Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O. Revolver - .38 SPL +P Matte Black Compact
The Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O. Revolver - .38 SPL +P Matte Black Compact is a .38 Special +P single/double action revolvers from Taurus. It is available from 14 vendors at $359.99 to $399.99. Owners rate it 4.0 out of 5 across 1 review.
Product Information
Name: Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O. Revolver - .38 SPL +P Matte Black Compact
Brand: Taurus
Category: Single/Double Action Revolvers
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Barrel Length: 3"
Capacity: 6 rounds
UPC: 725327634461
SKU: UCClj6ppt
Description
The Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O. is a six-round .38 SPL +P DA/SA revolver with a 3-inch barrel and a matte black finish on a stainless steel frame. It weighs approximately 1.46 lbs and measures 7.5 inches overall.
Key Specifications
- Brand: Taurus
- Model Name: Defender 856 T.O.R.O.
- Caliber: .38 SPL +P
- Action: Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA)
- Barrel Length: 3 inches
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Finish: Matte Black
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 1.46 lbs (approximately)
Detailed Features
- DA/SA Mechanism: Double-action for carry and defensive use; single-action for a lighter pull on deliberate shots.
- Compact Dimensions: The 7.5-inch overall length and 1.46 lb weight work for concealed carry without sacrificing the six-round capacity.
- Removable Front Sight: Can be upgraded to night sights for low-light target acquisition.
- Smooth Target Style Trigger: Reduced pull weight compared to a standard double-action helps with accuracy during deliberate fire sequences.
Usage Scenarios
- Home Defense: The .38 Special +P rounds deliver meaningful stopping power with manageable recoil for quick follow-up shots.
- Everyday Carry: The compact size and light weight are practical for concealed carry throughout the day.
- Recreational Shooting: The smooth trigger makes target practice sessions consistent and relatively easy to manage.
Complete Specifications
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Model | 856 |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazines included | 0 |
| Barrel length | 3" |
| Overall length | 7.5" |
| Weight | 23.5 oz |
| Action | Single/Double Action |
| Finish | Bright Stainless |
| Frame material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Black |
| Stock material | Rubber |
| Sights | Removeable Front, Fixed Rear |
| Safety | Transfer Bar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber is the Taurus 856?
The 856 is chambered in .38 Special +P.
Who makes the Taurus 856?
The 856 is made by Taurus.
What type of firearm is the Taurus 856?
It is a double-action/single-action revolver.
What is the barrel length of the Taurus 856?
The 856 has a 3-inch barrel.
How many rounds does the Taurus 856 hold?
It has a 6-round cylinder.
Is the Taurus 856 optic-ready?
Yes, the Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O. is optics ready, though the optic itself is not included.
Where can I buy the Taurus 856?
Compare current vendor offers on this page.
What Reviewers Say
Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.
History has shown us that it is deceptively difficult to produce a revolver that is both affordable and reliable.
The trigger is just okay. It's similar to a Smith JFrame trigger. It improves a lot with dry practice and it's good enough, but it's still on the heavy side.
I would prefer it to be a little thicker from front to back. Doesn't fill my hand quite as well as I would like, but you know, I say that about most revolver grips.
This has been a much better experience than I would have expected from Atarus a couple of years ago.
Customers Say
AI-generated insights derived from customer reviews and discussions on popular gun-enthusiast forums.
The Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O. in .38 SPL +P matte black gets broadly favorable feedback, with a few specific areas of criticism.
Revolver reliability is the most consistent theme. Most owners express confidence in the platform's ability to function when needed, citing fewer mechanical failure modes compared to semi-automatic pistols.
The compact size and weight are frequently praised for daily carry. Owners regularly note that it is easy to conceal and does not cause significant fatigue over an extended day.
The .38 SPL +P loading earns positive discussion for defensive effectiveness when paired with quality hollow-point ammunition.
Affordability relative to other defensive revolvers is a common draw, especially for new buyers.
Ergonomics get mixed reviews. Some owners find the grip comfortable and well-suited to rapid fire; others note difficulty managing recoil during fast strings.
Critical feedback covers: the double-action trigger pull weight; periodic finish wear from regular holster carry; six-round capacity compared to semi-automatic alternatives; and a desire for better factory sights or more aftermarket upgrade options.
Customer service experiences with Taurus vary in forum discussions, with some owners reporting smooth warranty support and others encountering delays.
Where to Buy - 14 Offers Available
Price Range: $359.99 - $399.99
| Vendor | Price | Condition | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| RK Guns | $359.99 | New | Buy Now |
| Shootingsurplus Com | $368.27 | New | Buy Now |
| Grabagun Com | $369.99 | New | Buy Now |
| Centerfiresystems Com | $373.99 | New | Buy Now |
| Impactguns Com | $374.09 | New | Buy Now |
| Guns Com | $374.99 | New | Buy Now |
| Globalordnance Com | $378.13 | New | Buy Now |
Customer Reviews (1)
Initial impressions are positive, although I have not fired it yet. The trigger feels decent rather than exceptional, and I am still deciding which optic I want to mount on the revolver.
