NEW Taurus Defender 856 3" Revolvers - TheFirearmGuy

[@Datsyukiandeke]

The tungsten cerakote with the wood grips is a great look

[@Lex5576]

I want that one. Either these things haven't gotten out in big enough numbers from the factory yet, or somebody's buying the hell out of them. I have looked and looked all over the place, and everybody's out.....or perhaps they've not gotten any in yet since they're so new. According to the pricing I've seen, they can be had for around $350.

[@jromeo6748]

Was able to snag one in these sparse times. It’s my favorite.

[@dmcd7333]

@@Lex5576 I finally found the 856 in tungeston grey this year... I think people are buying them fast.

[@tjhawg]

I wish Taurus would get back in the .327 Fed Mag game. One of these in that caliber with 7 round capacity would be outstanding.

[@OhioCruffler]

That would be sweet. I'll be buying a DA 327 revolver this year, guess it needs to be a Ruger.

[@shotgun1666]

for real, id by a 327, i have no need for this, i bought the better looking snubby 856

[@Kyle-vb3fz]

Agreed

[@jeffghost2529]

Couldn’t AGREE more ..The loss of the .327Fed/.32 H&R option is a huge missed opportunity for Taurus. C’mon TAURUS , BRING BACK THAT 7 SHOT MODEL (#731 I think it was) and add the 3” barrel.

[@ted.angell7609]

It’s an incredibly versatile round. You can always find ammo online, and you can shoot anything from full-power Gold Dots, etc. down to .32 wadcutters, for great performance with reduced recoil. If police departments still used revolvers, an 8-shot 4” would probably be king of the hill.

[@Leonardokite]

My Taurus model 85 is over 20 years old and still a beaut!

[@azvoltmanphoenix446]

Mine too brother!! Put some lighter wolff springs in it and its a keeper!!

[@Just1American1966]

I agree. I have a stainless 85 from 1995, complete with wood stocks and a three-inch barrel. These seem to be rare. It's a very handsome revolver, in my opinion, and a soft shooter, too. Incidentally, I also have a stainless 941 (.22WMR, adjustable sight) from that era, and it also has a three-inch barrel. Definitely my favorite barrel length.

[@garyK.45ACP]

Thanks, Dan! 3" revolvers are really a very useful size for holster carry. They give a little more sight radius and velocity, and in .38 Special, that can be critical as hollow point ammunition is often at borderline velocities from a 2" barrel for proper performance. An extra inch of barrel is not difficult to conceal. A LOT of people still use revolvers for CC and they are perfectly adequate for CC personal defense. I think these could be winners for Taurus. The price is competitive and if they keep the quality up, these will be in demand.

[@patrickstone4125]

gary K, I couldn't agree more! I've been carrying a 3" S&W 36, for the last 30 years- and in my opinion the 3" barrel is Perfect for CC. The down-side (for me) is finding a Level 2 OWB holster. A 3" barreled Revolver is a "Wild-child" to begin with. Having just ordered an 856 Defender, the fun now begins...

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@patrickstone4125 I do not use retention holsters or even a strap, for CC. My favorite holster for CC is either the Don Hume "JIT" belt slide or the El Paso Saddlery "combat Express", basically the same holster but El Paso will custom make it for any gun. I use one for my 3rd Gen S&W semi-autos. They are open bottom and can handle any length barrel. For example, I use one for 1911s for any of my 1911 models...Officer's Model, Commander model or Government model. I use one for J frame S&Ws, whether it is a 2" Model 642 or a 4" model 34. My holster for the 3rd Gen S&W semi autos fits any barrel length of the 39, 59 or 69 series handguns. Were I carrying openly, I would want some form of retention holster, even a thumb break or strap with a snap, but for CC I don't see the need.

[@miltonbarnes4049]

I am impressed with this line-up. Taurus has done it again.

[@darlaevitts3459]

Nice looking revolvers. The VZ grips look cool , but have heard they are a little harder on the hands.

[@user-pz5ju7mw3k]

They have the wood grip with tungsten finish at my local shop for $349! It feels great in the hand and that front dot is sweet. Will probably have to go back and snag it

[@blbbtactical6969]

I was reading about these Monday. I can't wait to mess with one. I love 4", I think the 3" would be perfect

[@Graydog-sx6le]

This is something I will definitely be buying. I love my 85 UL, the 856 with the three inch barrel with a six shot capacity is a good fit. The balance of a three inch barrel is great.

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

You were one if the main reasons I bought an 856 and I love it. May have to pick one of these up as well. And I got my 2" 856 for $195 before tax because of the Taurus rebate. Curious to see the street prices on these

[@dannydoughboy120]

Those are really nice looking revolvers! Have fun, and keep these reviews coming!

[@denisdegamon8224]

A 3" inch barrel would also help up the muzzle velocity with those +P 38 spl carry ammo, not to mention a slightly longer site radius.

[@YellowHammer26]

Thanks Dan, to me 3" revolvers are really great. Those are some fine looking ones. Be hard for me to decide which one I want.

[@bonitahalpern5424]

Need 3” model 605 with hi viz front sight. That would be perfect.

[@georgemartinez9084]

So I guess these are in my economic list of revolvers now...I'm never gonna finish buying guns.

[@travisj.1938]

So true. Was making a list of guns I absolutely needed to have this morning. Just counted & list has 9 guns. LoL Too bad I am a broke bastard.

[@Paladin1873]

That's the idea. :)

[@joev6506]

It's alright. Our ladies never stopped buying bags or shoes.

[@Paladin1873]

@@joev6506 Tell me about it. $50 for shoes, $500 for guns; $100 for clothes, $1000 for guns. It's only fair.

[@travisj.1938]

@@joev6506 problem is I like shoes too! Doh got both addictions from my grandpa. Guns, Shoes, jackets, woman and cars is what lifes all about! Thanks gpa would not have it any other way!

[@lukew5047]

They need to make a 6 shot in 357

[@jamesrandolph2563]

They don't have one? They have .357 in 7 and 8 shot

[@onenikkione]

with 3, 4, and 5 inch barrel choice

[@Krunchyjclown]

Hell yeah!

[@georgemartinez9084]

Luke W They do. I own a Model 66 7 shot 6 inch 357 Magnum, and it is a joy to shoot cans. Extremely accurate and easy to shoot even in Double Action. I find it easier to make hits than my 686 in a 4 inch.

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

Amen. Give me a good $300.00 .357 revolver.

[@mu2freighter]

If I didn't already have an SP101 in .357 Magnum I'm absolutely delighted with and an S&W 642-2 I quite like (except or the stupid trigger lock), I'd be salivating. Heck, might have to pick one of these up anyway...those high-vis tritium front sights are _very_ nice!

[@travisj.1938]

Loving the new 856 so happy they came out with the 3 in. And the fact they offer both alloy & steel frames is friggin awesome. And multi finishes just geys better by the minute! Thanks for this Shot Show sneak peak your the best TFG. Now comes the hard part of making up my mind on which one!

[@bigtrout]

Love that 3”. Wish they had it in .22 mag 8 shot.

[@marklownox]

They all look pretty good but I agree the wood grip looks better. Thanks for sharing!

[@christophergoudreaul]

Excellent overview of these! My question- why does the matte blue/black version look so shiny here? I LOVE how that looks and would really like to get one like it- but everywhere online has the matte version as, well, not shiny like in this video!

[@bigpeeler]

Thank you, Taurus.

[@BigBWolf90]

I'm digging that one with the wood grips

[@jaydee5156]

I got mine yesterday. Excited for some range time.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thank you Dan. I've had a model 856 for quite awhile and have been very impressed with it. Looks to me like Taurus has a real winner in this new Defender series. I like 3" revolvers a lot, that front sight is a winner and I'm a big fan of Altamont grips, have them on my 1911.

[@Hogheadsforbreakfast]

Sounds great, can't wait to get one. I hope they end up around $400 when they hit the market. I have the 2" Ultra lite version and it's a great little gun.

[@dulcimerjunkie8516]

Just bought the basic black 2” model a couple of days ago.

[@Tdream8]

Nice to see additional options including a 3" barrel and improved sights. Just at the range today with my Ruger .357 LCR and was thinking how nice it would be to have a 3" with 1 more shot since most of us probably use some kind of 38+P in our compact .357 revolvers anyway (shot 5 rounds of .357 Magnum today just to refresh my memory of that recoil in a light revolver). Thanks TFG.

[@rayhanes1347]

Taurus is looking better than ever. I think I might grab one next time I see one. The woodgrip, I'd take that right now.

[@tantrictemplar]

The first thing I did when I shot mine was ditch the VZ grips. They might look cool, but they hurt like hell. Ended up buying a set from Altamont.

[@alexanderheling2057]

Good for Taurus to offer even more options budget friendly! Just curious if they are they going to offer this model in concealed hammer?

[@beence4917]

I looked at the version with the VZ grips at my LGS. These were the worst grips I have felt on a revolver. Hard plastic with sharp edges. The gun with the other grips is very nice.

[@kirkmooneyham]

The VZ grips LOOK nice, but they tend to roll in the hand and they act like a "cheese grater". The smaller rubber grips are a lot better.

[@jcolem5576]

I bought a 2inch barrel stainless 856 on Black Friday for $200 ($230 then $30 off with mail in rebate) and thought it was pretty nice for the money. But I had no idea Santa Claus was bringing me Colt King Cobra .357 3 inch barrel. Sorry but the trigger and overall build quality is much, much better with the Colt. But it was much more expensive too. The Taurus are nice at the price point.

[@steverussell6642]

Damn the bottom left looks good.

[@WinterInTheForest]

Love the Altamont grips. Cerakote looks good too.

[@TheLostKoz]

That finish looks really good. I love having a tritium front sight on a revolver too.

[@thefilmguy]

I'm with ya Dan, I'm really liking the one with the Tungsten cerakote and wood grips.

[@imageofchaos]

Thanks for the video! I’m very excited about picking up one of these soon, probably the VZ grips version. 3” 6 shot revolvers are kryptonite for me!

[@Half-Fizzbin]

I see on the VZ site that they offer Taurus small frame revolver (SFR) G10 grips in three different styles with 6 different colors (18 varieties total). Hogue also has some nice Taurus 856 grips.

[@BazonBlades]

I have been super excited about this model since I received the introduction email from Taurus about a week or so ago. I had already decided to buy the two tone VZ version for my personal collection and channel content/review. Thanks for getting some video up. It's our first real look. And I like what I am seeing so far.

[@Ifitfitz22]

Another plus over the 856 not mentioned is the full size grip... The 856 is just a little short for me. I was looking for one of these local for my mother who has arthritis and I was thinking the weight of the gun and full grip would really help with recoil that she would otherwise have a hard time with, but I could find one so we wound up getting her the 8 shot 22 mag with 2" its the same frame as the 855 so it has the same grips but the 22 mag in a 22.5 oz gun is unnoticeable so it's a perfect fit for her

[@mickwells9431]

Sweet looking revolvers. Thanks for bringing them to our attention Dan. Take care man.

[@lessage760]

All nice revolvers sir thanks for showing keep them comming

[@mikecampbell5856]

I will try to keep up. I have a feeling that there will be a flood of videos coming. Keep up the great work!

[@dwstrange334]

This might be my favorite video from shot show so far this year! Thanks! I just might have to pick up a new Taurus now! I agree with you, the wood grips and tungsten cerakote seals the deal!

[@joesingsongs95]

Wow!!! They're beautiful revolvers. I do like the black one. It looks so elegant.

[@johnganshow5536]

The all stainless but stick the G-10 grip on it. Perfect...

[@Half-Fizzbin]

Yeah, the all stainless one interests me also. Check out the Hogue and VZ sites for their offerings of after market grips for the Taurus 856 small frame revolver (SFR).

[@crabclawz6486]

Outstanding Dan. Taurus read it right. Somewhat reminiscent of the S&W Model 60. Easy to carry, 3 inch barrel and plus P. 470 range is workable.

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

Thanks for another great brother! It looks like Taurus has really stepped up their game with their line of revolvers!

[@bobhartman2571]

Thanks Dan.. Love this review.

[@a.lumberjack4456]

I wonder if they will change all their front sights on all the production lines.

[@mattkuritar1247]

Awesome looking guns, I definitely plan on grabbing one this year!

[@mariomuccino6040]

GOT .38 SPECIAL SNUBNOSE 2.5 INCH BARREL TAURUS, LOVE IT.

[@TheFirearmGuy]

Very cool Mario

[@charliehustle2591]

These are sharp. Think I’ll hold out for one of these.

[@chasa4347]

Nice review Dan! I'm up for either the wood grip or the G10 grip. Wish I was at Shot Show!

[@Half-Fizzbin]

Several more after market wood & G10 grips for the Taurus 856 small frame revolver (SFR) are available, particularly Hogue and VZ.

[@mikeramsey5391]

Love the wood grip. Now pout the on in the upper left

[@steelpunisher6944]

Very nice! I know a lot of people were hoping they came out with a 3 inch barrel. Good on Taurus. I really like those wood grips

[@Tbone42tx]

If these came in 357, I'd be all over one!! Instead I just ordered the 605 2" but would love one in 3"

[@jasonosbon5804]

Hey Dan, show us the ruger booth tomorrow if you can. Thanks.

[@blitzkrieg459]

They answered my prayers. I have a 856 stainless with VZ factory grips, definitely getting the defender.

[@jaydee5156]

When it comes to revolvers for .38 Spl, I usually bump it up to .357 Magnum, just to have that option should I choose. This hits a sweet spot. I like the 3" barrel and small size. I'd like to grab one up when they start to roll out of the Georgia facility.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I remember the 1998-2008 era where Taurus offered snubs DA only Ti. Total Titanium. I owned a .357magnum 5 shot model, grey in 2004.

[@wesleysmith4613]

Great Dan, now I got to figure out how to budget for the 856 with the wood grips lol. Great video as always my friend thank you.

[@ronaldspencer547]

The first wood grip looks great.

[@wolfgangn.2020]

Those 4 are very nice! I just got me the 605 poly and love it!

[@rushedandlost]

Awesome . I will start to look for these models.

[@TheFirearmGuy]

Thanks bud

[@copierdude78]

Put my order in yesterday. Excited to get it

[@rodrigoreina8212]

Where you put the order? I want to get one aswell.

[@copierdude78]

rodrigo reina just went to my local gun dealer who orders from their sources. It has however not actually been ordered yet, just a deposit made. We think Taurus will be releasing these within 30 days.

[@jamesrandolph2563]

I haven't been into revolvers much but after the video of the 692 I'm kinda wanting that one

[@travisj.1938]

I thought I had decided on that one too. Then they come out with these. 🤦‍♂️ Too much selection is a great problem to have, however not having enough neurons to make the right decision is not.

[@jamesrandolph2563]

@@travisj.1938 I still like the 892 better because u get 3 different calibers for one price

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Taurus USA is smart to add factory Cerakote, night sights improved grips. I'm curious to see if DA only versions or ported barrels will come out too. Taurus intl in the 2000s was 1 of the few revolvers in .44spl caliber. The Total Ti. 38spl & .357mag guns had almost 0 weight.

[@travisj.1938]

@@jamesrandolph2563 most def. Weight was my only concern, that'd get heavy carrying. Hmmmm decisions decisions.

[@chad_8313]

Not to change the subject, but was Charter Arms there? They were rumored to release a Professional model in 357. Seems like it'd be a cheaper alternative to the King Cobra size/type of wheel gun.

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Those are some great little revolvers, however I prefer a .357 magnum, which will shoot. 38 spl, so it's like two guns in 1 🇺🇸

[@louismatassa9105]

Most certainly!

[@flaco5581]

Very nice. Thanks Dan.

[@bigal2696]

Nice looking revolvers! And I'm glad to see innovation and improvement in their line. And I wonder if prices from other manufacturers won't send more people to Taurus...

[@markpelenytschka8374]

Thanks for the excellent review Dan

[@zdub8438]

Just picked up a matte 856 for $140. It's fantastic, can't wait to find a defender for sale.

[@Libra-uq6dv]

Great up close video from shot show Dan, you can really see all the details, some folks may not know that Taurus has been making all types of revolvers for many years, actually decades & that at one time (70’s through 80’s) they were affiliated with Smith & Wesson in some capacity, so they have lots of experience making good quality revolvers at a decent price, i own a half dozen of them in various calibers & sizes, i have had very good operation from all of them & have never had to return one & recently got the 856 light weight with the bobbed hammer 6 shot in the mat stainless finish & have run 300 rounds of 38+P along with 38 special

[@ara2805]

I carry a Taurus 605. with Laser grips. Why settle for .38 SPL when you can load .357 Magnums?

[@TheFirearmGuy]

Very cool ARA

[@timesup6386]

.38 SPL hand loads will do everything the watered down factory mag loads will. Fool

[@ara2805]

@@timesup6386 Sure they will. Hot .38 special rounds have been available for decades. Fire them out of a revolver not made for +P+ and the cylinder will rupture. As for calling me a ""Fool:" that is what I've come to know when a jackass is not sure of his statement.

[@timesup6386]

@@ara2805 You are a fool. All modern day 38 SPL's have the same cylinder strength as the longer magnum. Same metallurgy and heat treatment. They will handle the same pressure.

[@ara2805]

@@timesup6386 Really? Then why does Ruger, S&W, and Taurus all come with literature that specifically states: use of unapproved ammunition may cause severe injury or death? Also, sonny, I bet you're too much of a coward to call someone a Fool to their face. PS: Anytime. Anywhere.

[@shotgun1666]

thanks for the great review. why why why a 3inch? for the sight radius? ok i get it, but if so why not go the extra mile and put fully adjustable rear sight? i'll stick with the snubby

[@Bobdixon_Moonvarga_Dancer_III]

Is that front side the same as the one available for the Judge? That’s the only Ameriglo orange one I can find for Taurus revolvers. I want to be able to switch out the pinned front sight on their other small frame revolvers.

[@wtpence4731]

Have acouple of the older CH85's Always worked flawlessly ! These look even better !

[@tomfile3131]

I got the Tungsten Cerakote with the VZ grips. It's pretty sweet.

[@TheFirearmGuy]

Very cool Tom

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

These are pretty cool. I'm not in the market for a new revolver right now. If I were I would get these, probably the Executive versions actually. Those are slick! I used to carry a S&W model 36 and a model 10 2". The 36 was loaded up with non lethal rubber rounds, the 10 had hollowpoints. One time a crackhead came at me and I let him have four rubber bullets to the bread box! It sure took the beans out of him. I didn't stick around to sort things out either, I just got out of there. Probably the best option. They can't hold it against you for fleeing for your life you know

[@mcekim2]

Nice! I really like the one with the VZ G10 Grips. The Ameriglo front sight is 👍! Great video, thanks!

[@pray4mojo35]

Would consider purchasing one with a semi concealed or fully enclosed hammer/DAO model. I had an old model 85 I regret selling.

[@Booboobear-eo4es]

I just bought a Taurus 856 with a 3 inch barrel. This gun lacks the quality and finish of Rugers or S&W. The trigger is a bit "klunky". But for the money, it is not that bad. Also, they one I got doesn't have a tritium front sight. It's a fiber optic front sight.

[@TheFirearmGuy]

Thanks Boo

[@Alsayid]

It is possible to get a revolver like this with a rubber grip that wraps all the way around? I like to have as much shock absorption as possible.

[@rickmaldoo4205]

Not a Taurus fan, but that wood grip dark metal is a looker....if I saw it in a case I would talk to it as if it was trying flirt with me to buy it.

[@TheFirearmGuy]

Too funny Rick

[@eric19875]

All cool. The VZ grip one is sick...

[@kurtchurba1994]

Heard bad reviews about Taurus and their semi-autos (PT92 excluded), so I never bought one. Conversely, I didn’t hear anything bad about Taurus revolvers. Looking into the 856 series and now the new Defender 856 series, I can see myself investing in a Defender.. especially given the fact that they’re likely the least expensive, quality option out there!

[@Floreypottery]

I’m liking the satin mode and the one with black cylinder may have to get one eventually

[@rickynazario1969]

Those VZ G10 grips look awesome !!!!!

[@francisgarner1751]

Sir I'm just viewing your video. If you can please tell me were I can get a longer grips. The ones that came with the 856 to short I need pinkie room. Thanks 👍🏿

[@clawhammer704]

Does it have that key lock on the gun..?

[@laurogarza4953]

The three inch barrel would make it excellent for the outdoorsman, hiker and camper.

[@Hamhock5957]

Taurus did a good job with the sights on these!!

[@franmartinez779]

Does using a higher grain on these revolvers...from a 115 to a 154 grain 38 special. Does it matter?

[@kirkmooneyham]

The "typical" bullet weights for .38 Special are either 125 grain (hollow points), 130 grain FMJ (target ammo), or 158 grain (multiple bullet types). Obviously there are others, but those are the three weights of bullets most encountered in factory ammo.

[@markchambers2812]

What’s the best speed loader ?? HKS A10 ??

[@kirkmooneyham]

Yes, the HKS 10 works.

[@MrDoakster]

Taurus is stepping up it’s game!!! People have 400 bucks before they have 1K for a over priced Colt!!!

[@mariohostios]

Perfect house gun.

[@umami0247]

I’m with you I’ll go with the wood grips. That G10 is nice also.

[@longbow5423]

Taurus revolvers are very decent handguns. I carry an older Tracker in .44mag during the winter in 4". I think it is the original iteration cause the bluing on it is gorgeous. I put different grips on it but other than that it is carried as is. It's accurate and comfortable. I carry it when stump shooting too with my longbow. Not that heavy on the hip and with the grips I put on it it is even comfortable to shoot with full power .44mag loads. stay safe

[@TheFirearmGuy]

Great to hear long bow

[@maxmccain8950]

I wish they would offer a polished blue like that. I’d pay extra.

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

That cerakote & wood grip is very nice 👍. Doesn't even look like your typical Taurus. Def cool. (Ready for the 3in, 357 now)

[@reynaldorivera7641]

I have a revolver on recall that’s 3” barrel, trying to get Taurus to replace it with another 3” and not the 2” . Mine was deemed unsafe by rossi(Taurus) and they are fighting me on it. They are trying to force me to take the 2” barrel.