The Taurus 856 Gen 2 Defender is a .38 Special SA/DA revolver with a 2-inch barrel and 6-round cylinder. It weighs 22 oz and measures 6.5 inches overall. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .38 Special 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2" 
• Overall Length: 6.5" 
• Weight: 22 oz 
• Action: Single/Double 
   

Detailed Features 

The SA/DA action allows double-action fire for fast deployment or single-action for a lighter pull when precision matters. At 22 oz with a 2-inch barrel, it's sized for concealed carry while still holding 6 rounds, one more than comparable 5-shot snub-noses. Fixed sights keep the profile snag-free. 
 

Usage 

This revolver is suited for everyday concealed carry and home defense. The 6-round capacity is a marginal advantage over 5-shot alternatives. Recoil in .38 Special at this weight is manageable for most shooters. The short barrel limits precision at distance but is appropriate for the close-range defensive scenarios this gun is built around.

The Taurus 856 Gen 2 Defender draws largely positive feedback with a few consistent criticisms.

Owners appreciate the compact size and weight for everyday carry. Reliability is a frequently mentioned strength. Revolvers in this class have fewer mechanical failure points than semi-automatics, and the 856 is generally reported to function consistently. New gun owners find the operation straightforward to learn. The price is considered good value compared to other carry revolvers.

Critical feedback focuses on the trigger pull, which some find heavier than comfortable, an issue that affects accuracy under stress or for shooters with smaller hands. Finish quality opinions are mixed, with some finding it adequate and others wanting better durability. The 6-round capacity, while an improvement over 5-shot snub-noses, still gets compared unfavorably to semi-automatic options that hold significantly more.