Click HERE to learn more about Taurus.
You’d be hard-pressed these days to find a law enforcement agency still issuing .38 revolvers, but that doesn’t mean the time-tested design is going anywhere. Wheel guns are just as cool as ever, and Taurus just released two models sure to please any old-school aficionado—no matter their age.
We stopped by the Taurus booth at this year’s SHOT Show 2020 to check out the new revolvers for ourselves.
Taurus 942
Taurus spokesman Olivier Colombier told us that customers have been asking for the 942, and now the company has answered the call. The 942 is a DA/SA 8-shot revolver chambered in either .22LR or 22WMR, and Taurus plans to offer a variety of barrel lengths and finishes.
Customers can opt for either a 2-inch or 3-inch barrel, and Taurus will offer both barrel lengths with either a matte silver or matte black finish on the stainless-steel construction.
The 942 is a hefty little firearm at 23.6oz, which will help control the recoil of the 22WMR and it gives the gun a pleasantly solid feel in the hand. But Taurus also plans to release an ultralight version of the 942 constructed with an aluminum frame, which makes the already-small gun even easier to conceal and carry all day.
Plus, the 942 is safe to dry fire.
Depending on the configuration, the 942 comes with an MSRP between $363 and $377.
Click HERE to learn more about the Taurus 942.
Taurus 856 Defender
If you’re looking for something with a little more bite than a .22, Taurus also released the 856 Defender at this year’s SHOT Show. Taurus released the 856 last year, but they’re responding to customer demand with the 856 Defender.
“We’ve had a lot of demand for more of a carry package with a 3-inch barrel,” Colombier said.
The 856 Defender is a DA/SA six-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special and features a 3-inch barrel. Like the 942, it comes in a wide variety of configurations, including two ultralight models and a model featuring Altamont wood grips. The ultralight models use an aluminum frame and weigh only 16oz while the standard models use a steel frame and weigh 35oz.
Colombier also pointed out the extended ejector rod and bright orange front night sight, both of which come standard on all 856 Defender models.
Depending on features, the 856 Defender can be had for between $429 and $477 MSRP.
Click HERE to learn more about Taurus.
