# Taurus 856 Blue Compact - .38 Special +P Revolver

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

## Specifications

- **Caliber:** .38 Special +P
- **Barrel Length:** 2"
- **Finish:** Blue
- **Weight:** 22 oz
- **Overall Length:** 6.55"
- **UPC:** 725327616597
- **SKU:** UCClj6lBl

## Description

The Taurus 856 in blue is a DA/SA .38 Special +P revolver with a 2" barrel and 6-round cylinder. The blued steel frame is paired with a stainless steel cylinder, and rubber grips help absorb recoil. At 22 oz. and 6.55" overall, it's a compact option that still has enough weight to manage the snappier +P loads.

### Key Specifications
- **Caliber:** .38 Special +P
- **Capacity:** 6 Rounds
- **Frame Finish:** Blue
- **Barrel Length:** 2"
- **Firing System:** Spurred Hammer
- **Action Type:** DA/SA
- **Front Sight:** Serrated Ramp
- **Rear Sight:** Fixed
- **Cylinder Material:** Stainless Steel
- **Overall Length:** 6.55"
- **Overall Width:** 1.41"
- **Overall Height:** 4.8"
- **Grips:** Rubber
- **Safety Mechanism:** Transfer Bar Safety
- **Weight:** 22 oz.

The spurred hammer supports both double-action and cocked single-action shooting, giving you a lighter, more deliberate pull when the situation allows for it. Transfer bar safety prevents discharge unless the trigger is fully pulled, which is a sensible feature on a carry gun. The serrated ramp front sight does its job under most lighting conditions, though some shooters prefer a different front sight for night use.

## What Customers Say

*AI-generated insights from customer reviews*

The Taurus 856 Blue gets broadly positive marks from owners, with a few consistent criticisms.

Reliability is the most common talking point. It feeds .38 Special and +P without issues for most users, which is the main thing you need from a defensive revolver. The double-action mechanism is simple to understand and operate, which new shooters appreciate. The gun sits well in the hand and carries comfortably; concealment is straightforward given the compact dimensions.

The .38 Special +P cartridge gets credit for its balance, enough stopping power for defensive use, without recoil that makes it unpleasant to practice with.

On the other side: the double-action trigger pull is heavier than some shooters expect. This is fairly standard for the category, but it's worth noting if you're coming from a semi-auto. The factory sights work at typical defensive distances but some users want better sights for anything beyond that range.

## Similar Products

- [Taurus 856 Ultra Lite Sky Blue .38 Special +P Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-sky-blue-38-special-p-revolver/UCClj86cD)
- [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 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 Defender: Compact 2" DAO .38 Special +P Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-compact-2-dao-38-special-p-revolver/UCClj6lQF)
- [Taurus 856 Defender Revolver: Matte Black, .38 Special +P, 2" Barrel](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-revolver-matte-black-38-special-p-2-barrel/UCClj6mIB)

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