The Taurus 856 .38 Special revolver is a compact, dependable wheelgun built for shooters who need genuine stopping power in a package that doesn't demand a dedicated holster wardrobe. This six-shot, double-action/single-action revolver pairs real-world utility with practical sizing—a 2-inch barrel keeps overall length to 6.55 inches, making it equally at home on the nightstand or strapped to your belt for off-duty carry or discrete personal protection. The matte stainless steel finish resists corrosion and blends practicality with a professional look that won't show every smudge.
What makes the 856 genuinely useful is its acceptance of .38 Special ammunition across the full spectrum—from low-recoil target loads for practice to modern +P defensive rounds. That versatility means you're not locked into a single ammunition profile, and the revolver's managed recoil impulse makes follow-up shots faster and more controllable than you'd expect from a package this compact. The soft rubber grips absorb snaps without fatiguing your hand over a range session, and the double-/single-action trigger layout gives you options: easier initial trigger press on first shot, faster reset on follow-ups if circumstances demand them.
The fixed rear sight and removable serrated front blade keep the design simple and combat-proven. That removable front sight isn't just a marketing detail—it means you're not carrying a snag point on a belt gun, and sight adjustments don't require gunsmithing. All internals are stainless steel, built to tolerate the ammunition flexibility and the marine environment of your truck bed or boat bag. Massachusetts-certified for residents in restricted markets, the 856 represents the kind of straightforward, no-nonsense hardware that's earned Taurus respect in the defensive community.
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Capacity | 6 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.00 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.55 inches |
| Overall Height | 4.80 inches |
| Overall Width | 1.41 inches |
| Unloaded Weight | 22 ounces |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cylinder Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Front Sight | Removable Serrated Blade |
| Rear Sight | Fixed |
| Action | Double-Action/Single-Action |
| Grip | Soft Rubber |
| Rifling | 6 Grooves, 1:16.5-in RH Twist |
Yes. At 6.55 inches overall length and just 22 ounces unloaded, the 856 is designed for both on-body and off-body carry. The removable front sight eliminates a common snag point, making it easier to draw from a holster or waistband.
The 856 is chambered in .38 Special +P and accepts the full range of .38 Special ammunition—light target loads for practice, standard rounds, and modern +P defensive ammunition. This flexibility lets you match your load to the situation without switching firearms.
The revolver comes with one magazine and soft rubber grips installed.
The rear sight is fixed and non-adjustable. The front sight is removable and serrated, which is designed for practical field use and eliminates a carry snag point rather than fine windage/elevation tuning.
Firearm Shipments:
To buy rifles or shotguns, you must be 18 years old, and for handguns, actions, or receivers, the minimum age is 21. By placing an order for this firearm, you confirm that you are the legitimate transferee/buyer, meet the legal age requirements, and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations necessary to purchase this firearm.
We only ship firearms to valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. At checkout we provide a FFL locator for your convenience.
We will need a copy of the FFL’s license to facilitate the process, kindly request your dealer to email us a copy of their FFL, as we cannot dispatch the firearm until we receive this document. It is imperative for the buyer to choose their FFL dealer, ensure they are willing to facilitate the transfer, and have them email their FFL copy to BOSQUE Outdoors. To avoid any confusion, the customer's name or order number must be mentioned in the email containing the FFL.
Email: [email protected]
Taurus
Taurus
