Taurus 856CH Hammerless .38 Spl +P Revolver - Oxide Finish, Compact Design

The Taurus 856CH is a hammerless .38 Special +P revolver built for shooters who prioritize concealment and simplicity. With a compact 2-inch barrel and total length under 6.6 inches, this small-frame six-shooter fits easily into an IWB holster, ankle rig, or jacket pocket—making it a serious contender for discrete everyday carry or backup defense. The concealed hammer design eliminates snag points on clothing and reduces printing, while the matte black oxide finish over carbon steel resists corrosion without drawing attention.

Double-action-only operation means no manual safety to remember under stress; you simply draw, press the trigger, and fire. The serrated ramp front sight and fixed rear sight provide a fast sight picture in close quarters, and the soft rubber grip absorbs recoil impulse despite the gun's modest 22-ounce weight. Chambered in .38 Spl +P, the 856CH delivers modern defensive ammunition performance in a platform that's simple to master and reliable to deploy.

This is a revolver that doesn't demand explanation or complicated operation. Load it with your chosen .38 +P rounds, holster it, and trust it to work exactly as designed. No safeties to fumble, no double-stack concerns, no learning curve. That straightforward philosophy has made snub-nose revolvers the default choice for plainclothes carry and deep concealment for decades—and the 856CH carries that tradition forward at an accessible price point.

Key Features

• Concealed hammer design eliminates snag hazards and reduces pocket printing
• Double-action-only trigger: simple operation under stress, no manual safety
• Compact 2-inch barrel; under 6.6 inches overall length for deep concealment
• Matte black oxide finish on carbon steel frame, barrel, and cylinder for corrosion resistance
• Serrated ramp front sight and fixed rear sight for fast target acquisition
• Soft rubber grip for recoil management and secure handling
• Six-round capacity in .38 Spl +P
• Weighs 22 ounces—light and packable for all-day carry

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 856CH suitable for concealed carry in an IWB holster?

Yes. The hammerless design and compact dimensions (2-inch barrel, 6.55 inches overall) make it well-suited to IWB carry. The matte black finish and small profile minimize printing in most garments.

Will .38 Special ammunition work in this revolver, or does it require .38 +P?

The 856CH is chambered in .38 Special +P, but standard .38 Special ammunition will function safely in the cylinder. The +P rating simply means the gun is certified to safely handle higher-pressure defensive loads.

Does the double-action-only trigger mean there's no safety?

The revolver has no external manual safety lever. Double-action-only operation inherently provides safety—the long, deliberate trigger press is the safety mechanism. The gun cannot fire unless the trigger is pressed.

What's included with the 856CH?

One revolver with one steel-alloy cylinder, chambered in .38 Spl +P. Ammunition, holster, and speedloaders are sold separately.