Taurus 856 2″ Stainless 6-Round Walnut Grips
Pros & cons
What works
- Holds 6 rounds — one more than Smith & Wesson 642
- 22 oz weight reduces recoil 30% compared to 15 oz aluminum frames
- Stainless steel construction requires 60% less maintenance than blued models
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit precision beyond 15 yards — no dovetail for upgrades
- 2-inch barrel sacrifices 150 fps velocity versus 3-inch barrels
- Walnut grips lack checkering — slick when wet compared to rubber options
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taurus 856 2" Stainless 6-Round Walnut Grips is a compact, stainless steel small-frame revolver chambered for .38 Special with a 2-inch barrel and smooth walnut grips designed for concealed carry. Built on Taurus's 85-series platform, this six-shot wheelgun combines corrosion-resistant construction with traditional aesthetics in a package weighing exactly 22 ounces. Unlike most modern polymer-framed competitors, the 856 maintains internal hammer and transfer bar safety systems that have proven reliable through decades of law enforcement and civilian use.
What is the Taurus 856 used for?
The Taurus 856 serves primarily as a concealable defensive handgun for urban environments where shot distances rarely exceed 7 yards. Its 2-inch barrel and 6.55-inch overall length make it ideal for appendix or pocket carry, while the six-round capacity provides one additional round over traditional five-shot J-frames like the Smith & Wesson 642. The exposed hammer allows for single-action precision shots when needed, though most defensive use will employ double-action firing for speed.
How does the Taurus 856 compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Taurus 856 holds six rounds versus the Smith & Wesson 642's five, giving it a 20% capacity advantage in the same size envelope. While the S&W 642 features an aluminum frame that reduces weight to 15 ounces, the Taurus's all-stainless construction adds 7 ounces that significantly dampen recoil in exchange for slightly more printing in tight clothing. Both revolvers share similar double-action trigger pulls averaging 12 pounds, but the Taurus includes a transfer bar safety system that allows safe carry with all six chambers loaded—something hammer-block-only designs cannot guarantee.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 22 ounces empty and measures 6.55 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel and 4.8-inch height including the walnut grips. The cylinder width measures 1.41 inches, making it compatible with most standard J-frame holsters, while the grip circumference of 5.2 inches accommodates medium-sized hands without excessive printing. Compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle (.308 Win, 20in Matte Black Synthetic) at over 7 pounds, this revolver disappears on the belt.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for competition shooting or wilderness defense where barrel lengths under 3 inches sacrifice too much velocity for reliable expansion with defensive hollow points. The fixed sights limit precision beyond 15 yards, making it a poor choice for target work compared to optics-ready pistols like the Stevens 334 series. Those requiring more than six rounds without reloading should consider semi-automatic alternatives, as the reload process takes approximately 8-12 seconds even with speedloaders.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one six-round moon clip, a cable lock, and owner's manual—but notably excludes cleaning tools or additional grip options. Unlike the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun packages that include choke tubes and shims, Taurus provides only the essentials for immediate operation. The walnut grips come pre-installed and fitted, requiring no additional fitting unlike some aftermarket options that may need gunsmith adjustment.
Is the Taurus 856 worth it at $377.99?
At $377.99, the Taurus 856 delivers exceptional value for a stainless steel revolver with six-round capacity and classic aesthetics. Compared to the $469 Smith & Wesson 642, you gain one additional round and stainless construction while saving nearly $100 for similar reliability and warranty coverage. For concealed carriers prioritizing mechanical simplicity over high capacity, this represents one of the most cost-effective options on the market that doesn't sacrifice corrosion resistance or shootability.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327934011 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-856029SW |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 6.55 |
| package height | 6.2 |
| package width | 1.9 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | FS: Serrated Ramp / RS: Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 856 is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition according to SAAMI specifications. The stainless steel construction handles increased pressures safely, though expect approximately 15% more recoil compared to standard pressure rounds. I recommend replacing springs every 2,000 rounds when shooting primarily +P loads.
- What holsters fit the Taurus 856?
- The 856 fits most J-frame holsters designed for 2-inch barrel revolvers, specifically models for Smith & Wesson 642/442. The 1.41-inch cylinder width and 4.8-inch height match industry standards. Popular options include DeSantis Pocket-Tuk and Galco Combat Master designs, both available through our site with 3-5 day shipping.
- Can I change the grips?
- Yes, the 856 uses standard Taurus small-frame grip patterns compatible with aftermarket options from Hogue, Pachmayr, and Altamont. The factory walnut grips attach via a single screw and require no fitting. Switching to rubber grips adds approximately 0.3 ounces but significantly improves control during rapid fire.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes all firearm shipments within 2 business days to your selected FFL dealer. Transit time varies by carrier but typically adds 3-5 days for continental US deliveries. Expect full transfer completion within 7-10 days from order placement, depending on your FFL's processing speed.