# Taurus 856 Defender: Compact 2" DAO .38 Special +P Revolver **Brand:** Taurus **Category:** 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:** 6.5" - **UPC:** 725327617495 - **SKU:** UCClj6lQF ## Description The Taurus Model 856 is a double-action-only .38 Special +P revolver with a 2-inch barrel, 6-round cylinder, and matte stainless finish. At 22 oz (1.375 lbs) and 6.5 inches overall, it's compact enough for concealed carry while holding one more round than the typical 5-shot snub-nose. Key Specifications - **Brand:** Taurus - **Model Name:** Model 856 - **Caliber:** .38 Special +P - **Action Type:** Double Action Only (DAO) - **Capacity:** 6 Rounds - **Barrel Length:** 2 inches - **Overall Length:** 6.5 inches - **Weight:** 1.375 lbs (22 oz) - **Sights:** Serrated Ramp Front, Fixed Rear - **Grip Type:** Black Rubber - **Safety Features:** Transfer Bar Safety - **Finish Type:** Matte Stainless Detailed Features The transfer bar safety prevents the firing pin from contacting the primer unless the trigger is fully pulled, which is the standard revolver safety mechanism and provides reliable drop protection. The black rubber grip is contoured to fit the hand and provides decent control under recoil from +P loads. The serrated ramp front sight pairs with fixed rear sights, giving a clear sight picture for a defensive-range revolver. The DAO trigger requires a full pull for each round, which suits defensive carry where the simplified manual of arms reduces error under stress. Matte stainless resists corrosion better than blued steel, an advantage for a gun carried against the body. Target Audience Shooters looking for a dependable carry revolver at a practical price. New shooters who want straightforward operation, and experienced carriers who want a backup or primary carry revolver. Usage Scenarios Concealed carry under clothing is the primary use case. The 2-inch barrel keeps the profile minimal, and the 22 oz weight is manageable for all-day carry. Home defense benefits from the simple DAO operation and +P capability. Range practice is viable given the controllable recoil from .38 Special loads. ## 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-only revolver in the compact handgun category. **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 the Taurus 856 have?** A: This version of the 856 has a matte stainless 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.* > 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) > The trigger is just okay. It's similar to a Smith JFrame trigger. It improves a lot with dry practice and it's good enough, but it's still on the heavy side. > > — [Lucky Gunner Ammo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE0dcMFUkuU&t=179s) > I would prefer it to be a little thicker from front to back. Doesn't fill my hand quite as well as I would like, but you know, I say that about most revolver grips. > > — [Lucky Gunner Ammo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE0dcMFUkuU&t=289s) > This has been a much better experience than I would have expected from Atarus a couple of years ago. > > — [Lucky Gunner Ammo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE0dcMFUkuU&t=427s) ## What Customers Say *AI-generated insights from customer reviews* The 856 has a good reputation for carry reliability among its owners. The 6-round capacity compared to most snub-noses' 5 rounds is consistently noted as an advantage. The compact dimensions and light weight work well for concealed carry, and the DAO trigger is generally considered smooth enough for practical defensive use. Build quality compared to premium revolvers is a recurring discussion, with a segment of owners noting the fit and finish doesn't match Smith & Wesson or Ruger at this price tier. Long-term rust resistance and cylinder rotation smoothness are mentioned by a minority of owners. Customer service experiences with Taurus are mixed in user reports, which affects some owners' confidence. Value for price is the most consistent positive, with most owners viewing it as a solid defensive carry revolver at a budget-friendly price point. ## Pricing **15 offers available** | Vendor | Price | |--------|-------| | Classicfirearms Com | $318.40 | | Shootingsurplus Com | $330.68 | | Gunbuyer Com | $332.81 | | Guns Com | $334.99 | | Centerfiresystems Com | $334.99 | | Gritrsports Com | $339.99 | | Globalordnance Com | $340.32 | | Kygunco Com | $343.99 | | Buds Gun Shop | $353.99 | | Palmettostatearmory Com | $355.99 | *...and 5 more offers* ## Similar Products - [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 Ultra-Lite: .38 Special +P, DAO, Compact Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-p-dao-compact-revolver/UCClj6lQc) - [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 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 Compact .38 Spl +P Revolver - Stainless, 6rd SA/DA](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-compact-38-spl-p-revolver-stainless-6rd-sa-da/UCClj6mII) --- *Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*