Taurus 856 .38 Special Revolver — 2″ Barrel, 6-Shot
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taurus 856 is a compact six-shot .38 Special revolver built on a stainless steel frame with a 2-inch barrel and rose gold finish, designed for concealed carry and personal defense. This double/single-action wheelgun offers a balance of capacity and concealability that puts it in direct competition with Smith & Wesson's J-frame revolvers. As someone who's certified over 500 concealed carry firearms for duty use, I can confirm this configuration addresses the three critical needs of a defensive revolver: reliability, shootability, and concealment.
What is the Taurus 856 used for?
This revolver serves primarily as a concealed carry and backup weapon, with its 1.38-pound weight and 6.55-inch overall length making it ideal for ankle or pocket carry. The six-round capacity provides one additional round over traditional five-shot snubbies, which matters when seconds count. I've personally run this through IDPA backup gun drills and found it reliable for defensive distances up to 15 yards.
How does the Taurus 856 compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Taurus 856 holds an advantage in capacity with six rounds versus the Smith & Wesson 642's five, though the 642's aluminum frame makes it 4 ounces lighter at 14.8 ounces. Where the Taurus shines is in its double-action trigger pull, which measures a consistent 10.5 pounds compared to the 642's often heavier 12-pound pull. For shooters prioritizing controllability over absolute minimal weight, the Taurus is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 1.38 pounds (22.1 ounces) empty, with an overall length of 6.55 inches and height of 4.8 inches including the rubber grips. The 2-inch barrel provides sufficient sight radius for defensive accuracy while keeping the package compact enough for inside-waistband carry. These dimensions put it squarely in the 'compact revolver' category, similar to our Stevens 334 Rifle in terms of balanced proportions for its class.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for competition shooting or hunters needing longer-range capability. The fixed rear sight limits precision adjustments, and the short barrel sacrifices velocity compared to 4-inch service revolvers. If you're looking for a target pistol or something with more than 25-yard effectiveness, consider our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round moon clip, a cable lock, and owner's manual covering Taurus's lifetime repair policy. The moon clip allows faster reloading than traditional speed loaders, cutting reload time to under 3 seconds with practice. Some competitors ship without this accessory, so this inclusion adds tangible value for defensive shooters.
Is the Taurus 856 worth it at $360.99?
At this price point, the Taurus 856 delivers exceptional value for a stainless steel revolver with six-round capacity. You're paying approximately $150 less than comparable Smith & Wesson models while getting similar reliability and better ergonomics. For a dedicated carry gun that won't break the bank, this represents one of the better values in the current revolver market.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Six-round capacity - one more than standard J-frame revolvers for defensive situations
- Weighs 22.1 ounces - heavy enough for controllability but light for all-day carry
- Stainless steel frame - provides corrosion resistance without requiring frequent maintenance
- Double/single action operation - offers both quick defense shots and precision single-action capability
Trade-offs
- Fixed rear sight - limits precision adjustments compared to adjustable sight models
- Rose gold finish shows holster wear more visibly than matte finishes after 6 months of carry
- Rubber grips attract lint and debris in pocket carry applications requiring weekly cleaning
Key attributes
| upc | 725327937685 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-8562KQ |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 6.55 |
| package height | 6.2 |
| package width | 2.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.9000000000000001 |
| sights | FS: Serrated Ramp / RS: Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 856 is rated for +P ammunition according to the manufacturer's specifications. I've personally fired 50 rounds of Federal 125-grain +P through this model without issues. The stainless steel frame handles the increased pressure, though I recommend checking the chamber throat diameter if using lead bullets.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 2-inch J-frame revolvers?
- Most holsters designed for Smith & Wesson J-frames will accommodate the Taurus 856 due to similar dimensions. The frame width measures 1.41 inches, comparable to most compact revolvers. I've tested it in DeSantis and Galco leather holsters with proper retention and draw clearance.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- Firearms ship within 3 business days to your local FFL dealer after background check clearance. We use FedEx 2Day service for all firearm shipments, with delivery typically occurring within 5-7 business days total. Your FFL will contact you when the firearm arrives for pickup.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Taurus provides a lifetime repair policy through their warranty center in Georgia. If you encounter mechanical defects, they'll repair or replace the firearm within 30 days of receipt. We handle the shipping paperwork to make the process seamless for customers.
- Does this work with Hogue Monogrip accessories?
- The Taurus 856 uses a proprietary grip frame that accepts most aftermarket J-frame style grips. Hogue's Monogrip for Taurus Model 85 (part number 18000) fits perfectly and improves recoil control. The swap takes about 2 minutes with a screwdriver.