Taurus 856 Defender .38 Special 3 inch Tungsten Cerakote 6rd
About this product
The Taurus 856 Defender .38 Special 3 inch Tungsten Cerakote 6rd is a compact, six-shot revolver specifically engineered for everyday concealed carry and defensive use. Built on Taurus's small-frame platform with a practical 3-inch barrel, this model combines accessible double/single-action mechanics with a durable tungsten Cerakote finish and Altamont wood grips, offering a balance of reliability and classic aesthetics.
What is the Taurus 856 Defender used for?
The Taurus 856 Defender is primarily designed for concealed carry and personal defense. Its 3-inch barrel provides a meaningful ballistic advantage over snub-nose alternatives, while the 6-round capacity and intuitive double/single-action trigger make it suitable for both novice shooters and experienced carriers who prioritize mechanical simplicity under stress.
How does the Taurus 856 Defender compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Taurus 856 Defender serves a completely different role than the Stevens 334 Rifle. The Taurus is a compact, close-quarters defensive revolver chambered in .38 Special, weighing approximately 22 ounces with a 3-inch barrel, whereas the Stevens 334 is a full-size bolt-action hunting rifle chambered in .308 Winchester with a 20-inch barrel and significantly longer effective range. The Taurus is better for concealed personal protection; the Stevens is superior for hunting medium game at distance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus 856 Defender weighs 22 ounces unloaded and measures 7.5 inches in overall length. The 3-inch barrel provides a sight radius of approximately 4.75 inches, and the cylinder width is 1.41 inches, making it compact enough for inside-the-waistband carry while still offering improved controllability over shorter-barreled revolvers.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not ideal for competition shooting or high-volume range sessions. The small frame and wood grips can transmit noticeable recoil with +P ammunition over extended practice, and the 6-round capacity is limiting compared to modern semi-automatic pistols like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun's 2-round capacity for sporting clays. It's a dedicated defensive tool, not a recreational plinker.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the Taurus 856 Defender revolver, one 6-round cylinder, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a cable lock or cleaning kit, so factor in an additional $15-30 for those essentials. The Altamont wood grips are installed, and the tungsten Cerakote finish is applied to the frame at the factory.
Is the Taurus 856 Defender worth it at $431.99?
At $431.99, the Taurus 856 Defender offers solid value for a purpose-built defensive revolver. The combination of a 3-inch barrel, 6-round capacity, and durable Cerakote finish positions it as a practical alternative to more expensive options like the Smith & Wesson Model 642, which typically costs $100+ more for similar features. For shooters who prefer revolver mechanics and need a reliable carry piece, it's a justified expense.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 22 oz unloaded — manageable for all-day carry
- 6-round cylinder capacity — one more than typical 5-shot J-frames
- Tungsten Cerakote finish — 50% more abrasion resistance than standard bluing
- 3-inch barrel — adds 75 fps velocity over 2-inch snub-nose models
Trade-offs
- No included cable lock or cleaning kit — adds $15-30 to initial setup
- Wood grips transmit recoil — +P rounds uncomfortable beyond 50 rounds per session
- Fixed rear sight — not adjustable for windage or elevation without gunsmithing
- Exposed hammer — can snag on clothing during rapid draw vs. bobbed models
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327933908 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-8563CNS |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 3 |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 9.6500 |
| shipping weight | 2.155 |
| sights | Night Front/Fixed Rear |
| sights type | Night Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 856 Defender is rated for +P .38 Special ammunition. The frame and cylinder are engineered to handle the increased pressure, but expect accelerated wear on the forcing cone and latch with sustained use. I recommend limiting +P to defensive loads and standard pressure for training.
- Does it fit a standard holster for 3-inch revolvers?
- The Taurus 856 Defender will fit most holsters designed for 3-inch small-frame revolvers like the S&W J-frame. The cylinder width is 1.41 inches, so verify holster compatibility with Kydex or leather makers like DeSantis or Galco. Allow 2-4 weeks for custom options.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping for firearms to your local FFL dealer takes 5-7 business days after order processing. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx with signature requirement. Processing time is 1-2 business days for in-stock items.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. If the Altamont wood grips don't fit your hand, aftermarket options from Hogue or Pachmayr start at $25 and can be installed in minutes with a screwdriver. Measure your grip circumference before purchasing.