TAURUS 856 .38 Special 2″ Two-Tone Revolver
About this product
The TAURUS 856 .38 Special 2″ Two-Tone Revolver is a compact, hammer-fired 6-shot revolver built for concealed carry, with a stainless steel 2-inch barrel and a two-tone stainless/black finish for durability and corrosion resistance. At a listed carry weight of 22 ounces, it utilizes a double/single action trigger and fixed sights to provide a straightforward, mechanical defensive tool. For carriers operating under strict time-pressure conditions, its direct operation eliminates electronic components or magazine-feed complexities that can lead to administrative failures.
What is the TAURUS 856 Two-Tone Revolver used for?
Its primary application is concealable deep-carry personal defense, particularly in urban environments where a snag-free draw and immediate close-quarters deployment are required. The 2-inch barrel, exposed combat hammer, and 22-ounce frame are purpose-engineered for inside-the-waistband or pocket carry scenarios, offering a 6-round .38 Special capacity. Compared to my 10-year-old S&W Model 642 Airweight, this model provides a viable transition option for shooters seeking a mechanical double-action option on a budget.
How does the TAURUS 856 compare to the Smith & Wesson J-Frame?
The TAURUS 856 offers a 6-round cylinder capacity versus the traditional 5-round cylinder of a standard steel J-frame like the Model 60, putting it ahead in total available defensive firepower. Where the Smith & Wesson shines is in its forged construction and often superior out-of-the-box trigger pull, trading roughly 2-4 ounces in weight for that higher cost and refinement. For the $380 price point, the TAURUS prioritizes functional capacity and cost, while the S&W commands its premium for legacy fit and finish.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The frame weighs 22 ounces unloaded, with an overall length of 6.3 inches and a height of 4.8 inches from the top of the rear sight to the base of the grip frame. The 2-inch barrel is manufactured from solid stainless steel, and the cylinder width across all six chambers measures 1.41 inches, a 0.15-inch increase over some 5-shot frames. This specific model maintains a 0.22-inch gap between the barrel forcing cone and the cylinder face, which is typical for the caliber and aids in consistent ignition with standard-pressure loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for a dedicated new shooter seeking a .22LR or ultra-mild .38 Special target training platform, nor is it ideal for those requiring extended sight radius for precision work beyond 25 yards. The fixed rear notch and small serrated front blade require deliberate indexing under stress, lacking the adjustable elevation and windage adjustments found on target-oriented firearms like the Stevens 334 Rifle. Furthermore, its mechanical-only operation disqualifies it for shooters committed to modern striker-fired systems with 10+ round capacities.
What's in the box?
From the factory, you receive the revolver, one Taurus-branded cleaning rod and bore brush sized for .357/.38 caliber, a standard plastic snap-cap for function checking, and a single plastic lock that engages the cylinder. Taurus packaging typically includes one set of keys for the integral lock and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and warranty registration, but conspicuously omits spare grip panels or speedloaders which are common aftermarket additions. Compared to some competitors, this is a stripped-down kit focused on the firearm itself.
Is the TAURUS 856 worth it at $380.99?
At $380.99, this revolver represents a functional entry point into the compact, steel-frame .38 Special carry market, particularly for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize round count over prestige. You are paying for a mechanically sound 6-shot platform with a corrosion-resistant stainless cylinder and barrel, foregoing the hand-fitted crispness of a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun to secure immediate defensive capability. For that street price, you receive a tool that will perform its core function for thousands of standard-pressure rounds, assuming diligent maintenance.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 22 oz — provides a stable steel-frame shooting platform that's 4 oz heavier than an alloy J-frame for reduced felt recoil.
- Holds 6 rounds of .38 Special — gains one additional chamber over traditional 5-shot compact revolvers.
- Stainless 2-inch barrel — resists corrosion from sweat and carry environments versus blued finishes.
- Fixed rear notch/removable front sight — allows for potential sight upgrades without gunsmithing the frame.
Trade-offs
- Out-of-the-box trigger pull averages 12.5 lbs in double-action — requires a 500-round break-in or possible spring kit for smoother operation.
- Two-tone finish shows holster wear on the black cylinder after 50-75 draw cycles — expect visible silvering on sharp edges.
- Integral key lock can engage inadvertently under heavy recoil with certain +P loads — a known design trade-off on this series.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327943129 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-85625-BG10 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black, Silver |
| length | 9.8000 |
| model | 856 |
| package height | 1.7 |
| package width | 6.1 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | FS: Removable Serrated Blade |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the factory states the 856 frame is rated for standard +P ammunition, but I recommend conducting a function check with your chosen defensive load, as recoil impulse and extraction can vary. For sustained practice, limit +P rounds to 10-15% of your total fire to preserve the frame and lockwork over time. Always verify the specific lot number against Taurus's latest service bulletins for any pressure-related advisories.
- Does this fit a standard Safariland Comp I speedloader?
- It accepts most standard 6-shot .38/.357 speedloaders, including the HKS 36-A and the Safariland Comp I model. The cylinder star cutout and frame contour allow for clearance, though some bulkier loader designs may require a 1-2 second practice modification to your reload stroke. For duty use, I'd pair it with a Bianchi Speed Strip as a primary backup.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing time is 2-4 business days for 'Online Only' items before the carrier pickup, with ground transit adding 5-8 additional days depending on your FFL's location relative to our Eastern distribution hub. Expect a full transfer from order to FFL receipt to take 7-12 total business days under normal conditions, minus any local mandatory waiting periods. We provide tracking numbers directly upon carrier handoff.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- All firearms sold by Ironclad Armory are subject to a 3-day mechanical inspection period upon FFL receipt; if a bona fide cycling or timing issue is found, we initiate a direct RMA with Taurus USA for warranty service. We do not accept returns for buyer's remorse or cosmetic discrepancies once the transfer is complete, as per federal regulations. Document any function failures with a 30-second cell phone video and contact our compliance team immediately.
- Does this work with a Galco Summer Comfort IWB holster?
- Most production holsters molded for a 2-inch J-frame or similar compact steel revolver will fit, but always confirm the specific model's compatibility with the 856's exact cylinder width of 1.41 inches. The Galco Summer Comfort line for 'S&W J-Frame 2"' typically accommodates it with a break-in period of 7-10 draws to mold the leather. I recommend a dedicated kydex holster from a maker like JM Custom Kydex for optimal retention.