# Taurus 856 Gen 2 Stainless .38 Special Revolver **Brand:** Taurus **Category:** Double Action Revolvers **Caliber:** .38 Special ## Specifications - **Caliber:** .38 Special - **Barrel Length:** 3" - **Capacity:** 6 rounds - **Finish:** STAINLESS STEEL - **UPC:** 725327942146 - **SKU:** UCClj87sY ## Description The Taurus 856 is a .38 Special double-action revolver with a 3-inch barrel, 6-round cylinder, and stainless steel finish. The frame is compact, intended for concealed carry and home defense use. ### Key Specifications - **Brand:** Taurus - **Model:** 856 - **UPC:** 725327942146 - **Action:** Revolver - **Caliber:** .38 SPL (Special) - **Barrel Length:** 3 inches - **Capacity:** 6 rounds - **Finish:** Stainless Steel ### Detailed Features The 3-inch barrel gives the 856 more muzzle velocity and a longer sight radius than snub-nose 2-inch revolvers, without adding enough length to make concealment significantly harder. Six rounds puts it one above the typical 5-round J-frame format, which gives an additional shot before reload. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion from sweat during regular carry, which is a practical consideration for a handgun that spends time against the body. The double-action trigger works through the full pull without requiring a separate hammer cocking step, keeping the manual of arms simple. ### Usage Scenarios - **Concealed Carry**: The compact frame and 3-inch barrel are well-suited for IWB or OWB holsters without printing heavily. - **Home Defense**: Double-action operation with no external safety to manipulate reduces fumble risk under stress. - **New Shooters**: Revolver operation is straightforward to learn and malfunction clearance is simpler than semi-auto procedures. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What caliber is the Taurus 856?** A: The Taurus 856 is chambered in .38 Special. **Q: Who makes the 856?** A: It is made by Taurus. **Q: What type of firearm is the Taurus 856?** A: It is a double-action revolver. **Q: What is the barrel length of the Taurus 856?** A: The barrel is 3 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 come in?** A: It has a stainless steel 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* The Taurus 856 in stainless draws solid reviews for its value among compact .38 Special revolvers. The stainless finish is the feature that comes up most consistently in positive reviews, with owners noting it holds up better during regular carry than blued or parkerized alternatives and develops a working patina rather than rust spots. Reliability is frequently praised. Most owners report consistent functioning across .38 Special load types, which matters for a defensive revolver where ammunition flexibility is practical. The double-action trigger pull is described as smooth enough for a production gun without requiring aftermarket work. The 3-inch barrel gives a slight velocity and sight radius advantage over 2-inch snubs, which most users appreciate without finding the extra inch impractical for carry. Critiques are mostly minor. The stainless finish adds a bit of weight compared to alloy-frame alternatives. Some users note that Taurus customer service experiences vary. Price is consistently cited as a strength, with most buyers finding the 856 competitive against other compact revolvers in its price range. The overall sentiment is positive for buyers who want a reliable .38 Special carry revolver without a premium price tag. ## Pricing **1 offers available** | Vendor | Price | |--------|-------| | Guns Com | $482.99 | ## Similar Products - [Taurus 856 Ultra Lite .38 Special Matte Stainless Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-matte-stainless-revolver/UCClj6lAG) - [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: Compact .38 Special +P Revolver, Stainless/Walnut](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-compact-38-special-p-revolver-stainless-walnut/UCClj85lL) - [Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite .38 Special Revolver - Matte Stainless Compact](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-revolver-matte-stainless-compact/UCClj6mIW) - [Taurus 856 .38 Special Stainless Revolver - Compact Defender Edition](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-38-special-stainless-revolver-compact-defender-edition/UCClj86iU) - [Taurus 856 Ultra Lite Revolver, .38 Special +P, 2" Barrel, 6rd](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-revolver-38-special-p-2-barrel-6rd/UCClj87yE) --- *Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*