Taurus 856 Executive Grade Review

Introducing the Taurus 856 Executive Grade in .38 Special +P, featuring a 6-round capacity and a DAO mechanism. With a 3-inch barrel, 7.5-inch overall length, and stainless steel frame, this revolver boasts a hand-polished satin finish, Altamont checkered walnut grips, and serrated gutter rear sights for precision. The Taurus 856 Executive Grade is a revolver that has garnered attention for its distinctive features and performance, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts of wheel guns and those in need of a reliable firearm for personal defense. Here’s a comprehensive review based on various expert analyses and range tests.

Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver with stainless steel finish and wooden grips.

Taurus 856 Executive Grade Specifications

Brand: Taurus
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Capacity: 6 rounds
Action: Double Action Only (DAO)
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 7.5 inches
Frame Material: Stainless steel
Finish: Hand-polished satin
Grips: Altamont checkered walnut
Sights: Gutter rear, serrated

Design and Build

The Taurus 856 Executive Grade is a .38 Special +P, double-action-only (DAO) revolver with a 3-inch barrel, highlighting its compact and robust design for concealed carry.

Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver with wooden grips on a black leather background.

Its construction involves stainless steel for the barrel, frame, and cylinder, with a hand-polished satin finish that enhances its aesthetic appeal. The revolver comes with Altamont checkered walnut grips that, while aesthetically pleasing, have been noted for having slight gaps that don’t perfectly fit the frame, a minor critique given its overall quality.

Capacity

The revolver is chambered for the .38 Special +P cartridge, offering a balance of power and control, with a 6-round capacity that is standard for revolvers of its size.

Close-up of the cylinder of a Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver, with blurred orange background.

Trigger

The DAO trigger pull is custom tuned, with an average pull weight of around 10 lbs. 13 oz., offering a smooth pull that contributes to the revolver’s shooting accuracy.

Barrel and Overall Dimensions

It has a 3-inch barrel length, contributing to its overall length of 7.5 inches, height of 4.8 inches, and a width of 1.41 inches. This compact size facilitates concealed carry while maintaining accuracy at typical engagement distances.

Close-up of the ejector rod and underlug of a Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver with a red background.

Wooden grip detail of a Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver on a red background.

Grips

It is fitted with Altamont checkered walnut grips that provide a comfortable and secure hold, although there have been observations of slight gaps between the grips and the frame

Sights

The revolver is equipped with a serrated black front sight and a gutter rear sight. These sights are functional for quick target acquisition, although some users have noted a preference for more visible front sight options.

Close-up of the front end of the barrel and cylinder of a Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver.

Performance on the Range

Shooting performance has been generally positive among reviewers, with the revolver offering a comfortable shooting experience due to its weight (25 oz unloaded) that helps manage recoil, especially when firing .38 Special +P rounds. The trigger pull is described as smooth, averaging around 10 lbs. 13 oz. for a double-action pull, which is custom tuned for a better shooting experience. However, there were some notes on the difficulty of using speed loaders due to the grip design, suggesting single loading as the preferable method.

Hand holding a Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver, showcasing the cylinder and barrel.

The fixed sights, comprising a serrated black front sight paired with a gutter rear sight, were adequate for defensive use but did pose some challenges in quickly acquiring targets for some shooters. Moreover, accuracy was decent, with the revolver capable of delivering groups under 3 inches at 25 yards with selected ammunition, although some found the black front sight hard to pick up against various backgrounds.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Durable stainless steel construction with a premium finish.
Performs well in accuracy tests with a decent group size at 25 yards.
Custom-tuned for a better shooting experience.
Compact size and concealed hammer enhance concealability.
Weight helps control recoil, even with .38 Special +P rounds

Cons

Front sight may be difficult to see against certain backgrounds.
Some users reported slight gaps between the grips and frame.
Design might not accommodate speed loaders efficiently.
At an MSRP of $689, it may be pricey for some buyers

My Personal Maintenance Routine Taurus 856 Executive Grade

Safety Check Always start by ensuring the revolver is unloaded. Open the cylinder and visually inspect each chamber for ammunition, confirming it’s safe to proceed.
Field Strip for Cleaning Although the 856 doesn’t fully disassemble like semi-auto pistols, opening the cylinder allows access to crucial areas. Use this opportunity to remove any large debris or buildup.
Barrel Cleaning Use a bore brush with a gun solvent to scrub the inside of the barrel. Follow up with a patch soaked in solvent, then dry patches until they come out clean. A lightly oiled patch can finish the job, protecting the bore from corrosion.
Cylinder Care Apply the same method used on the barrel to each chamber of the cylinder. This includes brushing, solvent-soaked patches, and drying, with a final light oil coat.
Exterior Wipe Down Use a soft cloth with a bit of gun oil to wipe down the exterior of the revolver, including the frame, cylinder, and barrel. This helps remove fingerprints and protect the finish.
Lubrication Points Apply a small amount of gun oil to moving parts, including the ejector rod, cylinder release, and the hinge area where the cylinder swings out. These points can benefit from regular lubrication to maintain smooth operation.
Grip Inspection Check the grips for any looseness or wear. Tighten screws if necessary, but be careful not to over-tighten and strip the threads.
Trigger and Hammer Check Dry fire the revolver (in a safe direction and only if the manufacturer recommends it) to ensure the trigger pull feels consistent and the hammer operates smoothly.
Reassembly and Function Test If any parts were removed, carefully reassemble the revolver. Open and close the cylinder several times to ensure it locks in place securely and rotates freely.
Storage Preparation Before storing your revolver, consider using a silicone gun cloth for one final wipe-down. This step adds a protective layer against moisture and rust, especially if stored in a case or safe.

Safety Tips

This fundamental rule ensures you maintain a safety-first mindset. Even if you’ve just checked the cylinder, behave as though the gun could fire at any moment. This prevents accidental discharges.
Your finger should rest along the side of the gun’s frame and only move to the trigger when you are absolutely sure you want to fire. This minimizes the risk of unintentional firing.
Always be mindful of where the muzzle is pointing. This is crucial in preventing harm or damage in case of an accidental discharge.
Before you pull the trigger, know exactly what you’re aiming at and understand what’s behind and around your target. Bullets can penetrate through surfaces and cause unintended damage or injury.
When not in use, store your revolver in a secure place, inaccessible to unauthorized users, especially children. Consider using gun safes or lockboxes with tamper-proof features to ensure safety and comply with local laws regarding firearm storage.

Taurus 856 Executive Grade: My Expert Ratings and Insights

Aspect	Review Summary	Score
Cleaning Frequency	Given its robust design, regular cleaning post-use is essential for optimal performance.	9/10
Lubrication	Proper lubrication is crucial for maintaining smooth action, particularly important for revolvers.	8/10
Inspection	Regular inspection for any signs of wear or damage can prevent malfunctions.	9/10
Storage Conditions	Ideal storage in a dry, temperature-controlled environment prevents corrosion.	9/10
Ammunition Check	Using correct and high-quality ammunition ensures reliability and accuracy.	9/10
Parts Replacement	Timely replacement of any worn parts maintains the revolver’s integrity and performance.	8/10
Professional Servicing	Even with diligent personal care, annual check-ups by a professional are recommended.	8/10
Accessory Care	Care for holsters and speed loaders extends their life and ensures readiness.	7/10
Training Regularity	Consistent training is key to handling proficiency and safety.	9/10
Safety Gear Maintenance	Proper maintenance of safety equipment is non-negotiable for shooting practice.	9/10

Conclusion

The Taurus 856 Executive Grade revolver is a commendable addition to Taurus’s lineup, blending style, performance, and practicality in a package that’s hard to overlook for revolver enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable personal defense weapon. While it may have minor drawbacks, such as grip fitment and sight visibility under certain conditions, its overall performance, build quality, and features like the hand-tuned trigger make it a worthy consideration at its price point of around $689 MSRP.

FAQs about Taurus 856 Executive Grade

What caliber is the Taurus 856 Executive Grade designed for?
The Taurus 856 Executive Grade is chambered for .38 Special +P ammunition, offering a balance of power and recoil suitable for various shooters.
How many rounds can the Taurus 856 Executive Grade hold?
It has a 6-round capacity, typical for revolvers of its size and caliber, allowing for multiple shots before needing to reload.
Is the Taurus 856 Executive Grade suitable for concealed carry?
Yes, its compact design, coupled with a concealed hammer and double-action-only mechanism, makes it an excellent choice for concealed carry.
How often should I clean my Taurus 856 Executive Grade?
Regular cleaning is recommended after each use to maintain its performance and longevity, especially if used frequently.
Can I use speed loaders with the Taurus 856 Executive Grade?
While possible, the design of the grip may make using speed loaders challenging. Single loading with a speed strip might be more efficient.
What type of sights does the Taurus 856 Executive Grade have?
It is equipped with a serrated black front sight and a gutter rear sight, designed for quick target acquisition.
What materials are used in the construction of the Taurus 856 Executive Grade?
The revolver features stainless steel construction for the barrel, frame, and cylinder, with a hand-polished satin finish for durability and aesthetics.
How does the Taurus 856 Executive Grade’s trigger pull compare to other revolvers?
The trigger is custom-tuned for a smooth double-action pull, providing a comfortable shooting experience that balances between sensitivity and safety.
What maintenance tips are recommended for the Taurus 856 Executive Grade?
Regular cleaning, proper lubrication, timely parts replacement, and annual professional servicing are key to maintaining its performance and safety.
Can the grips on the Taurus 856 Executive Grade be replaced?
Yes, if the original Altamont checkered walnut grips do not suit your preference, they can be replaced with aftermarket options to improve fit and comfort.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your personal experiences and thoughts about the Taurus 856 Executive Grade in the comments section below. Whether you’ve used it for personal defense, target shooting, or simply as a collector’s piece, your insights could be incredibly valuable to others. How has it performed for you in terms of reliability, accuracy, and overall satisfaction? Your feedback could help fellow enthusiasts make informed decisions about this revolver.