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

LEDE Thompson Center
LEDE Thompson Center

Thompson/Center Arms Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Thompson/Center Arms is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Since 1965, T/C Arms has built a legacy rooted in the pioneering spirit of American hunters.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors: Lucy Evans from Georgia and John Bruner from Pennsylvania.

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .30-06 Springfield

I’ve had more than a few requests for this Head to Head, so I figured it was high time to pit two of the early 20th century’s most popular military cartridges against one another. Let's dive into the 7x57mm Mauser vs. the .30-06 Springfield.

NRA Hunter Education FREE Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The National Rifle Association of America’s award-winning free Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Louisiana, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states.

Moultrie Updates Line of Game Feeders

Moultrie has expanded the capacity of its line of feeders, and bettered the cameras' integration with the company's connected technology to streamline the feeding process.

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.