# Taurus 856 Compact Defender: Matte Black .38 Special +P Revolver **Brand:** Taurus **Category:** Single/Double Action Revolvers **Caliber:** .38 Special +P ## Specifications - **Caliber:** .38 Special +P - **Barrel Length:** 2" - **Capacity:** 6 rounds - **Finish:** Matte Black - **Weight:** 22 oz - **Overall Length:** 6.55" - **UPC:** 725327617488 - **SKU:** UCClj6lQ8 ## Description The Taurus 856 is a .38 Special +P revolver with a 2-inch barrel, 6-round cylinder, double-action/single-action capability, and matte black finish. At 22 oz and 6.55 inches overall, it fits the concealed carry category well while offering one more round than most comparable 5-shot snub-noses. ### Key Specifications - **Brand**: Taurus - **Model Name**: 856 - **Caliber**: .38 Special +P - **Action**: Double Action / Single Action (DA/SA) - **Barrel Length**: 2 inches - **Overall Length**: 6.55 inches - **Weight**: 22 oz (1.375 lbs) - **Capacity**: 6 rounds - **Sights**: Serrated Ramp Front; Fixed Rear - **Grip Type**: Standard Black Rubber - **Safety Feature**: Transfer Bar Safety - **Finish Color**: Matte Black ### Detailed Features The DA/SA trigger gives shooters the option of a longer double-action pull for carry or a shorter single-action pull for deliberate shots. The transfer bar safety prevents discharge from drops without the trigger being pulled. At 22 oz with a 2-inch barrel, the 856 fits easily under clothing. The serrated front ramp and fixed rear sights provide a workable sight picture for typical defensive distances. The .38 Special +P chambering offers adequate stopping power with manageable recoil. ### Target Audience Shooting individuals looking for a carry revolver or a first handgun. The simple DA/SA revolver operation suits new shooters, and experienced carriers familiar with the platform will find the 856's features familiar. ### Usage Scenarios Concealed carry is the main use case, where the compact dimensions and light weight keep all-day carry comfortable. Home defense benefits from the simple operation and quick access. Range practice at 7-15 yard defensive distances is where the 856 performs most naturally. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What caliber is the Taurus 856?** A: The Taurus 856 is chambered in .38 Special +P. **Q: Who makes the 856?** A: The 856 is made by Taurus. **Q: What type of firearm is the Taurus 856?** A: The Taurus 856 is a double-action/single-action revolver. **Q: What is the barrel length of the Taurus 856?** A: The 856 has a 2-inch barrel. **Q: How many rounds does the Taurus 856 hold?** A: The 856 holds 6 rounds in its cylinder. **Q: What finish does this Taurus 856 have?** A: This version of the 856 has a matte black finish. **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.* > 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) > History has shown us that it is deceptively difficult to produce a revolver that is both affordable and reliable. > > — [Lucky Gunner Ammo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE0dcMFUkuU&t=160s) > 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) > Close range accuracy is not the best at like seven or ten yards I mean it's okay it hits its Target. > > — [Mannix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklCpLO3608&t=365s) > I wish this was fiber optic or even just like a red plastic insert but it's not it's just a part of the barrel right there which is kind of disappointing. > > — [Mannix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklCpLO3608&t=463s) ## What Customers Say *AI-generated insights from customer reviews* The 856 earns consistent praise for its carry-friendly size and the 6-round capacity over typical 5-shot snub-noses. Owners appreciate the matte black finish for its durability and the double-action trigger, which most find smooth for a revolver in this price range. Cylinder rotation inconsistency and occasional jamming are mentioned by a portion of owners, which is relevant for a defensive carry pistol. Shooting +P loads in a lightweight frame produces snappy recoil that some find uncomfortable. Taurus customer service quality varies in reported experiences. Overall, the 856 is viewed as a practical defensive revolver at a competitive price, with the main caution being that quality control can vary between individual examples. ## Pricing **17 offers available** | Vendor | Price | |--------|-------| | Classicfirearms Com | $316.63 | | Shootingsurplus Com | $318.42 | | Gritrsports Com | $319.99 | | Guns Com | $322.99 | | Centerfiresystems Com | $322.99 | | RK Guns | $324.97 | | Globalordnance Com | $327.72 | | Gunbuyer Com | $329.23 | | Grabagun Com | $329.99 | | Kygunco Com | $332.28 | *...and 7 more offers* ## 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 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 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 .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 Revolver: Matte Black, .38 Special +P, 2" Barrel](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-revolver-matte-black-38-special-p-2-barrel/UCClj6mIB) - [Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite: .38 Special +P, DAO, Compact Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-p-dao-compact-revolver/UCClj6lQc) --- *Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*