chaim
Member
I've had my eye on the 3" Taurus 856 Defender since it came out. In addition to the 856 probably having the best reports/reputation among owners of Taurus handguns, I've had a 2" 856UL for 4-5 years now which has been a terrific little gun. The 856 Defender has been on my "want" list for some time, since I'm "retiring" my 3" King Cobra from defensive use (the trigger reset is too different from the Taurus/S&W style I'm used to, as is the cylinder release), and since lately (for a month or so) I've been carrying my 856UL more than my SIG P365 (usually the P365 gets about 80% of my carry time with the 856 getting most of the rest), and it is now time.
Of course, Taurus always has a lot of variations of its guns. I'm torn between three and can't make up my mind:
Of course, Taurus always has a lot of variations of its guns. I'm torn between three and can't make up my mind:
- The TALO CH version (Taurus calls its bobbed hammer the CH, or concealed hammer, even though it isn't really concealed). For a carry gun it makes sense, one less thing to get caught on a cover garment, and it will probably only be used in DA mode anyway. However, since it is the Talo, it is substantially more money than the others (it isn't necessarily a lot in raw dollars, but the others are about 25-30% less than this version), and the only feature this has over the others is the CH hammer. For me the biggest reason to go with the CH is that with my "love handles" a revolver with a hammer sees the hammer sometimes uncomfortably dig into my side. However, a well designed holster with a sweat guard fixes that, and $100 extra towards a holster can buy a very nice holster that addresses the issue (or I can find a cheaper holster with a sweat guard that fixes it as well).
- The standard steel 856 Defender. At 23.5oz it should be easy enough to carry, between the weight and the 3" barrel it should handle any .38spl load with ease and allow quick and accurate follow up shots.
- The aluminum alloy 856UL Defender. At 17 1/3 oz it is light and many +P loadings may be too uncomfortable for much range practice, and may mean slower follow up shots. However, it will be very easy to carry all day at that weight, and with the right loadings it shouldn't be a bad defensive gun. I've found several loadings that are comfortable to shoot and allow for quick follow up shots in my 2" 856UL, it would just be more limited to specific loadings than the steel version. Also, my 856UL is noticeably more comfortable to shoot than my 1.4oz lighter S&W 442, so the extra 1.3oz of the 856UL Defender plus the lower muzzle flip due to the longer barrel may make it a lot more comfortable for range practice and faster on accurate follow up shots than I might expect.
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