New 856 owner
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5,023 Posts
Full range report with pics, or it didn't happen. Lol. I debated about an 856 but went with 605 instead. I think either is a fine choice, but you may have CA limitations to deal with too.
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10,067 Posts
Welcome aboard from NW Arkansas.
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47 Posts
Welcome, from NC.
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23 Posts
Somehow, CA allows this model. Also, it was some months back during "lockdowns" and not many guns in the local store. Biggest disappointment for now is cost of ammo. I won't mind practicing with a .22 85% and the .38 15%, as long as I can stay safely attuned to the .38. Once we get to the range, I just MIGHT report on how we felt about it all.
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4,094 Posts
Welcome from South-Central Pennsylvania. Good of choice of gun. Get some good instruction from a good, safe shooter, abd PRACTICE ! - - - A lot.
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10,328 Posts
I assume there are probably a few Internet videos on care & cleaning and maybe some reviews as well. As one who does not consider himself a "gun guy" I suggest reading and watching everything you can get your hands on. There may also be a few good safety videos as well.
Welcome to the club. It can be quite addictive!
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23 Posts
Got 40 good HP rounds for home defense, 350 lo-cost ones for the range. Kinda wish I'd chosen a 9mm for lower ammo prices, but the weight (for my wife) and availability during "pandemic" shutdowns led me to the 856 revolver that I really like so far. Will def get more ammo as time passes and we do more range time, PLUS watching for .38 Spl range ammo on sale. Almost sure we'll end up with a .22LR pistol for her. Just too damned bad it won't be a TX22 compact (not OK in California). Looks like a GREAT little gun.
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23 Posts
In that process as we exchange notes here. Learning all I can about it. Already got a cleaning kit, ear & eye protection and a laser grip. I won't install the laser until we've both fired at least several dozen rounds each without it. Want us to learn to aim it and recover on target laser-less, THEN improve ability with it installed AFTER we find some comfort with the new pistol as is. Waiting to see what else we're missing after range times. .22 range training with a NRA certified person starts next week.
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23 Posts
Thanks. Because we are new, range training with NRA certified folks starting next week. Will use .22's to get savvy with range protocols, safety and save money on ammo. Will fire the 856 later. .38 Spl ammo is expensive!!
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23 Posts
So far, so good. Ammo is costly as hell but I've got a little "inventory," so no worries. Will train with .22's and save a lot of cash as we learn range protocols and gun safety intuitions develop. Working with 2 NRA certified trainers from our neighborhood. Looking forward to the experience.
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3,247 Posts
Over the years I've bought several guns for my wife thinking she would like them.
First she tried the Taurus G2C, but it was too hard for her to rack the slide (my wife is small).
So I got her a Taurus PT-738 .380. She liked the size of the gun, but when she fired it she said it was "too snappy".
I got her a Bersa Thunder 380, but again it was too hard to rack, and "too complicated".
She tried all my guns, and to my surprise the one she liked best was my Taurus Model 85 snub-nose .38 Special revolver.
She liked it because it was simple; and even though it has a pretty good kick, it has a good rubber grip that she says "feels right".
She qualified for her CCW with that snubbie, and did quite well.
I first got my CCW (carry conceal weapon) in 2014. When I was up for renewal in 2019, I told my wife that she should a CCW too.
She said "why, I don't want to carry?". I told her that there were two reasons for her to get a CCW.
1. In Nevada, between taking the required class course and processing the application, it takes about 4 months to get your CCW. If she already has her CCW and ever changes her mind about carrying, she can start carrying immediately, and not have to wait 4 months.
2. If we're ever in an accident, and I have to go to the hospital, she can legally take possession of my weapon and take it home.
In some parts of California it's easy to get a CCW; in others it's very hard.
Find out what your county requires.
BTW, I recommend that all new gun owners read "The Law of Self Defense", by Andrew Branca.
Check out his website at: www.lawofselfdefense.com, where you can order his book.
LOTS of good info there, and it's an easy read.
Is the regular TX22 (non-compact version) approved in CA? In reality, it's only slightly bigger than the compact and right now it's costs less. You may be limited to 10-round mags (not sure), which Taurus sells. Check 'em out:
Taurus TX22 Compact vs Taurus TX22 size comparison | Handgun Hero
Compare the dimensions and specs of Taurus TX22 Compact and Taurus TX22
www.handgunhero.com
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175 Posts
Good choice for a revolver. I went with the 605 because I got a killer deal on it, but the 856 is a solid revolver.
Save your 38 brass in case you ever get into reloading. I load 38 and 357 and save quite a bit of money. It’s a rewarding hobby that gives you increased accuracy along with the cost savings. I shoot a lot and always have ammo during the shortages.
Save your 38 brass in case you ever get into reloading. I load 38 and 357 and save quite a bit of money. It’s a rewarding hobby that gives you increased accuracy along with the cost savings. I shoot a lot and always have ammo during the shortages.
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23 Posts
777driver - Thanks for the input. When we DO get to firing our 856 at the range, maybe she'll find it okay. She's already concerned about the trigger in DA pull force when dry firing (we're using snap caps). She's smart and steady so its a good possibility she'll overcome "that feeling" in real firing plus, gotta wait and see if the kick is too much . . . for either of us "old folks."
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