Well, let me tell ya, I ain’t one for all them fancy guns and such, but I’ve seen a few folks talkin’ ‘bout this Taurus 856 and thought I’d give it a try. Now, mind ya, I ain’t no expert on these things, but I can tell ya what I know from my own two hands and what I’ve heard folks say around here.
This here Taurus 856, it’s a little revolver, weighs just enough that ya know it’s there but not too much to make yer arm sore after holdin’ it. Ain’t too big neither, so you can hide it under a coat or in yer purse if need be. I reckon that’s real handy if you need somethin’ close by for safety. It’s got a nice grip too, fits well in my hand, though I ain’t got the biggest hands in town, so might be a bit small for someone with big ol’ mitts.
Now, as for shootin’ it, I’ve heard folks sayin’ it’s accurate enough for what you need it for. I ain’t gonna stand up here and tell ya it’s some sort of fancy-schmancy thing like them Colt King Cobras or nothin’, but it does the job. Shoots six rounds, so you don’t gotta reload after every shot like some of them smaller guns. That’s a plus in my book. You don’t have to worry too much ‘bout stoppin’ in the middle of somethin’ if you ever need to use it.
The Taurus 856 is chambered for .38 Special, which is a good enough round for self-defense, I reckon. Ain’t too much kickback, so it don’t jar yer hand too bad after each shot. I ain’t one for them big ol’ guns that make ya flinch every time you pull the trigger, so this one suits me just fine. It’s a bit of a smooth ride compared to some of the older revolvers I’ve seen, and don’t get me started on the noise! It’s loud enough to let anyone know you mean business, but not so deafening that you’re gonna lose your hearing after shootin’ a few rounds.
One thing that stands out on this little gun is the sideplate. It’s got that bull head silhouette on it, like a little trademark for Taurus, which I think looks kinda neat. You’ll also see “Taurus Int’l Mfg Bainbridge, GA” stamped on it, just in case ya wanna know where it’s from. And on the barrel, you’ll find the serial number etched in real clear-like. It ain’t hard to read, and that’s good ‘cause sometimes them numbers can get all scratchy and hard to see. This one’s nice and neat.
Now, I’ve heard some folks complain that Taurus guns ain’t as smooth as some of them higher-end brands, and I suppose that’s true for some of ‘em. But this 856? It’s got a little grit to it, sure, but it works well enough. The trigger ain’t too heavy either. You pull it, and it goes off without too much fuss. It’s not as slick as some others I’ve used, but that don’t mean it’s a bad gun by any means. Just different, is all.
When it comes to carrying this thing around, it’s real easy. Ain’t too heavy, and it’s got a small enough frame that it don’t stick out like a sore thumb. Whether you’re out and about in the yard or takin’ a stroll through the woods, it don’t weigh ya down too much. And for folks who need a little protection, well, this gun could be just the ticket. I wouldn’t trust my life to just any ol’ thing, but this one feels solid enough for me.
The Taurus 856 comes in a few different styles, but I reckon the basic model’s the one most folks’ll go for. It’s got a nice black finish that holds up well. Don’t show too much wear and tear after a few trips in and outta the holster. Some folks might go for them shiny ones or them more decorative types, but for me, I like this plain one. It gets the job done and don’t try to be somethin’ it ain’t.
If you’re askin’ me whether this Taurus 856 is worth pickin’ up, I’d say yes. It’s a reliable little revolver. Ain’t fancy, ain’t the best out there, but it’s sure as heck good enough for self-defense and casual use. If ya need somethin’ that’s easy to carry, easy to shoot, and won’t break the bank, then this here 856 might just be the one for ya. Like I said, nothin’ too special, but it’ll do what it’s meant to do.
Tags:[Taurus 856, Taurus 856 review, Taurus revolver, self defense, concealed carry, 38 Special, revolver reviews, outdoor weapons, gun review, firearm reviews]