The Taurus 856 is a DA/SA revolver chambered in .38 Special with a 2-inch barrel and 6-round cylinder. At 1.4 lbs (22 oz), and 6.55 inches overall, it's a compact revolver suitable for concealed carry and home defense. The frame and cylinder are carbon steel with a matte black finish, and the grips are Brown VZ Cyclone. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Taurus 
• Model: 856 
• Caliber: .38 Special 
• Action: Double/Single Action (DA/SA) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.55 inches 
• Weight: 1.4 lbs (22 oz) 
• Frame Material: Carbon Steel with Matte Black Finish 
• Sights: Ramp Front / Fixed Rear 
• Grips: Brown VZ Cyclone 
   

Features 

 
Carbon steel frame and cylinder give the 856 its durability. The 2-inch barrel keeps overall length to 6.55 inches, which makes pocket or IWB carry practical. Ramp front sight and fixed rear sight give a fast sight picture for close-range work. VZ Cyclone grips in brown provide grip texture and control, particularly during extended range sessions. A transfer bar safety prevents accidental discharge without the hammer being cocked. The DA/SA action allows either a longer DA pull for a first-shot safety margin, or a shorter SA pull for precise single shots. 
 

Usage 

 
The 856 fits the classic snub-nosed .38 role: a 6-round capacity, 2-inch barrel, and under-23 oz weight make it a practical carry option. The .38 Special chambering keeps recoil manageable compared to .357 Magnum, and the double-action pull is accessible for new revolver shooters. For home defense it can be stored compactly; for carry it works with most IWB holsters made for snub-nose revolvers.

Owners of the Taurus 856 generally rate it positively as a carry revolver. The compact 2-inch barrel, 22 oz weight, and 6-round capacity in .38 Special are the most cited strengths. The .38 Special caliber is liked for its manageable recoil, which makes it accessible to a range of shooters. VZ Cyclone grips get consistent positive mention for their texture and control.

Reliability reports are mostly good, with owners noting consistent performance across carry and range use. The straightforward revolver operation is appreciated by owners who prefer a simple manual of arms.

On the critical side, trigger pull weight is the most common complaint. Some owners find the double-action pull heavier than competitors. Fit and finish consistency comes up occasionally, with a few buyers noting minor quality control issues relative to higher-priced revolvers in the same class.