I've been eyeballing these two. I have and old steel 85 I have on me pretty much all the time. I want to upgrade to a lighter model and these two have my attention. I have no real complaints with my 85 and the 6th round on the 856 would be a nice upgrade. I'm kinda stuck on the 642 though. Always wanted one and in the hand there is an obvious quality difference. It has a better trigger and tighter lockup than the 856. What are you guys opinions on these two? I dont need anyone to make my mind up, just would like some insight from owners of both.
642 and the taurus 856 ul
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g30nut
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I've been eyeballing these two. I have and old steel 85 I have on me pretty much all the time. I want to upgrade to a lighter model and these two have my attention. I have no real complaints with my 85 and the 6th round on the 856 would be a nice upgrade. I'm kinda stuck on the 642 though. Always wanted one and in the hand there is an obvious quality difference. It has a better trigger and tighter lockup than the 856. What are you guys opinions on these two? I dont need anyone to make my mind up, just would like some insight from owners of both.
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I have a 442 that I carry every day at work as a BUG and most days when I’m off as my carry gun. Love it.
I only have experience with older (90’s) steel Taurus revolvers. I have to admit I’ve been close to picking up a $200 but have not yet. I usually just end up getting a smith for slightly more.
They can be found used around $300 frequently. Or splurge and for $400 get a 642 pro series cut for clips.
I just ordered a 638-2 that should be coming in soon.
I have a small frame snubby addiction.
I only have experience with older (90’s) steel Taurus revolvers. I have to admit I’ve been close to picking up a $200 but have not yet. I usually just end up getting a smith for slightly more.
They can be found used around $300 frequently. Or splurge and for $400 get a 642 pro series cut for clips.
I just ordered a 638-2 that should be coming in soon.
I have a small frame snubby addiction.
After researching earlier this year, I got the S&W. It's great in a lot of ways, but shoots noticeably left past about 10 yards.
Reviews I found on Taurus weren't flattering. I would definitely consider the Ruger LCP if I were buying again. Not saying I would definitely buy it over the S&W, but I would handle one a bit more before deciding.
Reviews I found on Taurus weren't flattering. I would definitely consider the Ruger LCP if I were buying again. Not saying I would definitely buy it over the S&W, but I would handle one a bit more before deciding.
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https://www.taurususa.com/taurus-introduces-new-856/
You are right .. It is +P rated ..
This is taken straight off Taurus's site
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I would definitely chose a 642 over a Taurus. I've had a couple of Taurus revolvers and they all had lousy triggers. Smith and Wessons have much better triggers. Even Charter arms and Rugers have better triggers than Taurus. The single action trigger isn't bad but the DA triggers are very difficult to operate smoothly.
I've shot a Taurus Raging bull in 454 Casull and a 410 Judge and those were nice guns but I only shot them single action. a small pocket pistol for defensive purposes should only be shot in DA mode and the better the trigger the better your accuracy will be.
A good gunsmith can greatly improve a Ruger DA trigger but I don't know what can be done with Taurus triggers. Also if you've never shot a revolver double action, it takes practice before you can get good with it, like about 5-600 rounds. It would almost be better to first get a S&W revolver chambered in 22 LR to practice with before getting a 38 for self defense.
Something like a 10 shot model 617 pre-lock. or a Smith and Wesson 43C which would be the prefect trainer to the S&W 442 because it's a DAO with the same length barrel but with an 8 shot cylinder which is perfect for practicing with a DA trigger.
I've shot a Taurus Raging bull in 454 Casull and a 410 Judge and those were nice guns but I only shot them single action. a small pocket pistol for defensive purposes should only be shot in DA mode and the better the trigger the better your accuracy will be.
A good gunsmith can greatly improve a Ruger DA trigger but I don't know what can be done with Taurus triggers. Also if you've never shot a revolver double action, it takes practice before you can get good with it, like about 5-600 rounds. It would almost be better to first get a S&W revolver chambered in 22 LR to practice with before getting a 38 for self defense.
Something like a 10 shot model 617 pre-lock. or a Smith and Wesson 43C which would be the prefect trainer to the S&W 442 because it's a DAO with the same length barrel but with an 8 shot cylinder which is perfect for practicing with a DA trigger.
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Strictly one man's opinion...I would just keep the 85...( one of their better models I believe) and purchase a case of ammo with the $ you were going to spend
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I have owned several 85's and 605's .. They all had triggers as good and better than any S&W J frame , I have owned ...
But tbe difference is minimal..
Heavy trigger = Heavy trigger
The Charter option is there ..
I own 5 .. I think the Charter trigger is a bit lighter.. But still heavy .. and a bit gritty ..But I have Zero problems with them .. And the Aluminum framed Charters are light .. My Goldfinger is 12oz
I put a DAO hammer on it and
custom polymer grip panels
![Image]()
I practice with 130gr FMJ
and carry Hornady 110gr FTX
standard pressure..
The steel frame 38spl 5 shot Charters weigh only 16oz
But tbe difference is minimal..
Heavy trigger = Heavy trigger
The Charter option is there ..
I own 5 .. I think the Charter trigger is a bit lighter.. But still heavy .. and a bit gritty ..But I have Zero problems with them .. And the Aluminum framed Charters are light .. My Goldfinger is 12oz
I put a DAO hammer on it and
custom polymer grip panels
I practice with 130gr FMJ
and carry Hornady 110gr FTX
standard pressure..
The steel frame 38spl 5 shot Charters weigh only 16oz
Of the two, I'd take a shot with the Taurus. I think they have a rebate going, which makes it around a $200 gun. If it works (and I've been hearing goods things), it's a cheap win, an you get one more shot than the Smith.
But I'm going to put in the obligatory dig against revolvers. If you're carrying either gun, for the same size, you can get more rounds of more effective ammo, with a slim, subcompact 9mm.
But I'm going to put in the obligatory dig against revolvers. If you're carrying either gun, for the same size, you can get more rounds of more effective ammo, with a slim, subcompact 9mm.
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I agree of the taurus revolvers I've had contact with it's one of their better offerings. I'm looking for a lightweight option, that's why I'm looking around now.
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I have 2 642s, one with the lock and one without. both have smooth trigger pulls right out of the box. The newest(no lock) had a very heavy hammer spring in it, replaced it with a Wolff standard spring and now it's about like the older 642. Both shoot dead on. They are hard to shoot, small, light and have heavy recoil. My LC9 is easier to shoot but the LC doesn't work in a pants pocket and it's a little heavier. The 642 is totally good for it's intended purpose but you need to practice with it.
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