# Taurus Defender 856: .38 Special +P, Stainless, Night Sights

**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
- **Weight:** 23.52 oz
- **Overall Length:** 7.5"
- **UPC:** 725327933854
- **SKU:** UCClj85io

## Description

The Taurus Defender 856 is a DA/SA revolver chambered in .38 Special +P, sized for concealed carry and home defense.

### Key Specifications
- **Brand:** Taurus
- **Model Name:** Defender 856
- **Caliber:** .38 Special +P
- **Action:** Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA)
- **Capacity:** 6 rounds
- **Barrel Length:** 3 inches
- **Overall Length:** 7.5 inches
- **Weight:** 1.5 lbs (23.52 oz)
- **Finish:** Matte Stainless Steel
- **Grip:** Black Hogue Rubber with Finger Grooves
- **Sights:** Front: Night with Orange Outline; Rear: Fixed
- **Safety Feature:** Transfer Bar

### Features
The matte stainless finish resists corrosion. Night sights on the front with an orange outline help in low-light conditions, paired with a fixed rear sight. The Hogue rubber grip has finger grooves that give a consistent hand position during use. The transfer bar safety prevents discharge unless the trigger is fully depressed.

DA/SA operation lets the shooter choose: a longer, heavier pull in DA mode, or a shorter, lighter pull in SA after manually cocking the hammer.

### Usage
At 1.5 lbs. and 7.5 inches overall, it fits well in a holster for daily carry. The 3-inch barrel makes it manageable in tight spaces. The 6-round .38 Special +P capacity is adequate for self-defense, and the revolver is straightforward enough for new shooters to learn on.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What caliber is the Taurus 856?**

A: The 856 is chambered in .38 Special +P.

**Q: Who makes the 856 Defender?**

A: It is made by Taurus.

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

A: It is a double action/single action revolver.

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

A: It has a 3-inch barrel.

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

A: It has a 6-round capacity.

**Q: Does the Taurus 856 Defender have night sights?**

A: Yes, it has a front night sight with an orange outline paired with a fixed rear sight.

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

A: It has a matte stainless steel finish.

**Q: Where can I buy the Taurus 856 Defender?**

A: Compare current vendor offers on this page.

## What Customers Say

*AI-generated insights from customer reviews*

Owners of the Taurus Defender 856 in stainless with night sights generally respond positively, with a few consistent criticisms.

The stainless finish gets consistent praise for durability and corrosion resistance. Night sights are well-received. Owners find them genuinely useful in low-light situations rather than a marketing checkbox. Recoil with +P ammunition is described as manageable, which helps with follow-up shots.

Trigger feel is the main point of contention. Most find it adequate, but a portion of reviewers feel it could be smoother or lighter, particularly in DA mode. Fit and finish quality control comes up occasionally. Some production batches have drawn minor complaints.

The overall picture is a functional, practical revolver for self-defense. Most owners are satisfied with the price-to-performance ratio, and the night sights add meaningful value. The trigger is the most likely candidate for aftermarket work if the stock feel bothers you.

## Pricing

**16 offers available**

| Vendor | Price |
|--------|-------|
| Classicfirearms Com | $347.88 |
| Shootingsurplus Com | $362.12 |
| Palmettostatearmory Com | $363.99 |
| Centerfiresystems Com | $365.99 |
| Kygunco Com | $367.41 |
| Impactguns Com | $367.89 |
| Grabagun Com | $369.99 |
| Globalordnance Com | $371.82 |
| Gunbuyer Com | $373.41 |
| RK Guns | $374.97 |

*...and 6 more offers*

## Reviews

**Average Rating:** 5.0/5 (1 reviews)

> **eddie72** (5/5): Mine balances well and carries comfortably every day. The grip feels excellent, although shooters with especially large hands may find the frame too small.

## Similar Products

- [Taurus Defender 856 Night .38+P Revolver - Matte Stainless, VZ Grips](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-defender-856-night-38-p-revolver-matte-stainless-vz-grips/UCClj85jQ)
- [Taurus 856 Defender .38 Special +P Revolver - Tungsten Gray/Wood Grip](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-38-special-p-revolver-tungsten-gray-wood-grip/UCClj85jg)
- [Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O. .38 Special +P - Compact & Versatile Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-defender-856-t-o-r-o-38-special-p-compact-versatile-revolver/UCClj6ppm)
- [Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite .38 Special Defender Revolver - Black](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-defender-revolver-black/UCClj85jJ)
- [Taurus 856 Defender Compact .38 Special Revolver - Night Sight Edition](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-defender-compact-38-special-revolver-night-sight-edition/UCClj86TV)
- [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)

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