I'll likely continue buying my ammo from you as time continues. I like supporting reasonable, and sane, people. Thank you.
Wasn't there one of the characters in the Tom Clancy novel Rainbow Six that had a red dot revolver way back in 1998? Honestly, one of my favorite guns to shoot is my dirt cheap Armscor M200 .38 Special revolver. I reload inexpensive .38 Spl and get to shoot it a lot. An easy to shoot revolver with a red dot on it sounds like a lot of fun.
My only experience with Taurus so far was my first revolver last year, a Taurus 686 in .357 magnum. I was a fool and cowboy'd the revolver a bunch, closing the drum with a spin and such. After doing that a handful of times the cylinder was damaged, on 4 of the chambers the cylinder didn't lock securely anymore and could be rotated backwards. Sent the gun in to the retailer I bought it from, they sent it to Taurus, 2.5 months later I received a new 686, no questions asked despite them probably definitely knowing it was user error. I'm not an expert but the damage occured so quickly that I assume that their steel isn't the highest quality or best treated, but the 686 is a budget 6 inch barrel revolver so I didn't expect the cream of the crop. The new revolver runs well so far (only put about 150 rounds through it so far), the first 50 rounds had occasional light primer strikes, after oiling the revolver that was resolved. The trigger feels nice and I can stage it fairly well now.
I just recently purchased a new Taurus 942. Revolver in 22LR. It was defective out of the box, would not ignite any primers. Sent it back to Taurus, after waiting 3 weeks for an update they finally answered their customer service line. They said the frame was so defective they would need to destroy the firearm and issue me a new one, replacing the serial number. Wait 8 weeks for delivery and I have to do an FFL transfer AND pay for it. Just a heads up. Still waiting 6 weeks later. I also had to send the Taurus GX4 back to them TWICE for repair.
Owned a model 85 in the past and liked it very much. I now have a G2c and have had zero problems, both my daughters liked it enough that they went out and bought theirselves each a G3. All of them operate just fine. I’m looking at a raging hunter right now but can’t decide between 44mag or the big 460 S&W.
Chris, you're doing the best weapon reviews I've ever seen! I like your style, your beautiful real cluster-rich English, your stories around a topic, and video-light effects! Hello from Ukraine!
Even when I disagree with you or am repulsed by some new heresy you're pushing, your presentations are too good not to watch. You have a good sense of humor with terrific production values. Kudos.
I bought the Taurus 856 TORO and i love it. I put a Galloway spring kit and Holosun 407K on it. I also installed a laser grip as a backup just in case the optic dies on me. Shot over 4,000 round through it and only had problems with Fiocchi wadcutters. Would recommend
I'm more excited at this point about the 3 inch six shot revolver weighing in at a pound and a half than I am about the optic. This style of handgun is probably what the nondedicated shooter is best served with rather than the smallest and lightest thing they can get. I think six shots of .38 Special will suffice to allow the typical person to break contact and escape a parking lot ambush if we stay in the world of reality versus fantasy. I think I might get one of these to work with a bit just as an iron sighted gun, but having the option to add an optic later when my eyesight is completely gone and I can no longer see my front sight. As for Taurus quality, when I worked in Brazil in the early 90's, they made a couple of really good guns. The first was the PT92 9mm, and the others were the Models 82 and 85. These last two were simple, uncomplicated revolvers. I trained hundreds of officers of the Policia Militar with these three guns, and never saw a cop break one beyond stripping threads on a grip screw. It was only in later years that I saw Taurus quality go into the dumper. I'd be ecstatic if Taurus has been able to turn their rep around with these newer revolvers.
Tests have shown that a .22 MAG in a 3 inch barrel has as much penetration as a 38 special +P at 25 yards. less noise, less recoil perfect for us senior citizens. Practice can make it a very lethal self defense gun.
@@bwofficial1776 True enough. But that is not the gun at issue here. In the course of training more than 30,000 private citizens in my school before I retired, I found that the vast majority did quite well with a steel frame revolver of medium size weighing in at 1.5 to 2 pounds. Most did not do well with the Airweights in the 1 pound weight class. After that, those who are interested in a striker fired pistol can easily move on to that if they choose to, and many do. Those who sre still uncomfortable with the auto, and there are many, can stay with the revolver and be well protected. Unfortunately because first time gun owners typically don't know what they don't know when buying their first guns, makers tend to focus on very small and light revolvers that as you have correctly noted are not appropriate for them. That's why I mentioned I was excited with this gun. I only wish a maker with a track record for better quality had done this first, at a price people could afford.
@@stevefarris9433 Actually you are quite right. Given an 8 or 9 shot DA revolver in .22 Magnum, a lot of recoil shy shooters can do quite well. Tthe only issue I've run into as a trainer is that of noise. A small number of shooters react badly to the high pitched crack of the Magnum round. I can usualy get them comfortable with a low intensity .38 Special round if they prefer a revolver, and a .380 if they want an auto. My go-to .380 for that group is the Glock 42. I find that just about anything is better than no gun at all. Cheers!
@@PPISAFETY 65 years ago I purchased my first high caliber handgun. A S&W 357 Mag, 4 inch barrel Highway Patrolman. At 85 going on 86 I no longer enjoy the recoil or the heft of that beauty. She smiles at me every time I get into my gun safe. I have put thousands of rounds down range in various calibers, S&W 38 Specials using +P ammo, simple .22 LR and semi automatics and several .22 Mags. My every day carry is a S&W .22Mag 8 rounds with a 3 inch barrel. Just about right for this old shooter. Keep a sharp eye! Would have said keep your powder dry but even I am not that old.
I own Taurus revolvers and semi-autos. Their revolver designs are solid. In the recent (2 years) past, their metallurgy has been spotty with three of them in my personal experience. I want them to succeed. We need affordable options. I have much 'better' guns also, but I enjoy my Tauri. One of my favorite carry weapons is a 856 Ultralight 2 inch, with blue VZ grips. In my work, I have seen what 38 Special can do. I do not feel inadequately armed when I carry it. For speed loaders, I use the Zeta six and also Zeta speed strips. The HKS loaders I use with my Ruger Security six are just barely too big by a red C hair. I have some from Vulcan Ballistics for my 5 shot Charter 357 snubby. They work, but are VERY stiff.
Consider this: having a zeroed optic provides a sight picture superior to the dark rear trench. I know many argue that the small revolver is designed for only close work, anyway, and an optic won't change that, but WILL help reach farther out with accuracy.
Thanks for the vid. I have two model 85s, three 856s (Defender, a 2 in, and a 2 in UltraLite), and a 942lr (for cheap practice). They are reliable and inexpensive. I carry 2 revolvers with lasers. My secondary is an SW 337 AirLite. Because of cost of the Taurus' I don't feel excessively guilty throwing it down for a NY reload and yet feel comfortable about its reliability. I think the 856/605 TORO is an innovative play on Taurus' part. They are unique in the market and for a few dollars more than the standard models, there is no reason not to buy it. And to all the 605, 856, 85 , and j-frame owners wanting to get into optics craze, this is an inexpensive avenue and Taurus is the only game in town.
I have owned multiple Taurus weapons over the years. My first handgun was a PT92. Since then I have owned several taurus revolvers and a 1911 auto. I have never had one break and all have been reliable.
The Taurus 856 TORO is nothing like the Ruger SP101. The Ruger SP101 as fantastic as it is can not be found anywhere unless you like being gouged on Gun Broker. Now all Taurus needs to do is come out with a TORO revolver in 22LR. Thanks for showing us this review.
Thanks Chris, as always much appreciation for all of your efforts! Livin my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona P.S. I have the 942 and enjoy the heck out if it! No issues in 1500 rounds!
I love lucky gunners reviews so glad he review a Taurus 856, just recently purchased the defender and love it, it’s a little stiff but with wear I know it’ll be great. I’m having problems finding a decent holster for it. Only been able to find ones for the 2inch barrels
When I started buying guns 20 years ago, I got suckered into buying a few Taurus guns by people telling me "These aren't like the Taurus guns from 10 years ago, these are reliable!" I bought a few (one being a lawsuit gun), learned my lesson and sold them all. 10 years later, people were still telling new shooters "These aren't like the Taurus guns from 10 years ago, these are reliable!" Today, there are still people running around saying "These aren't like the Taurus guns from 10 years ago, these are reliable!" In 10 years, there will probably still be people saying "These aren't like the Taurus guns from 10 years ago, these are reliable!"
Unlike picatinny-everything, that adds substantial weight and bulk, I do like that optics-cut will become standard because it rarelly is intrusive, add weight or demands that the iron sight are removed, so it's a welcome addition of possibilities
How recently was this leadership change? I had an 856 just over a year ago, shot less than 100 rounds through it (maybe 18 of which were Speer +Ps), and it lost lockup. I didn't even bother sending it back, and just sold it to someone else (who I told, and knew what they were getting; I didn't scam someone). I don't think I'll ever buy another Taurus anything, unless I can shoot it substantially first.
I really don't understand what people mean by "it looks awkward". It literally looks fine. The thing that is good about revolvers is the high velocity, so why not?
It's a surprising revelation that [most] optics can't be sighted properly due to bore height... Very odd realization, & info I don't think 99.99% of users even know about.
This would be a great outdoors gun too. Professional gator guides down here carry 380 and 22 magnum for gator defense. You don't need a 44 mag in most of the lower 48.
Sorry to blow up the feed, so since I am having a tsunami of thoughts with this brainstorm, I think Taurus should consider porting the forcing cone as an expiriment, almost all revolvers with the exception of maybe the nagant loose gas pressure at the cylinder gap anyway, so I'm suggesting that the gas and flash could possibly be controlled and redirected (flash optimized) having ports closer to the hand could make even a much smaller port more effective because of the rotational forces imparted by the escaping gas, instead of at the muzzle. Larger ports are required the farther away they are from center of their rotation. (Like being a kid on a spinning tire swing, the closer you move your legs in, the faster you spin.) If the flash and escaping gases is better controlled, it could also make the revolver much safer to shot two handed. Also, I really believe Taurus should reintroduce the top break revolver, tactically that system makes the most sense with automatic ejection, also, the top latch that secures the barrel to the frame, could integrate a see-all tritium open sight, they are rugged and inexpensive. A enclosed one, rugged enough to be a latch for a revolver would be a banger.
38 still posters gun back in 90's smith and wesson posters very beautiful proof of beautiful someone asking to make his mine i saw it decor in their sala
As long as it doesn't disassemble itself like the last Taurus revolver I saw. PA. Unless they made the QC changes in the past 6 months, then they haven't done much.
A crimson trace laser on the grip gives the same result. Put the dot on a target. The laser grip will paint the target from any position. Even lying on your back.
I'm a .327 federal Magnum evangelist , I'm still not certain why m-lok is not incorporated into more handguns, it's simply cheaper and easier than cutting slides etc. May be an excellent way to add a mount to a handgun.The Toro revolver would be amazing with potentially a couple extra rounds of capacity. 8 shot, light recoiling, and 60% more power than 9mm para. That's something special, IMHO. I'd love to see Taurus make a optics ready hammerless in .327 also. A 5 or 6 shot would be very pocketable. I have a idea for taurus, it would be a special grip that would allow accessory mounting. Basically it's just a m-lok or keymod slot, to allow a light mount. With the light mounted to the bottom of the grip, the revolver could still fit in whatever holsters are available. A lever could be installed like a grip safety, that when squeezed causes the light to be activated by the firing hand only. Momentary on only, the trigger lock could be used to lock the light out to prevent accidental activation in transport.
I’ve found that with regular semi-auto handguns I’m faster and more accurate with iron sights. The one thing about this that appeals to me is that most revolvers have pretty rudimentary sights that are hard to acquire quickly, a red dot changes that. I hope they can get some of the quirks worked out or maybe some red dot manufacturers will start offering revolver specific red dots.
Mr Baker, i just bought a 605 .357 Magnum. I clearly understand when mentioned the trigger being heavy 💯. Double action pull is heavier than i want to deal with. Especially, in a heated situation. Im gonna try a wolf spring with mine. To see if that will make a difference ❓
to be honest optics on a revolver should be a thing as it always has been for big magnum revolvers but... i think they need custom specific models for revolvers especially small ones like that. dont make a revolver to fit the sights but make a sight to fit the revolver, then make the revolver special. serious make it take harder +p, not saying i would shoot it all the time as snub nose but it gives the gun weight and strength that makes shooting that snub nose a viable option over a 9mm with aa red dot sight.
I have a 605 and plan on getting an 856 but I have no use for an optic on a concealed carry gun. I do like the 6 shot, ultra-light version though. If I'm going to carry 24 ounces I going with a 5-shot .357 or a sub compact 9mm.
The only thing Taurus could do to make people MABEY buy their revolvers in this day and age with their revolvers reputation of basically falling apart in you hands
I was waiting for the Celeb Giddings cameo in this video.....I don't know if I got lucky or what, but I've had an 856 two-inch that has been terrific for years. After working the trigger in a lot in dryfire, it is very manageable and easy to shoot.
If the trigger is too stiff, a lighter spring may help. Have to test it to make sure it has reliable ignition with all ammo. I switched to lighter springs on two Model 85s I own and it worked perfectly. The light springs did not work on a Model 94 (.22 LR) and ended up with a lot of light strikes and failures to fire. It's a matter of experimenting to see what works in your revolver.
Just from seeing the gun, the hammer looks small and light , which requires a heavier spring to ensure adequate firing pin strikes. More dry fire might help smooth out the internal parts to make the trigger pull smoother and a bit lighter.
I would absolutely love to see you investigate parallel zeroes for optics. I've done it for a while, and it's fantastic. Seems like a good solution for this system.
I've been nothing but happy with the G series pistols I have owned and shot by Taurus, but I know people who still have had issues with their revolvers. This looks cool enough that I'd give it a try, tho. Now, if only Primay Arms would make a version of their ACSS Vulcan reticle with just a dot, rather than a chevron, they would have the best carry reticle on the market.
I just looked, Dirty Harry's revolver already had a night sight, and it was from the 70s In Hungary, even in the early 90s, it was not fashionable to put night sights on weapons haha I think there is a 44 Magnum that is Optic Ready The S&W L frame is also optic ready As far as I know, the Taurus Raging Hunter was the first 44 that was optic ready
Revolvers continue to evolve (and revolve!).
😂
rEvolve
I’m not usually a pun enjoyer but I’ll give you that one is good
He made a funny
I see what you did there
The great thing about a red dot is that it makes dry-firing all the more effective. You can see precisely how your trigger pull affects your point-of-aim.
It's harder to achieve a smooth trigger pull and stay on target with a heavier trigger. The older Taurus revolvers had lighter trigger pulls because they had heavier hammers, which helped to stay on target. The lighter hammer is a design flaw.
@@PassivePortfoliosIn this scenario, the heavier trigger pull would be a better teaching tool.
That's true. I was just trying to find a solution for a smoother and lighter trigger pull. Aside from the internal parts breaking themselves in through repeated trigger pulls, there does not seem to be one.
@@PassivePortfolios I'd say not a design flaw, merely a design choice. There are pros and cons to everything. If you want a lighter and less easily snagged gun, smaller and lighter hammer, if you want the lighter trigger, heavier hammer, so it can use the momentum instead of a depending on a heavier spring for reliable ignition like the lighter hammer. Neither choice is objectively the one everyone should always make.
You could say the same for a laser sight I presume- I want to get a Taurus 856 with a spurless hammer and put a viridian laser grip on it.
Had an 856 for a while, currently own a 9mm G3. Taurus has had a spotty reputation for a while, but I really think they've cleaned up their act.
Wasn't that because of political troubles in Brazil
My TX22 Competition has been flawless.
@@ThatGuy-fx9sq they almost always had terrible qc until the last couple years
@@bloodking73 I'd say last few years. Difference seems to be noticeable throughout the G2/G3 line.
@Average GIJoe Outdoors yeah quality control probably isn’t the best still-hollow points got hung up in mine until I gave it a really good cleaning
Chris, just wanted to say that your company is the only place I buy ammo online. Your videos are always so calm and reasonable with such a level-headed and straightforward approach. No flashy intros, no hyperbole, goofy skits, scaremongering, and not one second of any video is wasted with anything not relevant to the topic. You have the most professional guntube channel on TH-cam, and it's made me a lifelong customer of your ammo store.
I only buy from lucky gunner too cuz it's the only online place easy to use 😂
I have night from lucky ginger but I got tired of having to spend $300-400 on shipping
My wife's first carry gun was a steel frame 85. Traded it in for a steel frame 856 when they came out. She carries an EZ now, but i generally carry an air weight J frame and was disappointed that Smith doesn't make an air weight 3 inch barrel 38 or 357. Luckily for me Taurus makes an aluminum frame 3 inch barrel 856 and it even comes with a dual tritium fiber optic front sight. Also comes with a Hogue grip. I changed the trigger springs out and its become one of my favorite carry revolvers.
They surprise you, don't they? For me, it's not so much the weight of the pull, but just the smoothness. I've been using wheelguns for like 20 some years. I think they help me improve my trigger pull technique on every other platform.
I started off wanting to own a revolver for concealed carry because I have a frankly weird affection for them.
This gun makes me want to go ahead and act on that.
Yeah, I just got my first (S&W M&P Bodyguard .38 Spc.) and I think this one with a 3" barrel will be my second!
I'm surprised Taurus got here first - seems like a great update to the SP101 and LCR
Ruger always gets to the party late, but does a good job of trying to one up everyone. not much originality, a good deal of refinement withing the manufacturing methods they have refined.
The Chiappa Rhino would be perfect for an optic mounting system if they decided to do it, because they could potentially put a spot where normally the barrel would be.
The 60ds has built in picatinny on upper part for optics...
The rhino would be a good base for a over/under double barrel revolver
@@Mister-sm1hs i know but we both know that is not a good size for a everyday carry
@@revolverDOOMGUY none lf the rhinos are realistically... i have owned the 200ds and 30ds, the geometry is awful for carry. A shame bc i think it is a fantastic firearm.
@@revolverDOOMGUY That is subjective. The Rhino carries fine as long as you are not an 8 year old girl.
Good to hear that Taurus is improving quality. Nice to have an affordable option. Like the red dot on a revolver but needs an under-barrel rail for a light. Could also use a folding bayonet for a last-ditch defensive effort.
Maybe even a 12 gauge, like a Master Key revolver!
RDS on a revolver is the way it should have started and evolved because the revolver frame is stable, but here we have continuous jokes, LMAO
Just carry your 14 inch bowie knife on the other hip.
@@stevefarris9433 Like to carry my cell phone on the other hip. Might have to call in an air strike.
I’d like a chainsaw attachment for when the zombies get too close.
I have found all eight of my Taurus pistols to be accurate, reliable and eats everything I feed them. I have had more problems with my M&P and the Smith and Wesson warranty service sucked. The representatives were rude and it took over 3 months to get my pistol back. Although I have never needed Taurus warranty service the contacts I have had with Taurus representatives have been helpful and pleasant.
I swore off Taurus after having to return 6 or 7 examples of their micro-sized .380 auto pistols to them, due to various failures that rendered the pistols useless. I did so reluctantly, because I'd had a great experience with their PT1911 - it ran flawlessly. I wasn't as hesitant to pick up one of their revolvers - a 605 in this case - as I had owned a Rossi Model 88 for many years prior to Taurus's acquisition of Rossi and it had been an excellent little revolver, accurate and reliable to a tee. Like the Mod. 88 and the Mod. PT1911, the Taurus 605 has run flawlessly, with all the accuracy it could possibly deliver, given my aging eyesight. I haven't tried .357 magnum loads in it yet and may not - I don't care for hand-jarring recoil these days as much as I did when I was a young buck, but I have fired a number of pretty hot +P+ handloads out of it and it didn't skip a beat with any of them. All of that to say this: I hope that Taurus's reported re-imagining of quality control and customer service will result in a product line in which all models show the same quality and reliability that their revolvers are known for. Not sure if I'd ever want an optic-equipped wheel gun, but I'm sure there are many shooters who would, so ... kudos to Taurus for leading from the front! Cheers.
The amount of detail in this video alone with current market knowledge, thank you lucky gunner for your valuable opinion.
I like revolvers for EDC, Taurus is a company I appreciate.
Taurus is like what Kia has turned into. They used to make cheap unreliable crap but they realized they could make more money if they put some effort into design and quality. It seems to be working and they're regaining respect.
That’s a fair analogy but I’d still never drive a Kia. Just like I’d never carry a Taurus. I have standards.
I've got a G2c with about 1400 round through it with only one malfunction from a squib round.
My Taurus 357 mag never had issues nor my Taurus 92
Mechanic here. Kia/Hyundai are still crap.
@@MrNexor-cj8gs yeah, Taurus are still crap too. But they’re better than they used to be.. just like Kia.
Little by little, revolvers are growing on me. I inherited a few firearms recently..3 of them are 'volvers (two .38 special, and one .colt 45). They are more fun, and easy to conceal than I thought. I'm still new to the world of wheel guns, so optics are something ill have to learn more on. This vid helps slot
How uncomfortable is it to conceal carry a revolver? I don't live in a country where you're allowed to carry but I can't imagine the cylinder not poking into you.
@@MegaHellstrikewith a good holster you won't notice.
@@MegaHellstrike the cylinder doesn't bother me much, the hammer pokes into my gut sometimes, but having carried a semi for a short time, the smaller grips and barrels on revolvers can make a big difference in concealability and comfort depending on how you do it.
Not related to the specific video, but I just want to say, I put in a large (for me) ammo purchase from Lucky Gunner, for a specific reason. You're just about the only gun channel, and company, that doesn't engage in fear based marketing. You seem like a genuinely respectable, reasonable, and reliable gun channel. I'm so tired of the "group "x culture war nonsense" is gonna gettcha, buy more guns" marketing. I'll likely continue buying my ammo from you as time continues. I like supporting reasonable, and sane, people. Thank you.
Same. I only buy my bulk ammo from Lucky Gunner because Chris puts out such level headed, calm, sensible, and reasonable content.
I’d rather buy ammo from liberals if it means it’s cheaper LOL!
I agree. Some liberals like guns, too.
Wasn't there one of the characters in the Tom Clancy novel Rainbow Six that had a red dot revolver way back in 1998?
Honestly, one of my favorite guns to shoot is my dirt cheap Armscor M200 .38 Special revolver. I reload inexpensive .38 Spl and get to shoot it a lot. An easy to shoot revolver with a red dot on it sounds like a lot of fun.
Great info
I love my 856 for a budget revolver, I usually don’t leave the house without it in my truck. 😊
My only experience with Taurus so far was my first revolver last year, a Taurus 686 in .357 magnum. I was a fool and cowboy'd the revolver a bunch, closing the drum with a spin and such. After doing that a handful of times the cylinder was damaged, on 4 of the chambers the cylinder didn't lock securely anymore and could be rotated backwards.
Sent the gun in to the retailer I bought it from, they sent it to Taurus, 2.5 months later I received a new 686, no questions asked despite them probably definitely knowing it was user error.
I'm not an expert but the damage occured so quickly that I assume that their steel isn't the highest quality or best treated, but the 686 is a budget 6 inch barrel revolver so I didn't expect the cream of the crop.
The new revolver runs well so far (only put about 150 rounds through it so far), the first 50 rounds had occasional light primer strikes, after oiling the revolver that was resolved. The trigger feels nice and I can stage it fairly well now.
Taurus model 66 and 605 and never had a problem. I loved
I just recently purchased a new Taurus 942. Revolver in 22LR. It was defective out of the box, would not ignite any primers. Sent it back to Taurus, after waiting 3 weeks for an update they finally answered their customer service line. They said the frame was so defective they would need to destroy the firearm and issue me a new one, replacing the serial number. Wait 8 weeks for delivery and I have to do an FFL transfer AND pay for it. Just a heads up. Still waiting 6 weeks later. I also had to send the Taurus GX4 back to them TWICE for repair.
Owned a model 85 in the past and liked it very much. I now have a G2c and have had zero problems, both my daughters liked it enough that they went out and bought theirselves each a G3. All of them operate just fine. I’m looking at a raging hunter right now but can’t decide between 44mag or the big 460 S&W.
Chris, you're doing the best weapon reviews I've ever seen! I like your style, your beautiful real cluster-rich English, your stories around a topic, and video-light effects!
Hello from Ukraine!
My 10 year old Taurus 85 is my favorite handgun. Taurus makes a great revolver!
Even when I disagree with you or am repulsed by some new heresy you're pushing, your presentations are too good not to watch. You have a good sense of humor with terrific production values. Kudos.
I bought the Taurus 856 TORO and i love it. I put a Galloway spring kit and Holosun 407K on it. I also installed a laser grip as a backup just in case the optic dies on me. Shot over 4,000 round through it and only had problems with Fiocchi wadcutters. Would recommend
This actually looks interesting. Glad to hear that Taurus has made changes to help quality. I might have to look into this.
Lawyer proof-triggers are a sign of the times!!!
I'm more excited at this point about the 3 inch six shot revolver weighing in at a pound and a half than I am about the optic. This style of handgun is probably what the nondedicated shooter is best served with rather than the smallest and lightest thing they can get. I think six shots of .38 Special will suffice to allow the typical person to break contact and escape a parking lot ambush if we stay in the world of reality versus fantasy.
I think I might get one of these to work with a bit just as an iron sighted gun, but having the option to add an optic later when my eyesight is completely gone and I can no longer see my front sight. As for Taurus quality, when I worked in Brazil in the early 90's, they made a couple of really good guns. The first was the PT92 9mm, and the others were the Models 82 and 85. These last two were simple, uncomplicated revolvers. I trained hundreds of officers of the Policia Militar with these three guns, and never saw a cop break one beyond stripping threads on a grip screw. It was only in later years that I saw Taurus quality go into the dumper. I'd be ecstatic if Taurus has been able to turn their rep around with these newer revolvers.
I'd rather have an uneducated shooter with a good striker gun than a lightweight revolver with a heavy trigger and usually nonexistent iron sights.
Tests have shown that a .22 MAG in a 3 inch barrel has as much penetration as a 38 special +P at 25 yards. less noise, less recoil perfect for us senior citizens. Practice can make it a very lethal self defense gun.
@@bwofficial1776 True enough. But that is not the gun at issue here. In the course of training more than 30,000 private citizens in my school before I retired, I found that the vast majority did quite well with a steel frame revolver of medium size weighing in at 1.5 to 2 pounds. Most did not do well with the Airweights in the 1 pound weight class. After that, those who are interested in a striker fired pistol can easily move on to that if they choose to, and many do. Those who sre still uncomfortable with the auto, and there are many, can stay with the revolver and be well protected.
Unfortunately because first time gun owners typically don't know what they don't know when buying their first guns, makers tend to focus on very small and light revolvers that as you have correctly noted are not appropriate for them. That's why I mentioned I was excited with this gun. I only wish a maker with a track record for better quality had done this first, at a price people could afford.
@@stevefarris9433 Actually you are quite right. Given an 8 or 9 shot DA revolver in .22 Magnum, a lot of recoil shy shooters can do quite well. Tthe only issue I've run into as a trainer is that of noise. A small number of shooters react badly to the high pitched crack of the Magnum round. I can usualy get them comfortable with a low intensity .38 Special round if they prefer a revolver, and a .380 if they want an auto. My go-to .380 for that group is the Glock 42. I find that just about anything is better than no gun at all. Cheers!
@@PPISAFETY 65 years ago I purchased my first high caliber handgun. A S&W 357 Mag, 4 inch barrel Highway Patrolman. At 85 going on 86 I no longer enjoy the recoil or the heft of that beauty. She smiles at me every time I get into my gun safe. I have put thousands of rounds down range in various calibers, S&W 38 Specials using +P ammo, simple .22 LR and semi automatics and several .22 Mags. My every day carry is a S&W .22Mag 8 rounds with a 3 inch barrel. Just about right for this old shooter. Keep a sharp eye! Would have said keep your powder dry but even I am not that old.
I put the hogue monogrip on my 605. They definitely are the best grips I've found that work well with every 357 load I've shot
Me too. Works great
I would LOVE to hear/see Manny’s reaction to the red dot on a revolver! 😎Please make that happen!👍
It would just be a meme of Manny saying, "You can't just... " and grabbing his chest as he collapses.
Yes, yes, yes!!! THIS!!
As much as I like the look of some Taurus guns after all the problems and terrible service I got from them I couldn't give them another chance.
I own Taurus revolvers and semi-autos. Their revolver designs are solid. In the recent (2 years) past, their metallurgy has been spotty with three of them in my personal experience. I want them to succeed. We need affordable options. I have much 'better' guns also, but I enjoy my Tauri. One of my favorite carry weapons is a 856 Ultralight 2 inch, with blue VZ grips. In my work, I have seen what 38 Special can do. I do not feel inadequately armed when I carry it. For speed loaders, I use the Zeta six and also Zeta speed strips. The HKS loaders I use with my Ruger Security six are just barely too big by a red C hair. I have some from Vulcan Ballistics for my 5 shot Charter 357 snubby. They work, but are VERY stiff.
"Overpriced, flashy, nostalgia"
Colt Python out here catching strays lmao.
Yup! This is relevant and game changing in the revolver world.
I own a regular 856, I find it quite pleasing to shoot for its size. Mine has been 100% reliable.
Consider this: having a zeroed optic provides a sight picture superior to the dark rear trench. I know many argue that the small revolver is designed for only close work, anyway, and an optic won't change that, but WILL help reach farther out with accuracy.
Thanks for the vid. I have two model 85s, three 856s (Defender, a 2 in, and a 2 in UltraLite), and a 942lr (for cheap practice). They are reliable and inexpensive. I carry 2 revolvers with lasers. My secondary is an SW 337 AirLite. Because of cost of the Taurus' I don't feel excessively guilty throwing it down for a NY reload and yet feel comfortable about its reliability.
I think the 856/605 TORO is an innovative play on Taurus' part. They are unique in the market and for a few dollars more than the standard models, there is no reason not to buy it. And to all the 605, 856, 85 , and j-frame owners wanting to get into optics craze, this is an inexpensive avenue and Taurus is the only game in town.
I have owned multiple Taurus weapons over the years. My first handgun was a PT92. Since then I have owned several taurus revolvers and a 1911 auto. I have never had one break and all have been reliable.
Taurus has came a long way and my experience they're customer service in the best
3 years ago I put rifle mounts on my ruger wrangler & ria m200 with sig Romeo red dot . Works great.
I am also working on a review of this revolver. I like the idea of a red dot on any firearm to help with accuracy
The Taurus 856 TORO is nothing like the Ruger SP101. The Ruger SP101 as fantastic as it is can not be found anywhere unless you like being gouged on Gun Broker. Now all Taurus needs to do is come out with a TORO revolver in 22LR. Thanks for showing us this review.
Thanks Chris, as always much appreciation for all of your efforts!
Livin my best La Vida Loca here in south eastern Arizona
P.S. I have the 942 and enjoy the heck out if it! No issues in 1500 rounds!
Red dots and lasers encourage you to focus on the target instead of the sights. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Chris!
Inevitable Canadian invasion :) I love this channel!
I love lucky gunners reviews so glad he review a Taurus 856, just recently purchased the defender and love it, it’s a little stiff but with wear I know it’ll be great. I’m having problems finding a decent holster for it. Only been able to find ones for the 2inch barrels
"Overpriced, flashy, nostalgia." As some one who owns a CZ made Python I feel like that was directed towards me.
Taurus has stepped up their game from twenty years ago.
When I started buying guns 20 years ago, I got suckered into buying a few Taurus guns by people telling me "These aren't like the Taurus guns from 10 years ago, these are reliable!" I bought a few (one being a lawsuit gun), learned my lesson and sold them all. 10 years later, people were still telling new shooters "These aren't like the Taurus guns from 10 years ago, these are reliable!" Today, there are still people running around saying "These aren't like the Taurus guns from 10 years ago, these are reliable!" In 10 years, there will probably still be people saying "These aren't like the Taurus guns from 10 years ago, these are reliable!"
I have one of these and got a Crimson Trace red dot to put on it. It zeroed in just fine
Unlike picatinny-everything, that adds substantial weight and bulk, I do like that optics-cut will become standard because it rarelly is intrusive, add weight or demands that the iron sight are removed, so it's a welcome addition of possibilities
Thanks Chris
I still have my M44 I hot 20 years ago. It's been great.
How recently was this leadership change? I had an 856 just over a year ago, shot less than 100 rounds through it (maybe 18 of which were Speer +Ps), and it lost lockup. I didn't even bother sending it back, and just sold it to someone else (who I told, and knew what they were getting; I didn't scam someone). I don't think I'll ever buy another Taurus anything, unless I can shoot it substantially first.
The best thing about Taurus revolvers is that, fully loaded, when you pull the trigger and nothing happens, you can always throw it and not feel bad.
Beautiful sight
I pocket carry an 856 every day. It`s my favorite so far. The heft makes it much better than a lightweight. imo
Uh oh! These are about to get scarce lol!
Thanks again for the quality content, Chris and crew!
Never thought I‘d see the day that Chris reviews a Taurus revolver
Thank you sir 🙏
I really don't understand what people mean by "it looks awkward". It literally looks fine. The thing that is good about revolvers is the high velocity, so why not?
It's a surprising revelation that [most] optics can't be sighted properly due to bore height... Very odd realization, & info I don't think 99.99% of users even know about.
Very nice! Looks like a small Tracker
This would be a great outdoors gun too. Professional gator guides down here carry 380 and 22 magnum for gator defense. You don't need a 44 mag in most of the lower 48.
Happy to hear someone acknowledging the Canadian threat on our northern border😂
I've carried the 856 Defender VZ for a couple years and really like it, gonna have to look into this one more
thank you for this review and explanation of red dots on revolvers.
wheel gun LOVE!
Sorry to blow up the feed, so since I am having a tsunami of thoughts with this brainstorm, I think Taurus should consider porting the forcing cone as an expiriment, almost all revolvers with the exception of maybe the nagant loose gas pressure at the cylinder gap anyway, so I'm suggesting that the gas and flash could possibly be controlled and redirected (flash optimized) having ports closer to the hand could make even a much smaller port more effective because of the rotational forces imparted by the escaping gas, instead of at the muzzle. Larger ports are required the farther away they are from center of their rotation. (Like being a kid on a spinning tire swing, the closer you move your legs in, the faster you spin.) If the flash and escaping gases is better controlled, it could also make the revolver much safer to shot two handed.
Also, I really believe Taurus should reintroduce the top break revolver, tactically that system makes the most sense with automatic ejection, also, the top latch that secures the barrel to the frame, could integrate a see-all tritium open sight, they are rugged and inexpensive. A enclosed one, rugged enough to be a latch for a revolver would be a banger.
38 still posters gun back in 90's smith and wesson posters very beautiful proof of beautiful someone asking to make his mine i saw it decor in their sala
I’d love to try one!
I love this… definitely be trading in my 605
Damn Canadians gonna invade us with that maple syrup while yelling “Sore y”
If anything, this video reinforced my belief that adding optics to a carry handgun is superfluous.
I'm happy with my Galloway Precision spring set. Greatly reduced trigger pull and 100% reliable.
As long as it doesn't disassemble itself like the last Taurus revolver I saw.
PA. Unless they made the QC changes in the past 6 months, then they haven't done much.
I miss my SP101 3" .357. That thing was excellent
A crimson trace laser on the grip gives the same result. Put the dot on a target. The laser grip will paint the target from any position. Even lying on your back.
That revolver is wearing a hat! 🎩
Nice to see a little review on this. Hopefully other manufacturers get on this too
I'm a .327 federal Magnum evangelist , I'm still not certain why m-lok is not incorporated into more handguns, it's simply cheaper and easier than cutting slides etc. May be an excellent way to add a mount to a handgun.The Toro revolver would be amazing with potentially a couple extra rounds of capacity. 8 shot, light recoiling, and 60% more power than 9mm para. That's something special, IMHO. I'd love to see Taurus make a optics ready hammerless in .327 also. A 5 or 6 shot would be very pocketable.
I have a idea for taurus, it would be a special grip that would allow accessory mounting.
Basically it's just a m-lok or keymod slot, to allow a light mount. With the light mounted to the bottom of the grip, the revolver could still fit in whatever holsters are available. A lever could be installed like a grip safety, that when squeezed causes the light to be activated by the firing hand only. Momentary on only, the trigger lock could be used to lock the light out to prevent accidental activation in transport.
I’ve found that with regular semi-auto handguns I’m faster and more accurate with iron sights. The one thing about this that appeals to me is that most revolvers have pretty rudimentary sights that are hard to acquire quickly, a red dot changes that. I hope they can get some of the quirks worked out or maybe some red dot manufacturers will start offering revolver specific red dots.
Mr Baker, i just bought a 605 .357 Magnum. I clearly understand when mentioned the trigger being heavy 💯. Double action pull is heavier than i want to deal with. Especially, in a heated situation. Im gonna try a wolf spring with mine. To see if that will make a difference ❓
to be honest optics on a revolver should be a thing as it always has been for big magnum revolvers but... i think they need custom specific models for revolvers especially small ones like that. dont make a revolver to fit the sights but make a sight to fit the revolver, then make the revolver special. serious make it take harder +p, not saying i would shoot it all the time as snub nose but it gives the gun weight and strength that makes shooting that snub nose a viable option over a 9mm with aa red dot sight.
Hey everybody I AM CHRIS BAKER... 😅 Funny opening, great video as always.
I have a 605 and plan on getting an 856 but I have no use for an optic on a concealed carry gun. I do like the 6 shot, ultra-light version though. If I'm going to carry 24 ounces I going with a 5-shot .357 or a sub compact 9mm.
Great video Chris! Gotta’ watch those sneaky Canadians! 😂
The only thing Taurus could do to make people MABEY buy their revolvers in this day and age with their revolvers reputation of basically falling apart in you hands
I have the 856 double action only tho is honestly the best way to go unless you’re going for the executive grade
I was waiting for the Celeb Giddings cameo in this video.....I don't know if I got lucky or what, but I've had an 856 two-inch that has been terrific for years. After working the trigger in a lot in dryfire, it is very manageable and easy to shoot.
If the trigger is too stiff, a lighter spring may help. Have to test it to make sure it has reliable ignition with all ammo. I switched to lighter springs on two Model 85s I own and it worked perfectly. The light springs did not work on a Model 94 (.22 LR) and ended up with a lot of light strikes and failures to fire. It's a matter of experimenting to see what works in your revolver.
6:49
Just from seeing the gun, the hammer looks small and light , which requires a heavier spring to ensure adequate firing pin strikes. More dry fire might help smooth out the internal parts to make the trigger pull smoother and a bit lighter.
I would absolutely love to see you investigate parallel zeroes for optics. I've done it for a while, and it's fantastic. Seems like a good solution for this system.
I've been nothing but happy with the G series pistols I have owned and shot by Taurus, but I know people who still have had issues with their revolvers. This looks cool enough that I'd give it a try, tho.
Now, if only Primay Arms would make a version of their ACSS Vulcan reticle with just a dot, rather than a chevron, they would have the best carry reticle on the market.
I know it is a tall order, but it would be nice if the iron sights could somehow co witness, or maybe a tube style red dot would be a better option.
Excited to see more optics ready options, would love your thoughts on the mossberg shockwave hip holster from M&L shop
I just looked, Dirty Harry's revolver already had a night sight, and it was from the 70s
In Hungary, even in the early 90s, it was not fashionable to put night sights on weapons haha
I think there is a 44 Magnum that is Optic Ready
The S&W L frame is also optic ready
As far as I know, the Taurus Raging Hunter was the first 44 that was optic ready
Being from Maine. Canadian's invading is a real fear man
Mainers squad up