Taurus Defender Toro 327 Federal Magnum
Just prior to Shot Show 2024 I got a call from Caleb Giddings from Taurus USA about a gun that was going to launch at the show. The revolver arrived to my local ffl R and G Firearms and I was immediately impressed. It was chambered in 327 Federal Magnum with a 6 round cylinder, 3″ barrel, steel frame, bearing Hogue Monogrip stocks, a hi vis Ameriglo Sight. The platform is effectively the same size as their ever popular 856 platform. This being in the TORO line has an optics mounting capability. The mount is secured with two screws in the sight channel which was already drilled and tapped with the screws provided.
I sourced a Sig Optics Romeo Zero as a cost effective testing option and mounted it up the same day. The plate is set up for the popular RMS/C footprint and there are a variety of options available that adapt to this footprint. Now for ammo. I had no issue finding 32 H&R Mag and 32 Long ammo but 327 escaped me. Luckily I had squirreled away a couple boxes of 100gr hand loads from a Ruger project several years ago and was able to test a few rounds.
It took me about 12 rounds to get the gun sighted in with 85gr Federal Personal Defense JHP. That was the most readily available ammo so I decided it was prudent to zero it with. The 32 and 327’s trajectory was flat enough I was able to zero the optic with no elevation issues. Since I was pressed for time I used an indoor range and a 10 yard zero. Once zero’d I loaded half a cylinder of the 327 Fed mag. Holy spicy ammo batman! However it was very similar to a 38 +P in recoil but the flash and report was epic and immediately drew the attention of prying eyes. After a couple of quick ‘No Pictures’ conversations I proceeded with shooting.
Pictured above is a 10 yard group with the 327 Fed Mag ammo. It had about a 1″ POI shift high from the 32H&R Mag. Next up was a barrel of fun and what I would absolutely recommend shooting to anyone who is recoil sensitive. 100 grain 32 Long wadcutters.
Above is two 5 shot groups of 100gr Wadcutters. The POI shift was slightly more pronounced at 10 yards so I brought the target to 5 yards and all I can say is check your ammo with a caveat inside of 10 yards I could live with either of those groups. If I am to keep the gun this is what I would dial the gun in for. Shooting low recoiling wadcutters is just down right fun! For those of us in the defensive world I think they work fine for that role as well. Information on gel testing can be found at this link from our pal Greg Ellefritz.
In closing, Taurus has resurrected themself with better quality control and a team of people that are passionate about firearms. I had zero issues with this gun during the testing and found it to have probably the best factory trigger I have ever had on any revolver.
BrYan
MSRP- $553.99
Copyright 2024 DB&Y LLC
I put off buying the 856 in 38 but this one has piqued my interest. Shooting 32 wadcutters are kinda of being in easy mode.
It was like a pop gun
New to AFR. I don’t know if you had previous content on the Taurus snubs like the 856 and 942 that DB runs. I hope you feature these eventually for normies looking to dip their toes into wheelguns.
Absolutely! Stay tuned. We’re in the process of rebuilding. Also the 856 Ultra Lite is a winner🤙
Y
We absolutely will. We really like the new Taurus lines!
I wonder if the TORO mounting system could be used to mount a taller rear iron sight with a deeper notch? The pinned front sight would need replaced as well. That would allow a sighting system similar to the new S&W J-Frame UC. The notches on most J-Frame style rear sights are much too shallow.
THE HEIGHT OVER BORE IS A BIT MUCH FOR THAT
The 327/32 mag is easy to load for and can be a lot of fun hopefully this will spur more gunmakers to bring out guns in this caliber.
I’ve hand loaded for both and it’s easy peasy
Y