I May buy a used stainless steel frame 856

Aside from carefully examining the outside, finish, barrel crown, looking down the bore for irregularities, here's a list of checks to be sure your prospective purchase is a sound firearm. All this with the permission of the seller and after being certain it's unloaded. Good luck, seems like a good price.

I like the check list that Czechbikr attached.

Thanks for reply. Reference to Taurus on page 10 of 12 of the attached revolver checkout is brings up the reason I ask about the 856. The revolver checkout procedure was posted by the well known Jim March, but it's dated 2011. I was hopping to find out if the users of the gun had any specific issues with them to look for. I 'm 70 and prefer a revolver for carry in a pocket. I've got a Colt Cobra and a S&W model 38 I carry now. I was considering a 6 shot revolver the size of a J Frame as another option. So I'm looking at an 856 if they're reliable;.

777Driver said:

I like the check list that Czechbikr attached.

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Wouldn't that make it a Czech list?

I own two 856's in the snubby size. The first 856 was purchased 3 months after the product announcement, the second was purchased a few months ago. Both are running great. The newer stainless 856 has duty as a bed gun, so I tuned the action for a 8lb DA and a 4 lb SA. The other is my mowing gun and rides in a Bulldog pocket holster, I need better accuracy with this one, so I tuned it to 6lb DA and 3lb SA for hitting varmints on the run. IMO you should end up with a good revolver. Just verify it hasn't been cowboyed ( spinning the cylinder and slamming it home ). To do that verify lockup and look for damage to the cylinder star.

popeye said:

Thanks for reply. Reference to Taurus on page 10 of 12 of the attached revolver checkout is brings up the reason I ask about the 856. The revolver checkout procedure was posted by the well known Jim March, but it's dated 2011. I was hopping to find out if the users of the gun had any specific issues with them to look for. I 'm 70 and prefer a revolver for carry in a pocket. I've got a Colt Cobra and a S&W model 38 I carry now. I was considering a 6 shot revolver the size of a J Frame as another option. So I'm looking at an 856 if they're reliable;.

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Jim March seems to have disappeared off the Internet, unfortunatly. I was hoping for the promised 10 year update.

Anyway, the 856. My recollection is, Taurus had this model out for a while, then dropped it. Then, reintroduced it to replace the Model 85, several years ago. For the reintroduced 856, I have read nothing bad, which is unusual. Here's a typical review from the Revolverguy blog: Field Report: Taurus 856 .38 Special.

Bought the 856 Defender (3") a week ago or so. Have not had a chance to get it out and shoot it yet.

One issue, is finding a holster. closely molded kydex for 5 shot snub is not going to fit.

I like Taurus revolvers, and six beats five every time. So I keep an eye on first hand accounts of experience with the 856. If I were you, I'd leave a trail of rubber to the guy selling that revolver.

Went to take a look at the 856 today. I had to take a pass. It's got a trigger return problem. It hangs up just short of reset once in every 10-12 trigger pulls. I'm not short stroking it. I took my finger off the trigger after each pull and sometimes it just hangs there short of reset. Some body filled it with oil trying to fix the problem. Maybe it's a kitchen table spring kit failure, but I'm not going to fool with it.
Thanks for all replies and info, JIM

That's too bad. It happens when someone fools around with the internals sometimes. There will be other deals

popeye said:

Went to take a look at the 856 today. I had to take a pass. It's got a trigger return problem. It hangs up just short of reset once in every 10-12 trigger pulls. I'm not short stroking it. I took my finger off the trigger after each pull and sometimes it just hangs there short of reset. Some body filled it with oil trying to fix the problem. Maybe it's a kitchen table spring kit failure, but I'm not going to fool with it.
Thanks for all replies and info, JIM

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Hmm. The stock trigger return spring is plenty strong enough.

could you tell if this was a current production 856, or one from the prior incarnation of the product?

Yeah, probably best to pass.

I'd look for another one if you liked how it was put together. $275. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.I seen a ton on gunbroker.com AND there's the other problem...

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I just bought a new 2" black finish 856 from a LGS for $299.95 + tax. It functions perfectly but I'm going to get the Galloway spring set and do some polishing on the internals. (I wouldn't bother, but it's replacing a 1963 S&W Model 12-2 that has the second best trigger pull in my accumulation!)

Sent with some arcane communications device.

3" barrel, good sights, good grips - congratulations!