Taurus 856 3" First Impressions (Unboxing and Shooting)

Unboxing and firing the Taurus 856 in stainless steel with the 3" barrel. I use .38 Special Blazer 158 gr LRN ammo. Doing 7 yards on paper and 10 and 25 yards on steel. Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.co...

[@itmeng]

A gun company that listens to its customers? Shock! No locks yay! Have a 856 snub in my rotation. Fine gun

[@xarmcav]

I love the 856 3" [Defender]. I carry it regularly. I don't consider it a real snubnose, but I think the 3" is the ideal ccw for me. I usually prefer a 158 grain bullet in .38 spl or .357 mag but the 856 seems to be more accurate and shoots to point of aim with a 125 grain. So I load and carry 125 grain ammo.

[@frankhinkle5772]

Is your gun sensitive to velocity of the 125 grain bullet? It's rated for P+, so it is more accurate at faster velocities?

[@jw-sigp2258]

I have a 856 2” and I have put about 1500 rounds through it with zero issues. It’s been very accurate or at least for me. It shoots really good on steel plates out to 25 yards.

[@Mbartel500]

Taurus has improved their quality control on their premium priced products, but the budget friendly products haven't received as much love as they deserve. I get it…there is more profit on expensive guns, but still…ALL of their products should be able to function reliably right out of the box.

[@danielaramburo7648]

I own pistols and revolvers made by them. Got no complaints. The cheap pt709 (I think) is not my favorite gun, but it goes bang if you are ok with its crappy trigger.

[@rickbroadway194]

I purchased an 856 a couple of weeks ago. My revolver seems to be quite accurate. Thanks for sharing this video. I always enjoy them.

[@walther9161]

Do you carry yours? Curios because I want one as well.

[@mokgable]

I have this in the tungsten cerekote finish with the wooden grip. Absolutely love it. Love your videos and have watched all your clips on 38 special!

[@smartacus88]

You've got to be the only Guy I've ever heard of that actually owns that particular model. Haven't seen a single one since they supposedly starting making them. Not in any gun store anywhere near where I live, not even the online retailers have ever had any in stock when I've tried looking.

[@mokgable]

@@smartacus88 trust me, it took 6 months of looking before I saw ONE listing lol. They are def hard to get but I have seen the new 605 one with the wood grips and tungsten cerekote.

[@boxbox2300]

@@smartacus88 Try Gallery Of Guns also known as Gun Genie. I never saw one either and then I did there and bought it. Very nice piece , looks good with the wood.

[@dannymartinez742]

I just bought this same gun with the tungsten cerekote finish and wood grips yesterday T Academy Sports. I got mine in store but I think you can order it on their website and have shipped to the store closest to you

[@YellowHammer26]

I personally like 3" revolvers. I really like my s&w j frame 38+p but my favorite revolver to carry is my ruger sp101 in 357mag with a 3" barrel. As I get older I carry 38+p in it a lot. Thanks for the video 👍👍

[@FlightRisk1516]

Well, that did it for me. Had been considering an 856 Defender in .38 Special +P to go along with my 856 UL (which is a great gun) but the POA aspect of this 856 is disconcerting. Prefer not to have to remember which heater shoots where. This video is a terrific public service announcement. Thanks!

[@timrobinson6573]

I have an 856 with the 2" barrel. I got the Hogue grip and tritium sights from Taurus' website. I've made it into a 856 Defender snub nose. I kind of wish I would have got the 3" version but I didn't even know it existed when I bought mine.

[@GunSam]

I think the defender is black cylinder. Be easy lol, that cerakote stuff.

[@timrobinson6573]

@@GunSam Oh yeah, mine has little tiny marks all over it from the cerakote getting chipped off.

[@christopherbishop4927]

No the Magnum Defender has 4 different offerings from Cerakoted to Brushed Stainless.....it's a 3" 605

[@mrmann44]

Get both! 👍

[@JonMarc22]

Got my 856 - 3" in matte black about a year ago. Love this thing ! It is my everyday carry. It conceals with no problem. Shoots like a dream. Not the first issue with it. Shot different grains and +P, and still find the recoil smooth. I give it an A+. Super happy with it.

[@aljaygo7748]

How many pounds is the DA trigger pull?

[@OldCelticWarrior]

​@aljaygo7748 15 LB and clunky as hell 😂. I'm working through one now. Hopefully it will smooth out. I wouldn't recommend this one. Get a Smith JFrame and train a lot.

[@JonMarc22]

@@OldCelticWarrior Mine is great !! Must have a weak hand.

[@dangerman007]

I love the three-inch barreled revolvers. Something about that length makes target acquisition very quick and easy. The extra velocity vs. a 2-inch snub helps as well.

[@shikat2371]

That extra inch of barrel length would give the .38 spcl round about 50 fps more velocity than the same round fired from a 2-inch barrel.

[@dangerman007]

@@shikat2371 And that might be the difference from a hollow point expanding or not.

[@Gieszkanne]

Not Taurus new .327?! But I think also that the 856 is one of the most interesting revolvers. 6 shot .38 with a 3 inch barrel is quite ideal as a self defense revolver. You can even get them with an aluminum frame also with 3 inch.

[@red9man2130]

SAM Great minds think alike! I REALLY want this model in .327 which Taurus says they make. A 3 INCH is NOT a snub! Thank GOD Taurus made this Gun!

[@Gieszkanne]

They do but only 2 inch and also 6 shot not 7 : (

[@justusupnorth8262]

I’ve had the 3 inch for about a year now,no complaints.Completely happy with it.

[@terryf.26201]

Revolvers with a 3" barrel are my favorite all around length! Small enough for easy concealment, much better ballistics than "snub nose" guns and like you mentioned, the much better aiming/accuracy. I picked up one of the 856 3" defender and love it! I did need to change to a Pachmyer grip to better fill my hand. Hogue grips are outstanding, but I felt they were too small for this gun (and it's trigger). I started a law enforcement carrying a revolver and loved my 3" off duty and during plain clothes assignments. The unicorn that I would love to find, the 3" 686, that was issued to the Border Patrol!! Thank you for the great videos! Keep up the hard work!

[@lookythat2]

Always frustrating when a new acquisition doesn't perform as desired. Kudos for telling it like it is!

[@GrazianoBF]

I own an 856, purchased it in 2019. Frankly I really like it. Shoots well and it's ok to carry. Mine is much simpler though, it has no extra front sight, it's actually a fixed sight system, very close to what you see in your 605 there. Maybe that's why yours is shooting high?

[@Gunner40Five]

There are sort of three different sight pictures with the 856. I noticed if you line up the front sight so you can see the entire orange area, you will hit quite high. If you center the the glowing night sight in the rear sight, you will hit slightly high but not so much that it would make a difference in a self defense situation. If I line up the top of the front sight with top of the rear sight, bang......dead on. So far I have been very impressed for a $339 revolver.

[@fbweaver63]

thank you. i had been thinking of getting one. i guess i will wait and see. maybe you just got a dud, but that speaks of quality control issues which have been a complaint that i had thought taurus was trying to put to rest.

[@lfcdz]

I have this gun. It is very accurate to me and it never failled. It will be very interesting to see ballistics tests with that.

[@MitchC357]

I carry the stubby 605 SS. It is pretty much perfection. 3 inch is not a snubby in my opinion. Good video.

[@hardball107]

I agree with you 100%, IMHO it is one of the best CCW firearms out there. I own a 3" 856 Defender Ultra Lite and love it. Mine shoots to point of aim with 130gr or 158gr +P, 125's always shoot 2" - 3" low at 7 yards and I aim with the front sight just under the target. Being the Ultra Lite model I put it up against my Smith 642, one of my favorite CCW both with alloy frames. IMHO, the Taurus has a better trigger, front sight, grip, holds 6 rounds and fits in 642 holsters and with the 3" barrel it really brings more shootability and bullet performance. I've had the Taurus for 6 weeks now and have over 800 rounds through it and the lockup is still tighter than my 642 and on par with my 3", 7 shot GP100 and going strong. What I really like about it is hip shooting softballs or 24oz beer cans full of water at 7-10 yards, it's really is like pointing my finger. When I do miss it isn't by much and talk about cheap to shoot, I'm still running off pre Covid primers, I cast and powder coat Lee 158gr RNFP bullets and push them along with 5gr of CFE Pistol powder (always work up your own loads) for a nickel or less per round. I will be adding a spring kit and trying out the smaller grip this week and after another 500 rounds or so I'll make up my mind about the grip but it's defiantly a keeper. I believe for the average person it's the perfect nightstand gun and CCW's very nicely especially at half the cost of a Smith and hundreds less than even a LCR. Now if Taurus came out with a 7 shot 327 H&R Magnum ( or maybe a 327 Federal Mag ) I'd line up for that.

[@Matteo_]

Thanks for the video. I recently switched from semiauto's for EDC to revolvers. And the 3" 856 Defender is one of the two revolvers I enjoy carrying daily. Well it and my 3" 357.

[@SuperSneakySteve]

The Ultra Lite version is #1 on my list. It's only 17oz. They are very hard to find right now.

[@jxxxx1413]

Love my 2in UL w concealed hammer... converted mine to also run 9mm

[@GunSam]

It might be interesting. For me personally I would have a hard time telling the weight reduction, as I pocket carry. I have carried my 22 OZ 605 in the pocket one day, then the 17 OZ LCR the next and I can tell no difference.

[@paulross9287]

If I'm correct, they all have hammers, if so, that's illogical to me.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@paulross9287 You can get them da only. No exposed hammer

[@ronaldarand5085]

I bought the same model as you, but mine hit low not high. I filed the top of the front sight to bring it in. I also have a 605 to compare my 856 to. I do need to shoot it more to get more confident with it. I also have a 941ul 2” 22 mag and a 942 3” 22 mag. I like Taurus and never had a problem. Thank you for an honest review

[@toshagilbert8894]

I bought one of these 856s about 6 months ago it shoots a few inches high with most all rounds of 158grain.And closer to point of aim with lighter rounds.All and All the accurcy is good but like yours Iv had a few glitches in double action where the cylinder would not turn far enough to line up and lock. A good cleaning fixes it up usually but hope it was just the ammo that caused the problems I was using Winchester for law enforcement use wad cutters in the same type box like the old treasury loads. Great video

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for your post on the 3" Taurus M856. I was hoping for more impressive results. I have the 2" M856 and it shoots point of aim. That said, I want to see this revolver work. I'm a big fan of 3" revolvers and especially one with a 6 round cylinder. Wish you the best on resolving this issue.

[@woodman8261]

I always like your reviews. Have a 3'' Ruger Wiley Clapp, my go to revolver. Keep the videos coming.

[@richardstalcup4986]

Thanks for the video. I see some one already commented on 125 grain bullets which was my thoughts while watching the video. As always I appreciate the practical aspect of your work. Stay safe.

[@platoplombo15]

Gotta say, I'm pretty stoked about the new Taurus 327. Just wish 32 H&R wasn't a buck and a half per round.

[@GunSam]

.32 H&R is almost worth learning to reload if you don't already. Very cheap to make, less than .38 Special to make, and home loads are easily more powerful than factory, even when you use powder that's basic.

[@Predalien195]

.32 H&R isn't $1.50 a round. I can routinely find it for as cheap as 0.60 a shot. The only stuff that runs that high tends to be that Federal lead target load for some odd reason.

[@platoplombo15]

@@Predalien195 Find it where?

[@Predalien195]

@@platoplombo15 Internet is your friend. I find it online as well as locally.

[@platoplombo15]

@@GunSam I do enjoy that caliber enough that I may just take up a new hobby...cheers, Sam.

[@vicoglesby2885]

I have a 85 38 I got from Academy for less than 200 bought 4 years a go great little gun

[@petemitchell6788]

My 856 UL is ridiculously accurate at 9 yards. Shoots point of aim too.

[@erikjensen6503]

Always making me want another revolver! I was just looking at 3" Rugers in 357 a bit more concealable than the 4" but more accurate for me than the snubbies

[@wicker849]

I have a 7 shot 357 mag Taurus. When you cocked the hammer the cylinder would still spin. Had to send back twice to finally fix problems.

[@freeroamer9146]

Been yrs since I shot a revolver. Very informative! Thanks!

[@francisgarner1751]

I have mine picked it up two weeks ago glow front 👍🏿👍🏿sweet.

[@buddditchendorf1847]

Wow, interesting. As a Taurus Defender owner for over a year, I am surprised. Thank you for the full length review. However I was happily anticipating some gel testing. There are a bunch of 2 and 4 inch gel tests, but not many three inch. Please come back and update us after Taurus fixes your Defender. Then gel test please! A good video to compare your experience in sight alignment would be TFB TV's video. Hop does a better job looking at sight alignment than I could. If you see the whole front sight, aim low. If your burry that front sight down between the rear sight groove, hold dead center or higher. Since I like that orange paint and tridium front sight I will be aiming low. I have looked into carry, but would prefer the smaller grip. Witch is a different shooting experience.

[@buddditchendorf1847]

Joined Patreon and got exactly what I wanted! I have that exact ammo for my 9 and 38. Thanks Gun Sam!

[@GunSam]

@@buddditchendorf1847 Thank you. Yeah I often post vids there days and weeks before they are here because I like my patrons to look over them, tell me if there are errors and whatnot. You're on the edit team now lol

[@Walter-wo5sz]

I have a Taurus 44 special snubby and it shoots over a foot high at 50 feet. I put some JB Weld on the front sight to bring it down.

[@lanedexter6303]

Amend my comment to say Taurus USUALLY offers a fair gun for the money. Maybe you got a “Monday morning” gun. I have an old blue 2-1/4” 605 around here that is decent, not a Smith but not bad. Cylinder is a more purplish blue than the frame, if you look closely. But .357 in. “J-frame” is a handful. I think these are best as .38 +P guns.

[@ratagris21]

Goid purchae Sam. I have 856 Defender 3 in barrel with the VZ grips. Nice, but will tenderize your palm after 20 rounds with standard pressure rounds. You also need to file down the edge on the rear of the grip. Good shooter, yet accurate. 🎩♠🏁🎯🏵💎

[@ratagris21]

The front sight is well designed and glad you pointed that lit Sam. These revolvers from Taurus come dry. They need a good cleaning, and lube job before their first range trip. The trigger will lighten up after 250 rounds. I dry fired mine with snap caps to help break it in. It really helped M695 Protector Poly.

[@ratagris21]

@@brianblackburn-author7531 the real question is did you read my comment some of it, or all of it? Sounds like you spraling from reading or hearing someone else's experience. I own several Taurus revolvers. Both new and older models. How man manufacturers now produce a 3 in barrel revolver? Not many. Many comment on this chanel that they'd like to see performance of rounds out of a 3 inch barrel. So get over it! Im glad Sam has this now to bring us more presentations unlesd you'd like to contribute to the channel by providing weapons and ammo more than yiur stpuid commentary.

[@francisgarner1751]

Mine shoots fine had it for two weeks I hope it's not you my gun SHOOTS fine. Retired officer 23year on the job. Mine is fine 👍🏿

[@oldcop18]

Thanks for a good review of the 856. From what I’ve seen it should probably go back to Taurus, I sure wouldn’t carry it.

[@danoneill2846]

If the spring is " in Spec " you may be better off sending it to a PRO to build it right ... not " in spec " by the same people that shipped it .

[@eprohoda]

total outstanding - all the best. amigo.

[@puggins1]

I have the 3" ultralite, zero probs, great PDW.

[@jacksavage7808]

Thank you. Was considering the 856, 3 inch. Not now though.

[@livincincy4498]

I have a Ruger LCR in 3" . Shooting 158 grain 38's it did not shoot poa = poi. The internet noted to replace the front sight with the 22 caliber LCR front sight. This fixed it for me shooting my gun. Hypothetically they sight the gun for 125 grain 38+P. So anything moving slower will exit the 3" barrel at a higher angle do to recoil lifting the nose of the barrel. So you might try some 125 grain +P hand loads.

[@GunSam]

I tried 110 and 125 gr+P ammo. While this fixed the elevation, now the gun shoots 3 feet left at 25 yards. It's insane

[@dalevalenti6552]

I have a 2 inch version of this gun and have fired at least 500 rounds through it. I have to aim 4 inches up and 2 to the right to hit the center of the target at 10 yards at the range. It is consistently off like that but works well otherwise.

[@anangryranger]

Ok. First off, I WAS a USA made only sort. However, I've changed my way of thinking. With failures upon failure with S&W's and others, the 856UL that I presently own, I say the issue with shooter's error is, infact, an error! The Taurus 856UL I own has been unbelievably accurate and reliable. Prriod. And this is coming from a long time S&W guy. Taurus is a great weapon. Period.

[@GunSam]

My taurus 856 sent back 4 times. Cylinder wouldn't rotate after 4 shots. They sent it back, again and again and again lying saying it was fine. Finally they admitted it was out of spec and are replacing it. Out of 9 months I have had it in my possession one month. Such a piece of junk and the company put me through the runaround. This isn't my first rodeo with them either. Sent back 5 no working revolvers in my younger days. Your tune will change if you get a problem and have to actually deal with them.

[@anangryranger]

@@GunSam Not being argumentative, but why then have you bought so many if you knew Taurus was junk? Ya gotta admit it does sound sotra counterproductive. Just curious is all.

[@patrickstone4125]

I just Ordered one from KYGUNCO, @ $340. My current carry is a Taurus 908, which I've had for more than 22 years. And my first Carry weapon was a S&W 36 (3"), until I bought the 908. To me, the 3" barrel is the Perfect carry length. However, I doubt if I've ever engaged a Target beyond 15 yards- at the most. Great Video.

[@gregb6469]

I have one of the 2-inch versions of this, and when I look closely at it I see that the barrel does not extend from the frame at an exact 90-degree angle, but leans very slightly to the left. At the close ranges I would use the gun for defensive purposes that shouldn't make any significant difference, and for target shooting I just need to aim very slightly to the right of the bull's eye.

[@robertbain5036]

Sam I think, just stay with the old reliable Smith & Wesson revolvers. You know far more than I but, just saying... I do enjoy your videos. I watch every one!

[@cdlund2840]

It could be just a case of Taurus regulating the fixed sights to a lighter round like 125 grain. Try some lighter rounds first. My newer S&W fixed sights are all regulated for 125 and 158 shoots high. My old snubs are all regulated for 158 and 125 shoots very low.

[@GunSam]

I plan to try that today!

[@Kaelland]

That was my thought, too. That's kind of an issue with fixed sight guns. They tend to be regulated with a specific ammunition or range of ammunition. If anything other than that ammunition or range of ammunition happens to hit in the same place, that's just a happy bonus. My dad has a .38 Special LCR that we're still hunting for ammo that will hit where the sights are set. Everything we've tried shoots 6-8" low at 10 yards. The Model 37 Smith I have will shoot most of that same ammo to point of aim at the same distance. I can't try *all* of the same ammo in the Smith because it's not rated for +P.

[@ggrandcz]

In my opinion this shift is too much to be just bullet weight problem.

[@cdlund2840]

@@ggrandcz You could be correct. I have had guns that had a huge POA/POI discrepancy and others where it was minimal. I think it has to do with how you interface with the guns recoil impulse somehow. My 3" SP101 would drop 4 inches at 10 yards with really light loads like 110 grain while my 2" model 10 is close enough I don't worry about bullet weights at all. I will be interested in what he discovers on this one.

[@Kaelland]

@@ggrandcz Probably.

[@davepayne1915]

Great video as usual! Thanks for your honesty as I'm chewing over whether I go for a 605 or 856. I have a Smith and Wesson 27-2 for .357, so was thinking 856 as a dedicated .38 special. I have to take a balanced view 🤔. Still leaning towards the 856. Thanks again Sam💥💥💥

[@invictawarrior]

I have seen other channels say that out of the box it wasn't super accurate but that as they shot it either it improved or the shooter did. Mine was this way to a point but it may depend on your load as with many other gutter sight gun. I might think that running some hard cast or even maybe some wad cutters to help the micro burs in the rifling smooth out. Sort of like stropping a blade.

[@lynch6642]

You'll have to send that one back, same thing happened on my 605. Email customer service and they will also have different sized sights, they installed a brand new front sight on my pt945, free

[@Ideo7Z]

I have a Smith model 13 with a 3 in barrel and for me 3 in models are the Glock 19 of revolvers. They hit that sweet spot of being small enough carry well yet handles/shoots like a full size. Also, I don't know about Taurus but 3 inch Smiths have the added benefit of a full length ejector rod that pushes empty shells almost all the way out. That's important for cheap range ammo if the shell has a weak case wall, bulges from pressure and could get stuck in the cylinder.

[@P.HATHCOX]

This is another revolver I've been considering so thanks for the review. To answer a question in the video, no I don't think I would call the 3 inch barrel a snubby. I personally consider a snubby any revolver with a 2 inch barrel or under.

[@TheLoneRanger745]

I watched a video where a guy was showing a forcing cone alignment tool , he was saying that the slightest bit of misalignment can cause accuracy problems, he showed before and after correcting the angle up to the lands and groves .He said a symptom of the problem is lead build up in the forcing cone. This made a difference, Something to consider. These revolvers are like a watch every complex.

[@BugsBunny-zf7kn]

Great review. Thanks for the info.

[@jbp6759]

Love my 2" 856. I carry 148gr wadcutters and had to file down the front sight and also file it on one side to bring POI to POA. I love the interchangeable front sight. I have some spares in case I change my carry ammo. :)

[@greggartland8543]

You are definitely the Aficionado of revolvers. Thank you so very much….

[@anthonyguidas2012]

If you change the front sight I’d like to see your new review to see if it takes care of the point of aim problem 👍

[@64samsky]

Send it back tou Taurus!

[@SWMissouriOutdoors]

I love mine, great little shooter. That extra inch of barrel I feel helps the 38spl out.

[@ftdefiance1]

Worth recalling that the last revolver issued by the FBI was a three inch K frame. Customs also issued three inch L frames to K9 Officers.

[@bmx7596]

I love how people used to slam Taurus like 10 years ago now everyone is getting them lol

[@DanTheWolfman]

EXCITED for testing from this! Underwood 125 plus p should be tops but also curious how many HPs that barely deformed n snubs would open up through 3". Sam test some more of the ammo I sent when you can. Thanks

[@GunSam]

I have tried to sort it out, the problem is the information I get online with the brands shows different weights and different bullets than you mentioned they were, so I get a bit confused and lack the confidence to test them. I been thinking of getting full boxes of what it is you said they were so I can test more appropriately.

[@DanTheWolfman]

@@GunSam Trust what I say I had the boxes in the video to go off of. It was height of ammogaddon so the manufacturers were using whatever bullets they had. Ie the 115 is that even though they also sell 124 etc. I'm curious if those perform. What bullets those 115 are and the 125 grain 357 reloads from Georgia arms not positive what bullets they are I am sure u can take educated guess after results and how they look. Recheck the vid I made

[@jamesjoung2793]

Got an 856 defender 3” with the vz grips. Timing was bad, gun would lock up. Sent it to Taurus in January, haven’t seen it since. Terrible QA, long repair process of 8 months and waiting. Would’ve liked the gun if it worked. I see so many good reviews of Taurus guns, but hear so many bad things about them in person. Leads me to believe that lots of reviewers are swayed into favorable reviews. Not saying this vid is one of them. I do like the aesthetics of the 856 3” very much.

[@GunSam]

I did like 3 other videos showing how this revolver is broken and they refuse to repair it.

[@randyadams03]

Very cool, Taurus 856 3,". Thanks. I'll have to just use my Taurus M-66 4. 7shot. Choosing new Tools 🔧? Retired $$ . Thanks GS

[@jaydee5156]

I have two of these. I'm looking forward to getting a couple of Defender 605s.

[@5solas743]

Great video. I look at 2, 3, & 4 inch barreled revolvers similar to Glocks 17, 19, & 26. So we have full size, compact, and subcompact.

[@mroilcat]

Old fart here...That's EXACTLY why for decades I only practice point shooting with my S&W Mod36 at 8" round target. I'm not really a good shot, but I can generally get 4-5 rounds on the target with my right hand (1 hand hold) and about 4 out of 5 with my left hand. Used to be better, but as I get older I do notice a bit of degradation. This way, I don't have to worry about the night, rain or other variables or trying to line up sights. The only mods were to replace the stocks with Pachmayer rubber grips with no finger grooves (don't worry, still have original wood stored) and lighter main spring and trigger spring (Wwolf). I now have 9.7# double action & 3.5# single action, no problems with detonation. I do not shoot for points, just point and shoot. That's what my gun is for. BTW I ONLY shoot Magtech 158 Gr. FMJ flatnose @ about 800 fps. out of my 2" M36 snubbie.

[@ibpositivemostly7437]

Cool video thanks.nice you figure it out.

[@nathanlambshead4778]

I have the 5 shot model 85 2 inch, and it hits center mass when aiming center mass. No matter what ammo brand or weight. All are close. Something is wrong with that gun. Send it back. If you can wait 6 months for it to come back, still not working that is. I have heard that Taurus is getting better with service however. One can only hope.

[@LionquestFitness]

Back to the factory with that one. I've got a couple of older S&W's with a three inch barrel. Those shoot low, so I have to raise the front sights up when aiming.

[@edwarddeas5962]

That’s why colt single actions have such tal front sights.

[@sosuapimp8449]

Sam,its 85 and sunny in Florida,rhe gunshine state!!

[@shaneholzkamm2118]

I bought one about couple months ago exactly the same gun mine shoots really high to I have to be able to barely see the front sight to hit exactly where I'm aiming love the gun 38sp my favorite caliber just shoots high glade you got one really interested to see ammo test out of my gun hope all is well my friend take care

[@zachb.6606]

Revolvers never fail! @16:32. Ha ha. Great video - I'd like it better if it shot to point of aim, but maybe if you found a front sight that works with your preferred ammo then it'd be ok. Don't have a lot of confidence in how easily it goes out of battery with a little dirty ammo.

[@ftdefiance1]

Let's be clear I have put thousands of rounds through K frames and haven't had an issue nor have I seen it on my peers guns. Take away? Keep your gun clean and don't buy any gun in it's first year of production. Think SIG 365 primer drag marks and 320 drop safety issues.

[@zachb.6606]

@@ftdefiance1 I agree with those points. It doesn't look like it took much to take his Taurus out of battery.

[@GunSam]

I mean, they can. But I will say this; I never had a Smith and Wesson or Ruger fail like that, but have had more than one Taurus do something weird like this.

[@zachb.6606]

@@GunSam That seems to be the consensus among revolver owners.

[@heroofharo]

I picked up my 2 inch 856 today. I immediately noticed the trigger was much nicer than my 638 j frame. Seems pretty nice to me.

[@hardball107]

I got one of the Ultra-Lite models 6 weeks ago and the grip, trigger and front sight are all superior to my Smith 642.

[@johnochicago8457]

Sam I bought the 856 Black in a 2" and the spring problem is in the cylinder. Not the first one I've seen. Easy to fix if you can get the part. As far as the accuracy, the barrel is unacceptable. Send it back. I won't trust my life to a taurus. I have shot a couple hundred of rounds through mine and so far so good but I carry a Smith for self defense. If I had one I'd carry a Ruger also. I'm leary of Taurus. just my two hundred dollars. Inflation. 2 cents doesn't do it.

[@lutherpayne9957]

Thanks for the review. I have been contemplating getting one... Not that I need it but what the hey....

[@rellerellfloyd]

I use this for a backup gun and am so in love with it. The only con about it is you got to have little hands or grip is so uncomfortable.

[@jazzman5598]

Might need to take that one back Sam. A model 10 comes to mind. Even an old cop gun would be better imho. I really like your channel Bud. A regular guy! Thanks, I got the Bell on and subbed for years. See ya

[@bruceliggett8036]

Couldn't decide between the S&W or the 856, think I'll go with the S&W 442 now, thanks for the video!

[@jaydee5156]

I have both. I prefer the 856.

[@perplexingperceptions8888]

I like how this one is rated for +P a lot of these budget 38spl revolvers are not +P rated.

[@maxmccain8950]

I had my gunsmith install an XS Big Dot front sight. Boy does that thing stand out. Within 7-10 yards it hits right on.

[@deltadragon2335]

I was thinking of getting a big dot when I got an 856 which model of big dot did you buy for it

[@maxmccain8950]

@@deltadragon2335 it’s the same model that fits the Ruger SP101. Go with the green dot. It soaks up the light better than the red. Up close where this gun will probably be deployed there’s nothing faster.

[@deltadragon2335]

@@maxmccain8950 thanks for the info

[@mattbrown5511]

2 1/2 and shorter are "snub nose" in my opinion. I still have zero issue carrying my 686 daily. It is the 4-inch barrel model.

[@lanedexter6303]

Is 3” a snubby? Depends on the gun. An old 3-1/2” Model 27 is one badass snubby. I think Taurus offers a fair gun for the money. But those sights are a concern. As far as shooting high, it may be barrel time with the heavier bullets. Try some fast 110 and 125 grain loads before you go to replacing or filing sights. Hopefully, you will eventually find a load it really likes.

[@Gieszkanne]

Wouldnt call the 27 3.5 inch a snubby but she is beautiful! S&W did made a few in their classic line with a 8 shot cylinder. What a dream!

[@quinnmclaughlin7537]

couple weeks ago not-so-close shop had one of these new 'upgraded'/non-bare-bones 856s at at near buy shop, in Dec I bought a Walther PDP at my 'neighborhood' shop, because the literally had 2 revolvers in stock, a.22 and a .44 I don't regret my PDP, it's been flawless BUT this new version of the 856 will be my next gun! PS- I don't get the gripe about the 'hilary hole' if you want to use it, use it, if not don't. it's not like a 2nd trigger you always have to pull.... Snub-nose - I think you are right, depends on size, I have looked at 3" variants of the 856 and LCR but would go for the 4" or 6" versions of The Judge

[@jeremiahjohnson9908]

I actually LIKE the Taurus lock system as it does not really interfere with the weapon at all...there if you need it, gone if you don't.

[@GunSam]

I supposed. I personally have never used a lock on any gun like that, I just throw in my safes.

[@jeremiahjohnson9908]

@@GunSam ...same here, however, I specifically recommended a Taurus 85 to a single mom who unfortunately was in need of a handgun because of a recent ex turned stalker. She bought it, we went to the range and she fell in love with the little handgun and it's features. The lock gives her, and (I), peace of mind in her situation.

[@Gieszkanne]

@@GunSam I am sure you dont throw them! ; )

[@niadhf]

I have the 856UL, in 2". POA = POI with 158 grain. I didn't hear what you had to shoot. On a mini USPSA target, it will keep all 6 in the head A zone at 10 yards. I want yhw version you have, as a companion gun with my 2".a d the steel version like yours is inbetween my steel J frames and 3" model 10 K frame, for weight.

[@darrylwarren4241]

What does POA and POI mean

[@niadhf]

@@darrylwarren4241 point of aim and point of impact. Whether the bullets actually hit where the gun is aiming

[@ogbobbye]

I carried a 5 shot 3-inch 38 Spec. for years these days people underestimate the capabilities of the round. The 38 Special was in police holsters for decades it is a well proven rd. Hopefully you can work out the issues with your new Taurus 856. It is a well-reviewed revolver. as for snub nose generally three inches and under has always been considered a snubby, but today many feel a snub is 2 to 2 1/2 inch. I guess that's what happens when people's gun knowledge comes from Hollywood and not the real world.

[@papakrampus3062]

No problems with the two 856 2" stainless snubs that I own. IMHO, nicely done inexpensive weapons.

[@garycombs9435]

A set of Galloway Precision springs and install the ramp sight. your accuracy will improve greatly.

[@kevinbaker6168]

For the cost of the 856 you can afford to put a little gunsmithing expense or time into it. First I would try different ammunition brands, weights and types to see if it is the ammo. Next if you find you still have it hitting high I would change the sights; either the front sight or the rear groove. As to the internals I would see if simple stoning of engagement surfaces would help.

[@GeographyCzar]

Man... that's a pretty gun. I need one. Frustrating about the accuracy tho...

[@GunSam]

I ran more ammo today in 110 and 125 gr. While the 110 gr elevation is dead on and 125 just a couple inches high, they shot 2 feet left at 25 yards and 6" left at 5 yards. I can't even fix that problem.

[@jamesswenson8256]

Try the Golden Sabre 125 grain plus P hollow point in that gun and see how the accuracy is! I think you will be surprised!

[@travishintz9465]

They sell a nice spring kit for the 856 put it in my snubby makes the trigger a lot nicer. Still gritty on the back end at the break BUT definitely worth the $15

[@Nutty.357]

I am hoping the accuracy improves for you with brass case fmj and after a few hundred rounds or so for the break in period. Would really be nice if they had the adjustable rear sight on those! Thanks for the info and testing, and best wishes! Happy Friday!