The Taurus 856 Concealed Hammer is a small-frame double-action-only revolver chambered in .38 Special +P. It has a 2-inch barrel, a 6-round cylinder, and a concealed hammer that keeps the profile snag-free when drawing from a holster. The frame wears a matte black finish paired with a stainless steel cylinder and VZ grips. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Taurus 
• Model: 856 Concealed Hammer 
• Caliber: .38 Special +P 
• Action: Double Action 
• Capacity: 6-Round 
• Barrel Length: 2" 
• Finish: Matte Black / Stainless Cylinder 
• Grips: VZ 
   

Detailed Features 

• Concealed hammer design removes any external hammer spur that could snag on clothing or a holster 
• Double-action-only trigger pull for a consistent draw-to-shot cycle 
• 2-inch barrel and 6-round stainless steel cylinder rated for .38 Special +P 
• Matte black frame finish for a low-glare carry appearance 
• VZ grips fitted in place of standard factory grips for control

Small-frame revolvers like the 856 Concealed Hammer draw a steady crowd of concealed carriers who want a backup or primary gun that is simple to operate under stress. Owners generally describe the trigger pull as manageable for a double-action-only revolver, and reliability comments are mostly positive since a revolver has fewer parts that can cause a stoppage than a semi-auto. Some buyers mention wanting to polish the trigger action after a break-in period.

In the hand, the concealed hammer is the main selling point, letting the gun be drawn from a pocket or an inside-the-waistband holster without an exposed hammer catching on fabric. The VZ grips get positive feedback for improving control over stock rubber grips, especially with +P ammunition, which several owners note has noticeably more felt recoil than standard .38 Special in a gun this size.

On value, the 856 line sits in a competitive spot against other small-frame revolvers from Smith & Wesson and Ruger, and Taurus buyers frequently cite price as the deciding factor. Aftermarket grip and holster support for the 856 frame is considered solid since the platform has been around long enough to build a following.