Model 851 "Protector" Rocks!!!

[ClayMan]

Recently I bought a brand new Model 851 "Protector". This is a .38 Special +P 2" snubby revolver with the shrouded hammer and windage adjustable rear sight. I bought it for $335.00 and this is the Ultra-Lite version that only weighs 17 ounces and has a matte grey finish.

When I first got it, I put some snap caps in it and did a bunch of dry firing. Right out of the box, this gun had a SMOOTH trigger pull that is perfect. The DA pull is awesome with a crisp and light SA pull. The cylinder lock-up is perfect as well, nearly "welded" across all 5 chambers. And the fit and finish is perfect. I was totally pleased to say the least.

So finally I was able to go to the range tonight. I had some WWB 125 gr +P JHP loads and some Georgia Arms 158 gr +P LSWCHP loads. Man can this gun shoot! At a range of 50' using an offhand/unsupported double-handed hold and SA firing, it was easily grouping 3-4"!!! The 125 gr loads print about an inch higher than point of aim using center-hold aiming while the 158 gr loads were printing just about perfect! And with both loads, they were printing about 1-2" left, so a full turn of the sight adjustment screw brought the strikes spot on. This windage adjustable rear sight is absolutely awesome and quite unique on a snubby. This feature alone is a pure stroke of genius on the part of Taurus. This gun is AWESOME!!!

And I also did a bunch of DA firing drills at a distance of about 7 yards and I could easily and fairly quickly keep all 5 rounds in 4-5 inches with using a single-handed hold and just using the front sight blade like the bead on the front of a shotgun. This gun is just a natural shooter to me!!!

I also have a Ruger SP101, 2.25" barrel, in .357 Mag and although it is a high quality gun, I just can't shoot it like this Taurus even if I stoke the Ruger with .38 +P instead of full house mags. My Ruger SP has fixed sights and shoots about 6-8 inches to the left of point of aim. If it had a rear sight like my Taurus, then I could get this gun to shoot where I aimed. Again, pure genius from Taurus with the adjustable rear sight!

This Taurus revolver is the epitome of a concealed carry gun. I have and have had various pocket autos, but they have reliability issues. Not so with a quality revolver. You just can't beat the absolute reliablity of a revolver. And this Taurus 851 has had perfect reliabilty with about 150 rounds and no cleaning right out of the box. This gun easily and comfortably rides in my pants front pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. In my opinion, this is the "perfect" concealed carry gun especially with the shouded hammer that keeps the gun completely snag free yet allows for easy SA firing if you want it. I absolutely love the shrouded hammer. And again, the DA pull is absolutely perfect.

This is a quality revolver for way less than a Ruger or Smith. I own Rugers and they are great guns. I've shot Smiths and they are great guns. This Taurus is just as great as the Rugers and Smiths I've handled. I can highly recommend this gun.

Did I mention that I love this gun?

ClayMan

[SilverRun]

I have the regular weight. I like them as well. I wouldn't mind having one of those with the crimson trace grips on it. THAT could be the ultimate CCW.

[TXplt]

Glad you like it -- I've had great experiences with most of my Tauruses.

Happy shooting !

[ClayMan]

Originally Posted by SilverRun

I have the regular weight. I like them as well. I wouldn't mind having one of those with the crimson trace grips on it. THAT could be the ultimate CCW.

SilverRun, I too think the Crimson Trace grips would make it the ultimate, especially the smaller boot grip style LG-185 model.

So, the Ruger SP101 I had bought first to be my pocket revolver...man, I really wanted to love that gun, but it just doesn't shoot where I aim. I had considered having some (expensive) custom gunsmithing like some sort of adjustable rear sight installed. But then I figured I would give the Taurus 851 a try. I am so glad I did. I have now decided that I have no use for the Ruger. This leads me to my real point...I can sell the Ruger and buy the Crimson Trace grips for my Taurus!!! (And have money left over too for ammo!)

ClayMan