The Taurus 856 Blue gets broadly positive marks from owners, with a few consistent criticisms.
Reliability is the most common talking point. It feeds .38 Special and +P without issues for most users, which is the main thing you need from a defensive revolver. The double-action mechanism is simple to understand and operate, which new shooters appreciate. The gun sits well in the hand and carries comfortably; concealment is straightforward given the compact dimensions.
The .38 Special +P cartridge gets credit for its balance, enough stopping power for defensive use, without recoil that makes it unpleasant to practice with.
On the other side: the double-action trigger pull is heavier than some shooters expect. This is fairly standard for the category, but it's worth noting if you're coming from a semi-auto. The factory sights work at typical defensive distances but some users want better sights for anything beyond that range.
AI-generated insights derived from customer reviews and discussions on popular gun-enthusiast forums.