First Look: Taurus 856 Executive Grade Revolver

by
posted on May 30, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Taurus 856 Executive Grade Revolver Lead

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

Taurus 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.

Taurus 856 Executive Grade Revolver Cylinder

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.

Taurus 856 Executive Grade Revolver Trigger

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.

Taurus 856 Executive Grade Revolver Concealed Hammer

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.

Latest

Praxis Frame Pack LEDE
Praxis Frame Pack LEDE

New for 2026: Latitude Outdoors Whitetail Frame Packs

Mobile whitetail hunters have long faced a familiar compromise: carry a lightweight pack for the hunt, or haul a frame pack for the pack out. Latitude Outdoors has released a pack to solve that problem, with a frame system built from the ground up for the mobile whitetail hunter.

The Problem with Pressures: A +Peak Revolution?

The history of the projectile, and of the centerfire cartridge, is fascinating, and it seems as though we are ready to take the next step forward. Or are we? Let's take a look at how pressures have affected cartridges throughout history, and the evolution that seems to be currently starting.

More than $1.3 Billion Raised by Duck Stamp Sales

On June 26 the 2026-2027 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, aka Duck Stamp, went on sale. The fact it raises about $40 million for conservation annually gets the headlines, but there are underpublicized benefits for making the $25 purchase—even non-hunters.

Hardware Review: Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR

Check out Frank Melloni's review of the Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR.

First Look: Hawke Optics Vantage HD 30 SF

Hawke Optics has introduced its Vantage HD 30 SF, a second-focal plane riflescope line boasting System H2 optics for clarity.

Pyrodex Turns 50

Pryodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute that continues to be one of Hodgdon Powder Company’s most popular products for hunters who head afield with a “smoke pole,” was first introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.