Taurus 856 Upgrades!

Is it worth it to upgrade the Taurus 856? Robb from PT finds out.
Links to everything can be found on the blog links post: bit.ly/3MDR3cB
Taurus G3 first look video: • Taurus G3 First Look
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:36 Hogue grip
1:41 Springs
3:34 Worth it?
4:51 Outro

[@thebluesrockers]

I took my 856 to my local gun smith. He's actually a competition shooter, and has been a gun smith, for nearly 50 years, A true Revolver guy. I had him install the Galloway Precision, Reduced power Spring kit on my 856. He told me that my 856 now feels exactly like his S&W model 37. I asked him how many years that he thought my Taurus would last me. He told me about two life times. He said as long as I kept it clean, and didn't fire any over powered home made loads through it. I also replaced the rubber grip with a Pachmayr, Renegade, smooth, rosewood laminate grips. It's absolutely perfect. My D/A pull is a 7.5 lbs. and my S/A pull is at 4.5 lbs. The trigger is as smooth as butter. The grips are also just a tad longer than the original rubber grips, and slightly thicker. They fit my hand perfectly. I feel very good about my upgrades. Thanks for your video. You seem like a cool dude. Peace.. Joe

[@jeremym4942]

Question, which Pachmayer grips do you have? I noticed they don't list Taurus as a option on most of their grips. Did you use a grip for a different manufacturer and it works?

[@TruthGotGunz]

I would love to see your 38! I may do the same upgrades ! I absolutely love my gun smith! He’s definitely getting a Christmas present this year 😂

[@richardayala4356]

The spring changes are definitely worth it! Before the change, the trigger pull was over 15 lbs on double action and believe me after firing 20 rounds your trigger finger will start to hurt. After the change, the trigger pull went down to ten lbs and single action to 4 lbs, and it became much more comfortable in shooting. Every person who owns any gun needs to learn how to break down their guns to understand how it works for self repairs! Don’t be lazy!

[@frankhinkle5772]

I agree. If you don't have the mechanical ability, yes, pay a gun smith. But if you can't pull the trigger enough times to practice, it's a paperweight that you should leave at home.

[@N0sf3r4tuR1s3n]

Considering I want the double action only Taurus 856, that's good to know.

[@chainbreakerchannel7446]

Actually refreshing to see someone make some changes and give an honesty review, nice content!

[@realpracticaltactical]

Appreciate it!

[@W.Edwardovich]

I’ve been looking at Taurus revolvers for a while. I’m a S&W revolver guy, but I like what I see from Taurus. Great video

[@realpracticaltactical]

To be honest, this thing along with the G3 have really changed my mind about Taurus. No longer the joke of the industry, IMO. Thanks for watching!

[@HighFalutinTootin]

S&W were partners with Taurus for a little while basically Taurus revolvers are copies of S&W revolvers and it's the same with the Taurus Beretta clones and Glock clones

[@sishamtx]

Good content, informative and helpful. I've been considering upgrades. Thanks for the video! BTW, I love your VW Mark I t-shirt. Mine was by far the most fav car I've ever owned.

[@karlb8481]

Answers the questions I had about would/should upgrades! Thanks!

[@realpracticaltactical]

Hey, glad to help! Happy you found it useful, it's why I do this. Thanks for watching!

[@SmokinLoon5150]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing the info. Job well done.

[@grantray4789]

Good info. Thanks for sharing.

[@repetitivemotion]

I put a VZ grip and Galloway springs on mine and it shoots awesome and it looks fantastic

[@grahamlewis6204]

I would like to see a picture of it

[@ZachC84]

Great video.. I put Altamont boot grips on my 856, and the tritium nightsight off the "Defender" model.. it's my favorite carry!

[@realpracticaltactical]

Funny you should mention that, the Defender night sight just came back in stock a few days ago and I scooped one up. Put it on the 856 with no problems and I took it to the range a few days ago. Its definitely easier to pick up than the factory ramp, and definitely worth the money.

[@joegilbert7661]

Good review! I have a S&W 642 that I love, but am looking at the 856 primarily for 6 rounds instead of 5.

[@realpracticaltactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@bigpeeler]

Very good shooting. Very good review. Thank you. 👍

[@realpracticaltactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@rudypericolo]

I have to agree w you on both but, for different reasons. The grip for me personally is fine as is. I bought one of the laser grips (because there's a coupon when you buy the gun that practically gives it away) and yeah I got more of my (glove size) large hands on that larger grip but, to be honest I was shooting it just fine with half a pinky on there and though the laser did help a bit w my aging eyes, I still decided to go back to the original. See the problem was the larger grip was sticking out when I'd pocket carry. The gun fits perfectly in its stock configuration in a pocket holster then into most of the pockets I carry in. I got this gun for its size and weight specifically for pocket carry and it's perfect in that regard as is. Ok now to the trigger/ hammer spring. I recently took a ccw class for a city/state I work in (but, doesn't have reciprocity with my state i live in) the instructor that checked out my 856 was full of questions for me like, how much did you pay for this? (300 bucks) What? (300 bucks) That trigger at that price? (Yep) For real? (Yep) But you upgraded that trigger right? (Well, not really) He was just so impressed with that stock Taurus trigger. And he's not the only one, everyone that has a go with my 856 loves that trigger. And best part, the "upgraded" trigger wasn't really an upgrade at all and only cost me $8... for a pack of dummy rounds. I just sat there watching TV and pulled that trigger (in SA & DA) a couple thousand times and it loosened way up. Now it's a smooth and light as the stock triggers on other revolvers that cost 2 or 3X as much. Thanks for the video, and compliments on your really good channel

[@realpracticaltactical]

Great thoughts all around! The Hogue is definitely a tradeoff when carrying. I don't personally pocket carry but I can definitely see how the stock grip is much better for that. The trigger does smooth out a LOT just working it with snap caps like you noted. Thanks for the compliments, and thanks for watching!

[@frankhinkle5772]

I have a 2" K-frame that came with a laser grip. It is a good training tool but even with aging eyes I do much better and much quicker with the factory iron sights. And as a grip, it isn't that good. Dryfire. Break the gun in. Us old guys remember when a gunsmith wouldn't talk to you unless you'd already put several hundred rounds through the gun first.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for this information on Taurus Model 856 revolvers. I'm carrying one today. Can't say I have issues with the original configuration.

[@realpracticaltactical]

Totally agree. The standard setup is very workable. Thanks for watching!

[@bbmw9029]

Some questions and comments: A big question on the spring kit is, have you shot the gun with the spring kit in, and have you had any light primer strikes? One of the big knocks against spring kits is that they can cause ignition problems with some ammo. If the one you use doesn't have those problems, and you get a nice reduction in trigger pull weight, especially DA, that's a solid win. As far as the grip. This is a snub nose carry revolver. One of the carry methods a lot of snub owners use is pocket carry. Putting the three finger grip on the gun makes that much less viable. If anything, I'd look for a third party boot grip that actually shortens the grip length. So, yes, your pinky is flapping in the breeze, but the gun is easier to conceal, especially in a pocket.

[@realpracticaltactical]

Great question. 120 rounds through it at this point with the springs in, and no light strikes to speak of. I've run a mix of commercial range ammo, reloads I've made using CCI, Federal, and UG primers, and commercial self defense rounds. Reliable ignition all the time. As for the grip, you definitely have a point. I looked at the 856 and these upgrades as a "do it all" option for someone with limited funds, not necessarily just a CCW. If that was it's only role, I'd definitely agree. For those that would use it as only a home defense / nightstand gun however, I think the extra pinky space is preferable since it's not going to be coming from under concealment if it's ever used. Thanks for watching!

[@frankhinkle5772]

Yes, there is definitely a trial & error period and you might have to try a different weight spring.

[@gidim8367]

Finally a revolver guy who mentions length of pull with none wrapped back strap grips. This is the one biggest issues with the hogue grips. Springs can be tricky for the novice. The latter manufactured Taurus trigger is definitely serviceable. It also smoothes out over time. Spot on Review. Great video!

[@realpracticaltactical]

I figured I'd mention it because it's something that I immediately noticed; I'm glad I'm not the only one! Thanks for watching!

[@jimvac77]

Just bought the 3" model and agree that the Hogue grips are inferior due to reduced length of pull. Factory trigger is heavy! Have a Wolff kit on the way.

[@gidim8367]

@@jimvac77 Google: Premium Gun Grips (in North Carolina) search under 856 you should find the Taurus 856 wrap around Rosewood grips $39.95. I've put these on my 856's and 605's the fitment is excellent and they feel very good without being too bulky. Look real nice as well. Great price. Good luck

[@thefleaflop]

Nice job sir.... Appreciate your honesty in the opinions.... I have the 856 and the grip is a little short for me...

[@realpracticaltactical]

Thanks! I always say nothing is perfect and I mean it...there's always something to not like and people should know about them. Thanks for watching!

[@MP-xw5um]

Good review , don't forget a good holster and Always carry your weapon... Stay Frosty...

[@johnholcomn8560]

Bought a used one. Like it a lot because of the 6 round capacity. Double action pull is predictably hard, but I cowboy it with revolvers.

[@realpracticaltactical]

That extra round could very well mean the difference between getting home or or not, I'm definitely a big fan. I don't mind a heavy pull as long as its smooth/controllable, which the 856 is (to my surprise!). Good training tool, too

[@bodhigurley1170]

Both Taurus I want!!!🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@realpracticaltactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@enriquemartinez16]

Outstanding!

[@realpracticaltactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@rideyoride]

Good review and info! I've been wanting a 2 in 856, you're making me want one even more 😅 btw, the audio is pretty low, maybe bring the mic closer or increase the gain in the future.

[@realpracticaltactical]

It's a great little blaster! Thanks for the feedback on the audio. I turned it down a bit to even out the sections. I'm working on getting a lapel mic to even it all out without having to do that 👍🏽

[@stayflyoutdoorsfamily]

I just got the 2” i love it but time for some upgrades.

[@elcodreamin5280]

I'm considering Veridians crimson laser handle combo. Hate to put to much into it like you said. We'll see...

[@bowieupland6112]

Good info.

[@realpracticaltactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@rang123yea5]

I bit off topic but I put Hough grips on my Taurus G3C and my PT-140 in .40 and I can say it's tightened up my groups about 50%

[@realpracticaltactical]

Never underestimate the effect of control on accuracy. Thanks for watching!

[@frankhinkle5772]

I have about the same opinion on these upgrades as you do. I've replaced the springs in revolvers. It is a lengthy process; after replacing the springs you need to dry fire the firearm to see if it is working properly, and sometimes right off you can tell that the hammer isn't going to fall with enough force to reliably ignite the primers. But once it passes the dry fire test you must do live fire with a couple different types of ammunition, as different manufacturers use different primers. You might be back inside the gun trying different springs a couple times. I do have Hogue grips on a couple of my guns, but on the little snubbies I prefer the Pachmyar Compac Grip, which I believe fits the Taurus revolvers. It is slightly wider across the backstrap area, so I little more to conceal. When you are shooting the gun, this grip absorbs more recoil than that Houge grip. I'd like to hear your input on that and if you feel a difference between the factory grip, the Houge and the Pachmayr Compac.

[@realpracticaltactical]

Great points all around. I've been thinking of doing a grip comparison video on the 856, and the Pachmyar sounds like it's worth a look. Thanks for watching!

[@frankhinkle5772]

@@realpracticaltactical I'll keep watching to see if you do.

[@jesseboutdoors]

I have a 605 which has the same grip. I actually like the factory grip. I’ve been debating on the spring kit.

[@realpracticaltactical]

If you do the work yourself, it's worth it. The hardest part was getting the trigger spring/strut dropped back into place, but even then it wasn't bad at all for me....YMMV of course. Thanks for watching!

[@podsmpsg1]

I'm gonna get a Houge Grip for mine at some point.

[@garageguy879]

As far as mods go,you don't know unless you try.I leave my Taurus revolvers stock as they work well as they come.

[@jamalashraf5878]

Taurus grip is perfect. Dont get robbed.

[@user-gs1ji7dj3n]

might I suggest an Ameriglo Front Orange Night Sight Small Frame Revolvers? Available on the Taurus site.

[@ihatenewyork]

Have you given any thought to the pachmayr smooth rosewood grips? They cover the "hump", they give you a nice swell for your palm and they look awesome. Nice piece by the way

[@realpracticaltactical]

I've not really taken a look at those yet. When I was looking for grips I was thinking rubber, but I'll definitely check those out. Thanks for watching!

[@thebluesrockers]

That's what I put on my 856. I absolutely love them.

[@jackievang3366]

Does the Taurus 852 ultra lite have lighter spring or does it still have that heavy trigger pull? Im just looking for info before I buy the wolf springs to change it.

[@stockbore]

Not to mention that you also lost some concealability in the houge grips due to it being longer.

[@CA.0verview]

2:06 would there be any company to source out steel internal parts? In place of the mim parts ?

[@Dgoff11]

I love low budget guns give me a blank canvas to do whatever I want!!

[@realpracticaltactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@ma.teresateodoraeviota8128]

Boss i like that 856 revolver..

[@realpracticaltactical]

Me too. Thanks for watching!

[@mk45gunnr25]

I pocket carry my 856 and I tried one of the Houge grip. The grip was too bulky for discreet pocket carry (for me). I off-hand carry my 856 as a BUG and get of me gun. I've put a couple hundred rounds through mine and the trigger has really smoothed out.

[@realpracticaltactical]

The Hogue does make it a bit less pocket-friendly for those that choose to carry it that way. My trigger has smoothed out a bit too, I'm at almost 400 rounds now. Thanks for watching!

[@fbweaver63]

if you measured the trigger pull before, why did you guess after?

[@oldcop18]

My concern w/changing factory springs is getting light strikes. Have you had a chance to test this yet & if so what was the outcome? Many thanks for an honest report.

[@realpracticaltactical]

So far closing in on 700 rounds, using a mix of ammo (all commercial this far, as I still don't have reloading dies for .38spl) and I have not had a light strike at all, so I'd be quietly confident in these springs from a reliability standpoint. I wouldn't go any lighter, however. Thanks for watching!

[@blackhawk7r221]

I’ve used lightened hammer and trigger springs from Wolf on a Smith 637, a 60, and two Taurus 85’s. Hundreds of rounds through each, and the pins go deep into the primers like they should. No worries. Huge difference in trigger pull. If I remember correctly, I went with springs 4lbs lighter.

[@gkj1992]

Excellent video. I recently bought a "hammerless" 2in UL, can you change out the barrel to 4in? The factory made grip works well for me.

[@realpracticaltactical]

Not sure tbh. I'm very new to revolvers, but it seems like it wouldn't be too complicated a swap. Thanks for watching!

[@blackhawk7r221]

You can Kyle, but the barrel often has to be bought by a gunsmith. No retail sales, at least that’s the way it used to be. I’ve found that a 3” is the sweet spot. The 4” barrel that I bought led to buyer’s remorse. Just a tad too long for a small frame revolver. Hit up Brownells and check their stock of used or old stock barrels.

[@jeffhastings3952]

Is it typical for there to be some "rattle" in the internal grip area of a 856? I just purchased it and haven't tried it out yet.I'm assuming it's a spring. I'm going to take it back to the gun shop to see if they have another 1 and really don't won't want to send it to Taurus because I've heard they aren't good at fixing their guns. what would you suggest? thank you.

[@thebluesrockers]

it's just the nature of a transfer bar. they just rest inside, and free float. nothing to be concerned about.

[@DERDM]

Just got Taurus 856 38 special yesterday. Would the Hornady Critical Defense 110 FTX standard pressure (or the +p version) be a good round?

[@realpracticaltactical]

In general the Critical Defense is a solid round. Only way to really know if you like it/can shoot it well is to buy a box and shoot it! I would probably lean towards the +p version for the extra fps, too. Thanks for watching!

[@Mark-qq9cd]

Any light primer strikes using g the Wolf spring kit?

[@realpracticaltactical]

Not a one. Thanks for watching!

[@Munky332]

Do you think the extra weight of the standard 856 (ie, steel frame) is better than trying to obtain the lighter weight 856 UltraLite? I'm currently stuck behind enemy lines in CA (mil, stuck here until retirement in 2.5 years), and the stupid roster really limits what one can enjoy here. I have stuff prior to getting here, but really wanted to add a revolver to my line up. Handled an 856 at the BX on a whim and was fascinated. They don't have the Ultralite in stock, but I can order one to store. They do have the basic bitch plain-jane steel 856 though. I was thinking to get the 856 in Ultralite, and then maybe later get a 605 to pair with it later on. shitty CA problem as well is they end up being closer to 400 out the door, about 350 for the gun (no tax at BX, just the standard price...) but also about 40 for the CA DOJ/NICS check.

[@realpracticaltactical]

Kinda depends if you'll be carrying it a lot IMO. The lighter one will be nicer to carry but move around a bit more in your hand. If you need something asap, get the steel. It's better than throwing your shoe or something lol. Thanks for watching!

[@AK-ky3ou]

It sucks they went with that crappy black matte, the old 85s with the deep bluing were beautiful.

[@realpracticaltactical]

I have an old PT99 with that deep bluing, and I 100 percent agree. Thanks for watching!

[@meestahK]

At what point does a trigger pull become too light and then you worry about accidental discharge?

[@realpracticaltactical]

As long as the sear engagement is solid, it shouldn't be a problem. This is about as light as I would personally go, though; lighter than this and I would start to worry about reliably igniting primers.

[@thebluesrockers]

never on a revolver

[@thelostcomrad]

Has anyone released a decent fiber optic front sight for these yet?

[@realpracticaltactical]

Not quite yet. The only path I can think of is to try to modify a sight / gave a gunsmith modify them to accept the pin that Taurus uses for the 856. I've seen both J-frame and the SP101 being thrown around as possibilities but I havent actually seen anyone that have gotten them fitted.

[@sammyprestwood3182]

You could have just done a trigger job like slicking up the trigger bar it would have made the gun a lot smoother and lighter too plus when you break these guns in they have a break in. They smooth out and get lighter anyway

[@realpracticaltactical]

I wanted to keep it to "bolt on" upgrades that someone with little or no experience with firearms could conceivably do or pay to have done for very little cost. That being said I do know revolvers smooth out with use, and after the review process I'll probably jump back in with some polish and see how much smoother I can make it. Thanks for watching!

[@roberttaylor619]

WHAT AMMO WOULD YOU RECCOMMEND IN THE 856 FOR SELF DEFENSE

[@realpracticaltactical]

Anything in a +P hollow point from a reputable manufacturer will do. I know federal makes an HST load that seems to do well in terms of expansion from a short barrel, so I'd likely start there.

[@thebluesrockers]

from all the video's that I've seen, not all +p ammo is created equal. Hornady critical defense will expand out of a 2" barrel. as will underwood, and buffalo bore. CCI +p hp will not expand out of a 2" barrel. Federal makes good ammo. not sure about the HST. but I'm sure they're is someone doing a ballistic test on YT somewhere.

[@13rebeltitans]

How do you carry this revolver though

[@realpracticaltactical]

Lots of options for small frame revolvers. I would personally use a kydex appendix holster along with a speed strip or two in a pocket reloads

[@michaelharing1279]

I used the coupon that came with my 856 and got the laser grip. Also bought a spring kit online which really helped the heavy action. BUT.. After installing the spring kit it sems that my transfer bar rattles. There seems to be a lot of play in the bar itself but it does work. Has anyone else noticed a noisy transfer bar?

[@realpracticaltactical]

I did notice some play in the transfer bar after the spring install. It hasn't affected function as far as I can tell, and I've had a few hundred more rounds through it since I installed the kit, both double and single action.

[@thebluesrockers]

that's completely normal. the transfer bar just rests inside. there's no way to attach it to anything. if you shake it, it will rattle but so do the new ones.

[@michaelharing1279]

@@thebluesrockers Thanks :-) I completely disassembled my revolver three times looking for the elusive (and non-existent) piece that I either put back in wrong or didn't tighten down. The good thing about that is I've learned a LOT about how it works, which is cool 🙂

[@thebluesrockers]

@@michaelharing1279 Colt's have a transfer bar also. It's not just a Taurus thing. Glad I could help. Peace.. Joe

[@alegroman4294]

@@thebluesrockers Hi, I own a brand-new Taurus 856 ch 2 inch stainless steel. It has a concealed hammer and I have not shot it yet since I bought it last year. So the mysterious rattle when I shook my revolver was from the transfer bar after all? I was baffled thinking something was wrong with my new gun. Now it starting to make sense because when the trigger is fully depressed without letting it to reset and the firing pin is seen extended forward (viewed from side), the rattle sound suddenly disappears because pressure is applied to the transfer bar by the hammer when trigger is depressed. I have been asking around, but no one seems to bother responding to my query until I saw your comments. Many Thanks.

[@tyborg314]

Its so irritating when gun youtubers feel the need to show us that their weapon is clear.... we aren't any danger through the screen.... as long as u know that its empty or that it has snap caps, thats all that matters.

[@rickgage2511]

pick up your voloum

[@realpracticaltactical]

Yeah I was using just my phone mic, and it wasn't great. I've got a clip on mic now so volume is much more consistent in newer videos. Thanks for watching!

[@NINJA_INVESTORS]

Why tho? Just buy a better gun

[@realpracticaltactical]

Just because some may not be able to afford one. The 856 and the mods came out to less than 450. Also I think that "Just buy a better gun" is a moving target , and irrelevant. Even if you have a 2000 dollar gun, anyone can just be like "why didn't you just buy a better gun?"

[@adviceman5211]

IF YOU CAN FIND THEM, YOU MAY WANT TO INVESTIGATE THE PACHMAYR "COMPAC" SNUBBY STOCKS. THEY HAVE CUSHION BEHIND THE BACKSTRAP AND ROOM (NOT MUCH) FOR YOUR PINKY. I'VE ALWAYS HAD MUCH BETTER LUCK WITH PACHMAYR THAN HOGUE FOR REVOLVER GRIPS. THEY (HOGUE) MAKE VERY FEW STOCKS THAT HAVE A COVERED BACKSTRAP AND WHEN YOU'RE SHOOTING A .44 MAG., IT JUST DOESNT WORK, AT LEAST FOR ME.

[@realpracticaltactical]

I'll check it out, thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching!