# Taurus 856 Defender Revolver: Matte Black, .38 Special +P, 2" Barrel

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

## Specifications

- **Caliber:** .38 Special +P
- **Barrel Length:** 2"
- **Capacity:** 6 rounds
- **Finish:** Matte Blued 
- **Weight:** 15.7 oz
- **Overall Length:** 6.55"
- **UPC:** 725327620839
- **SKU:** UCClj6mIB

## Description

The Taurus 856 Defender is a compact .38 Special +P single/double-action revolver with a matte black finish, 2-inch barrel, soft rubber grip, and 6-round cylinder. It weighs 22 oz and measures 6.55 inches overall.

### Key Specifications
- **SKU**: 175170856
- **UPC**: 725327620839
- **Brand**: Taurus
- **Model Name**: 856
- **Caliber**: .38 Special (+P)
- **Class**: Compact
- **Action Type**: Single/Double Action (SA/DA)
- **Capacity**: 6 rounds
- **Barrel Length**: 2 inches
- **Overall Length**: 6.55 inches
- **Weight**: 22 oz.
- **Sights**: Ramp Front, Fixed Rear
- **Grip Material**: Soft Rubber
- **Trigger Type**: Standard
- **Safety Features**: Transfer Bar
- **Finish Color/Type:** Matte Black

### Detailed Features
At 6.55 inches overall and 22 oz the 856 balances concealability with enough weight to make +P recoil manageable. SA/DA action handles both deliberate aimed shots and fast double-action fire. Ramp front and fixed rear sights are unobtrusive for carry and quick to acquire at close range. Soft rubber grip absorbs recoil and fits a range of hand sizes. Transfer bar prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled.

### Usage
Concealed carry, home defense, and as a first handgun for new shooters who prefer the simplicity of a revolver over a semi-automatic.

## 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: Taurus manufactures the 856.

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

A: It is a single/double-action revolver with a 6-round cylinder.

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

A: The barrel is 2 inches long.

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

A: It has a 6-round cylinder.

**Q: What finish does the Taurus 856 Defender have?**

A: It 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)

> 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*

Feedback on the Taurus 856 Defender matte black centers on its reliability, ease of use, and value. The simple SA/DA revolver operation is particularly appreciated by newer shooters. Compact dimensions and light weight relative to steel revolvers get positive marks for carry comfort.

The double-action trigger pull weight is the most frequently noted drawback. Some owners also mention that the matte black finish shows wear with regular handling. Six-round capacity is a consistent discussion point, though most buyers in this category accept it as a trade-off for compact size. Sights are functional but basic; longer-range precision shooters prefer adjustable options.

## Pricing

**18 offers available**

| Vendor | Price |
|--------|-------|
| Gunbuyer Com | $299.99 |
| Guns Com | $299.99 |
| Classicfirearms Com | $308.72 |
| Shootingsurplus Com | $317.40 |
| Gritrsports Com | $320.99 |
| Centerfiresystems Com | $320.99 |
| Globalordnance Com | $325.90 |
| Grabagun Com | $329.99 |
| Kygunco Com | $330.99 |
| Impactguns Com | $333.99 |

*...and 8 more offers*

## Similar Products

- [Taurus 856 Ultra Lite .38 Special +P Revolver, 2" Barrel, 16 oz](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-p-revolver-2-barrel-16-oz/UCClj85HO)
- [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 Revolver - Stealth Defender](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-p-revolver-stealth-defender/UCClj85Fn)
- [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 .38 Special +P Revolver - Walnut Grip, Matte Black](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-38-special-p-revolver-walnut-grip-matte-black/UCClj85lE)

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