First Look: Taurus 856 Executive Grade Revolver

by
posted on May 30, 2022
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

Ledewildlife Conservation Anti Rhino Poaching Appeal
Ledewildlife Conservation Anti Rhino Poaching Appeal

Conservation Group Launches Fundraiser Following Brutal Rhino Poaching

At the end of April, poachers broke into the Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy in Zimbabwe in search of rhinoceros horn—an incredibly valuable commodity on the international market. The poachers brutally shot and killed a tame 22-year-old black rhino male called Gomo and, with axe in tow, massacred its head and face and seized its horns.

Maine Game Warden and Working Canine Locate Missing Toddler

Our license fees, tag purchases and conservation stamp funds pay most of the bills for managing wildlife and enforcing regulations. In some cases, it also locates lost toddlers and saves innocent lives.

New for 2025: Proof Research Tundra Ti X

The lightweight precision rifle for long-range hunters blends tactical adjustability with a classic Monte-Carlo design and cutting-edge titanium action.

Review: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

The Barnes Harvest Collection offers hunters incredible precision and stopping power through Barnes’ renowned terminal performance and Sierra’s acclaimed accuracy. 

First Look: Kifaru Hoodlum Pack

Kifaru, well-known and regarded for its American-made, backcountry-hunting gear have announced major upgrades to the Hoodlum, the company's go-to expedition pack built for long hauls.

Hardware Review: Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Holosun/Indian Creek Combo

Mossberg's 940 Pro Turkey package, complete with a Holosun optic and Indian Creek choke, might be the ultimate turkey slaying tool. Read on for our review of this excellent combination.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.