The Taurus 856 is a compact .38 Special +P revolver with a stainless steel frame and barrel, a 2-inch barrel, and a 6.55-inch overall length. At 1.4 lbs (22 oz), it is heavier than the aluminum-frame variants but more durable for long-term use. 
 

Key Specifications: 

• Caliber: .38 Special +P 
• Model: 856 
• Action: Double/Single Action (DA/SA) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.55 inches 
• Weight: 1.4 lbs (22 oz) 
• Finish: Stainless Steel (Matte) 
• Grips: Walnut 
• Sights: Ramp Front / Fixed Rear 
   

Detailed Features: 

The stainless steel frame and barrel resist corrosion and hold up to regular use. The DA/SA trigger gives you the option of a longer, heavier double-action pull or a shorter single-action pull after manually cocking the hammer. Transfer bar safety prevents accidental discharge when the hammer is at rest. Ramp front and fixed rear sights are straightforward for fast acquisition at close distances. Walnut grips give the gun a clean, traditional look.

The Taurus 856 Defender in .38 Special +P gets solid marks for reliability. Revolver owners frequently point to the simpler design and fewer failure modes compared to semi-auto pistols. New shooters appreciate the point-and-shoot simplicity, and the compact size works well for concealed carry and backup use.

The stainless steel construction gets credit for durability and corrosion resistance, and the walnut grips draw favorable comments for their look.

On the critical side, recoil with +P loads can be firm, especially for smaller-handed shooters. Some owners note a heavier-than-expected trigger pull that takes adjustment time. The six-round cylinder capacity is a recurring topic. Most people accept it as the tradeoff for revolver reliability, though some would prefer more rounds. Comparisons with higher-capacity semi-autos come up regularly in discussion forums.