Is your the “Defender“ 856?

https://www.taurususa.com/revolvers/small-frame-revolvers/taurus-856/taurus-defender-856-toro-38-special-matte-black-3-in

If not, I probably would give Taurus a call and see what they suggest.
How to mount a red dot on a revolver?

How to mount a red dot on a revolver? | [November Updated]

Mounting a red dot on a revolver can greatly enhance accuracy and target acquisition. To do so, you’ll need a mount that is compatible with your specific make and model of revolver, along with the necessary tools to install it properly. Once mounted, adjust the red dot to align with your sights...

thegunzone.com

Red Dots on Revolvers (and Other Handguns)

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/blog/revolver-red-dots-a-new-way-to-six-gun/

 

If it isn’t the 856 TORO, you can’t.

 

The small frame Taurus TORO revolvers' top straps are simply drilled and tapped in two places. If you have a plate you can have just about any of them TORO converted.

 

It's worth a few wraps of gaffer tape I'm sure....

 

JB WELD for the win.

 

Im sure some gunsmith could drill and tap it.

 

My first thought was something about pigs and lipstick, but the more I think about how junky and misaligned the sights are on my 856 Defender, the more I realize I should probably be thinking about putting a dot on mine, too.

 

Are the sights misaligned? Or is the barrel canted??
FWIW I have enjoyed the optic on my Taurus 327.

 

I would do it pretty much the same way Taurus does. Get an optic mount for the 856/605/327 TORO then take your revolver to a gunsmith (assuming its not a TORO revolver) and have the top strap drilled and tapped for that optic plate.

 

Step one- throw 856 in trash

 

I wouldnt. If I thought i needed a red dot on a revolver id get one that is "ready" or youve seen modded and know people that do that..

 

Hard ‘nooop.’

First off, it’s a Taurus.

Second, doing experiments-on-the-cheap are what Charter Arms junk-guns are for. They’re priced to Bubba-‘smith.

You can thank me later.

 

The best way would be to take the Taurus to a gun show. Walk around with it until you can sell it to somebody new to shooting, who doesn't know any better. Then find a used Glock 43X MOS and buy that and put a Shield pattern red dot on it.

 

1. Sell the taurus junk

2. purchase something else

 

Gotta love the haters that come out of the woodwork.

I've had two Taurus revolvers and never had any trouble with either functioning as intended. The sights on the 856, as mentioned above, are atrocious. The half-moon description from the OP is spot on. It is my wife's gun and she feels comfortable carrying it and shooting it. I've tried to get her to switch over to either a M&P Shield or a CZ P10 but she keeps coming back to the Taurus. She likes the red dot on the M&P and the green dot on the CZ but just prefers her 856. I have looked into the TORO model but would prefer to not have to get a new gun.

 

I have two Taurus revolvers. Both are good shooters. Fit and finish is on par with my S&W 442 & 642.

 

My first thought is, I wouldn't buy a Taurus to begin with.

My second thought is, why would I put lipstick on a pig?

My third thought is...

When my daughter was about 10 years old I took her into a gun store with me and as we were looking at guns she saw a Taurus revolver with some purple grips and she asked me to buy it for her. In response I said "Honey, I love you and father's who love their daughter's don't buy them a Taurus.". I bought her a Heritage .22 with pink grips instead.

True story.

 

My first thought is, I wouldn't buy a Taurus to begin with.

My second thought is, why would I put lipstick on a pig?

My third thought is...

When my daughter was about 10 years old I took her into a gun store with me and as we were looking at guns she saw a Taurus revolver with some purple grips and she asked me to buy it for her. In response I said "Honey, I love you and father's who love their daughter's don't buy them a Taurus.". I bought her a Heritage .22 with pink grips instead.

True story.

So you bought her a gun from a company that is owned by Taurus?

 

1. Take the Taurus, throw it in trash can. End of story.