Taurus 856 .38 Special Revolver, 2" Barrel, Fixed Sights, Black Finish - Model 285621MA

The Taurus 856 is a compact .38 Special revolver built for shooters who want a reliable, manageable defensive or backup gun without unnecessary complexity. The 2-inch barrel and fixed sights make this a no-nonsense carry piece—short enough for belt or pocket duty, straightforward enough that you don't have to think about what you're pointing. With six rounds of .38 Special in the cylinder, a dual-action trigger that lets you choose between double-action speed and single-action precision, and carbon steel construction topped with a matte black finish that resists glare, the 856 delivers the dependability that's made revolver fans loyal for a century.

The removable serrated front sight is a practical touch: it lets you customize your sight picture, and it won't snag fabric if you're carrying in a waistband holster or jacket pocket. The fixed rear sight stays put. Recoil from standard .38 loads is tame—this gun won't beat you up during practice, and it handles everything from light target ammunition to full-power defensive rounds. The soft rubber grips soak up what little bite there is and give you a secure purchase even if your hands are wet or cold.

Whether you're building a truck gun, need a pocket-carry backup, or want a simple revolver that'll run without fussing, the 856 checks the boxes. It's not fancy, but it works—and in a defensive tool, that matters more than looks. At 22 ounces unloaded and just under 6.5 inches long, it disappears into most carry rigs.

Key Features

• Six-round cylinder in .38 Special, accepting standard and +P loads
• 2-inch barrel for concealable carry without sacrificing velocity
• Dual-action trigger (DA/SA) for flexibility in defensive or sport shooting
• Removable serrated front sight; fixed rear sight for simple, reliable aiming
• Soft rubber grips for control and recoil absorption
• Matte black finish resists corrosion and reflects less light
• Carbon steel frame and barrel with alloy steel cylinder
• Transfer bar safety for secure carry

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What ammunition does the Taurus 856 shoot?

The 856 is chambered in .38 Special and accepts .38 Special +P ammunition. This means you can load it with light target rounds for practice or full-power defensive ammunition for carry—it handles the full range of .38 loads.

Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?

Yes. At 22 ounces and 6.55 inches overall length with a 2-inch barrel, the 856 is compact enough for pocket, ankle, or inside-waistband carry. The removable front sight won't snag clothing, making it a practical choice for on-body carry.

Can I use the DA/SA trigger in different ways?

Yes. The double/single-action design lets you fire in full double-action mode (longer, heavier trigger pull) for each shot, or cock the hammer manually and use the lighter single-action trigger pull for more precise aim. This flexibility works for both defensive use and target shooting.

What's included with the revolver?

The Taurus 856 comes with soft rubber grips installed and the removable serrated front sight. No additional accessories are specified in the product information.