From Taurus USA . . .

In October of 2023 we asked consumers what innovation they wanted to see on the heels of the 856 Executive Grade. The answer was swift and unanimous: a small frame optics ready revolver.

Taurus 856 TORO optic optics ready revolver red dot sight

You asked, we answered. Introducing the first ever optics ready small frame revolvers, the Taurus 856 T.O.R.O. and the Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. Both revolvers are milled at the factory to accept the optics plate designed specifically for this application. The plate itself accepts compact red dots designed for the Holosun K footprint. For example, you could take the new 856 T.O.R.O. and mount the Holosun EPS Carry on it and be ready to roll.

Taurus 856 TORO optic optics ready revolver red dot sight

The advantages to a red dot on a revolver are significant. Obviously, red dot sights are easier for many people to shoot. Additionally, a red dot can be zeroed to a specific grain weight or type of ammo, which wasn’t an option with a traditional fixed sight revolver.

Taurus 605 TORO optic optics ready revolver red dot sight

Both the 856 and 605 T.O.R.O. are based on the incredibly popular Defender series from Taurus. These revolvers feature all steel construction, three-inch barrels, and a replaceable front sight. The triggers are Taurus’ excellent double-action/single-action trigger, which provides a smooth but fast pull in double action for serious defensive shooting.

Taurus 856 TORO optic optics ready revolver red dot sight

Most importantly, we’ve partnered with industry leading brands in the concealment space so that when you get your T.O.R.O. revolver, you won’t have to wait six months for a holster. And of course, we’ve maintained our commitment to making reliable, affordable firearms. This means that the new 856 and 605 T.O.R.O. revolvers will have MSRPs that range from under $450 to $470 depending on whether you select the 6-shot .38 Special 856, or the 5-shot .357 Magnum 605 in black or stainless.

Taurus 856 TORO optic optics ready revolver red dot sight

Some companies talk about how “innovative” they are. We didn’t talk. We just did it.

Specifications – 856 TORO:

Caliber: .38 Special +P
Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 3″
Overall Length: 7.5″
Height: 4.8″
Width: 1.4″
Weight (empty): 23.5 oz.
MSRP: $445.99 (black), $460.99 (stainless)

Specifications – 605 TORO:

Caliber: .357 Magnum
Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 3″
Overall Length: 7.5″
Height: 4.8:
Width: 1.41″
Weight: 23.5 oz.
MSRP: $450.99 (black), $470.99 (stainless)

For additional information, visit www.taurususa.com.

 

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29 COMMENTS

  2. “The advantages to a red dot on a revolver are significant.”

    no they aren’t “significant”. They just might be useful in some context of use like on any firearm and actually overall less useful in an actual ‘imminent’ sudden self defense use because its rare that one even actually aims of notices the dot in that second they might have no matter how much you trained with it.

    • At that point I always found revolvers to “point” where you want them to more naturally so probably not a hindrance so long as the trigger is pulled dot or not at close contact. I could see the dots being useful at range but in those cases I generally would prefer a longer barrel. Guess I see it about the same as dots on subcompacts, could be useful but may complicate things and up to the person to see what works.

    • For many years now the industry has been really pushing hard, for gun owners to get a new gun that has an optic. Or is “optics ready”. Semi auto guns. These guns cost a lot more. But it was Heritage Manufacturing that put out a Rough Rider, an SA revolver with a pic rail on top. And a threaded barrel. I think two years ago now.

      I got that gun when it came out, and I just got the opctic for it last week!!!
      If Taurus does this for their .327 gun I’d get one ASAP. Or ruger put one on their .327 guns.

      I like it when they think out side the box.

  4. Good for steel plate challenges or bowling pins maybe. None of my carrys have an electronic sight, never will.

      • I’d get that 357. 2″ barrels are way too weak in power. 3″ is OK. 4″ is kinda big to conceal carry. Had 2 Taurus revolver’s that ran great too…not sold on revolver red dots but certainly on my rifle.

        • Met someone who went in the other direction with a 2.5 inch Ruger Alaskan in 454. Guessing part of the plan is to set the perp on fire. 480 might be cool to check out though.

  5. I’m really curious about the sales of these because the young red dot crowd doesn’t like revolvers and the classic revolver folk don’t like red dots!

    • I thought red dots would be more likely to be seen on higher end revolvers. If you’re buying a cheap revolver for fun, then why spend the extra on a red dot?

      • Switch from auto to revolver and back as desired? I would assume that the dots work on either so long as they fit the mounting plate. So maybe getting newer shooters into revolvers.

      • A great many people don’t by a “cheap” revolver just for fun. They buy them because they’re a good, affordable option (for both CC and home defense). They’re simple and intuitive to use and the addition of a red dot makes it easier for plenty of shooters. Options and variety are good things.

        • I suspected this was intended for the defensive use market, which still sounds strange to me. That means you’re spending at least $600 (with a red dot) for a revolver with few holsters for a brand with a spotty reliability record. I agree options and variety are great. It’s kind of cool, really. I just don’t think there’s a large market for this.

          Of course, I have a 6.8 SPC and still expect to find ammo for it. I think Federal gave up on that small market.

        • Dude I remember.50 Beowulf being an exciting new option for your preban/compliant AR (quickly becoming standard AR’s) and several of the options that followed. I am the most surprised that aside from aac the oddball AR caliber that stuck around and I still see was 6.5 Grendel. So die sets or special order for 6.8?

        • Safe,
          That’s on the list of things to learn. I think Speer still sells 90 grain soft points if you load your own. Hornady still offers SST and V-Max ammo. I have plenty of both. Federal used to offer 90 and 115 grain fusion as well as TMJ. I haven’t seen any Federal 6.8 since the shelves cleared out in 2020.

        • Well if they use small rifle primers you should be good to go re learning with enough supplies to matter 😃

        • Chris, I have basically that same gun without the pic rail. I didn’t even notice they made that one.

        • Ended up going with the 4 inch Ruger Wrangler but was looking for affordable fundamentals practice in something other than a semi auto with laser cartridges.

  6. I think a red dot on a carry gun is overkill not to mention something else to snag on clothing. I like my range guns with a red dot, not so much for my EDC.

  7. I hope Taurus QC has figured out that the cylinder shouldn’t drag across the forcing cone. If they haven’t…I hope they have figured out that unscrewing the barrel a little, isn’t the best way to fix it.
    Eff
    Effing
    Taurus

    • I would hope their US production is a bit better than some of their historic horror stories.

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