Taurus 856 Defender Review

In this video, Allen reviews the Taurus 856 Defender in 38 Special. Thanks for watching and we would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to like this video, leave a comment down below, and subscribe to our channel.
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[@stever.747]

A simple straightforward, just the facts, no fluff review. Refreshing! Thanks.

[@glenmo1]

I own a new defender with the cerakote tungsten finish and the Altimont.wood grips.. what a fantastic gun front sight is easy to see and of course you've got the night site in the front for low light scenarios

[@Gingerbeard69]

@@glenmo1I’ve got my eye on the exact model you’ve got, very classy. I might just splurge on it, instead of going for the “cheap” Rock Island .38 Special I was considering before.

[@Kyle-vb3fz]

I have this in black. Absolutely love it. Taurus did a great job making this simple, yet effective revolver inexpensive. I just wish ammo weren’t so expensive right now.

[@slickdaddycc7506]

Has the accuracy been holding up? I've been looking at the snub but this modle looks more appealing

[@thepistolguy859]

​@@slickdaddycc7506i got both snub and the defender get the defender unless u want something slightly easier to conceal. Both are good but the defender is better longer barrel longer sight radius better accuracy

[@ironhorse127]

Big revolver fan here. 3 inch barrel, 6 rounds. About as comfortable as it gets in a double action revolver. Price is not prohibitive either. Alway enjoy your videos. Straight forward, no nonsense presentation. 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@Tac2cool556]

And night sights

[@dano1956]

Taurus is a great firearm. Shoot it all you want, I have had them 20 plus years. The more I buy them the better they get!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Spocklee]

They've only improved their guns more n more over the years, at this point it's a quality peice!

[@deejayimm]

Love the videos this guy does. He is one of the best, straight-forward no BS gun reviewers on YT.

[@jamesmarkov9570]

The .38 special out of a 3 inch barrel is quite effective. Using a Hornandy critical defense load will do the trick.

[@diamondthomas7778]

Faxxxxxx

[@devinking6677]

Hornady loves us

[@brokeboytactical]

Do the trick? Of course it will do the trick lmao. These comments always get me. Question...ever been shot? Then how would you know? I was shot with a 25acp in the leg buy a scum bag gangbanger and ill tell you this right now. It felt like what I would imagine a sledge hammer smashing your shin in would feel like. Point being it stopped me dead in my tracks. The point for a defensive tool is to STOP an attacker not necessarily kill him. So if a 25acp did this to a full grown man, 38spl even not in +p will do fine Im sure of it. Unless you're gearing up for war Stop the stupid caliber debate. You make us gun guys sound like blood thirsty douche bags when you talk like that. I can defend my Home with a ruger 10/22 ,a budget red dot and a 25 round mag or a 20ga shotgun loaded with birdshot. Ican at least try and not kill him right off the bat and still adequately defend my family. Again the point of defense is to STOP a threat not necessarily kill it and anyone who laughs at that has no idea what they're talking about. Human life is important no matter how little value you may feel it has or, how little it valued your life. Trust me 25 rounds of 22lr or a couple blasts of birdshot at point blank range is going to ruin someones day.

[@mdredheadguy1979]

@@brokeboytactical Sadly, stopping the bad person and killing them is one and the same. You don’t always have time to make the distinction when defending your life.

[@chaburchak]

@@brokeboytactical Too bad the FBI didn't have your sledgehammer-to-the-shin 25acp at the Miami Shootout way back in the day. I'll bet it would've dropped that felon in his tracks, unlike the terminal 9mm wound he managed to survive long enough to kill two more agents...

[@felixcat9318]

Thank you for this clear, credible and concise appraisal of a competent, capable and reliable six shot revolver. The three inch barrel and oversize cushioned grips make this .38 Special +P revolver about as good as one could get for a defence firearm. With basic safety, handling and shooting tuition, a family could feel safe and confident in their ability to be defensive with this gun. I would be confident in this model and have no reservations about it whatsoever. Subscribed.

[@thebigfellar7178]

I love this gun. I have the black coated version .It's stainless underneath. It is all you need , as a home , personal protection revolver . Dependable , shoots +P and is priced right. A lot of people don't realize there's extra grips and sight under the inside box triangle. If you want a can do it all gun this is it. 3 inch barrel is perfect , not to long , not to short. It really is a perfect carry gun ,pillow gun etc. etc. All I can tell you is I love 38 special . I carry 38 cast bullets by Underwood for woods carry and wadcutters for people. Perfect...!!!

[@stephen562]

Good common sense video and recommendation for people who really aren’t into guns but want a simple piece to protect themselves

[@jaqlagerra3057]

Just picked this up today and I already love it more than my judge lol

[@grahamkilpatrick4862]

This is what I've been looking for. Something the 16 yr old daughter won't be timid about shooting and is easy to handle. Great price point too!

[@samfulwider3882]

I like the idea of a 3 inch revolver and wish more gun makers made them, especially in an affordable package like this

[@kyderby137]

great video Alan thank you. I love, love, this revolver for home defense. I run + P 125-140 grain HP in it and it's all you need for home defense. Personally, I wouldn't want to be in front of it if I was a bad guy.

[@jaydee5156]

I have one. I saw them when they were announced at SHOT Show and just had to have one. Mine is stainless, as in the video. First trip to the range, I took my S&W 442 along. Other than barrel length, they're about the same size. The Taurus being all-stainless and with a longer barrel, plus one more round capacity, is a little heavier. The additional weight makes it very pleasant to shoot and I find the trigger to be a little lighter than my 442. My wife is a dyed-in-the-wool semi-auto fan and the Taurus didn't convert her to revolvers, but she did find it enjoyable to shoot. I purchased mine as a range toy and don't plan to carry it, but I wouldn't hesitate to, if the need arose. Fantastic little handgun.

[@mylatelife2497]

Thanks for making this video. I like how you framed it as someone looking for a simple to operate, effective form of self defense...to be used in an emergency. This was my mindset before I found this video. I was followed for miles by a group of people that I couldn't really make out about a week ago. They were driving an Escalade...I drive a Titan. I got to thinking that I might want to have something in the center console in case I need it. Especially in Texas where it's easy to obtain and own a gun. As a veteran, I have fired all manner of weapons. However, I have been looking at the 38 special...studying it from different angles...watching the videos...reading what I can. I have concluded that it fits the bill for what I want: affordable, effective, emergency use. I plan to fire a couple boxes of +P rounds through it just to learn how that feels and reacts. I will carry +P for self defense...but use regualer 38 rounds for practice as they are cheaper. I can't go to the range all of the time. I will go enough to learn my weapon inside and out, then enough to maintain my accuracy after that.

[@craigcook1571]

I just bought one. As bought the trigger was pretty rough, (from watching reviews I was expecting this), so after test firing it, I took it apart and smoothed up the contact points as well as put in some oil because it was basically dry. I didn’t try to lighten the trigger pull and don’t have any intentions to but just smoothing the contact points inside has made the pull a lot smoother and easier to where I can now stage the trigger just before let off. This is easy to do, and there are a few videos showing how to do it

[@efreutel]

Don’t oil the trigger assembly. Oil attracts and holds dirt and grit. You have created a grinding compound!

[@efreutel]

Oil is bad for guns. Guns are made of tool steel and are designed to run dry. They are not reciprocating engines.

[@jaredgreen5840]

It's almost impossible to find revolvers right now but I have an old Taurus 94 9 shot 22 lr that I've had for for about 10 years and while it's no Smith and Wesson it's been an amazing revolver and it shoots nice 🙂👍

[@FirstnameLastname-vy2dg]

Try grabagun, gunprime, gunbroker, primary arms, kentuckygunco

[@jeffreyelliott622]

Although not a revolver but I have those as well but I would stake my life on this little S&W .22LR Compact with its 10 rd. mag. and with 4 extra mags it'll do the job !!!

[@d.c.holshouser6716]

I love my 856 2" good little gun and I do have gorilla hands but it's still comfortable to shoot

[@unknownunknown3025]

They just announced the 605 defender, same revolver but in 357 mag. I'll be getting one.

[@wes326]

I have a Taurus 605 in blue steel. Would like one of these in stainless with the longer barrel, high visibility sights, and additional cartridge capacity. Just can't find any locally. A 692 would be nice too. Good review. Thanks.

[@davidgreve1081]

I've never owned a Taurus, but I have owned a Ruger Service-Six that I purchased in the early 70s. Fabulous revolver!! The only thing I did different to it was put some walnut grips on it. Built like a tank! It shot both .357 and 38s. This one looks like it could handle what I would need it for. .38 caliber is no whimp. + P rounds pack plenty of whollop, and that's all you really need for home defense. Thank you for the great review!

[@langfordcon]

Got it for a trail gun.. filling feeders in the summer. Cheap and light.. all day in the woods and don't realize I have it on...

[@DocFlexo]

You guys always do great, informative reviews!

[@jimgallagher6310]

My first handgun was a revolver, a Ruger Security Six with a 2 3/4 barrel i picked up in 1976. Great gun but i use semi autos now.

[@kuffarthedeplorable4289]

I got 2. 2" and 3" both in matte blue. I have not fired the 3" yet as I just picked it up 2 days ago. Good basic revolver for both my homes.

[@altonhall5807]

I own one and take it in my truck at work. I like it because it has some weight to absorb the sting that light weight revolvers have. I also conceal carry this revolver on me. The maintenance is very forgiving but I keep it clean. It took 12 rounds to establish a reliable aiming spot to hit where I want. I like it better than a Ruger SP101. I picked this over the .357 model for the 6 rounds. Zero issues!

[@ronniebaughman1666]

I bought the 856 2 inch model 38 for my wife she has small hands. Ruger used to sell their revolvers for a reasonable price now every thing they sell is through the roof. Bill Ruger built a great company with a good reputation I still have a few sp101 3 inch 38 special made in the eighties and a p95 made in 2012.

[@bigbossman3806]

When my Rossi snubby was recalled Taurus replaced it with a 2 inch 856 in stainless, very happy with it.

[@glenmo1]

I have a 38 spec 6shot defender 3 in barrel .. tungsten ceracoate finish ..altamonte.wood grips ..love love.it .. Taurus is now making quality firearms the fit and finish are perfect on this gun

[@Politicallyhomeless957]

Bought this in the matte finish. Cant wait to pick it up in a week. Mine is a 2in barrel and should be a perfect pocket gun. Thanks for the review.

[@ericpalkovich]

Thanks for the excellent review, Allen! Heavily considering this as a C&C.

[@NervisMusic]

Just found this channel. You guys do a fantastic job. Keep up the excellent work!

[@AlteredEgo.]

Thanks! Looking to pick up my first gun for home protection. This video sold me on one of my top picks!

[@Spocklee]

Perfect gun for beginners

[@rcacoustic91]

Looks great! Would love to get this for the house.

[@Ifitfitz22]

I tried to find this for my mother this past June for her 60th bday but no one local had one. We wound up getting her the 8 shot 22 mag on the same frame as the 856 2"... 917? Any way its a pretty sweet shooter with no recoil also which is what we were looking for to replace her bersa 380 she could no longer manipulate because she has lost a bunch of hand strength from arthritis.

[@ykevin0607]

Why not a beretta tomcat sir?

[@Ifitfitz22]

@@ykevin0607 Beretta started making revolvers? For under $400? In all steel frames to soak up recoil? I guess maybe for Christmas...

[@ykevin0607]

@@Ifitfitz22 sorry sir

[@cecilkelley6745]

I have the 605 an I love it , this will be my next purchase!!!

[@fallensoldier7745]

Never forget. Revolvers are for professionals.

[@diningroomfish5470]

I have 38 special,it's really great gun

[@erikmartin2860]

Allen is the best! And OEO rocks!

[@OldeEnglishOutfitters]

Thanks, Erik!

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Hello Allen, Great video, just what I was searching for for my wife looking to have something just in case. It hits all the boxes. Be well

[@leeroy8936]

This guy would be perfect for ASMR videos.

[@tonys7675]

Excellent review, very professionally delivered!

[@christopherrobin8134]

There aren’t enough options for a 3in 0.357 revolvers on the market.

[@smgs921]

Love my Ruger SP101 Have a 856 2in that I’m pretty disappointed in currently

[@exothermal.sprocket]

7-shot .357mag: S&W 686 3.0" Ruger GP100 3.0" 6-shot .357mag: Colt King Cobra 3.0" Kimber K6S 3.0" S&W model 66 2.75" S&W model 19 Carry comp 3.0" Ruger GP100 3.0" 5-shot 357mag: Ruger LCRx 3.0" Ruger SP101 3.0" S&W model 60 steel J-frame 3.0"

[@KW-rb9bo]

@@smgs921 Can you share what you don't like about your 856?

[@smgs921]

@@KW-rb9bo yeah i dont like that the cylinder and crane fell out of the gun without even 20rds through it and taurus wont send me the yoke screw pin so i cant fix it

[@KW-rb9bo]

@@smgs921 appreciate the info! I've had half a dozen revolvers and no issues so far. Sorry that happened to you.

[@rookd1137]

Picking mine up tomorrow cant wait to shoot it!

[@joemorganeatmyshortschannel]

thats why i bought the 856 in the year 2021 the price was right with ammo and grip for a good price new mine is the steel and 2 inch and i love it havent shot it yet but i got it for my backup gun and also so my elderly parents are able to use it in an emergency. i subbed for you being truthful about not needing classes life long shooters always learn but even i started on day one i got the hogue for my gorilla hands should be here soon.

[@scottthrower7637]

As Allen says, this isn't a gun you're going to run thousands of rounds through. That speaks to the Taurus build quality. Ruger, and Smith/Wesson, offer very well-made and durable revolvers, but they're pricey. I keep one of these next to my bed at night. I take it out to the range a few times a year and run some rounds through it. I'm at 600+ and it has gone bang every time. Accurate too. I love it. Great price point.

[@wardroland270]

Thanks Allen. Great job. Good info.

[@wreckagevic]

I wonder if that night sight would fit on my 2 in Taurus 856

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

It does and you can buy it directly on the Taurus website for $29.

[@wesleycopeland2572]

Taurus used to have a custom shop anybody that sold it could order from it you can get custom grips Bob hammers ported barrels all kinds of s*** and it's cheap still cheap

[@j.polishboy4871]

Nice straight forward review. Thanks

[@zandorvorkov7257]

I've had a 605 for over 20 years and I love it. Buuuuuuut it would be really nice to have an extra round and that sight is sweet. Hmm.

[@BruceKemper-n8d]

Another great review. Thank you.

[@ftdefiance1]

In fairness revolvers can digest thousands of rounds. I would have no qualms taking a quality revolver to a high round count class

[@baconpop4388]

I think he is specifically referring to the service life of the 856 cylinders, Taurus stated that they didn't recommend a +P only diet for these guns. With standard velocity 38 the cylinder should outlast the majority of gun owners needs, and you can always just load it up with +p when you carry or when its in storage.

[@crunch9876]

@@baconpop4388 +p is no fun to shoot anyways. Regular .38 is fine for me

[@taasch2505]

But what if I DO want to put a few thousand rounds through it? Are these guns not going to hold up? Is that what it is?

[@rushedandlost]

I have ben watching videos about this handgun. I am not going to hesitate , I am going to go find one. Good price. Good power, +P rated, Good size. Like the 3'' barrel. I think well worth the Money.

[@markdaniel5784]

thanks for making and posting this video

[@bongopirate0672]

Like this. No BS. Just to the point.

[@Desperado3248]

I still favor revolvers. This is very close to a three inch ColtD frame or the new King Vobra for a lot less. A standard 158 lhp plus p will do about 800-825 fps out of a 2 inch revolver, about 875 out of a three inch . Speer gold dot135 gr will do a little over 900 fps. Need more , go to Buffalo Bore 158 lhp plus p and it will give close to 1100 fps out of a three inch barrel. Need more rounds? Buy two revolvers. Back it up with a 16 inch lever action in 38/357.

[@hvyduty1220]

first time here liked your site..............!

[@totizabayle377]

Not a perfect choice but a really a good compromise for a home defense gun. Great presentation.

[@danc3693]

What do you think would be better choice?

[@gregb6469]

Is there a perfect choice?

[@fabiandominguez6545]

I say make the defender in 327 fed

[@figliodihades]

Yup, you can probably have it be a 7 or 8 shot in the exact same size package.

[@la_old_salt2241]

Taurus makes the M327 now.

[@jokesnsuch5706]

My daddy said to never put your hand over the barrel and pull the trigger.

[@blackstone1a]

my first gun but mine has the 2 inch barrel, judging from the comments, I think I made a good choice

[@repetitivemotion]

I agree. I’ve had people that I know who bought guns and have never shot them. They are going to have no idea how to load and fire their semi-auto pistol. But a revolver? Anybody can figure that out

[@Brett235]

That is a great firearm for defense. The most important thing to do after getting the firearm is teach everyone in your home that is responsible enough to use it. I am not always home at night because of my job so my wife must know how to safely and effectively defend herself.

[@gruntspy44]

They are upping your game. Do.you guys still have the vintage display cabinet?

[@wbwills2]

Nailed it again.know in stock is up&down righ now but like the price point of these & interested in 22 lr & 38. Think UL version is somewhere on the horizon? Like SS if not but like options. Please LMK & when you have them you can mail a 22 & 38 to 28327 for me thanks.

[@scubaguy007]

The want is strong for this gun. 6 rounds of .38 special is nothing to sneeze at. And it’s very economical.

[@matthewvandenbosch5671]

I purchased the 856 with a 2 inch barrel down here in South Florida. Given the shortage of budget firearms here, I considered my self lucky to find it. However, the 3 inch barrel in this video is what I really wanted. Is there a way for me to purchase that gun from you using my local gun shop? Thank you for your video and your consideration.

[@OldeEnglishOutfitters]

Hi Matthew, we can sell one to you and you would need to have it transferred to your FFL dealer. We still have them in stock.

[@333alliedeagle]

Thanks Allen

[@jondrew55]

What’s with putting your hand in front of the barrel and repeatedly pulling the trigger?

[@jondrew55]

@@B_R_ oh. I see. Maybe press it to the forehead for a demo

[@jondrew55]

@@B_R_ it was not so much a question it was a statement of my understanding of gun safety. You never put your finger on the trigger when the gun is not pointed in a safe direction, even if you’re sure it’s unloaded. And that goes for pointing at any body part.

[@jondrew55]

@@B_R_ let me tell you the story of a gun safety demonstration kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJeyf5ahhLWsl6s

[@marinelsonmendes549]

Infelizmente a Taurus não disponibiliza para o mercado Brasileiro modelos que são destinados ao mercado dos EUA , no Brasil os modelos são limitados.

[@alvaro2338]

O que é bom vai pra fora do país. Falta de respeito.

[@ironhorse127]

I just looked on your web site. Shows no Taurus revolvers in stock.

[@leonards.9112]

Good vid. Very clear,

[@bobg1685]

I'm partial to revolvers with three-inch barrels, but here in Unicornia the State has a fear of affordable three-inch barrels; plenty of Taurus revolvers on the Roster, but all are two-inch (one is 2-1/2) or a couple (model 65) in four-inch. A two-inch barrel is acceptable to the Socialists, but a three-inch barrel is a Murder Gun.

[@Spocklee]

Hits the sweet spot, not too big for conceal n carry not too small for range/accuracy

[@bobg1685]

Ha! I just found that Unicornia DOES allow the Taurus 3" (but only in stainless) to be purchased. This may be recent, but I dunno. If you can get one they cost more than the 4" 65.

[@dennismccrary7639]

I keep a Taurus .357 magnum with a 4" barrel and seven round cylinder by my bed.

[@Spocklee]

Who's lookin to break in yer house a bear!? 😂

[@Stich46]

1000 plus rounds on mine not a single hicup...

[@patrickrossetti5685]

Good advise and vid👍!

[@zdub8438]

I don't know what you are talking about. I shoot the piss out of mine. I have three of them and the more you shoot it the better the trigger gets. Sounds like you are afraid to shoot it all day and it is absolutely built for it. If you don't like the grip lift up the divider in your box. Should be a bulls head grip hidden in there.

[@dandersonjr]

Why can't you shoot a lot of rounds through it? Does it not hold up well? I was thinking about purchasing one of these but I do spend a fair amount of time at the range.

[@gregb6469]

I don't think he meant the gun can't handle lots of rounds, but that it is good for people who don't intend to put thousands of rounds through it, but still want a reliable revolver that won't bust their budget.

[@bobscar327]

The best videos.

[@danbailey5613]

I'm looking for a 38 special and considering the defender. Will the 3" barrel (for accuracy) and the non ultra light (for recoil) really come into play in a self defense scenario? I really like the defender's sights but would I be better off with a snub nose and possibly ultra light version? This would be for both home defense and concealed carry. Which one gun best serves both uses?

[@listlessjobiam]

Hi Dan, I would suggest the 3 inch barrel. For concealed carry what you need to consider is the grip of the firearm. The length of the barrel is not a main concern of mine unless you plan to appendix carry. If you are having a do it all gun make sure you get something you enjoy shooting. Hope that helps.

[@wbwills2]

94..942..?22 version of like.thx again & happy holidays

[@nimbly1693]

Something I don't think a lot of folks think about is if you're involved in a defensive shooting, the police might take your gun, and you might not get it back.

[@nobody-hr1lo]

That's the appeal of budget efficient guns and buying 2 of each.

[@HopeOfJoe]

Perfect ‼️ 🎉

[@tomfile3131]

Nice. Too bad you can't find one.

[@Danny19551]

So you this is to big to carry ? And just for home defense

[@Jim-oo7dk]

You know I was just thinking having 2 people firing / defending would be good. Might make a bad guy think twice.

[@mmR51811]

I disliked this video as soon as the presenter put his hand in front of the muzzle and squeezed the trigger multiple times. It doesn’t matter if the gun was cleared or not, that was a stupid and dangerous action. I hope this isn’t a normal practice for him; things like that give gun owners a bad name and it made me loose instant respect for the presenter.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

Same here....don't let the muzzle cover anything or anyone you don't want to shoot.

[@meatheadjose2856]

I don't know if I missed it but does it take + P rounds ?

[@johndilday1846]

They are rated for plus P .

[@cameronnorton5898]

I can't believe I just watched you press a muzzle against your hand and pull the trigger like that. WTF are you thinking man?

[@sofloflow]

Picked up a 2 tone with the VZ grip.

[@oneflygti1]

Nice I also just got the same gun. It really is awesome!!!

[@BamBlamboTv]

I cringed when you dry fired with the gun pointed at your hand

[@jaredwright1655]

He clearly showed it was unloaded and I'm certain he knows what he's doing, and he demonstrated a good point

[@munaaffalyassen4]

If revolver 38 special +p caliber ,so can use 38 special with it ?

[@gregb6469]

.38spc and .38spc +P are the same thing, except the +P has a bit more gunpowder in the case to give it more velocity. Any gun that shoots +P will shoot regular .38spc.

[@LargeCarAce]

Can you recommend a good holster for that gun.

[@nobody-hr1lo]

J frame, leather (no kydex) will do.

[@LargeCarAce]

@@nobody-hr1lo Thank you

[@SEO122]

Cringing at 3:07 - Dear Gawd, man!

[@gregb6469]

He knew the gun was not loaded.

[@Daniel-c4v6l]

I know of people who have put thousands of rounds through these. Pshhhhhh not for lots of shooting that’s your opinion

[@wbwills2]

6 shot like the 22/32 type thing.anyhow want to buy 2. Comment is below.like fire analogy.dead on.

[@nobody-hr1lo]

Buying 2 is a good idea.

[@ralfi1134]

I like revolvers

[@robertcampbell5605]

other than a toy i don't see why you want a six shooter now days. way too many better options

[@gregb6469]

Your 'better' is someone else's overly complicated.