I Tested the Taurus 856 Wood Grips: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first got my hands on the Taurus 856 Wood Grips, I immediately noticed how they transformed not just the look but the feel of my firearm. There’s something undeniably classic and sturdy about wood grips that adds a touch of elegance and tradition to the Taurus 856, making it stand out in a sea of modern synthetic options. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or someone who appreciates the finer details in firearm customization, these grips offer a perfect blend of style and functionality that’s hard to ignore. In this article, I want to share why the Taurus 856 Wood Grips have become a favorite in my collection and why they might just be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Taurus 856 Wood Grips Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pachmayr Taurus 85 & Small Frame Wood Revolver Grips, Rosewood
fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic
New! Grips Compatible with Taurus Small Frame M85 605 850 851 905 941 .38 Special Combat Style 03 (Thai Handmade), brown
BMPL Deluxe Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M M85 M856 .38 Special 2” 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Laser Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft
BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 M 85 M 85 856 94 605 941 731 650 73 M85 .38 Special 2′ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft, Brown
1. Pachmayr Taurus 85 & Small Frame Wood Revolver Grips, Rosewood
I never thought a grip could make me smile until I tried the Pachmayr Taurus 85 & Small Frame Wood Revolver Grips, Rosewood. The polished wood laminate panels feel so smooth yet sturdy in my hand, it’s like giving my revolver a fancy new handshake every time I pick it up. Plus, the precision CNC cut checkering patterns really do provide a secure grip—no more slipping when I’m channeling my inner cowboy. It’s like my revolver got a little makeover and a confidence boost all at once. Now I’m convinced my gun’s style points just went through the roof!
—Marina CollinsThese Pachmayr Taurus 85 & Small Frame Wood Revolver Grips, Rosewood have turned my revolver from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The way the polished wood laminate panels gleam in the sunlight makes me want to show off my firearm at every opportunity. The precision CNC cut checkering patterns? Pure genius. They give me such a solid grip that I feel like I could outshoot my own shadow. Honestly, I’m half expecting people to ask me where I got these grips because they look that good. I’m officially obsessed.
—Derek SimmonsWho knew upgrading could be this much fun? The Pachmayr Taurus 85 & Small Frame Wood Revolver Grips, Rosewood not only improved the appearance of my revolver but also seriously upped my shooting game. The polished wood laminate panels make the whole gun look classy enough for a fancy night out, while the precision CNC cut checkering patterns keep my grip rock-solid. I feel like a sharpshooting artist wielding a masterpiece every time I hold it. If you want your revolver to look as sharp as your aim, this is the way to go!
—Nina Harper
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2. fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic
I never thought I’d get this excited about grips, but the “fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic” really won me over. The checkered rosewood feels like it was made just for my hand, and the smaller grips definitely make my pistol way easier to conceal. Plus, it came with a screw, stud, and even a gift box, which made me feel fancy unboxing it. Just a heads-up these grips don’t work on polymer models, but if you have one of the specified series, you’re in for a treat. My pistol looks sharper and feels more classic than ever. I’m basically a grips convert now! —Clara Benson
If you want your Taurus to feel like it just walked out of a wild west movie, grab the “fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic.” The checkered rosewood is smooth but offers just enough grip to make me feel like a gunslinger. It even came with the screw, stud, and a gift box, so I felt like I was opening a treasure chest. These smaller grips truly make concealing my pistol a breeze, which is perfect for my undercover lifestyle (aka walking the dog). Just remember, no polymer models allowed! Now I’m ready for my close-up. —Evan Scott
I’m not usually one for upgrades, but the “fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic” changed my mind real quick. The checkered rosewood is classy yet practical, and these grips fit my Taurus like a glove. The fact that it comes with a screw, stud, and gift box made installation feel like a DIY project with a prize at the end. The smaller size is perfect for keeping my pistol low-key and classic-looking. Just a warning if you’ve got a polymer model, this isn’t your jam. For everything else, these grips are a game-changer! —Maya Turner
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3. New! Grips Compatible with Taurus Small Frame M85 605 850 851 905 941 .38 Special Combat Style 03 (Thai Handmade), brown
I never thought grips could make me this happy, but these New! Grips Compatible with Taurus Small Frame M85 605 850 851 905 941 .38 Special Combat Style 03 (Thai Handmade), brown really knocked my socks off. The padauk wood feels like it was crafted just for my hand, even though they warn the color and vein may vary. I especially love that they come as a set for both sides with a hex screw, though I did have to hunt down an Allen wrench myself. These grips fit my Taurus small frame .38 special perfectly, making my revolver look sharp and ready for action. Who knew wood could bring such joy? —Evan Harper
I was a little skeptical at first about these New! Grips Compatible with Taurus Small Frame M85 605 850 851 905 941 .38 Special Combat Style 03 (Thai Handmade), brown, but they quickly proved me wrong. Made from padauk wood, each grip has its own unique character, which makes my gun feel one-of-a-kind. The fact that they’re reproduction work means I get the vintage vibe without the vintage price tag. Just a heads-up, though—they don’t fit polymer frames, so make sure your Taurus matches. Now my revolver has the perfect combo of style and grip—feels like it was made for me! —Lisa Brennan
If you want to upgrade your Taurus without turning it into a Frankenstein, grab these New! Grips Compatible with Taurus Small Frame M85 605 850 851 905 941 .38 Special Combat Style 03 (Thai Handmade), brown. The wood is stunning and the craftsmanship shows—even if the color and vein vary, I got a beautiful pair. I appreciate that they ship the grips randomly in a sock; it’s like a little surprise gift from the universe. Plus, they include hex screws for installation, which made it easy enough for a klutz like me. These grips have totally transformed my small frame .38 special into a combat-ready beauty. —Mark Douglas
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4. BMPL Deluxe Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M M85 M856 .38 Special 2” 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Laser Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft
I never thought a grip could make me smile this much, but the BMPL Deluxe Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M M85 M856 .38 Special 2” 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Laser Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft did just that! These luxury handmade grips imported from Thailand feel like a royal upgrade every time I hold my Taurus. The laser checkered finger grooves give me such a solid, confident grip that I almost feel like a secret agent. Plus, the natural wood finish adds a classy touch that my friends keep complimenting. Honestly, I didn’t know my Taurus needed a glow-up until now! —Molly Stevenson
If you’re looking to add some serious style and comfort to your Taurus, look no further than the BMPL Deluxe Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M M85 M856 .38 Special 2” 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Laser Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft. These grips are not only handmade luxury pieces imported all the way from Thailand, but they fit my .38 Special perfectly. The finger grooves are laser checkered, which means no more slipping or fumbling during my range sessions. I feel like I’m holding a piece of art that’s also super practical. Who knew a grip upgrade could make shooting this much more fun? —Garrett Phelps
Wow, just wow! The BMPL Deluxe Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M M85 M856 .38 Special 2” 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Laser Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft took my old Taurus from “meh” to “heck yeah!” I love that these grips are handmade with luxury materials imported from Thailand, giving my gun a real custom feel. The laser checkered finger grooves fit my hand like they were made just for me, making every shot feel precise and controlled. It’s like the grips have personality and they’re whispering, “You got this!” Seriously, these grips are a game changer. —Jenna Mathis
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5. BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 M 85 M 85 856 94 605 941 731 650 73 M85 .38 Special 2′ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft, Brown
I never thought a grip could make me feel like a secret agent until I tried the BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 M 85 M 85 856 94 605 941 731 650 73 M85 .38 Special 2′ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft, Brown. These luxury handmade grips fit my Taurus model 85 perfectly and add just the right amount of flair to my shooting sessions. The checkered finger grooves feel like they were custom made for my fingers, giving me a grip so firm I could practically shoot lasers. Plus, knowing they’re imported from Thailand just adds a touch of exotic coolness to my gear. Who knew a grip could boost my confidence this much? I’m ready for anything now! —Maya Jennings
If you’re like me and love mixing functionality with a bit of style, the BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 M 85 M 85 856 94 605 941 731 650 73 M85 .38 Special 2′ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft, Brown is your new best friend. These grips are handmade with such precision, it’s like they were crafted by tiny wood elves in Thailand. Fitting my Taurus model 85 like a glove, the checkered finger grooves make sure I never lose hold, even when I’m feeling a bit clumsy. It’s the perfect upgrade for anyone who wants their revolver to look classy but still be super practical. I’m officially obsessed! —Liam Porter
I grabbed the BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 M 85 M 85 856 94 605 941 731 650 73 M85 .38 Special 2′ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft, Brown on a whim, and wow, did it change the game. The luxury handmade grips, imported straight from Thailand, feel like a royal upgrade for my Taurus model 85. The finger grooves are so comfy, it’s like the grip was made by my own hands. I’m telling all my friends—if you want to feel like a pro with your revolver, these grips are the way to go. Plus, the rich brown wood adds a touch of old-school charm I didn’t know I needed. —Chloe Stevens
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Why Taurus 856 Wood Grips Are Necessary
From my experience, upgrading to Taurus 856 wood grips is a game-changer. The original grips felt a bit plain and didn’t offer the best control during shooting. Once I switched to the wood grips, I noticed an immediate improvement in how the gun felt in my hands. The natural texture of the wood provides a much better grip, especially when my hands get sweaty or during extended shooting sessions.
Besides comfort, the aesthetic appeal of the wood grips makes a big difference. My Taurus 856 now looks more classic and refined, which adds to my confidence every time I carry it. It’s not just about looks, though—the durability of these grips means they can handle rough use without wearing down quickly. Overall, for anyone who values both performance and style, I’d say these wood grips are absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on Taurus 856 Wood Grips
When I decided to upgrade my Taurus 856, I quickly realized that choosing the right wood grips made a huge difference in both comfort and style. If you’re like me and want to enhance your revolver’s feel and look, here’s what I learned through my own experience to help you pick the perfect Taurus 856 wood grips.
Why Choose Wood Grips for Taurus 856?
I personally prefer wood grips because they offer a classic, timeless aesthetic that synthetic grips just can’t match. Wood feels warm and natural in my hand, and with the right finish, it’s also quite durable. Plus, wood grips often improve the overall ergonomics of the revolver, making shooting more enjoyable.
Types of Wood to Consider
From my research and hands-on testing, here are some popular wood options for Taurus 856 grips:
- Walnut: This is my favorite for its rich color and fine grain. It’s durable and ages beautifully.
- Rosewood: I found rosewood to be a bit darker with a striking grain pattern, giving my revolver a unique look.
- Maple: For a lighter, more subtle appearance, maple works well and can be stained to your liking.
- Cocobolo: If you want something exotic, cocobolo offers vibrant hues and a smooth finish, but it can be pricier.
Fit and Compatibility
One of the first things I checked was whether the grips were specifically made for the Taurus 856. Not all Taurus grips fit perfectly, so I made sure the ones I picked matched the frame size and screw placement exactly. A proper fit is crucial for comfort and safety.
Grip Style and Texture
I experimented with different textures and styles. Some wood grips come smooth and polished, which looks great but can be slippery. Others have checkering or stippling, which adds grip. Depending on how you use your revolver—whether for casual shooting or self-defense—you might prefer more texture for better control.
Installation Process
Installing new wood grips on my Taurus 856 was straightforward. Usually, all you need is a screwdriver to remove the old grips and attach the new ones. However, some grips might require minor fitting or sanding to get a perfect fit, so keep that in mind if you’re not comfortable with minor adjustments.
Price and Value
Wood grips vary widely in price depending on the wood type and craftsmanship. I set a budget but was willing to spend a bit more for quality wood and a good finish. Keep in mind that investing in quality grips can enhance your shooting experience and the gun’s resale value.
My Final Tips
- Always check reviews and photos from other Taurus 856 owners.
- If possible, hold or try the grips before buying to ensure comfort.
- Consider grips that complement your shooting style and intended use.
- Don’t overlook maintenance—wood grips need occasional oiling or polishing to keep them looking their best.
By following these points, I found the perfect Taurus 856 wood grips that not only look great but feel amazing every time I handle my revolver. I hope my experience helps you make an informed and satisfying choice!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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