Do Revolvers Suck? Taurus 856 Toro First Looks

Published on November 19, 2023
Duration: 17:11

This review of the Taurus 856 Toro revolver highlights its innovative approach to integrating a red dot sight for defensive use, addressing challenges faced by aging eyes. The presenter, Mark from Fit'n Fire, discusses the firearm's suitability as a backup or truck gun, noting its ease of use and the benefits of the red dot for target acquisition. He also touches upon the initial challenges with optic mounting and holster availability, offering solutions and personal carry preferences.

Quick Summary

The Taurus 856 Toro is a .38 Special revolver designed for defensive use, featuring red dot readiness through a directly mounted optic plate. This innovation aims to improve target acquisition, particularly for users with vision challenges, and offers a simpler alternative to modern striker-fired pistols for backup or truck gun roles.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction & Podcast Context
  2. 00:37Taurus 856 Toro First Look
  3. 01:16Why Revolvers "Suck" (and why they don't)
  4. 01:50Taurus Sponsorship & Disclaimer
  5. 03:01Red Dot Innovation on Revolvers
  6. 03:46Taurus 856 Toro Specs & Red Dot Mount
  7. 04:39Why Put a Red Dot on a Revolver?
  8. 05:57Aging Eyes & Red Dot Benefits
  9. 06:30Shooting Experience (.38 Special)
  10. 07:03Point of Aim/Impact Challenges
  11. 07:35Red Dot Expands Ammunition Options
  12. 07:59Carry Situation & Holster Availability
  13. 08:38Concealment Challenges with Red Dot
  14. 09:12Trigger Pull (Double & Single Action)
  15. 10:08Issues with Mounting Plate & Optic Footprint
  16. 11:14Solution: Swampfox Sentinel Optic
  17. 12:03Use Case: Backup & Truck Gun
  18. 13:06Dislikes About Revolvers (Trigger)
  19. 13:40Preference for Modern Pistols (EDC)
  20. 14:41Revolver for Retention & Malfunction Resistance
  21. 15:42Overall Impressions & Round Count
  22. 16:03Conclusion & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Taurus 856 Toro a unique defensive revolver?

The Taurus 856 Toro stands out by being red dot ready, featuring a frame drilled and tapped for direct optic mounting. This design aims to improve target acquisition, especially for users with declining eyesight, and addresses potential tolerance stacking issues common with other mounting methods.

What are the primary use cases for the Taurus 856 Toro?

The presenter suggests the Taurus 856 Toro is best suited as a backup gun, a truck gun, or a firearm easily handed off to others due to its simple operation. Its ease of use and the option of a red dot make it accessible for various defensive scenarios.

What challenges were encountered with mounting optics on the Taurus 856 Toro?

Initial challenges involved the factory RMSc footprint mounting plate, which caused elevation adjustment issues with certain optics like the Holosun 407K/507K. The presenter found the Swampfox Sentinel to be a compatible alternative that resolved these zeroing problems.

How does the red dot sight affect the concealability of the Taurus 856 Toro?

While the red dot enhances usability, it can also increase the overall profile of the revolver, potentially counteracting concealment aids like holster claws and making it more difficult to carry without printing, especially in certain positions.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Fit'n Fire

View all →