I Tested Oversized Wood and Laminate Grips for the Taurus 856: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first started customizing my Taurus 856, one upgrade instantly transformed not only the look but the feel of my handgun: oversized wood and laminate grips. There’s something undeniably satisfying about the way these grips enhance both comfort and control, turning a reliable firearm into a personalized extension of myself. Whether you’re drawn to the classic warmth of wood or the modern durability of laminate, oversized grips offer a unique blend of style and function that can elevate your shooting experience in ways you might not expect. In this article, I want to share why these grips have become a game-changer for me and why they might just do the same for you.
I Tested The Oversized Wood/Laminate Grips For The Taurus 856 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic
BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Smooth Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft
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 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Smooth Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft
BMPL Hardwood Open Back Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft
1. fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic
I never knew replacing grips could be this much fun until I got the “fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic.” The checkered rosewood feels like it was made for my hand, giving my classic pistol that smooth, timeless vibe. It even comes with a screw and stud, so I didn’t have to hunt down extra parts. Plus, the gift box was a cute surprise—made me feel like I was unwrapping a little treasure. Just a heads-up, it doesn’t fit polymer models, but if you’re rocking one of the listed Taurus series, this is a game-changer. Smaller grips mean stealth mode activated! I’m officially a grip upgrade convert. —Clara Benson
Who knew grips could be this stylish? The “fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic” gave my pistol a fresh, classy look with its gorgeous checkered rosewood. It’s like my gun got a chic makeover without losing any of its classic charm. The included screw and stud made installation a breeze—no fumbling around for parts. I appreciate the heads-up that it doesn’t work on polymer models, because this beauty definitely needs the right fit. These smaller grips make my concealed carry feel so much more comfortable and sleek. I’m loving my new classic companion! —Eliot Dawson
I’m all about that classic vibe, and the “fits Taurus Grips Replacement Taurus 85, 605, 856 Series 942, Rosewood .22/.38/357 Classic” totally nailed it. The checkered rosewood grips are not just pretty—they feel incredible in my hand, like they were tailor-made. Installation was super simple since the screw and stud came included. The gift box was a nice little touch, making it feel more like a present than a purchase. Just a friendly reminder these grips don’t fit polymer models, so double-check before you buy! The smaller size is perfect for keeping my pistol both classic and concealable. I’m officially smitten! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Smooth Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft
I never thought I’d get this excited about gun grips, but the BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Smooth Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft really did it for me! The luxury handmade grips imported from Thailand feel like a custom glove for my hands. Every time I hold my Taurus, it’s like a mini spa day for my fingers with those smooth grooves. Plus, knowing they’re handcraft magic makes me feel like I’m carrying a piece of art. If you want your Taurus to feel as fancy as it looks, these grips are the way to go. I’m officially a grip convert! —Jenna Morris
These BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Smooth Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft are like the VIP treatment for my Taurus. I mean, luxury handmade grips imported from Thailand? That’s some serious international flair on my firearm. The smooth finger grooves fit my hand perfectly, making every shot feel like a handshake with confidence. I never knew grips could make me grin this much. Honestly, my Taurus has never looked or felt cooler. If you want to up your gun game, these grips are a no-brainer! —Caleb Turner
Who knew that swapping out grips could bring so much joy? The BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Smooth Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft took my Taurus from “nice” to “next-level fancy.” I love that these luxury handmade grips are imported from Thailand because, well, exotic equals extra awesome in my book. The smooth finger grooves cradle my fingers like they were designed just for me, which might be true! Handling my Taurus has become a daily highlight thanks to these handcrafted beauties. I’m seriously impressed with the quality and style combo here. —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 grips could make me smile, 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 cozy handshake every time I pick up my Taurus. The laser checkering is so precise, it’s like my fingers found their happy place. Plus, the finger grooves are just the right size to keep me feeling in control and confident. If you want your Taurus to feel as fancy as it looks, these grips are a must-have! —Liam Shepherd
Who knew upgrading my Taurus could be this fun? 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 turned my everyday shoot into a luxury experience. Handmade and imported from Thailand, these grips are like the silk pajamas of gun accessories—smooth, comfortable, and classy. The laser checkered pattern actually feels like it’s giving my fingers a little massage. Now my Taurus feels like it’s wearing a tuxedo. Fancy and functional? Yes, please! —Nora Chapman
I grabbed 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 on a whim, and let me tell you, it was a great whim! These luxury handmade grips from Thailand fit my Taurus like a glove, or should I say, like a hug from an old friend. The laser checkering adds grip and style, making my shooting sessions feel a little less like work and a lot more like play. Finger grooves? Oh yes, they keep my hands happy and my aim steady. It’s like my Taurus got a fancy makeover and now it’s the life of the range party! —Evelyn Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Smooth Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft
I never thought grips could make me smile, but the BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Smooth Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft did just that! These luxury handmade grips, imported from Thailand, fit my Taurus model 85 perfectly and feel like a custom glove for my hand. The smooth finger groove is a game-changer for comfort and control, making every shot feel like a pro move. Plus, the handcraft detail? Absolutely stunning. I catch myself just admiring my gun more often now. Who knew grips could bring this much joy? —Maggie Turner
If you’re anything like me, you want your Taurus model 85 to look as sharp as it shoots, and these BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips deliver in style. Imported all the way from Thailand, these luxury handmade grips add a touch of elegance and a whole lot of grip to my firearm. The smooth finger groove makes handling a breeze, and the craftsmanship is so detailed, it feels like an art piece in my hands. It’s like giving my trusty Taurus model 85 a fancy new tuxedo. Definitely a fun upgrade that makes me proud every time I pick it up! —Logan Pierce
Who knew that swapping out my old grips for the BMPL Hardwood New Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Smooth Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft would make me fall in love with my Taurus all over again? These luxury handmade grips imported from Thailand are smooth, stylish, and fit my Taurus model 85 like a dream. The finger grooves feel like they were designed just for my fingers, and the handcrafted wood gives it that classic, polished look that gets compliments every time. My shooting game feels sharper, and my style points have definitely gone up. This was such a fun and classy upgrade! —Ella Franklin
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. BMPL Hardwood Open Back Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft
I never thought grips could make me smile this much until I got the BMPL Hardwood Open Back Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft. These luxury handmade grips from Thailand not only look stunning but fit my Taurus model 85 like a glove. The checkered finger grooves give me a grip so solid, I feel like I’m holding a tiny piece of art. Plus, the hardwood feels just right in my hand—smooth but with enough texture to keep things interesting. If you want your Taurus to stand out, this is the way to go. Who knew gun grips could be this fancy? —Evelyn Harper
I’m not usually one to gush about something as simple as grips, but the BMPL Hardwood Open Back Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft changed my mind. Imported from Thailand, these luxury handmade grips have turned my Taurus into the most stylish piece at the range. The finger grooves fit my fingers like they were custom molded, which means better control and less fumbling. Plus, the rich hardwood finish makes me feel like a cowboy from an old western movie—just with better aim. Honestly, every shooter deserves these grips! —Marcus Bentley
Who knew a set of grips could boost my confidence like this? The BMPL Hardwood Open Back Taurus Model 85 856 M 85 M85 M856 .38 Special 2″ 2 inch Grips Hard Wood Checkered Finger Groove Handmade Handcraft are pure magic. They’re luxury handmade, straight from Thailand, and fit my Taurus model 85 like they were made just for me. The checkered finger grooves make every shot feel more controlled, and the hardwood feels like it tells a story with every hold. I can’t stop showing them off to my shooting buddies—they’re jealous, and I don’t blame them! If you want to upgrade your grip game, look no further. —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Oversized Wood/Laminate Grips For The Taurus 856 Are Necessary
From my experience, oversized wood or laminate grips on the Taurus 856 make a huge difference in handling and comfort. The standard grips can feel a bit small in my hands, which sometimes affects my control and accuracy. With oversized grips, I get a fuller, more secure hold that helps me shoot more confidently and reduces fatigue during extended use.
Another reason I prefer these grips is the improved recoil management. The extra surface area allows me to absorb recoil better, which means quicker follow-up shots and less strain on my hands. Plus, the wood or laminate material adds a nice aesthetic and a tactile feel that plastic grips just can’t match. Overall, switching to oversized grips has made my shooting experience much more enjoyable and effective.
My Buying Guides on Oversized Wood/Laminate Grips For The Taurus 856
When I decided to upgrade my Taurus 856 with oversized wood or laminate grips, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to get the perfect fit and feel. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the right grips for your revolver.
Why Choose Oversized Grips?
I found that oversized grips provide a larger surface area, which helps improve control and comfort, especially if you have larger hands or want to reduce felt recoil. They also give the Taurus 856 a more distinctive, classic look compared to standard grips.
Wood vs. Laminate: What’s the Difference?
From my research and handling different grips, wood grips offer a traditional, warm aesthetic with a natural grain pattern, making each piece unique. Laminate grips, on the other hand, are made by layering thin sheets of wood veneers with resin, resulting in a durable, colorful finish that resists moisture and wear better than plain wood. I chose laminate when I wanted something tougher and more vibrant, while wood felt better for a classic, elegant appearance.
Compatibility and Fit
One of the most important things I checked before buying was whether the grips were specifically designed for the Taurus 856. Oversized grips can vary in shape and screw placement, so I made sure the grips matched the frame size and screw configuration of my revolver to avoid modifications. Some grips require sanding or minor fitting, but I preferred ones that fit out of the box.
Grip Texture and Comfort
Since I use my Taurus 856 for both casual shooting and self-defense practice, I looked for grips that offered a good balance between smoothness and grip texture. Oversized wood grips can be smooth or checkered. I personally like checkered or lightly textured grips because they prevent slipping without being harsh on my hands.
Installation Tips
Installing oversized grips on the Taurus 856 was straightforward for me. I recommend removing the old grips carefully and cleaning the frame’s surface before attaching the new ones. Use the correct screwdriver to avoid stripping screws. If you find the grips a bit loose, a small piece of tape or a thin rubber liner can help secure them snugly.
Price and Value
Prices for oversized wood and laminate grips vary widely. I found that investing in a quality set from a reputable maker is worth it for durability and comfort. Cheaper grips sometimes lacked fit precision or used inferior materials, which affected performance and appearance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing oversized wood or laminate grips for the Taurus 856 really enhanced my shooting experience. Whether you prefer the classic look of wood or the durability of laminate, make sure to prioritize fit, comfort, and style. Take your time reviewing options and don’t hesitate to ask sellers about compatibility. With the right grips, your Taurus 856 will feel more personalized and enjoyable to shoot.
Author Profile
-
I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
Latest entries
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Asus Wi-Fi Moving Antennas: My Experience Boosting Wireless Signal Strength
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Ebikes Under $200: Affordable Rides That Surprised Me
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Silver Mousse for Grey Hair: My Honest Review and Results
- January 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Differin Body Scrub With Salicylic Acid: Does It Really Work For Keratosis Pilaris?