The Taurus 856 is a small-frame double-action revolver chambered in .38 Special with a 2-inch barrel and a 6-round cylinder. It ships in a black and stainless two-tone finish and has G10 grips. The frame is sized for compact carry. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Taurus 
• Model: 856 
• Caliber: .38 Special 
• Action: Double Action 
• Capacity: 6 
• Barrel Length: 2 in 
• Color/Finish: Black / Stainless 
   

Detailed Features 

• 2-inch barrel on a small-frame platform 
• 6-round cylinder 
• Two-tone black and stainless finish 
• G10 grips 
• Rated for .38 Special +P loads

The Taurus 856 has a strong following among buyers who want an affordable small-frame revolver for everyday carry. Most owners report the double-action pull is heavier than comparable revolvers from other makers, but smooths out with dry-fire practice. The 6-round capacity over the older 5-round small-frames is a consistent plus.

In the hand, the G10 grips get praise for grip texture during wet or sweaty use. A few owners note the two-tone finish shows wear on carry edges faster than expected, and some find the sight picture on the 2-inch barrel takes adjustment at anything beyond close range.

At its price point the 856 draws buyers who are getting a first carry revolver or want a backup gun without spending on a premium nameplate. Reliability reports are generally positive out of the box, though a small number of owners have noted cylinder timing issues that required a trip back to the factory.