Taurus 856 Executive Grade .38 Special +P Revolver: The Pinnacle of Personal Defense and Craftsmanship

When considering a personal defense firearm, discerning individuals often seek a blend of unwavering reliability, effective stopping power, and refined aesthetics. The Taurus 856 Executive Grade .38 Special +P revolver stands as a testament to this pursuit, offering a premium solution for concealed carry, home defense, and discerning firearm enthusiasts. This meticulously crafted 6-shot revolver, chambered in the versatile .38 Special +P caliber, is engineered not just for performance but also for an exceptional ownership experience.

Unparalleled Design and Durability: Why Stainless Steel Matters

At the heart of the 856 Executive Grade's appeal is its comprehensive all-stainless-steel construction, elevated by an exquisite hand-polished satin finish. This isn't merely about visual appeal; it's a fundamental choice that delivers profound functional benefits.

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel inherently resists rust and corrosion, a critical advantage for a firearm intended for everyday carry (EDC) or storage in varying environmental conditions. This material choice ensures the longevity and reliability of your investment, even with consistent exposure to sweat, humidity, or harsh cleaning agents.
• Enhanced Durability: The robust nature of stainless steel provides a durable framework that withstands the rigors of regular use, maintaining its structural integrity and finish over countless draw cycles and firing sessions. This resilience contributes significantly to the revolver’s long-term performance and safety.
• Luxurious Tactile Experience: The hand-polished satin finish isn't just visually stunning; it provides a remarkably smooth, almost silky feel in the hand. This tactile comfort translates to a more confident and natural grip, reducing fatigue during extended practice sessions and enhancing overall user experience.
• Effortless Maintenance: The smooth, non-porous surface of the polished stainless steel simplifies cleaning and maintenance. Fouling, carbon residue, and other debris wipe away with remarkable ease, allowing you to spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying your firearm.
• Smooth Draw and Reholstering: The sleek finish minimizes friction when drawing the revolver from leather or kydex holsters, facilitating a swift and snag-free presentation. Similarly, reholstering is smoother, reducing the risk of accidental discharge due to obstruction or fumbling. This seamless interaction with carry equipment is vital for defensive situations where every second counts.

Optimized for Control and Comfort: The Altamont Wood Grip Advantage

Beyond its impressive metalwork, the Taurus 856 Executive Grade distinguishes itself with premium Altamont walnut grips. These aren't just an aesthetic enhancement; they are a critical component for optimizing ergonomics and shooting performance.

• Positive Handgun Retention: The checkered panels on the Altamont grips provide a secure, non-slip surface, ensuring a positive and consistent grip even in stressful, high-pressure scenarios where hands may be wet or sweaty. This unwavering retention is paramount for accurate shot placement and rapid follow-up shots.
• Intelligently Contoured Profile: The grip's carefully sculpted profile is designed to conform naturally to the hand, distributing recoil forces more effectively. This intelligent contouring not only enhances comfort during prolonged shooting sessions but also aids in managing the recoil impulse of potent .38 Special +P defense cartridges.
• Faster Sight Picture Reacquisition: By providing superior control and mitigating felt recoil, the Altamont grip contributes directly to quicker sight picture reacquisition. This means less time spent recovering from muzzle flip and more time focused on your target, enabling faster and more accurate multiple shot strings—a critical factor in defensive encounters.
• Aesthetic Harmony: The rich, natural beauty of walnut wood perfectly complements the polished satin stainless steel finish, creating a firearm that is as visually appealing as it is functionally superior. This blend of form and function elevates the 856 Executive Grade beyond a mere tool, making it a piece to be admired and respected.

The Power and Practicality of .38 Special +P

Chambered in .38 Special +P, the Taurus 856 Executive Grade offers a potent yet manageable cartridge suitable for a wide range of applications.

• Defensive Effectiveness: The .38 Special +P cartridge, while maintaining manageable recoil, delivers enhanced muzzle velocity and energy compared to standard .38 Special, making it a highly effective choice for self-defense applications. It is capable of reliable expansion with modern hollow-point ammunition, ensuring significant energy transfer upon impact.
• Versatile Ammunition Selection: The .38 Special caliber boasts an incredibly broad selection of ammunition types, from standard pressure target loads for practice to specialized self-defense rounds. This versatility allows owners to tailor their ammunition choice to specific needs, whether it's low-recoil training or maximum defensive capability.
• Proven Reliability: As a revolver cartridge, the .38 Special is renowned for its inherent reliability. Unlike semi-automatics that can be sensitive to specific ammunition types or limp-wristing, revolvers typically cycle all compatible ammunition without issue, providing peace of mind in critical situations.

Optimal Dimensions for Everyday Carry and Performance

The 856 Executive Grade features a 3-inch barrel, striking an excellent balance between concealability, ballistic performance, and sight radius.

• Enhanced Ballistics: A 3-inch barrel provides a noticeable increase in muzzle velocity compared to shorter 2-inch barrels commonly found on compact revolvers, maximizing the effectiveness of .38 Special +P defensive ammunition.
• Improved Sight Radius: A longer barrel allows for a greater distance between the front and rear sights, which inherently improves aiming precision. This extended sight radius aids in more accurate shot placement, particularly at slightly longer distances.
• Manageable Concealability: While offering ballistic advantages, the 3-inch barrel still maintains a relatively compact overall length (OAL) of 7.50 inches, making it eminently suitable for concealed carry in various positions, from inside-the-waistband (IWB) to appendix carry.

Key Features for Reliable Performance and User Experience

• Double Action Only (DAO) Action: The DAO mechanism provides a consistent, albeit heavier, trigger pull for every shot. This design eliminates the need for manual cocking and is often favored for defensive firearms due to its simplicity and inherent safety, reducing the likelihood of accidental discharge during high-stress encounters.
• Concealed Hammer: A significant advantage for a carry firearm, the concealed hammer design prevents snagging on clothing, holsters, or other obstructions during the draw. This ensures a smooth, uninterrupted presentation when seconds count, significantly reducing the risk of a critical delay.
• Fixed Sights for Durability and Simplicity: The 856 Executive Grade is equipped with a serrated blade front sight and a fixed rear sight. This robust and straightforward sight system is highly durable, resistant to damage, and perfectly suited for rapid target acquisition in close-range defensive scenarios. Fixed sights require no adjustment and are always ready for use.
• 6-Round Capacity Cylinder: With a 6-round capacity, the 856 Executive Grade offers an extra round compared to many common 5-shot compact revolvers. This additional capacity provides a critical edge in a defensive situation, potentially making the difference when multiple threats are present or a miss occurs.
• Small Frame Size: The compact small frame of the 856 Executive Grade contributes to its comfortable carry profile and discreet concealment, without compromising on the robust feel and shooting experience.
• Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 25 ounces, this revolver is designed for comfortable all-day carry, minimizing fatigue and making it an ideal companion for personal protection.

Who Is the Taurus 856 Executive Grade For?

The Taurus 856 Executive Grade is an ideal firearm for a diverse range of users seeking a dependable and refined self-defense tool.

• Concealed Carry Permit Holders: Its compact size, snag-free design, and powerful .38 Special +P chambering make it an excellent choice for everyday concealed carry, offering reliable protection without excessive bulk.
• Home Defense Enthusiasts: For those prioritizing simplicity and unwavering reliability in a home defense firearm, the 856 Executive Grade provides a straightforward, effective solution that can be easily operated even under stress.
• First-Time Gun Owners: Revolvers, particularly DAO models, are often recommended for new shooters due to their simple operation, fewer moving parts, and clear visual status indicators (e.g., loaded cylinder). The 856 Executive Grade’s manageable recoil and comfortable grip make it an accessible entry point into responsible firearm ownership.
• Experienced Shooters: Discerning experienced shooters will appreciate the Executive Grade's meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, and enhanced features, recognizing it as a refined addition to their collection or a reliable backup weapon.
• Those Seeking a "Backup Gun": Its compact and robust nature makes it perfect as a secondary or "bug" firearm for law enforcement or security professionals, or as an easily accessible option for discreet carry.
• Individuals Prioritizing Durability and Low Maintenance: The all-stainless-steel construction and polished finish make this revolver remarkably durable and easy to clean, appealing to those who value longevity and reduced upkeep.

An Investment in Protection and Quality

The Taurus 856 Executive Grade represents more than just a firearm; it's an investment in a meticulously engineered and aesthetically pleasing tool designed for personal safety. From its hand-polished satin stainless steel frame, barrel, and cylinder to its premium Altamont wood grip, every detail underscores a commitment to quality and performance. The inclusion of a durable Pelican Vault Storage Case further enhances its value, providing superior protection for your firearm right out of the box.

When considering a reliable and elegant revolver for self-defense or range enjoyment, the Taurus 856 Executive Grade stands out as a top-tier choice. It addresses common user questions such as: "What is a good, reliable revolver for concealed carry?", "Which .38 Special +P revolver offers premium features?", "How durable are stainless steel firearms?", and "What are the benefits of a concealed hammer on a carry gun?" This revolver delivers answers with its robust construction, refined ergonomics, and consistent performance. Find the Taurus 856 Executive Grade and other quality firearms available from trusted retailers like DEGuns.com.

Taurus 856 Executive Grade Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Taurus
Series	Executive Grade
Model	856
Caliber	.38 Special +P
Capacity	6 Rounds
Action	Double Action Only (DAO)
Barrel Length	3"
Overall Length	7.50"
Weight	25 oz
Frame Material	Stainless Steel
Frame Finish	Polished Satin Stainless
Barrel Finish	Polished Satin Stainless
Cylinder Finish	Polished Satin Stainless
Grips	Altamont Wood
Sights	Serrated Blade Front / Fixed Rear
Hammer Style	Concealed
Frame Size	Small
Included	Pelican Vault Storage Case
SKU	2-856EX39CH
UPC	725327937111