Taurus 850 – A Classic Style for Summer, Backup or All Year Round

I challenge you to look at a revolver and not smile. It’s hard to see one and not think of the styles that many of us grew up watching in movies and on TV. The classic firearm speaks to us all, whether it is an old-West-style six-shooter or the little snubby used for concealed carry. But don’t think that just because they are classic, they can’t be improved.

Take, for instance, the Taurus 850 small frame revolver. Taurus has changed it up, but just slightly, enough to improve it without destroying that classic revolver style. The shrouded hammer eliminates concerns over the hammer catching on clothing as you draw, and the slimmer profile makes it more concealable.

The Taurus 850

The Taurus 850 is a double-action only, 38-special handgun that holds five rounds. It’s available with a two-inch or a three-inch stainless steel barrel, stainless steel frame and cylinder. The finish is all matte stainless.

Its measurements are:

• Overall length is 7.66 inches (with two-inch barrel)
• Overall width is 1.34 inches
• Overall height 4.59 inches
• Overall weight 22.75 unloaded (with two-inch barrel)

Shooting the Taurus 850

The Taurus 850 is basically a point-and-shoot gun. Knowing this, I chose to try it out freehand at three yards at my local indoor range.

The ammunition, from Ammunition to Go, gave me these results:

• Magtech Cowboy Action Loads – 125 gr. Largest group – 4.5, smallest group – 2.8, average – 3.6
• Hornady 38 Special - 158 gr XTP – Largest group – 6, smallest group - 3, average 4.42
• Hornady Critical Defense – 90 gr FTX, 1080fps – Largest group –2.8, smallest group – 2.25, Average 2.6

The Hornady Critical Defense ammunition was fantastic in this little revolver. There was very little recoil, and it was easy to quickly get back on target and shoot better groups.

Carrying the Taurus 850

So, when is the best time to carry the Taurus 850? Anytime – take this gun along as summer-carry, backup carry or full-time carry.

Summer Carry

While there have been cases where crime has taken a break (such as the few days after 9/11), most criminals do not take time off for vacation or weather.

In the heat of the summer, it’s easy to want to take off as much as possible to stay cool – but don’t be tempted to go without your defensive firearm.

The Taurus 850 is small enough and easy to carry no matter what the weather. Here are some good options for carrying this revolver:

• Purse-pack-bag Carry – One easy way to take a gun and holster off the body is to carry in a purse or other off-body bag. You might be surprised at how well the Taurus 850 fits in a rather small purse for a nice evening on the town. As usual, just make sure you practice with it and get used to it so you don’t automatically reach for your on-body holster first instead. And remember that you will have to remember to always keep it on you and in your control. It’s important to choose a purse or bag specifically designed for carry, made of good material, with a gun compartment separate from everything else and a good holster that covers the trigger guard.

• Ankle Holster – Obviously, ankle holster carry won’t work if you’re wearing shorts, unless you’re in an open-carry state and don’t mind the “look,” but not everyone wears shorts – even when it’s hot. But you can wear lightweight, wide-legged pants that can comfortably hide an ankle holster.

• Waistband Holster – While there are many belt holsters, many women don’t wear belts, especially when wearing dressier pants. However, a waistband holster, such as a Sticky Holster, works well to wear inside of shorts or lightweight pants with a snug waistband, providing a smaller area where the holster meets your body which can keep you cooler.

Backup Gun

Please don’t think of the Taurus 850 as just a summer gun – it’s also a great backup gun. Utilizing any of the above methods are still pertinent to backup carry. There are also a few other options to consider:

• Boot carry – While boot carry can also work in the summer with loose-leg pants to help get the weight and heat off the center of your body, it also works the rest of the year as a good place for a backup gun.

• Belly Band – You can change where you carry on your body with one of these – high or low, right side, appendix. So many options for you to find the place that is most comfortable and useful for you.

A Snubby For Any Time

So if a snubby revolver is your choice for self-defense and ease of concealed carry, check out the Taurus 850 for summer, backup, or all year round. You’ll fall in love with its classic style incorporating modern improvements to elevate your experience.

MSRP $439.99

About the Author

Nancy Keaton is the facilitator for the Waco Chapter of A Girl and A Gun Women’s Shooting League. She formerly shot in IDPA, ASI and 3 Gun matches, was the president of Centralia Rifle Club in Centralia, Washington, and is a retired college administrator. Her work has appeared in multiple publications and online. Check them out on her website and on Muckrack.