# Taurus 856 .38 Special Stainless Revolver - Compact Defender Edition

**Brand:** Taurus
**Category:** Single/Double Action Revolvers
**Caliber:** .38 Special +P

## Specifications

- **Caliber:** .38 Special +P
- **Barrel Length:** 2"
- **Capacity:** 6 rounds
- **Finish:** Stainless
- **Weight:** 22 oz
- **Overall Length:** 6.55"
- **UPC:** 725327937678
- **SKU:** UCClj86iU

## Description

The Taurus 856 is a 6-shot .38 Special +P double/single action revolver with a stainless steel finish and black rubber grip. At 1.4 lbs and 6.55 inches overall with a 2-inch barrel, it is sized for pocket carry and IWB holsters.

### Key Specifications
- **Brand:** Taurus
- **Model:** 856
- **Caliber:** .38 Special +P
- **Action:** Double/Single Action (DA/SA)
- **Capacity:** 6 Rounds
- **Barrel Length:** 2 inches
- **Overall Length:** 6.55 inches
- **Weight:** 1.4 lbs (22 oz)
- **Finish:** Stainless Steel with Black Accents

### Detailed Features
The transfer bar safety prevents discharge unless the trigger is fully depressed, which allows the cylinder to be carried fully loaded without the risk of an accidental discharge from a dropped gun. The removable serrated front blade and fixed rear sight give a clean sight picture for a 2-inch barrel. The black rubber grip absorbs some of the recoil from .38 Special +P loads, which at 22 oz is noticeable but manageable. The stainless finish resists corrosion for a gun that will see pocket or waistband carry in varying conditions.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What caliber is the Taurus 856?**

A: The Taurus 856 is chambered in .38 Special +P.

**Q: Who makes the Taurus 856?**

A: The 856 is made by Taurus.

**Q: What type of firearm is the Taurus 856?**

A: It is a single/double action revolver.

**Q: How many rounds does the Taurus 856 hold?**

A: It has a 6-round cylinder.

**Q: What is the barrel length of the Taurus 856?**

A: The barrel is 2 inches long.

**Q: Where can I buy the Taurus 856?**

A: Compare current vendor offers on this page.

## What Reviewers Say

*Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.*

> These grips are pretty nice in my opinion for concealed carry grips.
>
> — [Buffalo's Outdoors](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iAdWrb7OFk&t=109s)

> Really really cool affordable snub and nose revolver if you want to get started with revolvers somewhere.
>
> — [Mannix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklCpLO3608&t=56s)

> Equation trigger field was much more important and this little revolver actually has a pretty good feeling trigger.
>
> — [Buffalo's Outdoors](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iAdWrb7OFk&t=342s)

> I haven't had a single issue out of those 150 rounds i haven't had any extraction problems no light primer strikes just absolutely nothing to report back to you guys.
>
> — [Buffalo's Outdoors](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iAdWrb7OFk&t=587s)

> Revolvers are very very simple tried and true pieces of Hardware they do not suffer from too many parts syndrome.
>
> — [Mannix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklCpLO3608&t=262s)

## What Customers Say

*AI-generated insights from customer reviews*

The Taurus 856 gets broadly positive feedback as a carry revolver, with most criticism coming down to fit-and-finish rather than function.

Owners consistently like the 6-round capacity, one more than the S&W J-frame and Ruger LCR at the same price tier, and the stainless finish for durability. The DA trigger pull is generally described as smooth for a carry revolver, and the transfer bar safety is well regarded. Recoil with .38 Special +P is manageable at 22 oz, and most owners find the rubber grip adequate.

The main criticism is fit and finish: some buyers report minor cosmetic issues or tolerance variations out of the box. These are typically cosmetic rather than functional, but they are more common than on Smith and Wesson revolvers at a higher price. Most owners who buy the 856 as a carry gun rather than a collector piece report no functional issues. The 6-shot cylinder is the specific reason many buyers choose it over the J-frame equivalent.

## Pricing

**2 offers available**

| Vendor | Price |
|--------|-------|
| Kygunco Com | $352.17 |
| Deguns | $358.99 |

## Similar Products

- [Taurus Defender 856: Compact Matte Black .38 Special +P Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-defender-856-compact-matte-black-38-special-p-revolver/UCClj86iD)
- [Taurus 856 Compact Defender: Matte Black .38 Special +P Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-compact-defender-matte-black-38-special-p-revolver/UCClj6lQ8)
- [Taurus 856 Defender .38 Special +P Revolver - Matte Stainless Finish](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-38-special-p-revolver-matte-stainless-finish/UCClj87wF)
- [Taurus 856 Defender: Compact .38 Special +P Revolver, Stainless/Walnut](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-compact-38-special-p-revolver-stainless-walnut/UCClj85lL)
- [Taurus 856 Defender .38 Special +P Revolver - Walnut Grip, Matte Black](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-38-special-p-revolver-walnut-grip-matte-black/UCClj85lE)
- [Taurus 856 Ultra Lite .38 Special Matte Stainless Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-matte-stainless-revolver/UCClj6lAG)

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*Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*