Considering the Taurus 856 Defender Executive Grade

[chaim]

I love 3" revolvers. I don't really need an 856 Defender, but I would like one. I have several 2" small frame revolvers that I sometimes carry but only one 3" that I carry (a Taurus 85CH, a Taurus 856UL, a S&W 442, and a 3" new model Colt King Cobra). I also have a medium framed 2.5" Taurus 431, but I have only tried one defensive load in it, and I've had it FTF at least once a box, sometimes several times in a box (it doesn't strike the primer hard enough to fire, I don't know yet if it was a bad batch of ammo or if it is the gun, the one brand of practice ammo I've bought works fine). I have a S&W 65LS I love (a K-frame), but I won't carry it (it is too nice, and too expensive now, for me to feel comfortable carrying it).

Anyway, I would like a 3" Taurus 856 Defender Executive Grade. I am thinking about a regular 856 Defender as well. Taurus quality control and fit and finish does seem to have improved over the last several years and it should be a nice gun. I would love a night sight on one of my defensive revolvers (I bought the Colt with that in mind, one of the Cobras at the time came with a night sight and it is a pinned sight so I thought I'd be able to easily switch it out, but I have never found anywhere that carried the front night sight for the gun that had it in stock). Anyway, the Executive Grade will have much improved fit and finish over the standard 856 Defender and may be nice to have. I already have a night sight for it... I read everywhere that the 856 front sight is pinned, so I ordered a night sight for my 856UL before looking closely for the pin (and checking the internet). It seems that only the steel framed 856s have a pinned front sight, the aluminum 856UL has a standard non-removable ramp. So, I already have a front night sight, thus, I can have the nicer gun (that doesn't come with a night sight) and the night sight I'd like to have in the gun.

So, who here has a standard 856 Defender? How do you like it and is it as nice as the reports seem to suggest? Who has the Executive Grade? Is it as nice as it seems? Is the Executive Grade worth the extra money over the regular 856 Defender?

 

[lee n. field]

I love 3" revolvers. I don't really need an 856 Defender, but I would like one. I have several 2" small frame revolvers that I sometimes carry but only one 3" that I carry (a Taurus 85CH, a Taurus 856UL, a S&W 442, and a 3" new model Colt King Cobra). I also have a medium framed 2.5" Taurus 431, but I have only tried one defensive load in it, and I've had it FTF at least once a box, sometimes several times in a box (it doesn't strike the primer hard enough to fire, I don't know yet if it was a bad batch of ammo or if it is the gun, the one brand of practice ammo I've bought works fine). I have a S&W 65LS I love (a K-frame), but I won't carry it (it is too nice, and too expensive now, for me to feel comfortable carrying it).

Anyway, I would like a 3" Taurus 856 Defender Executive Grade. I am thinking about a regular 856 Defender as well. Taurus quality control and fit and finish does seem to have improved over the last several years and it should be a nice gun. I would love a night sight on one of my defensive revolvers (I bought the Colt with that in mind, one of the Cobras at the time came with a night sight and it is a pinned sight so I thought I'd be able to easily switch it out, but I have never found anywhere that carried the front night sight for the gun that had it in stock). Anyway, the Executive Grade will have much improved fit and finish over the standard 856 Defender and may be nice to have. I already have a night sight for it... I read everywhere that the 856 front sight is pinned, so I ordered a night sight for my 856UL before looking closely for the pin (and checking the internet). It seems that only the steel framed 856s have a pinned front sight, the aluminum 856UL has a standard non-removable ramp. So, I already have a front night sight, thus, I can have the nicer gun (that doesn't come with a nigh sight) and the night sight I'd like to have in the gun.

So, who here has a standard 856 Defender? How do you like it and is it as nice as the reports seem to suggest? Who has the Executive Grade? Is it as nice as it seems? Is the Executive Grade worth the extra money over the regular 856 Defender?

I have a standard 856 Defender, purchased August 2021. I like it a lot. EDC, when I'm not at work. I'm doing the usual grip shuffle, finding what I like best. (What I really want to do is put the Crimson Trace lasergrip from my 605 on the 856, but then it's not on the 605. Can't afford to buy another <sigh>). About the only thing I don't like is the spurred hammer, which jabs my gut when holstered AIWB.

I handled an Executive Grade yesterday for a few minutes at a gun store I get bu every few months. The finish is polished somewhat vs. the standard stainless 856. Not a shiny polished stainless, more like the finer matte finish stainless Taurus used 15-ish years ago. That I like.

Worth the extra? Probably, if the fancy case is something you'll get use out of.

 

[Tinman357]

I just bought a new 856 defender. You are correct, the fit and finish is greatly improved. I aslo have a new-ish 686+ and the same Colt KC as you. It runs with that pack quite well.

The trigger was a bit rough at first but has smoothed out quite nicely. They are way oversprung, but thats a simple fix. The lockup is tight, sights are well regulated at 20yds, and it shoots well.

Like all new revolvers sold these days it needed a little TLC, just the same as the 686 and other revolvers I've owned.

It will never be a Colt, but it is every bit as good as the 686+ that I have. Both got the same tune up I do on every revolver I own and the results were the same.

At 1/4 the cost. In the process of getting another one as I write this.

 

[chicharrones]

The Executive is an interesting Taurus that I don't own. The chambers are chamfered at the factory for easier loading and supposedly the action is slicked up a bit more than the standard 856.

It'd be nice if Taurus had added the Ameriglo sight from the standard 856 3" gun to the Executive.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I was excited about them when they came out. However, got to handle one a few weeks back and wasn't very impressed with it. Trigger was not good for something they are calling a higher end gun, fit and finish wasn't impressive either. That shop has been sitting on that gun since they came out so I think other's weren't impressed much with it either.

Again, I wanted to like them but if they are all like that I will likely pass. Best to handle/inspect one before buying.

 

[chaim]

I have a standard 856 Defender, purchased August 2021. I like it a lot. EDC, when I'm not at work. I'm doing the usual grip shuffle, finding what I like best. (What I really want to do is put the Crimson Trace lasergrip from my 605 on the 856, but then it's not on the 605. Can't afford to buy another <sigh>). About the only thing I don't like is the spurred hammer, which jabs my gut when holstered AIWB.

Yes, the hammer spur is part of why I'm considering the Executive Grade. It comes with the bobbed hammer (though Taurus has always termed that CH or a concealed hammer). I carry strong side IWB and my 856UL is not fun to carry IWB without an undershirt (or when the undershirt slips upwards a little). Taurus historically hasn't liked shipping parts to customers, so I doubt I could get the CH hammer from them, and to have a smith cut the hammer down or round the spur would probably cost almost as much as the difference between the regular 856 Defender and the Executive Grade. Though, the holster I use for my Colt (a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar pancake with the IWB straps) doesn't give me that issue, so I can either use that holster (though it isn't great as an IWB, it really is best as a pancake OWB holster) or find one where the holster covers enough of the hammer to protect my skin and save some money with the regular Defender.

 

[lee n. field]

Yes, the hammer spur is part of why I'm considering the Executive Grade. It comes with the bobbed hammer (though Taurus has always termed that CH or a concealed hammer). I carry strong side IWB and my 856UL is not fun to carry IWB without an undershirt (or when the undershirt slips upwards a little). Taurus historically hasn't liked shipping parts to customers, so I doubt I could get the CH hammer from them, and to have a smith cut the hammer down or round the spur would probably cost almost as much as the difference between the regular 856 Defender and the Executive Grade. Though, the holster I use for my Colt (a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar pancake with the IWB straps) doesn't give me that issue, so I can either use that holster (though it isn't great as an IWB, it really is best as a pancake OWB holster) or find one where the holster covers enough of the hammer to protect my skin and save some money with the regular Defender.

IWB I carry mine in a Silver Dollar Pancake originally made for a 2.5" Charter Bulldog. The barrel is longer, and comes right to the bottom edge of the leather.

I replaced the IWB leather straps Simply Rugged uses, with pull-the-dot snap loops. The holster rides a little higher, and does not move at all.

Very comfortable.

That's the Viridian lasergrip that Taurus sells on there, BTW.



AIWB, right now, I'm using a Galco Stow-n-go leather gunsock. This is where the hammer spur hits my gut.

 

[chaim]

IWB I carry mine in a Silver Dollar Pancake originally made for a 2.5" Charter Bulldog. The barrel is longer, and comes right to the bottom edge of the leather.

I replaced the IWB leather straps Simply Rugged uses, with pull-the-dot snap loops. The holster rides a little higher, and does not move at all.

Very comfortable.

That's the Viridian lasergrip that Taurus sells on there, BTW.

View attachment 1142203

AIWB, right now, I'm using a Galco Stow-n-go leather gunsock. This is where the hammer spur hits my gut.

View attachment 1142206

Those straps may solve the issue. The straps Simply Rugged uses are fine for an hour or so, but before long, the weight of the gun pulls the straps down and the holster and gun are sitting far below the belt line. That gets uncomfortable, and in a defensive situation it would certainly slow the draw quite a bit. Do you remember where you got them, or do you have a link?

 

[lee n. field]

Those straps may solve the issue. The straps Simply Rugged uses are fine for an hour or so, but before long, the weight of the gun pulls the straps down and the holster and gun are sitting far below the belt line.

My experience as well

That gets uncomfortable, and in a defensive situation it would certainly slow the draw quite a bit. Do you remember where you got them, or do you have a link?

Ebay or Amazon web store for one of the holster makers. Tulster? They're widely available.

----edit to add----

popped right up in my browser history, even from years back: https://www.amazon.com/Tulster-Hols...a29a815296ba34cca013316e32e6de&language=en_US

 

[chaim]

My experience as well



Ebay or Amazon web store for one of the holster makers. Tulster? They're widely available.

----edit to add----

popped right up in my browser history, even from years back: https://www.amazon.com/Tulster-Hols...a29a815296ba34cca013316e32e6de&language=en_US

Thank you.

I just ordered a pair since I know those will work based on your post. Unfortunately, my holster is in oxblood, and they have coyote brown (sand) and black. I ordered black, but the colors being that off may bother me. So, worst case, these will be a temporary solution (so I can carry my KC more without ordering a new holster) and I'll look out for shorter straps that are closer to the color of my holster.

 

[Tallball]

FWIW, I have owned... maybe close to ten Taurus small-frame revolvers. All of them except for one went bang every time.

Some have good triggers, some okay, some dreadful.

Changing out the hammer springs with a set from Wolff takes about 15 minutes and is a good start.

I'm not sure what my bench grinder cost... maybe $50? I have used it to slowly and carefully remove the hammer spurs from half a dozen or so revolvers, and all of them worked fine afterwards.

The Taurus in my avatar is a medium-frame, but I replaced the springs and removed the hammer spur as described. I usually replace grips on revolvers, too.

This is my latest Taurus small-frame revolver. It was my retirement gift to myself.

Taurus Model 85 3 inch Banana Grips

• Tallball
• Aug 25, 2022

 

[chaim]

FWIW, I have owned... maybe close to ten Taurus small-frame revolvers. All of them except for one went bang every time.

Some have good triggers, some okay, some dreadful.

I've had a number of Taurus (and Taurus made Rossi) revolvers, and other than the Rossi, mine have been quite good as well.

My first gun was a 4" medium frame Taurus 82. Trigger wasn't great, the ejection rod needed some loctite (I just periodically hand tightened it). But it was accurate and went bang every time I pulled the trigger.

My first snub was a Taurus 605. It was a great gun, but I didn't like .357mag in a snub (at that point, I didn't really like snubs yet), and since snubs were meant to be carry guns (even though I couldn't carry at the time), I figured a lighter gun would make more sense if I was only going to shoot .38spl out of it anyway. I don't remember the trigger all that well, but my novice self had no complaints with it. Accuracy, I'll blame it on me since I was just learning to shoot a snub and I had only been shooting for a few years.

My next was my Taurus 85CH. I bought it used when it was around 10 years old. The previous owner either shot it a lot or had trigger work done, it has one of the lightest and smoothest triggers of any of my revolvers. It took years for me to really like it, and for me to be good with it, but I am now very accurate with this gun. It has never had a hiccup.

I had two Rossi 461s from after Taurus bought them, one 2" and one 3". The 2" would often bind when shooting magnums. I didn't have the issue with the 3", but then, I haven't shot it much with magnums. Still, I don't trust either of them (they are from a time period, maybe 10 years back, when it seemed a lot of Taurus and Rossi revolvers had cylinder binding issues). Eventually, I plan to sell them, I'll disclose the issue and the Rossi name doesn't usually go for much money anyway, but making room in the gun safe would be nice.

My Taurus 856 that I bought just 3-4 years ago is every bit as good as any of my other revolvers. The trigger is a little heavy, but otherwise, there is nothing wrong with it (predictable, smooth trigger pull). I've shot only around 500 rounds though it, but I've dry fired it quite a bit, and I've seen only a marginal change in the trigger. It is 100% reliable of course, and it is the revolver I have carried the most since I bought it.

There is a reason I'm comfortable getting an 856 Defender. I'm pretty confident that I will get a good one, even if reports weren't indicating a big improvement over past years. Then, if I got unlucky, in addition to the lifetime warranty, I could buy two 856 Executive Grade revolvers for the price of one S&W L-frame or K-frame, and 2-2 1/2 of the regular Defenders for the price of one Colt King Cobra. So, if I had to buy a 2nd to get a good one (unlikely even if there wasn't the warranty), I'd be no worse off financially than with a heavier Smith without night sights or with another Colt without the night sights.

 

[12Bravo20]

I have a 3" Model 85 with ported barrel that was bought in 2001. I've never had a problem with it over the years and it is my wife's favorite which she shoots well.

I also have a 2" 856 and a 2" 942 that have been good to go. I don't care for the current rubber grips that Taurus uses so both of those now have Model 85 wood grips. I made sure to clean the everything and properly lube when I had the grips off.

I have to say that I do prefer the blued finish over the newer matte finish.

 

[chicharrones]

I only had a Taurus 85UL bought new in 2008. It had the smoothest action of the few 85s in the gun shop case that I handled that day, others felt like they were full of sand.

I turned my DA/SA 85UL into a DAO gun, chamfered the chambers, and installed a laser grip. It was a near perfect pocket snubbie.

In retrospect, I wish I had kept it but I wanted a 6-shooter at the time and sold it to get one. But I went off course last year and got a Charter Arms in .32 mag, which is a smaller gun than the 856. But JHP .32 mag is a beeyotch of a cartridge to find (and pay for) even on the internet.

Now these 856s are really intriguing me. I'd want a 3 incher and I'd probably make it DOA like its predecessor.

 

[chaim]

I also have a 2" 856 and a 2" 942 that have been good to go. I don't care for the current rubber grips that Taurus uses so both of those now have Model 85 wood grips.

Overall I do like the new grips. The little "ledge" on the bottom gives my pinky a place to be and makes it feel like I have more control than with a boot grip, while being more concealable than a combat grip. Like any compromise though, what may be a Goldilocks fit for me, may be less agreeable to someone else. If you want a full combat grip, it isn't quite it, and if you want a minimal boot grip for maximum concealability, it isn't quite it.

My big complaint is the texture on the back at the web of my hand (almost like a tire tread) can be quite uncomfortable when shooting at the range. I'm considering hitting about a 1cm section with sandpaper.

I have to say that I do prefer the blued finish over the newer matte finish.

Cosmetically I'd have to agree. Though, for a carry gun I like the less reflective matte finish. It feels like it makes it more "invisible" and it feels more utilitarian which I like in a carry gun. If I was to get a Taurus 65 or 66 that wouldn't be carried, I'd want the blue (and since they don't do a traditional blue anymore on a Taurus, I'd go stainless).

Now these 856s are really intriguing me. I'd want a 3 incher and I'd probably make it DOA like its predecessor.

I am definitely a fan. Just know that while only a little wider, it is noticeable. Especially in a pocket or IWB.

 

[chicharrones]

I am definitely a fan. Just know that while only a little wider, it is noticeable. Especially in a pocket or IWB.

Good to know. I was thinking it would feel pretty much like a lighter version of my S&W 66.

 

[12Bravo20]

Overall I do like the new grips. The little "ledge" on the bottom gives my pinky a place to be and makes it feel like I have more control than with a boot grip, while being more concealable than a combat grip. Like any compromise though, what may be a Goldilocks fit for me, may be less agreeable to someone else. If you want a full combat grip, it isn't quite it, and if you want a minimal boot grip for maximum concealability, it isn't quite it.

My big complaint is the texture on the back at the web of my hand (almost like a tire tread) can be quite uncomfortable when shooting at the range. I'm considering hitting about a 1cm section with sandpaper.

The factory Model 85 grips are long enough for me to get a good grip with all of my fingers yet still easy to conceal. But yes grips are a personal choice and one should go with what fits them best.

I know I have posted this photo several times on the forum. But here are my Taurus revolvers and the factory rubber grips are in the photo too.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

FWIW, I have owned... maybe close to ten Taurus small-frame revolvers. All of them except for one went bang every time.

Some have good triggers, some okay, some dreadful.

Changing out the hammer springs with a set from Wolff takes about 15 minutes and is a good start.

I'm not sure what my bench grinder cost... maybe $50? I have used it to slowly and carefully remove the hammer spurs from half a dozen or so revolvers, and all of them worked fine afterwards.

The Taurus in my avatar is a medium-frame, but I replaced the springs and removed the hammer spur as described. I usually replace grips on revolvers, too.

This is my latest Taurus small-frame revolver. It was my retirement gift to myself.

Taurus Model 85 3 inch Banana Grips

• Tallball
• Aug 25, 2022

Have you a pic of that with the modified hammer?