In recent years, Taurus USA has focused on expanding its selection of revolvers, particularly those suited to concealed carry and personal defense. One of its latest designs is the 850, which builds on the company's earlier 650 design, providing the same shrouded-hammer design in a .38 Special-only chambering. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above to see the details of this compact carry revolver.
"When it comes to personal defense and concealed carry, nothing really beats a simple wheelgun," NRA Media Shooting Editor Christopher Olsen said. "And that's where Taurus is really focused in the last few years. What I have here is a Model 850. Now, this is a double-action-only, .38 Special, five-shot revolver. Now, this gun lands in Taurus’ small frame revolver, So it's much like a Smith & Wesson J-Frame, as far as the size."
The Taurus 850 measures 7.6 inches long, 4.59 inches tall and weighs 22.7 ounces, empty, thanks to its all-steel construction. The gun is outfitted with a 2-inch barrel and has a 1.34-inch-wide cylinder with space for five rounds.
"Now, that's what's unique about this series of gun, it's reminiscent of a previous design Taurus has done before. So it's not a new design," Olsen said. "It's been one that's done for over 100 years. And the result of the hammerless design is it makes this a more pocketable revolver with no hammer spur to catch back here. You can easily pull this out of a pocket very simply with just a little pocket holster.
In terms of controls, the Taurus 850 is simple, having a left-side cylinder release latch on the frame, along with a fully shrouded ejector rod. The replaceable front sight is held in with a roll pin, allowing users to swap it out for aftermarket sights, if desired. A textured rubber grip provides plenty of purchase, and the smooth trigger doesn't wear on the trigger finger during extended range sessions.
"Taking the 850 the range is really a lot of fun, you know, because this is chambered in .38 Special," Olsen said. "You can have those more reduced loads to keep on target. So if you're recoil-adverse or you just want to keep on target while you're shooting, the Taurus 850 is a stellar option. Now, if you want something that's a little more potent, the 650 also has you covered."
Taurus 850 Specifications
Manufacturer: Taurus Armas (Brazil)
Importer: Taurus USA
Action Type: double-action-only, centerfire revolver
Chambering: .38 Special
Barrel: 2-inch alloy steel; 1:16.5-inch RH-twist rifling
Finish: matte black
Frame: alloy steel
Grip: one-piece rubber
Cylinder Capacity: five-round
Sights: square-notch rear, fixed; removable, serrated front
Trigger: 12 pound, 11-ounce pull
Overall Length: 7.66 inches
Height: 4.59 inches
Width: 1.34 inches
Weight: 22.7 ounces
Accessories: owner's manual, lock
MSRP: $500
