Taurus 850 38Spl 3 Ss 5Rd
The Taurus 850 .38 Special revolver is a compact, modern snub-nose built for everyday concealed carry. With a 3-inch stainless steel barrel, 5-round capacity, and a fully shrouded hammer designed for a clean, snag-free draw, it's the kind of defensive revolver that disappears in a waistband or jacket pocket while delivering proven .38 Special stopping power when you need it. The DAO (double-action-only) trigger keeps your shot sequence simple and consistent, which matters in the moment.
At just under 23 ounces unloaded and 8.66 inches overall, the Taurus 850 fits the snubby category without apology—short enough to carry discreetly, substantial enough to shoot controllably at defensive distances. The matte stainless finish resists corrosion and looks professional without flash. You get a removable serrated front blade and fixed rear sight, giving you real sighting geometry despite the compact footprint.
The 5-round cylinder and small-frame dimensions mean the 850 works with existing speed loaders and holsters in the market, so you're not locked into a proprietary ecosystem. Whether you're a revolver purist who appreciates mechanical simplicity or a shooter who values .38 Special's mild recoil for accurate follow-up shots, the Taurus 850 offers genuine carry capability in a no-frills package.
Key Features
- Fully shrouded hammer for snag-free drawing
- Double-action-only trigger for simplified shot sequence
- 5-round .38 Special cylinder
- Compact 3-inch stainless steel barrel
- Removable serrated front sight and fixed rear sight
- Matte stainless finish throughout frame, cylinder, and barrel
- Lightweight at 22.75 oz for practical all-day carry
- Compatible with standard small-frame speed loaders and holsters
Specifications
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.00 inches |
| Overall Length | 8.66 inches |
| Overall Height | 4.59 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.34 inches |
| Unloaded Weight | 22.75 ounces |
| Action Type | Double-Action-Only (DAO) |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Frame Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Cylinder Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cylinder Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Front Sight | Removable Serrated Blade |
| Rear Sight | Fixed |
| Cylinder Grooves | 6 |
| Rifling Twist | 1:16.5-inch RH |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Taurus 850 suitable for concealed carry?
Yes. At 22.75 ounces and 8.66 inches in overall length with a streamlined profile, the 850 is sized for comfortable IWB or OWB carry under a jacket or looser clothing. The fully shrouded hammer won't catch on fabric or holster edges during the draw.
What sights does the Taurus 850 come with?
The Taurus 850 features a removable serrated front blade and a fixed rear sight, giving you a basic but functional sight picture suitable for defensive distances.
Will standard speed loaders and holsters fit the Taurus 850?
The 5-round cylinder and small-frame design are compatible with a wide selection of existing speed loaders and holsters made for small-frame revolvers, so you'll have options for carry and reloading gear.
What is the trigger action on the Taurus 850?
The Taurus 850 uses a double-action-only (DAO) trigger system, which means every shot fires the same way—the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer. This simplified action is valued for carry guns where manual safety operation can complicate the drawstroke under stress.

