Taurus 856 Defender .38spl Revolver w/ Night Sights Black

Taurus 856 Defender .38 SPL Revolver with Night Sights - Black

Taurus
SKU:
120918894
|
UPC:
725327933878
|
MPN:
285631NS
$354.41
$431.99
(You save $77.58 )
Current Stock:
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Product Specifications
Capacity-Rounds:
6
Caliber-Gauge:
38 Special +P
Barrel Length:
3"
Barrel Length Range:
3" to 3.99"
OAL:
7.50"
Weight:
23.52 oz
Action:
DA/SA
Sights:
Night Front, Fixed Rear
Weight Range:
32 oz to 47.99 oz
Grips:
Finger Grooved Black Hogue Rubber
Cylinder Finish:
Matte Black
Frame Size:
Small
Frame Description:
Matte Black Stainless Steel
Barrel Finish:
Matte Black
Hammer Style:
Exposed
Product Overview

The Taurus 856 Defender .38 SPL revolver with night sights is a compact, reliable choice for personal defense and home protection. Built on a small frame, this six-shot revolver pairs classic .38 Special +P power with modern night sight technology—a practical combination for shooters who want dependable performance in low-light situations without the complexity of a semi-automatic. Its 3-inch barrel and lightweight profile make it easy to carry and handle, while the fixed rear sight and front night sight with bright orange outline help you pick up the target quickly when it counts.

Taurus designed the 856 Defender for shooters prioritizing simplicity and reliability in a personal-defense revolver. The double-action/single-action trigger gives you the option to work the gun either way, and the included Hogue rubber grips provide a secure, comfortable hold even during extended practice sessions or defensive manipulation. At just 35 ounces, it won't wear you down in an IWB holster or bedside safe, yet it retains enough heft to manage recoil manageable without sacrificing shootability.

This isn't a duty gun or a target revolver—it's purpose-built for the shooter who values proven revolver mechanics, straightforward operation, and the confidence that comes from a firearm that won't jam. If you're exploring .38 Special snubbies for home defense or backup carry, the night sights and ergonomic grips on this model address two of the most common upgrades aftermarket buyers pursue.

Key Features

  • Six-round .38 Special +P capacity
  • Double-action/single-action trigger
  • Front night sight with bright orange outline for low-light target acquisition
  • Fixed rear sight
  • Hogue rubber grips for control and comfort
  • Matte black finish
  • Lightweight at 35 oz—practical for carry or bedside deployment
  • Small frame design for concealability

Specifications

Caliber.38 Special +P
Capacity6 rounds
ActionDouble-Action/Single-Action
Frame SizeSmall
Barrel Length3.00 inches
Overall Length7.50 inches
Height4.80 inches
Width1.41 inches
Weight35 oz
Front SightNight Sight with Bright Orange Outline
Rear SightFixed
GripsHogue Rubber
FinishMatte Black

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Taurus 856 Defender suitable for concealed carry?

Yes. Its small frame, 35-ounce weight, and 7.50-inch overall length make it compact enough for IWB or pocket carry depending on your holster choice and body type.

What's the difference between double-action and single-action mode on this revolver?

In double-action, pulling the trigger cocks and fires the gun in one press—useful for self-defense when speed matters. Single-action requires manually cocking the hammer first, giving you a shorter trigger press for follow-up shots or precision work. The 856 Defender lets you choose based on the situation.

Does the 856 come with night sights installed?

Yes. The front sight features a night sight design with a bright orange outline, and the rear is a fixed sight. Both are installed from the factory.

Can I use standard .38 Special ammunition, or do I need +P?

The gun is rated for .38 Special +P, which is more powerful. Standard .38 Special ammunition will function in the 856, but the revolver is engineered for the higher-pressure +P loads.

Additional Information

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]

  • Prior to placing an order, it is the buyer's responsibility to understand and adhere to their state's firearm regulations.
  • The buyer should verify with their receiving dealer that the chosen firearm is legally permissible in their state.
  • The buyer is accountable for any transfer fees or background check charges imposed by the receiving dealer. If the designated dealer declines to accept the firearm delivery, the buyer assumes responsibility for shipping costs to retrieve the firearm and resend it to an accommodating dealer.
  • Handguns will be shipped using air transportation, while long guns can be shipped using ground methods. If your order includes a mix of firearm and non-firearm items, BOSQUE Outdoors will send the firearm(s) to your selected FFL dealer and the remaining non-firearm items to your billing address.
  • Firearms cannot be returned to BOSQUE Outdoors; please contact the manufacturer for warranty claims.
  • Firearms refused by the FFL Dealer or which cannot be transferred due to a failed background check are subject to a $75 restocking fee plus 10% of the purchase price.