Hey everyone, this is Shooting Illustrated bringing you another episode of “I Carry.” In today’s feature, we’ve got the Taurus Model 850 .38 Special revolver and some related gear. Let’s take a closer look at this setup:
Firearm: Taurus 850 revolver (MSRP: $499.99)
The short-barrel, small-frame revolver is one of the most ubiquitous concealed-carry staples out there, with literally decades of use under its belt (pardon the pun). One excellent example is the Taurus Model 850 .38 Special we’ve chosen for today’s kit, with an enclosed hammer, five-shot cylinder and rubber grip making it an excellent choice for everyday carry.
The Model 850 is standard, small-frame revolver size: 2-inch barrel length, 7.66-inch overall length, 4.6-inch height and 1.34-inch width. Weight is 22.8 ounces, as the revolver is all-steel construction rather than aluminum or exotic metals. While this does add some weight to the 850, it makes for a more pleasant shooting experience, taking some of the sting out of the small-frame .38 Special revolver.
While, yes, the small-frame revolver is at a capacity disadvantage compared to micro-9 mm double stack semi-autos like the SIG Sauer P365, there are some solid advantages to consider. First is the wide variety of ammunition types available to the revolver—since the action is manually operated, projectile design and type is less important to operation. Flat-nose bullets or deep hollowpoints can’t catch on feed ramps if there aren’t any feed ramps. Second, since the basic design of the small-frame revolver has been around for several generations, many holster options and other accessories are readily available. Lastly, for those with limited hand strength who might have trouble working a small semi-auto’s slide, the revolver presents an easier-to-use option.
Without getting into the revolver-vs.-semi-auto argument, we’ll leave it that there are certainly reasons for both to be a part of one’s everyday carry kit. Even if the revolver isn’t your go-to, it is eminently well suited as a backup option, especially being less susceptible to jamming over a semi-auto, especially one carried in a non-traditional manner such as in an ankle holster. Whether it’s for aesthetic purposes, physical limitations or any other reason, Taurus’s Model 850 .38 Special revolver is definitely a solid choice for the wheelgun fan’s daily carry.
Holster: KSG Armory Saratoga (MSRP: $80 stock, as shown $85)
While small-frame revolvers are often carried in a pocket thanks to their robust operation, the all-steel construction and subsequent heavier weight make inside-the-waistband a better option. We’ve gone with the Saratoga holster from KSG Armory to carry the Model 850 in today’s kit, as it offers a streamlined appendix-carry method with minimal weight and optimized setup. DCC monoblock clips attach to the belt in a solid, low-profile way, while a small claw keeps the holster tucked in tight to the body.
Single-sheet, taco-style construction gives the Saratoga strength and simplicity, and if it is ordered with a medium sweatguard, the Saratoga is ambidextrous. You can order it for right- or left-handed shooters, and simply swap the hardware to the other side of the holster to change it if needed. Want to make it tuckable? There are holes for attaching hardware to allow this. It’s an eminently configurable holster with many options available, including multiple color options such as the red in today’s kit.
Accessory: CRKT Homefront Compact (MSRP: $180)
Rounding out today’s options is a Columbia River Knife & Tool Homefront Compact folding knife. With a 2.9-inch, drop-point, S35VN steel blade and G10 scales, the Homefront Compact opens with a flipper mechanism and uses a liner lock to hold the blade open when needed. Jimping on the back of the blade, as well as on the flipper projection and on the sides of the knife, help it stay firmly anchored in the hand when opening or used for cutting purposes.
Three finish options are available for the Homefront Compact: There’s the all-black, DLC-finish version we have in today’s kit, there’s a stonewash finish blade with black handle and a version with a black DLC-finish blade with brown G10 scales. All models have the same specifications, metal pocket clip and lanyard hole for those who prefer lanyards. In any case, it’s a stylish knife that’s easily operated with one hand and is designed for the long haul.
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