This week on TFB’s Wheelgun Wednesday, we’ll take a sneak peek at the brand-new Taurus 856 TORO revolver, which is an optics-ready revolver, driven with concealed carry and self-defense in mind. The aptly named “T.O.R.O.” in this case stands for Taurus Optics Ready Option, which was initially launched in 2021 with Taurus’ G3 semi-auto pistol. However, the TORO line has just been expanded to two of their small framed revolvers, the 856 and 605. Taurus was kind enough to lend me a copy of the model 856 TORO, which we’ll take a quick preview of today, with a full review coming in the near future.

Wheelgun Wednesday @ TFB:

• Taurus 605 Review– An Affordable Snubnose Revolver
• Lots of New Revolvers from Taurus and Rossi
• Top 5 Reasons You Should Buy A Revolver
• An Intimate Look at the Colt King Cobra Target

TAURUS 856 TORO REVOLVER: INITIAL INSPECTION

The Taurus 856 TORO revolver comes in matte black and satin stainless finishes and is chambered for .38 Special +P. Having previously reviewed Taurus models 605 and 66, I wasn’t surprised to find the fit and finish were superb on the 856 TORO. The grip is extremely comfortable, and the controls function flawlessly. The trigger has a slight grittiness to it, but I suspect that will smooth out once I start getting more trigger time, and I don’t foresee it causing accuracy issues.

Interestingly, the Taurus Security System integral hammer lock has been omitted from the Taurus 856, including the 856 TORO and 605 TORO, while it’s still included in other 605 configurations. I haven’t heard near as much cursing when it comes to Taurus’ security lock as I have with Smith & Wesson’s lock, but I’ve never personally had an instance of one locking from either manufacturer. However, at least in the case of the TORO models, it’s something we won’t have to think about.

TAURUS 856 TORO REVOLVER: OPTICS READY

Taurus has billed the T.O.R.O. revolver line as the first factory optics-ready revolver on the market. The S&W TRR8 and R8 models were supplied with a Picatinny top rail for optics, and could likely claim first place, however, that option set optics quite high above the bore, and likely created some holster compatibility issues. Even Taurus’ own Raging Hunter line had lower profile Picatinny rails built into the barrel shroud, although I think Taurus’ claim for the TORO revolver line is going specifically for the pistol red dot, or micro pistol red dot market that does not rely on Picatinny rails at all. In that regard, they’ve truly made first place, and mounting a pistol red dot optic as low as possible is now affordably achieved from the factory.

Taurus opted for the supplied optics plate to be compatible with the Holosun K footprint, but it’s cut in a way that it should also be compatible with the Shield RMSc footprint as well since there are no rear indexing lugs. There’s also at least one promo photo from Taurus with Riton red dots installed. I have the most experience with Holosun pistol optics, so I ordered a Holosun 407K for the pending review.

I LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER

Taurus was thinking ahead when it comes to the defensive TORO revolver line. Since pistols with optics tend to throw a wrench into traditional holster compatibility, they’ll be offering purpose-built holsters on their website. Harry’s Holsters has been working on “The Monocle” holster specifically built for the 856 TORO, which is on its way and will be included in the full review. In the meantime, you can check out the 856 TORO’s full specs HERE, or visit TaurusUSA.com to see what other products they offer.

What do you think about the new defensive T.O.R.O. revolver line from Taurus?