Taurus 856 Executive Grade: a Stainless EDC Revolver Option

If you’re interested in expanding your gun collection to include a revolver, you’re in luck. The 856 Executive Grade revolver, chambered in 38 Special +P, is designed as a high-end addition to the Taurus firearms line. The original 856 will remain available, but the Executive Grade variant promises to be popular due to its many features, both for use and aesthetics.

The Taurus 856 Executive Grade has a stainless steel frame with a hand-polished satin finish. Its overall height is 4.80 inches and overall length is 7.5 inches; it is possible to conceal this revolver if desired. The gun has a 6-round capacity and is chambered in 38 Special +P, so users have the option of using overpressure rounds. Each revolver ships in a Pelican hard case. These are double-action-only guns with concealed hammers.

Taurus made the following statement regarding their 856 Executive Grade revolver:

For years, the 856 has been the go-to favorite for revolver fans looking for a dependable EDC handgun, thanks to its small frame, smooth operation, and easy-to-conceal profile. The 856 Executive Grade takes that same winning performance and elevates it with several appearance and performance modifications applied in its own production room at the state-of-the-art Taurus manufacturing facility in Bainbridge, Georgia.

The 856 Executive Grade features all-stainless-steel construction with an exquisite hand-polished satin finish. The combination 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. Even the premium Altamont walnut grip provides improved function as well as form. The checkered panels and intelligently contoured profile ensure positive handgun retention and control in stressful conditions and comfortably manages .38 Special +P defense cartridges for fast sight picture reacquisition.

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 an especially welcome feature when manually reloading or when using a speed loader under duress.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Taurus
• Model: 856 Executive Grade
• Caliber: .38 Special +P
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• 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: 3.0 in.
• Overall Length: 7.5 in.
• Overall Height: 4.80 in.
• Overall Width: 1.41 in.
• Weight: 25 oz.
• Frame, Barrel, Cylinder Material: stainless steel
• Metal Finish: hand-polished satin
• Included: Pelican™ Vault hard case
• MSRP: $689.00

Revolvers the size of the Taurus 856 Executive Grade are a solid option for concealed carry purposes. If capacity is what’s stopping you, remember it’s possible to add a speedloader to your carry setup.

Do you carry a revolver for self-defense purposes? Tell us about it in the comments section below.