{ "apiVersion": 1, "kind": "work-order", "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.", "firearm": { "slug": "taurus-856", "name": "Taurus 856", "manufacturer": { "id": "taurus", "name": "Taurus Armas" }, "category": "revolver", "action": "double-action-revolver", "calibers": [ ".38 Special +P" ], "alsoKnownAs": [ "856 Defender", "Taurus 605 (related)" ], "coversAlso": [ "Taurus 605", "Taurus 856 Defender and Executive Grade" ], "page": "firearms/taurus-856.html", "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/taurus-856.json", "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29" }, "notices": [ "Taurus Armas publishes no owner disassembly for this firearm. The procedures below are not the manufacturer's, and doing them may void a warranty or service agreement.", "This work order is written for the Taurus 856. It is reported to cover Taurus 605; Taurus 856 Defender and Executive Grade — if the firearm on the bench is one of those, check the torque notes: values do not always carry over.", "No torque values are recorded for this firearm. Get them from the manufacturer or a gunsmith; do not estimate." ], "disclaimer": { "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.", "points": [ "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.", "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.", "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.", "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.", "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.", "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.", "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.", "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material." ], "page": "disclaimer.html", "legal": { "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.", "page": "legal.html", "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md" } }, "sourcing": { "confidence": "medium", "verification": "community-reviewed" }, "manufacturerDisassembly": { "status": "none", "limit": null, "statement": "Taurus gives no owner disassembly for the 856: it says the revolver may be cleaned and lubricated without any disassembly steps, and repairs should be made by a qualified gunsmith or a factory-authorized repair site.", "source": { "title": "856/856UL 856CH/856CHUL Instruction Manual: General Safety, Operating Instructions and Limited Warranty", "publisher": "Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.taurususa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Taurus_Manual_856.pdf", "page": "22", "pdfPage": 12, "pageUrl": "https://www.taurususa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Taurus_Manual_856.pdf#page=12", "quote": "The firearm may be cleaned and lubricated under normal conditions without any disassembly steps." } }, "recalls": [], "shopTier": { "tier": 2, "group": "revolver", "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's", "reason": "S&W-pattern sideplate lockwork with a transfer bar; Taurus lists 37 items but several are assemblies (hammer, mainspring, trigger spring, cylinder, yoke screw). Two springs to capture with a pin, a sprung yoke retaining pin in the front screw, and a tight sideplate: moderate.", "confidence": "medium", "partCount": { "value": 37, "kind": "line-items", "covers": "856 steel-frame hammer model part list; hammer, mainspring, trigger-spring, cylinder and yoke-screw entries are assemblies, so real pieces are more", "basis": "manufacturer-parts-list", "source": { "title": "856/856UL 856CH/856CHUL Instruction Manual: General Safety, Operating Instructions and Limited Warranty", "publisher": "Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.taurususa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Taurus_Manual_856.pdf", "page": "24–25", "pdfPage": 13, "pageUrl": "https://www.taurususa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Taurus_Manual_856.pdf#page=13", "quote": "38 BOLT SPRING" } }, "painPoints": [ { "issue": "The front sideplate screw is an assembly holding the yoke retaining pin and its spring.", "during": "disassembly", "source": { "title": "Handgun DIY: Taurus Revolver Spring Swap", "publisher": "Shoot On", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://shoot-on.com/handgun-diy-taurus-revolver-spring-swap/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "The forward screw is the yoke screw assembly, which contains the yoke retaining pin and retaining pin spring." } }, { "issue": "The sideplate fits very closely and must be vibrated off by tapping the frame, never pried.", "during": "disassembly", "source": { "title": "Handgun DIY: Taurus Revolver Spring Swap", "publisher": "Shoot On", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://shoot-on.com/handgun-diy-taurus-revolver-spring-swap/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "The ONLY way you want to remove the side plate is to tap the frame (not the side plate) with a nylon or rubber hammer face." } }, { "issue": "Mainspring and trigger spring are each held on a center pin by a paper clip and must be compressed to refit.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "Handgun DIY: Taurus Revolver Spring Swap", "publisher": "Shoot On", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://shoot-on.com/handgun-diy-taurus-revolver-spring-swap/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Be careful to maintain control of the spring once the paper clip is removed and slowly allow the spring to extend." } }, { "issue": "Taurus says the gun cleans without disassembly and sends repairs to the factory or a gunsmith.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "856/856UL 856CH/856CHUL Instruction Manual: General Safety, Operating Instructions and Limited Warranty", "publisher": "Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.taurususa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Taurus_Manual_856.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "The firearm may be cleaned and lubricated under normal conditions without any disassembly steps." } } ], "minutes": { "strip": 35, "rebuild": 55, "basis": "estimated", "note": "Estimated, same scale as the S&W K/J frames: sideplate, lockwork, crane/cylinder, latch and sights; rebuild longer for the two captured spring assemblies, hand and transfer bar.", "source": null }, "stripScope": [ { "assembly": "Sideplate and crane", "removes": [ "grip", "sideplate screws and yoke screw assembly (holds yoke retaining pin and spring)", "sideplate (tapped off via the frame)", "cylinder and yoke" ], "tools": [ "fitted screwdrivers", "nylon/rubber mallet" ] }, { "assembly": "Lockwork", "removes": [ "mainspring assembly (captured with a paper clip)", "trigger spring assembly (captured with a paper clip)", "hammer assembly", "trigger with hand, hand spring and transfer bar", "cylinder stop, bolt and springs", "cylinder stop plunger and spring" ], "tools": [ "paper clip / pin" ] }, { "assembly": "Frame", "removes": [ "thumbpiece and screw", "front latch, spring and pin", "sights (pinned)", "firing pin, spring and retaining pin only if required" ], "tools": [ "pin punches" ] } ], "hardware": { "pins": 8, "springs": 7, "detents": 2, "basis": "counted from the manufacturer's parts list (one per key number unless a quantity is given)" }, "specialTools": [ { "tool": "Straightened paper clip or pin (two)", "usedFor": "Capturing the mainspring and trigger spring on their center pins" }, { "tool": "Nylon or rubber mallet", "usedFor": "Tapping the frame to lift the sideplate" }, { "tool": "Fitted screwdrivers", "usedFor": "Sideplate and yoke screws" } ], "fitOnRebuild": [ { "check": "Timing / carry-up: every chamber locks before the hammer falls, single and double action; cylinder gap and end shake", "why": "Standard revolver check after lockwork has been out; worn hand or cylinder stop gives the \"does not lock up\" fault under Common issues.", "source": null }, { "check": "Trigger spring center pin engages the trigger in the noted position; trigger returns", "why": "Shoot On asks you to note this position when the assembly comes out.", "source": { "title": "Handgun DIY: Taurus Revolver Spring Swap", "publisher": "Shoot On", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://shoot-on.com/handgun-diy-taurus-revolver-spring-swap/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Insert the paper clip through the hole in the trigger spring center pin and allow the hammer and trigger to move to their at-rest position. Note the position where the center pin engages the back of the trigger." } }, { "check": "Transfer bar and hand correctly placed before the sideplate goes on", "why": "Well-known transfer-bar revolver check; a misplaced transfer bar binds the action.", "source": null } ], "assessed": "2026-10-29" }, "videos": [ { "title": "Taurus How-To Series: Cleaning Taurus Small Frame Revolvers", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oj76acqAC4", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "cleaning" ], "appliesTo": "Taurus small-frame revolvers; taurususa.com lists the 856 under /small-frame-revolvers/", "published": "2024-03-06", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UCisS9K5VHkV1pjXqyuHfNUQ", "name": "TaurusUSA", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@taurusfirearms", "owner": "Taurus Holdings / Taurus USA (US subsidiary of Taurus Armas)" }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" }, { "title": "Taurus How-To Series: Basic Revolver Maintenance", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-ellxHyyzU", "platform": "youtube", "embedUrl": null, "shows": [ "maintenance" ], "appliesTo": "Taurus revolvers generally (no model named)", "published": "2024-01-03", "note": null, "channel": { "id": "UCisS9K5VHkV1pjXqyuHfNUQ", "name": "TaurusUSA", "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@taurusfirearms", "owner": "Taurus Holdings / Taurus USA (US subsidiary of Taurus Armas)" }, "accessed": "2026-10-15" } ], "configurations": [], "tools": [ { "name": "Hollow-ground gunsmith screwdriver", "required": true, "usedFor": "The yoke retaining screw." } ], "phases": [ { "id": "clear", "title": "Clear and make safe", "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Push the cylinder release forward and swing the cylinder out." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Press the ejector rod firmly to eject all cartridges or cases from the chambers.", "tip": "Point the muzzle up and strike the rod briskly so the cases clear fully.", "partsFreed": [ "Cartridges or cases" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Look through every chamber, one at a time, and confirm each is empty.", "warning": "Every chamber, counted. A revolver with one loaded chamber looks identical to an empty one from most angles." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Confirm the bore is clear of obstruction." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Remove all live ammunition from the work area." } ], "videos": [] }, { "id": "disassemble", "title": "Disassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "field-strip", "title": "Field Strip — Cylinder and Yoke Removal", "level": "field-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure and leave the cylinder open." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Remove the yoke retaining screw from the right side of the frame.", "warning": "Use a correctly fitting hollow-ground screwdriver.", "partsFreed": [ "Yoke retaining screw" ] }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Draw the yoke and cylinder assembly forward and out of the frame.", "partsFreed": [ "Cylinder and yoke assembly" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Clean the chambers, bore, cylinder face, forcing cone, and yoke surfaces." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Stop here. The lockwork is gunsmith territory.", "warning": "If the revolver is not functioning correctly, take it to a gunsmith." } ] } ] }, { "id": "refinish", "title": "Refinish", "components": [ { "name": "Yoke retaining screw", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Cylinder and yoke assembly", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 3 } ], "manufacturerPartsList": { "parts": 37, "scope": "\"Exploded View (856)\" / Part List (pp. 24-25), steel-frame hammer model. Separate lists for 856UL, 856 Hammerless and 856UL Hammerless (pp. 26-31) omitted." }, "partsDiagrams": [], "materials": [ { "component": "Whole firearm", "material": "Aço carbono", "finish": "Oxidado Fosco", "appliesTo": "RT 856 .38 Spl 3in, Oxidado Fosco (matte blued carbon steel)", "note": "The maker states this for the firearm as a whole, not for a named part. Taurus Armas (Brazil) wording, in Portuguese: Aço carbono = carbon steel; Oxidado Fosco = matte blued (oxide).", "source": { "title": "Ficha Técnica — Revólver Taurus 856 .38 SPL Oxidado Fosco (Taurus Armas)", "publisher": "Taurus Armas S.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://taurusarmas.com.br/download/detalhes/fichas-tecnicas-revolveres/arquivo/385", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "MATERIAL + ACABAMENTO … Aço carbono … Oxidado Fosco" } }, { "component": "Grips", "material": "borracha", "finish": null, "appliesTo": "RT 856", "note": "Taurus Armas (Brazil) wording, in Portuguese: borracha = rubber.", "source": { "title": "Ficha Técnica — Revólver Taurus 856 .38 SPL Oxidado Fosco (Taurus Armas)", "publisher": "Taurus Armas S.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://taurusarmas.com.br/download/detalhes/fichas-tecnicas-revolveres/arquivo/385", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Empunhadura de borracha Carry On" } }, { "component": "Whole firearm", "material": "Aço Inox", "finish": "Fosco", "appliesTo": "RT 856 T.O.R.O., stainless", "note": "The maker states this for the firearm as a whole, not for a named part. Taurus Armas (Brazil) wording, in Portuguese: Aço Inox = stainless steel; Fosco = matte.", "source": { "title": "Taurus Armas S.A. — 384", "publisher": "Taurus Armas S.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://taurusarmas.com.br/download/detalhes/fichas-tecnicas-revolveres/arquivo/384", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "MATERIAL + ACABAMENTO … Aço Inox, Fosco" } }, { "component": "Frame", "material": "aço", "finish": null, "appliesTo": "RT 856 Defender T.O.R.O. Inox Fosco", "note": "Taurus Armas (Brazil) wording, in Portuguese: aço = steel.", "source": { "title": "Taurus Armas S.A. — revolver taurus rt856 toro cal 38 special", "publisher": "Taurus Armas S.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://taurusarmas.com.br/pt/produtos/revolveres/revolver-taurus-rt856-toro-cal-38-special", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Com armação de aço, cano de 3” e capacidade de 6 disparos em calibre .38 SPL" } } ], "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked." }, { "id": "reassemble", "title": "Reassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "reassembly", "title": "Reassembly", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Slide the yoke and cylinder assembly back into the frame." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Install and snug the yoke retaining screw." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Close the cylinder gently by hand.", "warning": "Never flick it closed." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Perform the function check." } ], "instruction": null } ] }, { "id": "torque", "title": "Torque", "coverage": "none-recorded", "manufacturer": [], "reported": [], "notes": null }, { "id": "function-check", "title": "Function check", "checks": [ "Verify every chamber is empty before each check.", "Cock the hammer slowly and confirm the cylinder locks up at each chamber before the hammer reaches full cock — this is carry-up.", "With the hammer at full cock, try to rotate the cylinder by hand. It should be locked, with only minimal play.", "Press the trigger in single action and confirm a clean hammer fall.", "Cycle the action in double action through every chamber and confirm the cylinder indexes and locks each time.", "Confirm the cylinder latches closed securely and the release frees it cleanly.", "Check that cylinder endshake is minimal and the cylinder gap looks even. If either seems off, see a gunsmith.", "If the revolver has the Taurus Security System keyed lock, confirm it is in the unlocked position and that the action functions normally." ], "videos": [] } ], "troubleshooting": [], "sources": [ { "n": 1, "id": null, "title": "Taurus Revolver Owner’s Manual", "publisher": "Taurus Armas S.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": null, "accessed": null }, { "n": 2, "id": "taurus-856-parts-manual", "title": "856/856UL 856CH/856CHUL Instruction Manual: General Safety, Operating Instructions and Limited Warranty", "publisher": "Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.taurususa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Taurus_Manual_856.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-27" }, { "n": 3, "id": "taurusarmas-specs-2c742a", "title": "Ficha Técnica — Revólver Taurus 856 .38 SPL Oxidado Fosco (Taurus Armas)", "publisher": "Taurus Armas S.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://taurusarmas.com.br/download/detalhes/fichas-tecnicas-revolveres/arquivo/385", "accessed": "2026-10-03" }, { "n": 4, "id": "taurusarmas-doc-173884", "title": "Taurus Armas S.A. — 384", "publisher": "Taurus Armas S.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://taurusarmas.com.br/download/detalhes/fichas-tecnicas-revolveres/arquivo/384", "accessed": "2026-10-03" }, { "n": 5, "id": "taurusarmas-doc-26b9dd", "title": "Taurus Armas S.A. — revolver taurus rt856 toro cal 38 special", "publisher": "Taurus Armas S.A.", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://taurusarmas.com.br/pt/produtos/revolveres/revolver-taurus-rt856-toro-cal-38-special", "accessed": "2026-10-03" }, { "n": 6, "id": "tier-4a36dc0d", "title": "Handgun DIY: Taurus Revolver Spring Swap", "publisher": "Shoot On", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://shoot-on.com/handgun-diy-taurus-revolver-spring-swap/", "accessed": "2026-10-29" } ] }