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.
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 UA-cam, and it's made me a lifelong customer of your ammo store.
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.
I carried a Taurus 85 for years. I must have put 5000 rounds thru it. I cleaned it often, and it never did fail me. I decided to trade it in toward an air weight Smith, and I've missed it ever since. The triggers on these snubbies really do smooth out with use. By the time I sold it, the double action was a very smooth 8 pounds. Great video, Chris! Thanks for giving us poors some attention! 😂
@@mr.fowler1684 I hope it's serving you well! I found an older 85 in a pawn shop last month and have been carrying it some. It shoots great. I never did warm up to that Smith air weight... It gets to live in the safe.
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.
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.
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.
Taurus started out as a revolver manufacturer, so I think they have a soft spot for their revolver lineup. I would bet the TX22, G3/G3c, and the GX4 are about 70% of their revenue by now, but they still release new revolvers regularly.
Great analysis, appreciate it. Initially I liked revolvers for the classic style but more and more it's the function. No jams, simple cleaning, simple mechanism, no moving parts that can get blocked during a shot, no shells flying after each shot. Manufacturers might 'shoot' for high quality mechanisms without the flashiness to save on cost. 8 rounds, 38spl +p, low bore axis if possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The graphic of the tall front sight almost made me soda on my keyboard. Great video. I have a non-toro 856, and I am happy with it. It shoot stupid groups with full wadcutters, I can't believe i can shoot that accurately with a revolver. I can only imagine that a red dot would bring in even tighter groups. Thanks for showing the zeroing flaw, although I would kind of expect it from such a high sight over bore you get with a RD on a revolver. I also appreciate showing options that actually do zero on this gun.....Thanks, Chris!!
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!
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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 want S&W to do up a line of scandium snub noses cut for the micro dots (the 507k size). Snubbys because they struggle most with their short sight radius, and scandium because screw carrying a heavy gun. One in all the frame sizes too, because people have different preferences. I have many j-frames and both me and my wife aiwb one as our edc. I've gotten pretty good at shooting one (2" groups at 7 yards thanks to cheap 22lr practice), but the sights are holding me back. A red dot would greatly improve that. Even if a steel j-frame comes with a dot I won't carry it; my 340PD is soo conveniently light that nothing worth carrying even gets close on weight.
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.
As someone with a preference toward pre-lock S&Ws and Rugers, I was thoroughly impressed with the Taurus 856 Executive Grade I picked up on a whim recently. Fit and finish are good for the price, I didn't encounter any reliability issues in 500 shots, and it holds six rounds in a gun the size of an SP101. Here's hoping Taurus continues to put out some great wheelguns; I'd like to see them offer a high gloss blued finish again, and give us some more options with tapered or partial underlugs.
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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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
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.
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 ❓
Any plans for videos on the new Beretta 80X? You are one of the best reviewers out there, especially when it comes to DA/SA guns. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Those darn Canucks. I would be interested in mounting something like a really compact Truglo Micro-Tac Laser Sight up there. My eyes are bad enough up close that a red dot sight looks blurry without my glasses on. But, I can see a laser dot on a target just fine, with or without my glasses.
![The Best Handguns for New Shooters [2020 Update]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Divg2ZFYf8E/mqdefault.jpg)
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
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.
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 UA-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
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.
I carried a Taurus 85 for years. I must have put 5000 rounds thru it. I cleaned it often, and it never did fail me. I decided to trade it in toward an air weight Smith, and I've missed it ever since. The triggers on these snubbies really do smooth out with use. By the time I sold it, the double action was a very smooth 8 pounds.
Great video, Chris! Thanks for giving us poors some attention! 😂
Carrying an 85 right now
@@mr.fowler1684 I hope it's serving you well! I found an older 85 in a pawn shop last month and have been carrying it some. It shoots great. I never did warm up to that Smith air weight... It gets to live in the safe.
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!
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.
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 like revolvers for EDC, Taurus is a company I appreciate.
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.
Taurus started out as a revolver manufacturer, so I think they have a soft spot for their revolver lineup. I would bet the TX22, G3/G3c, and the GX4 are about 70% of their revenue by now, but they still release new revolvers regularly.
Great analysis, appreciate it.
Initially I liked revolvers for the classic style but more and more it's the function. No jams, simple cleaning, simple mechanism, no moving parts that can get blocked during a shot, no shells flying after each shot. Manufacturers might 'shoot' for high quality mechanisms without the flashiness to save on cost. 8 rounds, 38spl +p, low bore axis if possible.
The amount of detail in this video alone with current market knowledge, thank you lucky gunner for your valuable opinion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I love my 856 for a budget revolver, I usually don’t leave the house without it in my truck. 😊
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.
Taurus model 66 and 605 and never had a problem. I loved
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.
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.
My 10 year old Taurus 85 is my favorite handgun. Taurus makes a great revolver!
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.
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!!
Lawyer proof-triggers are a sign of the times!!!
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
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.
This actually looks interesting. Glad to hear that Taurus has made changes to help quality. I might have to look into this.
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
Yup! This is relevant and game changing in the revolver world.
The graphic of the tall front sight almost made me soda on my keyboard. Great video. I have a non-toro 856, and I am happy with it. It shoot stupid groups with full wadcutters, I can't believe i can shoot that accurately with a revolver. I can only imagine that a red dot would bring in even tighter groups. Thanks for showing the zeroing flaw, although I would kind of expect it from such a high sight over bore you get with a RD on a revolver. I also appreciate showing options that actually do zero on this gun.....Thanks, Chris!!
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!
3 years ago I put rifle mounts on my ruger wrangler & ria m200 with sig Romeo red dot . Works great.
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.
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 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
Best review of this gun I’ve seen by far. I’ve watched five and no one brought up the red dot issue until you! Glad I watched this
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 own a regular 856, I find it quite pleasing to shoot for its size. Mine has been 100% reliable.
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
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.
"Embrace the awkwardness." I love it.
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.
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.
Great info
I want S&W to do up a line of scandium snub noses cut for the micro dots (the 507k size). Snubbys because they struggle most with their short sight radius, and scandium because screw carrying a heavy gun. One in all the frame sizes too, because people have different preferences.
I have many j-frames and both me and my wife aiwb one as our edc. I've gotten pretty good at shooting one (2" groups at 7 yards thanks to cheap 22lr practice), but the sights are holding me back. A red dot would greatly improve that.
Even if a steel j-frame comes with a dot I won't carry it; my 340PD is soo conveniently light that nothing worth carrying even gets close on weight.
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.
"Overpriced, flashy, nostalgia"
Colt Python out here catching strays lmao.
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
Nobody wants to talk about it, but we all know those dastardly canucks are coming for our freedom.
What does that have to do with this video? 🤔
[Edit] Damn their maple-coated Canadian Bacon hearts! They're on their way, any second now.
I have the 856 defender as a home defense weapon. Fires well, but the ammo isn’t cheap anymore for 38.
I still have my M44 I hot 20 years ago. It's been great.
As someone with a preference toward pre-lock S&Ws and Rugers, I was thoroughly impressed with the Taurus 856 Executive Grade I picked up on a whim recently. Fit and finish are good for the price, I didn't encounter any reliability issues in 500 shots, and it holds six rounds in a gun the size of an SP101. Here's hoping Taurus continues to put out some great wheelguns; I'd like to see them offer a high gloss blued finish again, and give us some more options with tapered or partial underlugs.
Taurus is like Kia now: they realized they could sell more if they put some effort in and didn't sell crap. It's working.
Red dots and lasers encourage you to focus on the target instead of the sights. Thanks for sharing.
Chris, thanks for the honest review! I didn’t know I needed a revolver with an optic until I watched this review!
Great stuff,
Rick
I've carried the 856 Defender VZ for a couple years and really like it, gonna have to look into this one more
I have one of these and got a Crimson Trace red dot to put on it. It zeroed in just fine
Thanks Chris!
thank you for this review and explanation of red dots on revolvers.
Taurus has stepped up their game from twenty years ago.
"Overpriced, flashy, nostalgia." As some one who owns a CZ made Python I feel like that was directed towards me.
Nice to see a little review on this. Hopefully other manufacturers get on this too
Uh oh! These are about to get scarce lol!
Thanks again for the quality content, Chris and crew!
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
Excited to see more optics ready options, would love your thoughts on the mossberg shockwave hip holster from M&L shop
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.
I'm happy with my Galloway Precision spring set. Greatly reduced trigger pull and 100% reliable.
wheel gun LOVE!
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 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.
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 pocket carry an 856 every day. It`s my favorite so far. The heft makes it much better than a lightweight. imo
I miss my SP101 3" .357. That thing was excellent
Happy to hear someone acknowledging the Canadian threat on our northern border😂
Very nice! Looks like a small Tracker
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.
Thanks Chris
This is interesting. I have been thinking more and more about getting a revolver as a daily carry.
I find it funny how Taurus figured it out before anyone else.
Inevitable Canadian invasion :) I love this channel!
Oh my god, it’s a sign! I’ve been seriously looking at buying an 856 to carry
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
Never thought I‘d see the day that Chris reviews a Taurus revolver
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.
Thank you sir 🙏
I love this… definitely be trading in my 605
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.
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 ❓
Dude you look like a badass when you’re shooting
I really love to see Brazilian firearms in your channel! ^^. See I told y''all my country can make good revolvers!
Between Taurus and Rossi, y'all definitely have a presence in world civilian gun ownership. 👍
Well Taurus USA branch does all their production here in the United States.
I ordered the snubbie 856 UL with a bobbed hammer a couple days ago. I am really looking forward to getting on the range with it.
Have light strike issues w mine
Great job, Chris. I really enjoyed your review.
Any plans for videos on the new Beretta 80X? You are one of the best reviewers out there, especially when it comes to DA/SA guns. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Those darn Canucks. I would be interested in mounting something like a really compact Truglo Micro-Tac Laser Sight up there. My eyes are bad enough up close that a red dot sight looks blurry without my glasses on. But, I can see a laser dot on a target just fine, with or without my glasses.
I think this is awesome. Good for them.