The Sexy Six Shooter That's Superior to a Snub: Taurus 856 Defender Review

[@Dylan-M]

I like the Paul Harrell homage at 3:01

[@JDTN1985]

Was gonna post the same thing. Glad I looked first. 👍

[@bcarss1970]

I saw Paul in my head when he said it too.

[@wesbgreer]

Soo true!

[@carey_metv]

He sounded like him a couple time's throughout the video.

[@jaybird6562]

Good call, I totally missed it.

[@kylejohnson1308]

Hop has become one of my favorite gun reviewers. His humor and reviews of affordable guns is why I look forward to his vids more and more. 👍

[@lerp5555]

When someone asks me what cheap pistol they should buy, most of the information I give them is second hand from Hop himself.

[@Osprey1994]

I am super glad they phased out some of the old characters from TFB. They have a winning combination here and I actually look forward to the videos whether it's Hop or Captain Short Shorts.

[@robertpierce9975]

Hop is by far my favorite gun reviewer. Knows his stuff and delivers with intelligent, dry humor.

[@tacticalcrusader3709]

@@Osprey1994 Yeah Patrick R and Alex were kinda brutal at times.

[@bluepunk182]

Agreed. I can actually afford to own the guns he reviews. So many of the gun tubers review guns that are $2k and up, and are like, "This one is a bit pricy, but worth it." Yeah...I'll go for the one that is half the price and is functionally almost identical.

[@johnmurdock5001]

The 856 comes standard with an extra all black front sight and extra small rubber grip. You can also purchase an aftermarket spring kit which will half the trigger pull. If you also take it apart and polish the trigger the you'll have one right nice wheelgun.

[@BigPoppaOnAQuad]

I like Hop! His dry humor and quippy sarcasm rocks!

[@PepperGeorge]

I wouldn't want to live in a world without revolvers, they are just so aesthetically pleasing, and have that historical component, that you can feel touching you through the ages. Not to mention modern revolvers have multiple safety layers and are reliable and easy to use.

[@meisenhut31]

Hop, thanks for consistently being a voice for us Taurus apologists. Decent guns at great prices and they generally get the job done.

[@the_weed_in_your_garden9319]

The TX-22 is getting decent attention. The G2C and G3 are also getting alot of respect among some KZbin gunners

[@CtrlAltRetreat]

Rugers used to be about the same price. I don't know if they still are but ever since my first revolver, an old tracker, developed screwed up double action timing and started spitting lead back, I went with ruger for budget and Smith for nice.

[@apugali]

😬

[@the_weed_in_your_garden9319]

@jeff nomad years ago, I got through a trade one of the tcp738 or whatever it's called .380s . yeah. It was ok not great. Jammed at the range so I had no confidence as even a front pocket gun. I ended up trading it. Last year got one of the G series. Never had a problem yet. I do use it as carry. Read up on the TX-22. Found one during the gun/ammo shortage. I really like it. Got a suppressor and extended mag kit. It is so fun to shoot at the range and works great. Not trying to convince you to buy one but Taurus is really doing better.

[@Nix_Pardus]

"Just as good"

[@target7252]

After the "fruity white girl beer" comment, I'm now a big fan of Hop.

[@waterweirdo9285]

Lol

[@OGPurePhoenix]

I liked him the first time I saw him review a gun? Seemed like a new, no-nonsense kinda guy. Reallllly knew his shit, too. Second time I saw him, he actually cracked jokes and i liked him even more

[@OGPurePhoenix]

I don't get your point. Reeves was a writer. Hop is a gun nut.

[@bigdaddybadger]

Are we sure he wasn't referring to James?

[@Bobdixon_Moonvarga_Dancer_III]

99% sure that was a james reeves reference

[@dayaheyinyooper98]

Jamethy J Reevington will be my first borns name

[@waterweirdo9285]

Bruh 😂

[@peterquinn2997]

Mine too. Boy or girl 😂

[@kody1112]

Jamethon Jay Reevington the 3rd

[@cbroz7492]

Is that because "Jeeves" is copyrighted???

[@victorhugonobre9889]

I carry a 90s Taurus 85, and here in Brazil the 90s revolvers from Taurus are considered the best manufactured line until today, all steel parts and no MIM internals

[@lemon8513]

I do have a 856 (here in Brazil too), and the problem Hop said about the trigger is real, it's crispy like there is sand on a train rail, and heavy

[@victorhugonobre9889]

@@lemon8513 Just polish the hammer, sear and trigger and buy a Wolff spring kit

[@lemon8513]

@@victorhugonobre9889 do you know if the Wolff small frame kit for 5-shot cylinder works well with the 6-shot? I didn't find a spring kit specific to the 856

[@victorhugonobre9889]

@@lemon8513 since the frame is from the 85 and only the cylinder is 6 shot, buy the 85 kiy

[@lemon8513]

@@ericmckinley7985 Untill 2019 we could just buy a .38 or .380 gun and keep it at home. Better calibers was restricted to police. Then our president opened it to other calibers (like 9mm or .45 acp) by executive order. Carry gun is forbidden by law, unless you are a cop, judge, prosecutor, etc OR you prove you are in a very imminent danger of life (almost nobody gets this right)

[@alanluscombe8a553]

I just bought a 856 and for the money I’m pretty impressed with it

[@j.r.stewart3149]

5:50 nice Josey Wales flip.

[@dukenudibranch6414]

Buzzards gotta eat; same as worms.

[@AOMartialArts]

@@dukenudibranch6414 Dying ain't much of a living, boy.

[@sissydreams7494]

@@AOMartialArts I reckon so.

[@alanevans5892]

Big pucker factor

[@ladyhawk7408]

I have had a 605 poly for about a year. Taurus's new guns are getting stupidly good for their price point. Its the first gun I pocket carried ever. kinda neat walking down the street able to keep my hand on my gun in my coat pocket and one not having to worry about shooting my self in the leg and two knowing that if I did have to shoot I could shoot threw my pocket and not worry about the gun jamming, nasty surprise for any would be mugger.

[@rj1234100]

How are you liking that 605 poly 10 months later? I don't see too much about them. Was really excited for the 856 when it came out and liked the gun a lot, now I'm back down the rabbit hole after the announced the 605 defender

[@ladyhawk7408]

@@rj1234100 I'm still loving it. I have shot 3-400 rounds threw it of .357 and a few hundred rounds of .38 threw it. the only problem I have had sofar is the fiber optic rattled its self loose and fell out which wasn't surprising.... 400 rounds of underwood .357 is a rough round on even a full metal gun. I replaced the piece that fell out and still shooting it. :)

[@rj1234100]

@@ladyhawk7408 I'm assuming you carry Underwood as well? I've been wanting to use the 125gr if I end up getting a 38/357.

[@ladyhawk7408]

@@rj1234100 it is what I use in mine. Holds a pretty tight group out to 30 yards. But jeez I don't know what underwood does to thier ammo but this stuff is hot.

[@ssspencerjr]

I like this character, hop at the range.

[@rcbishop7580]

"I just like it, bros" This why Hop is the best thing to ever happen to this channel lol

[@julian23561]

Daring today aren't we? Calling out James like that, I like it.

[@JIMRbach193]

Hop's mono-toned perfectly read metaphors are very entertaining! Great review! Dual-wield at the end, was a nice 'cherry on top'

[@SuicidalChocolateSK]

My boy hop finally getting the recognition he deserves 😭

[@starshiplazyboy475]

Great to see Hop! Only gun guy on the KZbins that can sneak a word like “cogent” into a review and have it seem natural.

[@evin98]

That is because it was cogent

[@327SixShooter]

I just recently bought a ruger lcr in .327 federal magnum. For the fact that is a 17 oz snubby with a 2 inch barrel, and also holds 6 rounds. And the caliber choices give you a lot of versality. It can fire .32 s&w long which has zero recoil, but most would probably agree it's a little on the weak side for serious self defense. But then you can step up .32 h&r mag, which in all tests i've seen give you the power of .38 special +P but with much less recoil. Or if you want the full power, you can use .327 federal mag. That one has some pretty stout recoil, but it's still a lot tamer than .357 mag in a lightweight snubby. It definitely is an interesting caliber that im surprised hasn't gotten more interest. I love it.

[@LA_Commander]

But can you find ammo for it? I don't see that caliber anywhere in any store.

[@wesbgreer]

Not joking at all, I was just saying to my wife last night when debating back and forth on getting a Shield Plus 4" oooooor a Defender .38, "the next new video I see on my youtube feed will be the one I grab". And WHAT do I see was posted 36 min ago...THIS VIDEO! Thanks Hop!

[@lucastrask2838]

Does this mythical Shield Plus actually exist in your part of the world? Here in AZ. It's a myth.

[@BehindTheGoldenCurtain]

Great review, Hop. The 2" 856 is surprisingly good for a snub nose too. The extra round gives it a bit of an advantage over J frames.

[@danilonakazone386]

Finally a review on a Taurus I can say I'm proud this came from my country Brasil!!! Taurus makes really good revolvers!

[@FCV0511]

I'm pretty impressed with Taurus' offerings lately. It appears as if their QC and warranty work has improved too.

[@d.wilson1402]

Hop is the absolute king of factory second handgun reviews. Literally wrote the book!

[@rodillsoongobacktoprintedi5605]

Great gun good review....

[@thetallone7605]

Jamethy J Reevington, the esteemed Sir Hop hath called thee out on thy "fruit white girl beer". How respondest thou?

[@tfbtv]

I'm proud of my son. His mother and I accept the budget gun life he has chosen, even if society abhors it

[@thetallone7605]

@@tfbtv Well, I'm glad he has good parents to turn to... even if questionable tastes run in the family.

[@IWillSmurfYou]

@@tfbtv how do you guys still have time to post constantly, write blogs and reviews, AND respond to our stupid commengs on a daily basis??

[@IWillSmurfYou]

@@tfbtv also can I get an internship? Happy to film the new taint-cam angles for James

[@ShadeAlder]

Sounds like he just accepted being called out for fruity white girl beer...

[@Pablo668]

Godd review Hop. That grey grip looks like something James's fans would send to him in the mail.

[@jlo777monkeymaster]

Yep ribbed for his pleasure.

[@benf8487]

The 856 UL is my first carry gun! I got it back in September and have managed to scavenge enough practice ammo to put about 250 rounds through it. It's so comfortable to carry I forget it's on me! Thanks for the review. I dont these get enough attention from guntube.

[@KingNevers95]

This is definitely one of the better videos I’ve seen on the defender 856 I’ve been looking into getting one and this video really answered quite a few questions I had and taught me a little something

[@6point5]

"And our Discord, if you don't mind anime and a whole lot of dumb questions". That's putting it extremely nicely.

[@Scribe-bj9uc]

Long-haird Hop is rad

[@bowlofrice8]

I've got the snubby version. Would love to get a hold of a defender. FUN FACT the old model wood grips from the 90s taurus revolvers will fit the new 856 guns.

[@sammyprestwood3182]

I owned the 856 Taurus and it was a fantastic shooter it wasn't some kind of dangerous jumping all over the place gun it will hit anything you pointed at with no problem very accurate and easy to control 38 revolver

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

When I see Hop, my wallet is very pleased

[@ProfessionalPepper]

Don't you mean..... wallet is aroused????

[@TheScaleTech]

I wish S&W would make a small frame 6 shot like this.

[@Deadtileyedie]

I have a sw model 60 target 3 inch 357 mag and love it. Its stainless and stout enough to handle mag loads with a good set of grips. I keep a few spare speed loaders because it's a 5 shot. I also shoot it very well so I'm comfortable with it even with 148 full wadcutters and I would even use it as a defense rd. The 5 shot makes it thin and I carry it appendix itw and it dissappears and just makes it comfortable for carry but I damn sure would be interested in a 6 shot if done correctly.

[@jolebole-yt]

@@Gieszkanne Rock Island Armory M206 is a clone of the Colt 6shot with lesser build quality but still shoots fine. $250 😁

[@Khundryl]

That weave is fabulous.

[@DullPoints]

Hop's hair is always on point. 👌💯

[@thelastjohnwayne]

I do think that for the Grandmothers/Grandmas and even some Grandpas home defense gun a revolver is the best option. They do not have to rack the slide when their hands become too weak or even to have to think about to charge the firearm and no safety to have to think about and most Seniors are more used to how a revolver works. A great choice for home defense for many elderly seniors.

[@Ideo7Z]

What everybody has been saying. I think the whole seniors can't rack a slide but a revolver is better is overblown. If they can't rack the slide on a Glock or 1911 what makes anybody think they'll be able to pull the trigger on a revolver with a 12 lb pull d.a. with any sort of decent accuracy. The NYPD has such a shitty reputation for marskmanship mostly because of mandated 12 lb triggers in their semiautos and those are with people in their 20s to 40s age range. Smith and maybe a few others now have guns like the EZ which are designed to be very easy to operate for seniors or people with disabilities.

[@drinkinbuddy8264]

Excellent vid as always Hop, I just picked up a revolver the other day. Always wanted one now I got it. Much love for firing some .38

[@john7m7usa]

I have a Taurus 856 defender and just bought the Ultralight, bobbed hammer 856. I bought it as I was at the gun shop to send my $800 S&W J-frame back to the factory, since it can’t fire a whole cylinder reliably after 500 rounds through it. Nice, for a brand new gun… from now on, Taurus fanboy I will be!

[@lloydryan-e4l]

I have a 3" Taurus 856 ultralight. It shoots perfectly and is super comfortable to carry it has devoured every round I've fed it. I couldn't be happier.

[@xchief3]

Another great video Hop!! That's one great little revolver, typically a handgun like that is offered with crappy sights. This offering seems to have it all 6 shot, longer barrel, and great front sight.

[@glenmones713]

I purchased a 856 defender 3 inch barrel with titanium cerakote finish altamont wood grips and of course the big dot sight with the tritium insert.. just love the fit and finish of this Taurus.. 3 inch barrel gives it a little better point ability and a longer sight radius then the 2 in

[@peterhessedal8539]

When Hop said "Remington green and white box 38 special 125 gr +p" was he channeling his inner Paul Harrell?

[@dangerman5123]

really been wanting to dip my toes in the wheel gun world. have a 43x as my everyday carry, and a Glock 19 for my range belt. had no idea what to buy for a revolver, but did not want to spend a fortune. This video made my mind up and am ordering an 856 Defender as we speak. Thanks Hop.

[@purplecowgaming6882]

Well, did you get it? What did you think?

[@dangerman5123]

@purplecowgaming6882 i got the 856 Defender. Swapped out the grips for some Hogue grips. Have shot about 200 rounds through it. Absolutely love it. Carry more than my 43x now. Only bummer is lack of holsters manufactured.....

[@purplecowgaming6882]

@@dangerman5123 Good to know. Thanks for the info! Is it much harder to conceal compared to your 43x?

[@nitroxylictv]

I want one of these as my first gun. Been eyeing it since I turned 18. Has to be the all black 3 inch model. Looks badass.

[@MYRD-ew6oi]

Congrats on 1M SUBS! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BUD!!! 👍👍👍

[@B51608]

You have a pleasant narrating voice. The text is crisp and structured. GOOD CHANNEL.

[@LA_Commander]

Great review. I owned a Model 85 for almost 30 years and never had any issues with it. I would put that revolver almost on a par with what Smith & Wesson has but at a lower price point. I have to respectfully disagree with your statement on the .38 Special being "barely acceptable for self defense". It is MORE than adequate! Whether you have 5 rounds or 6 rounds of .38 special +P or even standard pressure .38 special, that is more than enough to kill in one shot. (Ask Lee Harvey Oswald who was killed by Jack Ruby with a Colt Cobra in .38 special on live TV). Again, shot placement is key. A .22 Magnum will kill with the right shot placement. I am not a believer in "bigger is better" in CCW, especially with these lightweight snub nose revolvers. You want something very light and easily concealable, well a .357 Magnum just isn't going to do it, the recoil will hurt accuracy and overall gun handling plus you won't go to the range and practice with it due to the discomfort. Give me .38 Special all day long for these snub nose revolvers. It is literally the "sweet spot". I daily carry a S&W 642 with Hogue grips and 5 rounds of +P ammo and a speed strip with 5 more rounds and I feel well protected in any given situation and that gun is on me no matter where I go no matter how hot it gets. It is light enough to carry 14 hours a day on even the hottest days.

[@vincentmurphy9252]

Right on ! 85 had for years and all the EDC people 99.99999 you’ll never need it anyway and I’m happy to have this guy as well as my ol g2c

[@wes326]

.357 snubbies are only superior to .38s for bear defense.

[@rays.5764]

TFB TV needs more Hop, more revolvers, and more dual wielding revolvers.

[@Politicallyhomeless957]

Bought a base model 856 today. My first revolver was a Taurus44 raging Bull 6 in. I passed on several S&W’s that were almost double the price. Honestly I love Taurus revolvers. Great value IMO. You make good content bro

[@Ruweisat]

What people ought to recommend to women are revolvers in .32 S&W or .32 H&R. They’re a pleasure to shoot, 6 rounds, and as good as a .38 Special. I wish more were made beyond Ruger & Charter Arms.

[@jonnylivesinbr]

A carry revolver in .327 federal would be great too!

[@lgwappo]

A 3" barrel may be worth a look if you can carry it. I did an experiment. 2" Ruger LCR 38, 2" LCRX 38 & 3" LCRX 38. Same ammo. 7 yards. Worst group was LCR. Slightly better was 2" LCRX in SA mode. Best group by far was the 3" LCRX in SA mode. Grouped nearly like a full size gun. One inch longer sight radius made a huge difference. And a bit more velocity.

[@Jrtowns1]

My 85 is my dedicated car gun. I’ve always loved the J frame sized longer barrel guns and this fits that niche perfectly for a nice discount on S&W.

[@harolddavis4138]

I'm liking this review. I'm not a Taurus fan, I like Smith & Wesson and Colt, but they are pricey. I might try an 856 as a everyday truck gun. Give Taurus a chance to change my mind. I loved the ending of this video !

[@whimsymaker]

Keep up the good work Hop. Videos are excellent....

[@palehandgame]

Just bought an 856 today. Held it in my hands without knowing too much about it. fell in love immediately.

[@ironked]

I have Smiths and a Colt. I love the look of that 856 in Cobalt blue and black. Buy in a heart beat. Chronically unavailable. I don't know if it's any good. Sounds like it might be. The only Taurus I own is a Model 65 bought on consignment. Wonderful .38/357. The trigger is remarkable. It may have had some work done. So my experience has not been tainted yet.

[@hardball107]

I bought a 856 Defender UL 4 months ago and just love it. I replaced the grips with the smaller boot grips that came with it in the box and currently I have over 1000 rounds thru it, probably closer to 1200. Your right about the sights, holding the front blade even with the top of the rear groove makes the pistol shoot 3" low at 7 yards. Holding with the front blade at least a half over the notch with the night sight in the groove and your spot on. Other than that it has to be the best deal on the market IMHO. I CCW mine all the time and my 642 has been sitting home unless I'm out in a tee shirt and mesh gym shorts, then the 642 is in a Pistol Pocket in my shorts. I like it so much I'm thinking of buying a second Defender with a steel frame for general shooting but you don't need it. My +P reloads with CFE pistol and a 125gr hand cast bullet plus anything else you want to push thru it seem to have no effect on the alloy frame, the trigger has smoothed up and the lockup is as tight as the day I bought it, still no movement at all in the cylinder.

[@ElmCreekSmith]

Well done review, Hop. I couldn't find a Defender anywhere, but I did find a 2" steel, black oxide-finished 856. I replaced the stock rubber grip with a Hogue Monogrip ($20), installed a Galloway Precision spring kit ($14.00), & the Ameriglo night sight ($30.00).The 856 weighs 22 ounces unloaded and 24.8 ounces loaded. It's my EDC these days except when I carry my 4" S&W Model 65-1 and the 856 becomes my BUG, or I carry my Ruger EC9s when my back is paining me.

[@stevenkennedy4130]

Your analogies are the best! Thanks for the content!!

[@mkshffr4936]

For me one of those in steel with laser grips is the ideal primary carry piece at least until they come out with a 7 shot .32 caliber version. Even then the .38 is tempting given I am already setup to reload for it. For me the only advantage to an auto is capacity and faster reloads (until you run out of loaded mags). The revolver is especially advantageous in close proximity fighting and 99% of the time six is plenty. With that in mind my cost no object setup would be one of these as primary with a double stack sa/da auto in .32acp or .380acp as backup for the rare occasions where it turns into Viet Nam redux.

[@billwhite5853]

I have always been a fan of the revolver for simplicity. Draw, aim, and bang. No safety to worry with, and revolvers just seems to be more reliable when it comes to jamming IMHO.

[@Defender78]

This is an excellent review of revolvers, good to see a younger guy into them. Im 44 and I grew up seeing revolvers on cop TV shows during the 80s (Die hard, Sledge hammer, ChiPs, etc), so a bought a S&W 649 and a S&W 438 J-frames. the 649 has a removable black blade site, it has a Hi-Viz green site. I have an XS sight installed on the 438's fixed front ramp.

[@dividualist]

Been thinking about getting a S&W 442 for a bit now, but would probably end up carrying it appendix anyway since I always have too much other shit in my pockets for pocket carry. Never thought I'd say this, but I'm unironically considering this Taurus instead. Appendix carry means the extra inch of barrel won't matter for concealment, and the larger grips probably aren't much harder to conceal too.

[@kevinbaker6168]

To me the 6 round +p 38 in a 3 inch is one of the best general carry pistols I can think of. It is small enough to carry in a belt holster all day and not really notice it, while having enough power to take care of things if you need it. I used to have a Ruger Speed Six 2 3/4 inch 357 mag and that was ideal, although I rarely shot 357 in it. The only other short barrel pistol I would want to carry is a 22lr/22mag revolver when out fishing or just for a fun plinker.

[@edbarton-rz9cs]

I appreciate your informative and dry humor It is perfect for gun reviews The 856 defender will probably be my next revolver purchase for EDC ….. I have a Taurus 605 poly 357 - I have had no issues - this revolver is my EDC 70% of the time ….. my budget will not allow a Ruger SP101 …… Revolvers work great when my shooting arm is having issues - I am battling cancer and the medications cause fatigue but I will always be prepared to protect my family …. Thank you again and please do additional revolver videos

[@macintyrerose6843]

38 wheel-gun. My favorite ever since Ruby showed everyone how it's done on nationwide TV in the first firearms video: get in close, center up, fire. Great music over extro. Like your content.

[@troy9477]

Nice. Did not know Taurus was making a 3". I have always thought most ppl are better off with a 3" than a 2" for 3 reasons: sight radius for potentially better accuracy, more velocity (not a ton, but it is there), and weight out front for better balance and recoil control. The VZ grips are functional i am sure, but they look a little bulbous. I would prefer flatter rubber grips or good wood. Great review. I may have to get one since i only have one 3" revolver.

[@thelastjohnwayne]

There will always be a role for the revolver.

[@rogercole5054]

I like revolvers, though not JUST revolvers. I normally carry my S&W Shield in 9mm, but I sometimes carry my S&W Model 36 because, well, I just like revolvers. Glad someone gets it.

[@anangryranger]

For the past couple of years, the 856 has been sold with an additional all black serrated ramp front sight. If you bought yours new in the box, lift up the cardboard interior insert. You'll find that all black sight in there. It's an easy swap if you know how to use a punch without battering the small rollpin. 😒

[@Predalien195]

3 inch barrels are my minimum for carry revolvers. I find not only does it offer a bit more utility but also ballistic performance. Certain ammo does not do well in snub noses like 2 inch or less but does just fine in a 3 inch. I find for accuracy on the range, the 3 inch guns enough of a sight radius difference to effect accuracy compared to a 2 inch or less. Been hoping to get some of the Defenders at my work but have only seen regular 856 Ultralites and 856 steel frame snub noses.

[@redesert_boy8202]

Thanks for the thorough review especially around the Defenders tritium sights which often would be a deciding factor to go with it as well as the 6 round capacity. The comparison with others is important since if you find a 5 round you shoot well and your reload weather strong or weak hand with speedloader or speed strips is good then having 1 more round with sights that are difficult to adjust to makes it inferior. Be safe and well.

[@Defender78]

3:29 for the issue with the speedloader trapping itself against the grips, you can use a dremel tool with a grinder to buzz down the left side of the grip that is snagging on the speedloader. The tool grinds down rubber AND wood grips, makes the reload process much easier!

[@Truthteller024]

Very solid review and appreciate the honesty. I've had my eye on the 856 Defender for a while, and after watching this, I think it's worth the investment.

[@shawnpappy1538]

Great video, Hop. I always like your videos. For whatever reason I really enjoyed this one.

[@peteppq8171]

A Taurus model I don't see reviewed much is the 692 Tracker. If you're not really a revolver person it's a great option in that you can shoot 9mm with moon clips and 38 spl +p_ 357 mag. With the provided second cylinder. Get on it TFB!

[@jimvac77]

I have one and I like it. It's a good trail gun and fun to shoot with 9mm. For carry, not so much. It's thick, heavy and, the adjustable sights are snaggy. The ported barrel is the only thing I don't like about it. Yeah, it reduces recoil with .357s, but it's loud and if you're shooting lead bullets you are going to get all kinds of build up outside of the ports. They made a 2.5" barrel version without the port for a while but I don't see it listed any longer.

[@Maddawwg45]

i love my 856 but definitely need to practice with a snubbie because they are pretty unforgiving

[@WeletcherdCows]

Love the review hop! I actually wanted the 856 so found this very informative

[@Timewaits4no1]

Thanks Hop, I always look forward to your reviews. Your sarcastic, dry sense of humor always makes them entertaining, and I always feel like I learn something from them

[@slimjim7411]

Taurus model 85 has been riding in my truck console for years. The .38 special is a great utility round. I keep it loaded with 158gr hard cast swc IMHO the best all around bullet for a .38 special non +p I don't care too much for jhp's in 125gr bullets at sub 1000fps.

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

I still carry my 85 I love that little gun. That's why I was curious about this new gun.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I pocket carry a stainless steel Taurus 85 38 Spl with 2 inch barrel. I am happy enough with the 5 shots. Not concerned enough to upgrade to the six shot version.

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

Have a 856 UL with lighter spring swap out and wood grip. Love this little revolver.

[@glenmo1]

Purchased 856 defender .with titanium cerakote finish Altamonte wood grips... In the new front sight with the tritium glow insert... What a fantastic gun..❤️

[@HotelBravo556]

Revolvers are vastly inferior self defense weapons in almost every measurable way. The fact that people still rock them for anything other than “in jacket pocket” carry boggles my mind. That being said, thank you for the A+ content, Hop. You’re the only person that could get me to watch a review of a gun with a operating mechanism I don’t like from a company I REALLY don’t like. You’re a special boi.

[@marcusborderlands6177]

They are way inferior, but they are better than fisticuffs. I'll take a light revolver I actually don't mind carrying every day over a g19 etc. New micro pistols tho, those are nice.

[@sisleymichael]

Everything this man said was spot on. The 3" is far superior for the sight radius. I still carry my Smith Airweight in summer when in shorts. I am phasing out revolvers for semiautos, but for a quick trip to the corner store, a pocket revolver is practical. A while back I bought 4 of the Taurus model 82 4" police trade ins. Older guns that sat for years in someone's holster. All of them work well and are accurate. These became around the house hide guns. I have an SP101 Ruger 5 shot with 3 inch barrel. It has a trigger job and operates like butter. Very accurate. That one more inch does help accuracy wise.

[@Deadtileyedie]

One of my favorite edc's is a sw model 60 target 3 inch 357 mag and I love it. I use 38 spl +p either hst or the fbi load semi wadcutter hollow points. But I live in the mountains and like having the option for mag heavy loads and actually getting some benefits with the 3" barrel or snake shot. This is actually somthing I'm really interested in even with it being a taurus. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@badbilly60]

i rarely carry my blued ultra-lite 85 any more but still love how it feels and shoots

[@jaydee5156]

I have the stainless steel and black steel models that were shipped with the Hogue rubber grips. I replaced the grip on the black model with some nice Hogue rosewood grips that were similar in size and shape to the stock rubber grips. Both models also shipped with the shorter standard 856 grips. Mine stayed in the box.

[@jeanbabtisteclamence3018]

Hey TFB, whatever you are paying this man it isn’t enough. Give Hop a raise.

[@logankimmet3465]

I have the 856 UL and it's much more comfortable (IWB) than trying to carry my G2C. It's a great little pocket pistol.

[@francisgarner1751]

Yes the new taurus 856 tarus defender 3"barrel is sweet brought mine a few months ago SWEET 👍🏿

[@thesmallestminorityisthein4045]

I currently have no interest in Taurus revolvers, its gonna be a Ruger or nothing for me (BP aside) However, I do greatly appreciate their line of economical revolvers. I remember a few years ago that 5 shot model was available for roughly $250 after a rebate, and thats pretty neat. For those who are struggling fincially (for whatever reason) affordable guns are great.

[@DeviantOllam]

"Jamothy J. Reevington, Esq." ^ officially addressing him as that at all times from now on. thank you, good sir! 😁

[@vincentmurphy9252]

Love my 85 Tauras and have the 856 now super happy

[@lenculpepper9150]

I've owned a Rossi 38 almost identical to your Taurus since about 2000. It's got a 5 shot cylinder and is not +P rated. Almost had to use both hands to squeeze that trigger when I got it. It's probably broken in down to 8lbs or so. The Taurus and Rossi wheel guns are really beautiful to me. Think I may have paid $250-$300 for that little Rossi back then. It still looks very good and I wouldn't sell it for any amount.

[@Doc41295]

I'm just gonna say it, Hop should do all the gun reviews for TFBTV.

[@stevennewman4778]

No, we need Shill Reeves for contrast. You gotta have the bad to know when it’s good.

[@scottfennell6568]

Hop has become one of my fav reviewers

[@yungdro1972]

Got the black model with the Hogue grips. Nice review Hop. 👍🏼

[@EricDaMAJ]

I love that Taurus is improving as a company and making gains - unlike some companies. But it ain’t far enough along to pique my interest just yet.

[@hulado]

i think taurus has had great impact on gun design in the last ten years(.)

[@EricDaMAJ]

@@hulado They've come a long way since the Taurus Curve.

[@RockyBilly40cal60]

I trust my Taurus 605 as much as I trust my Smith and Wesson 642. Taurus has grown leaps and bounds the past few years and are putting out an excellent product, as far as their revolvers anyway.

[@EricDaMAJ]

@@RockyBilly40cal60 I keep hearing good things about their recent auto pistol. It's not quite up to Sig or Glock quality but it's a lot closer to them than their previous offerings. Certainly better than the debacle that was the Taurus Curve. Improvement is improvement no matter what the pace. While other gun companies stagnate or slide into irrelevancy, Taurus keeps moving slowly ahead.

[@Ellopez05]

Hop is legit the best reviewer in current day.