{"id":1365,"date":"2023-08-15T17:21:54","date_gmt":"2023-08-15T17:21:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1365"},"modified":"2023-08-15T17:21:54","modified_gmt":"2023-08-15T17:21:54","slug":"gun-review-taurus-defender-856-toro-revolver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=1365","title":{"rendered":"Gun Review: Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-scaled.jpg\" data-caption=\"\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" class=\"entry-thumb td-modal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-696x392.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161528937-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" title=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-next-post-navi\">\n<p>\nNext Post Coming Soon&#8230;\u25b6\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Most of the revolvers I\u2019ve ever owned have been from Taurus. I used to believe revolvers were the more reliable gun, but every <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/gun-review-taurus-g3x-9mm-pistol\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Taurus<\/a> revolver I\u2019ve own has had some major malfunction. That includes triggers that could lock into single action, cylinders that wouldn\u2019t advance, and right a broken Judge whose cylinder wouldn\u2019t lock into the gun.<\/p>\n<p>I gave up on Taurus revolvers, but recently Taurus has had made some serious changes in leadership, machinery, and quality control. At SHOT, I saw their optic-ready TORO revolvers and was intrigued. Fast forward a few months, and I now have a Taurus Defender 856 TORO in my hands.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_540722\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-540722\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540722 size-large\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540722 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161546543-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-540722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Defender 856 isn\u2019t pocket size, but its compact. (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Optics on revolvers aren\u2019t new. Plenty of competitors and hunters have long made use of optics. What the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/gun-review-taurus-g2c-9mm-pistol\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORO<\/a> Defender series does differently is bring mini red dots to smaller, defensive-oriented revolvers. Specifically, it uses the popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/gear-review-the-shield-rmsc-micro-red-dot-sight\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shield RMSc<\/a> mounting footprint that lets you use a wide variety of small red dots that come from SIG SAUER, Holosun, Shield, Riton, and a more. I used a Riton 3 Tactix MPRD 2.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Defender 856 TORO<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Defender 856 TORO series presents an interesting mix of old-school appeal with a dose of modern in its place. Red dots on revolvers are an interesting idea. Unlike an automatic, the slide isn\u2019t moving, so the optic is put under less stress. It\u2019s also easier to track the dot and get back on target with a stationary red dot. The downside is that the optic sits higher and adds some bulk to a compact revolver.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_540721\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-540721\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540721 size-large\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540721 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161601374-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-540721\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The 856 Defender TORO is small, but capable. (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The 856 isn\u2019t new. It\u2019s an evolution of the classic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/what%e2%80%99s-in-your-nightstand-38-special-comparison-part-i-3rd-place-%e2%80%93-taurus-model-85-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Taurus 85<\/a>. However, the 856 holds six rounds rather than five. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/gun-review-taurus-gx4xl-t-o-r-o-9mm-pistol\/\">Defender<\/a> model of the 856 features a 3-inch barrel. Taurus chose this model and the .357 five-shot Defender <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/gun-review-taurus-605-revolver\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">605<\/a> to have the TORO feature. The 856 is bigger than a snubby, but still quite compact. It\u2019s not a pocket carry revolver, but it would easily fit into an IWB holster and be carried very comfortably.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.taurususa.com\/revolvers\/small-frame-revolvers\/taurus-856\/taurus-defender-856-toro-38-special-matte-black-3-in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Defender 856 TORO<\/a> comes in both a matte black finish as well as stainless. The stainless model has a nice finish and cleans up easily, too. I shot the hell out of this thing and it needed some cleaning along the way.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_540717\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-540717\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540717 size-large\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540717 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162221739-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-540717\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The small frame 856 Defender TORO has a 3-inch barrel which I prefer. (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><strong>The Mounting System<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Defender 856 TORO comes bare with a typical top strap. Across the top sits a pair of screw holes. The gun comes with a plate, and attaching it is as easy as twisting an Allen key. A little thread locker goes a long way here. With the plate in place, you can add your optic of choice. One challenge you have to face is the fact the optic sits relatively high relative to the bore axis.<\/p>\n<p>That means you need to have a generous elevation adjustment to get the optic zeroed. Some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/gear-review-vortex-defender-ccw-red-dot-sight\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">optics<\/a> might not have the elevation adjustment range necessary to get zeroed (a shim system might work). The Shield RMSc, the Riton, and Holosun micro optics work, but you might run into issues with others.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_540724\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-540724\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540724 size-large\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540724 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161538377-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-540724\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Riton red dot worked well in this role. (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I didn\u2019t have any issues zeroing the red dot other than my own relative lack of experience with revolvers. It took a little more time than I\u2019d like to admit, but a table, a bag, and some slow, patient shots got me on target, and the gun was zeroed at 20 yards.<\/p>\n<p>If optics aren\u2019t for you, the Defender 856 has a fairly nice front sight. It\u2019s pinned, all black, and can be replaced if you want to change it out for a night sight or something bigger.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>At the Range<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>I\u2019m no revolver guy. I like revolvers, but I haven\u2019t spent a whole lot of time shooting them. I\u2019m not very good with them, so the Defender 856 TORO was an education. The gun and a bunch of FMJs were not only educational but made for a good workout. At least for my hands.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_540728\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-540728\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540728 size-full\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-scaled.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540728 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162309358-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-540728\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bucking Horse Outpost has great deals on .38 Special (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The trigger isn\u2019t bad, but it doesn\u2019t necessarily <a href=\"https:\/\/www.avantlink.com\/click.php?tt=cl&amp;merchant_id=c57f7b35-5796-4cf2-9f7e-d6ef5a436261&amp;website_id=4e8a62e5-c9f2-4169-947d-06856fc118da&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fgunmagwarehouse.com%2Fblog%2Ftactical-watches-an-apple-watch-wont-cut-it%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">impress<\/a>. It\u2019s on par with a basic Smith &amp; Wesson revolver trigger. It\u2019s not as smooth as the Ruger LCR, but not bad by any means. In fact, it steadily got better as I dry-fired and shot the gun, shaking off that new feeling and getting better as I went. After it got dirty, the trigger became a little gritty and sluggish. A little oil and an AP brush on the cylinder and inside the frame got it smoothed out once again.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_540727\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-540727\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540727 size-large\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983.jpg 1920w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540727 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023-08-14T19_32_20.044983.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-540727\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Its got a little buck to it. (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Red dots mean that the sight radius doesn\u2019t matter. The dot makes that disappear. With that in mind, any accuracy issues are entirely on me. I\u2019m learning a lot about double-action triggers with the Defender 856. At 25 yards shooting single action only in an off-hand position, I landed every shot into the face of a Sage Dynamics target.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_540718\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-540718\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540718 size-large\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540718 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_161302444-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-540718\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Not too bad for an amateur revolver shooter (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At fifteen yards in a supported position, firing all rounds double action, I grouped everything in the black. The gun is certainly more accurate than I am, but if I had to use it defensively, I would feel comfortable doing so.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Riding the Bull<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Defender 856 TORO might not be a snubby, but it\u2019s still a compact revolver. The grips are quite small, and I have big hands. Those small grips don\u2019t fit me well, but neither do any other small revolver grips. I might replace these with VZ grips, but these are so compact and concealable that I get the point of them.<\/p>\n<p>The grips are small, thin, and hard. They left the center of my hand tender after all the lead I sent downrange. That was a lot of ammo in very little time, but still worth noting.<\/p>\n<p>The little wheelgun has some buck and jump to it, but the red dot makes it easy to get right back on target. It\u2019s not too difficult to pull off fast strings of fire, and I sailed through some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/self-defense-tip-use-modified-mozambique-machete-wielding-terrorists\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">failure-to-stop drills<\/a> without much difficulty.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_540720\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-540720\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540720 size-large\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540720 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162034614-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-540720\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This group as fired all double action at 15 yards (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The cylinder release is the S&amp;W style design and it works perfectly well. The ejector rod is full-length, which I also really like. Reloads are quick and cases drop free quickly and efficiently. I\u2019ve already ordered some speed strips and a speed loader for this thing.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_540719\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-540719\" style=\"width: 696px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540719 size-large\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-560x315.jpg 560w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-700x394.jpg\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-540719 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-700x394.jpg\" alt=\"Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-1068x601.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-1920x1080.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/PXL_20230803_162124139-560x315.jpg 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-540719\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The full-length ejector rod is a nice touch. (Travis Pike for TTAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I used 500 rounds of law enforcement Speer Lawman ammo for the entirety of my testing. It\u2019s a fairly basic FMJ load that worked well. In blasting through that stuff and tenderizing my hand, I had zero issues with the Defender 856. It held together well, every round fired, and the cylinder never stopped, and the hammer never failed to lock. The gun just worked and that\u2019s ultimately what\u2019s most important.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Specifications: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.avantlink.com\/click.php?tt=cl&amp;merchant_id=366d8fa6-2a72-4d59-bc31-583f74cfd91b&amp;website_id=4e8a62e5-c9f2-4169-947d-06856fc118da&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fpalmettostatearmory.com%2Ftaurus-defender-856-t-o-r-o-38-spl-p-pistol-3-6rd-ss-ss-2-856p39.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Taurus Defender 856 TORO Revolver<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Barrel Length<\/strong>\u00a03 inches<br \/><strong>Overall Length<\/strong>\u00a07.5 inches<br \/><strong>Height<\/strong>\u00a04.8 inches<br \/><strong>Width<\/strong>\u00a01.4 inches<br \/><strong>Weight<\/strong>\u00a023.5 ounces<br \/><strong>Caliber<\/strong>\u00a038 Special (+P capable)<br \/><strong>Capacity<\/strong>\u00a06<br \/><strong>MSRP<\/strong> $460.99 (about <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avantlink.com\/click.php?tt=cl&amp;merchant_id=366d8fa6-2a72-4d59-bc31-583f74cfd91b&amp;website_id=4e8a62e5-c9f2-4169-947d-06856fc118da&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fpalmettostatearmory.com%2Ftaurus-defender-856-t-o-r-o-38-spl-p-pistol-3-6rd-ss-ss-2-856p39.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$350 retail<\/a><\/strong>)<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Ratings (Out of Five Stars):<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Accuracy * * * *<\/strong><br \/>In short order, I\u2019ve seen a crazy degree of improvement with my revolver shooting in the short time I\u2019ve had the Taurus Defender 856. It\u2019s more accurate than I am, and the addition of a red dot makes it super-easy to shoot accurately and quickly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ergonomics * * * \u00bd<\/strong><br \/>I like the cylinder release, I love the ejector rod, but the little grips beat my big hand up. They are super-small for concealment. That\u2019s a problem with all small revolvers with small grips. It was tough for me to get a good grip on the gun. Concealment always has its compromises.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Handling * * * *\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>Recoil is what it is. The Defender 856 is no light magnum, thankfully, but it will jump on you a bit. Not terribly much, but you\u2019ll know you\u2019re shooting a compact revolver.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reliability * * * * *<\/strong><br \/>What can I say? It always goes bang. Nothing went wrong. The plate and optic remained in place. I would trust this gun to save my bacon, and that\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve said that about a Taurus revolver.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall * * * *<\/strong><br \/>I think Taurus has a damn fine concept down with the TORO series and the Defender 856. The red dot has helped me quickly become a more competent six-gun slinger. It\u2019s reliable and accurate, and while it might tenderize your hand, it won\u2019t fail you in a fight.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-next-post-navi\">\n<p>\nNext Post Coming Soon&#8230;\u25b6\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetruthaboutguns.com\/gun-review-taurus-defender-856-toro-revolver\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Next Post Coming Soon&#8230;\u25b6 Most of the revolvers I\u2019ve ever owned have been from Taurus. I used to believe revolvers were the more reliable gun, but every Taurus revolver I\u2019ve own has had some major malfunction. That includes triggers that could lock into single action, cylinders that wouldn\u2019t advance, and right a broken Judge whose [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1366,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1365"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1365\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}