# Taurus 856 Defender Compact .38 Special Revolver - Night Sight Edition

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

## Specifications

- **Caliber:** .38 Special +P
- **Barrel Length:** 3"
- **Capacity:** 6 rounds
- **Finish:** Matte Stainless Steel
- **Overall Length:** 7.5"
- **UPC:** 725327936749
- **SKU:** UCClj86TV

## Description

The Taurus 856 Defender is a compact revolver chambered in .38 Special +P, built for personal protection. At 7.5 inches overall with a 3-inch barrel, it handles easily and conceals well. The matte stainless steel frame pairs with a matte black cylinder and black VZ G10 grips. Night front fixed rear sights give you a usable sight picture in low light.

## Key Specifications
- **Manufacturer:** Taurus
- **Model:** 856 Defender
- **Caliber:** .38 Special +P
- **Barrel Length:** 3 inches
- **Overall Length:** 7.5 inches
- **Finish:** Matte Stainless Steel 
- **Cylinder Finish:** Matte Black 
- **Grips:** Black VZ G10 
- **Sights:** Night Front Fixed Rear 
- **Magazine Capacity:** 6 rounds  
- **Action Type:** Double/Single Action

## Features
The .38 Special +P chambering delivers decent stopping power without punishing recoil, which helps shooters of varying experience maintain control. The DA/SA action gives you options depending on the situation. Night sights are the highlight here. They're genuinely useful for a defensive revolver rather than a cosmetic add-on. The matte stainless finish handles humidity and light moisture without the upkeep a blued gun demands.

## Usage
This revolver works well as a concealed carry gun or a nightstand option. The 6-round cylinder is standard for the platform. Sport shooting is possible, but the 856 Defender is really a carry/defense tool first.

## What Customers Say

*AI-generated insights from customer reviews*

Owners of the Taurus 856 Defender Night Sight Edition generally speak well of it, though with some real-world caveats.

The compact size draws consistent praise. It rides easily in a holster and doesn't print. The night sights get called out positively more than any other feature; owners find them practical rather than gimmicky. Reliability comments are generally good, with the usual revolver argument: no magazine to fumble, nothing to rack under stress. The price lands it firmly in the budget-friendly category, which attracts first-time buyers who'd rather not spend on a premium brand.

On the other side, the trigger pull gets the most complaints. Double-action weight is heavier than some competitors, and a few shooters say the break isn't as clean as they'd like. Finish quality has drawn occasional criticism. Some owners report wear showing earlier than expected for a stainless gun. The 6-round capacity is inherent to the platform, but it still comes up in comparisons against compact semi-autos. Recoil with +P loads runs snappier than you'd expect from the weight, which surprises some new shooters.

## Pricing

**2 offers available**

| Vendor | Price |
|--------|-------|
| Guns Com | $399.99 |
| Guns Com | $458.99 |

## Similar Products

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