The Taurus 856 is a DA/SA .38 Special revolver with a 2-inch barrel, 6-round capacity, and a matte black finish. It has a steel frame, Turkish walnut grips, serrated ramp front sight, fixed rear sight, and a transfer bar safety. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: 856 
• Action: DA/SA 
• Caliber: .38 Special (+P capable) 
• Finish: Matte Black 
• Frame Material: Steel 
• Grips: Turkish Walnut 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.55 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Sights: Serrated Ramp Front, Fixed Rear 
• Weight: 1.4 lbs (22 oz) 
• Safety Features: Transfer Bar 
   

Detailed Features 

The 856 accepts standard .38 Special and +P loads, giving a range of ammunition options from light target loads to heavier defensive rounds. The 2-inch barrel is the standard snub-nose length for concealed carry revolvers. DA mode fires with a single long trigger pull, no cocking required; SA mode cocks the hammer first for a lighter pull. 
 
The steel frame is more durable and recoil-absorbing than aluminum or polymer alternatives at this price point. Turkish walnut grips are traditional in appearance and provide a more comfortable recoil surface than hard polymer. Transfer bar safety prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. 
 

Target Audience 

Suited to concealed carry users who prefer a revolver for its simplicity and reliability. The 6-round capacity is an advantage over 5-round snub-noses in this category. Also practical as a bedside or vehicle revolver where simplicity and ease of use matter. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

1. Home Defense: Easy to operate under stress with DA trigger; no external safety to manipulate. 
2. Everyday Carry: Compact 2-inch barrel fits most snub-nose holsters. 
3. Range Practice: .38 Special is affordable to practice with and manageable for extended sessions.

Feedback on the Taurus 856 Compact .38 Special balances appreciation for its design and use case against periodic quality control concerns.

Owners consistently like the Turkish walnut grips paired with the matte black finish, it gives the revolver a more traditional look compared to all-rubber or polymer alternatives. The 6-round cylinder in a snub-nose package is frequently cited as a genuine advantage. The DA trigger pull and overall ease of use are appreciated by both new shooters and experienced revolver users.

Common criticisms center on quality control inconsistencies in some production batches, some buyers report fit and finish issues or mechanical concerns out of the box. Recoil with +P loads is described as snappy by some users, which is typical for a steel-framed 2-inch snub-nose. The 6-round capacity is adequate but some buyers coming from semi-automatic platforms find it limiting. Overall the 856 is generally viewed as a solid value-tier carry revolver when the unit received has no QC issues.