Taurus 850 38Spl 2 Blk 5Rd
The Taurus 850 is a compact .38 Special revolver built for everyday carry and personal defense. With a 2-inch barrel and five-round capacity, this small-frame snub-nose delivers a proven defensive caliber in a profile that disappears under a t-shirt or light jacket. The fully shrouded hammer eliminates snags on clothing during the draw—a genuine advantage when seconds count—while the streamlined matte black finish keeps the gun unobtrusive in a holster or waistband.
Built around a double-action-only (DAO) trigger, the Taurus 850 requires you to work through the same trigger press for every shot, eliminating a manual safety lever and the fumbling it can introduce under stress. That consistency in trigger application is what makes DAO revolvers reliable tools for defensive work. The removable serrated front sight and fixed rear sight give you a functional sighting system without extra bulk, and the five-round cylinder plays nice with speed loaders and holster systems designed around small-frame revolvers.
The gun weighs just under 23 ounces unloaded, light enough that you'll actually carry it all day. At 7.66 inches overall length, it fits in jacket pockets, ankle holsters, or inside-the-waistband rigs without printing. If you're looking for a no-nonsense carry revolver in a chambering that's easy to shoot accurately and widely available, the Taurus 850 delivers classic snub-nose simplicity without unnecessary frills.
Key Features
- Five-round .38 Special capacity—proven defensive caliber with mild recoil
- 2-inch barrel for compact carry without sacrificing handling
- Fully shrouded hammer prevents snagging on clothing or holster during draw
- Double-action-only trigger eliminates manual safety and simplifies operation under stress
- Removable serrated front sight and fixed rear sight for reliable aiming
- Lightweight alloy steel frame and cylinder at 22.75 oz (unloaded)
- Matte black finish minimizes reflection for discreet carry
- Compact dimensions (7.66" length) designed for concealment
- Compatible with standard small-frame revolver holsters and speed loaders
Specifications
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.00 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.66 inches |
| Overall Height | 4.59 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.34 inches |
| Unloaded Weight | 22.75 oz |
| Frame Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Action Type | Double-Action-Only (DAO) |
| Front Sight | Removable Serrated Blade |
| Rear Sight | Fixed |
| Cylinder Material | Alloy Steel |
| Barrel Material | Alloy Steel |
| Twist Rate | 1:16.5" RH |
| Grooves | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What holsters and gear fit the Taurus 850?
The Taurus 850 uses a small-frame revolver platform, so it's compatible with holsters and speed loaders designed for small-frame five-shot revolvers. Check the fit before purchase, but the compact size opens options across most quality holster makers.
Is the Taurus 850 reliable for concealed carry and self-defense?
The DAO trigger system provides consistent trigger press from shot to shot, and the shrouded hammer prevents snags during the draw—both features that reduce complications under stress. The .38 Special is a time-tested defensive round, and the five-round cylinder gives you five opportunities to stop a threat.
How much does the Taurus 850 weigh, and will it be comfortable to carry all day?
Unloaded, the gun weighs 22.75 ounces—light enough for all-day appendix, IWB, or ankle carry without fatigue. Combined with its compact 7.66-inch length, it's designed to be carried frequently without becoming a burden.
Can I get the Taurus 850 with a longer barrel?
This model is the 2-inch version. The Taurus 850 is available in both 2-inch and 3-inch barrel options, but this particular gun is built around the 2-inch configuration for maximum concealability.

