First Look: Taurus 856 Executive Grade Revolver

For 2022, Taurus has launched the first in a new series of handguns with the introduction of the 856 Executive Grade revolver.

For years, the 856 has been a favorite for revolver fans looking for a dependable EDC handgun, thanks to its small frame, smooth operation and easy-to-conceal profile. The new 856 Executive Grade takes that same winning performance and elevates it with several appearance and performance modifications applied in its production room at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bainbridge, Ga.

The 856 Executive Grade features all-stainless-steel construction with an exquisite hand-polished satin finish, a combination that exceeds mere aesthetics. The stainless steel’s natural corrosion resistance combined with the silky finish delivers a more comfortable feel in the hand, easier clean up and maintenance, and a smoother draw through leather and clothing. The checkered panels and intelligently contoured profile on the Altamont walnut grip ensure positive handgun retention and control, and comfortably manages .38 Special +P defense cartridges for fast sight picture reacquisition.

Loading those defense cartridges is quicker and more precise thanks to the 856 Executive Grade’s smooth and chamfered cylinder chambers. By slightly radiusing the chamber edge, cartridges slip easily into the cylinder by preventing the case mouths from “tripping” on the chamber edge. This is a particularly welcome feature when manually reloading or when using a speed loader under duress.

Another enhancement to the 856 Executive Grade is found in the trigger—each is hand-tuned to deliver a smoother trigger pull and a sear break that is crisp and predictable. This custom tuning allows the shooter to maintain better control of the sight picture through the trigger pull and a cleaner break for greater accuracy.

It comes with a 3-inch barrel and a concealed hammer. Taurus engineers chose this barrel configuration for its longer sight radius and improved velocity when compared to 2-inch barrel revolvers. Combined, the more precise sight alignment and higher velocity means more accurate and harder-hitting terminal performance in a personal defense handgun.

Finally, the 856 Executive Grade comes with a spurless hammer. With the hammer contoured flush with the frame, the revolver won’t snag or hang up when drawing from deep concealment.

For transportation convenience, the 856 Executive Grade comes with a lock-compatible Pelican Vault hard case, providing maximum impact resistance and weather protection for any travel scenario.

Technical Specifications
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Capacity: 6 rnds.
Action Type: double-action only
Firing System: hammer, concealed
Front Sight: serrated, removable
Rear Sight: fixed
Grip: Altamont walnut checkered
Frame Size: small
Barrel Length: 3”
Overall Length: 5”
Overall Height: 8”
Overall Width: 41”
Weight: 25 ozs.
Frame, Barrel, Cylinder Material: stainless steel
Metal Finish: hand-polished satin
Included: Pelican Vault hard case
MSRP: $689

For more information on the new Taurus 856 Executive Grade, visit taurususa.com.