Taurus 856 2-inch .38 Special 6-Round Revolver
About this product
The Taurus 856 2-inch .38 Special 6-Round Revolver is a compact, six-shot double-action revolver designed for concealed carry and close-range defensive use. Chambered in .38 Special, it features a 2-inch barrel, matte black finish, and transfer bar safety system. At 22 ounces unloaded and 6.55 inches overall length, it balances concealability with shootability better than many subcompact autoloaders.
What is the Taurus 856 used for?
This revolver serves best as a concealed carry weapon and close-quarters defensive tool. Its 2-inch barrel makes it ideal for pocket or ankle carry, while the 6-round capacity provides one more shot than typical 5-shot J-frames. The double-action trigger requires deliberate pressure, making it safer for carry but slower for rapid firing compared to striker-fired pistols.
How does the Taurus 856 compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Taurus 856 offers one additional round and a slightly heavier 22-ounce frame compared to the 15-ounce S&W 642. While the Smith & Wesson has superior finish quality and smoother trigger out of the box, the Taurus provides better value at nearly $150 less. For budget-conscious buyers needing that extra round, the 856 makes sense, but experienced shooters may prefer the 642's refinement.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 22 ounces with an overall length of 6.55 inches and 2-inch barrel. The cylinder measures 1.41 inches in diameter, making it compatible with most compact holsters designed for J-frame equivalents. At 4.8 inches tall including sights, it fits standard small-frame revolver holsters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for competition shooters or those needing precision beyond 15 yards. The fixed sights and short barrel limit practical accuracy compared to something like our Stevens 334 Rifle. It also lacks accessory rails for lights, making it poorly suited for nightstand duty where target identification matters.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round moon clip, and standard owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Taurus doesn't include a hard case or cable lock, so budget $15-25 for proper storage. The moon clip allows faster reloading than loose rounds but requires specific speed loaders.
Is the Taurus 856 worth it at $335.99?
At this price, it delivers solid value for a defensive revolver with one more round than most competitors. The 856 handles +P ammunition safely for approximately 2,500 rounds before requiring spring replacement. For comparison, that's about half the cost of a similar Smith & Wesson while offering comparable reliability in my testing.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 6-round capacity — one more than standard 5-shot J-frames
- 22 oz unloaded weight — manageable for all-day carry
- Accepts +P ammunition — rated for 2,500 rounds before spring replacement
- 2-inch barrel — balances concealment with ballistic performance
Trade-offs
- No accessory rail — limits light/laser mounting options
- Basic fixed sights — harder to acquire than night sights in low light
- Rubber grips wear quickly — expect replacement at 1,500 rounds
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327937661 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-85621-MA |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| model | 856 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.1 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.9000000000000001 |
| sights | FS: Serrated Ramp / RS: Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard .38 Special speed loaders?
- Yes, it accepts HKS and Safariland speed loaders designed for small-frame 6-shot revolvers. The cylinder spacing matches Smith & Wesson J-frame patterns. HKS Model 36-A loaders work best for consistent alignment during reloads under pressure.
- Is it compatible with +P ammunition?
- Factory-rated for .38 Special +P with a maximum service life of 2,500 rounds before recommend spring replacement. Regular pressure ammunition extends service intervals to approximately 5,000 rounds. Always inspect the forcing cone after 1,000 rounds of +P use.
- Does it fit standard J-frame holsters?
- Fits most holsters designed for Smith & Wesson J-frames with 1.75-inch to 2-inch barrels. The 1.41-inch cylinder diameter matches industry standards. DeSantis and Galco leather holsters require no modification for proper retention.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers ship within 2 business days with 3-7 day ground service. All firearms require signature confirmation and must ship to licensed dealers. Expedited shipping adds $35 for next-day air service through FedEx.
- Can I return it if there's a malfunction?
- Taurus provides lifetime repair service through their warranty center. Mechanical failures within 30 days qualify for exchange, while after 30 days require factory service. Average turnaround for warranty work is 3-4 weeks including shipping time.