The Taurus M856 Defender is a compact .38 Special revolver built for shooters who need reliable, accessible personal defense without the weight or complexity of a semi-auto. This 3-inch barrel model chambered in .38 Special +P delivers stopping power from a frame small enough to carry daily and conceal effectively. At just 35 ounces, it won't fatigue you during extended wear, yet it's substantial enough to manage recoil and shoot straight under pressure.
Designed as a defensive revolver for home protection and everyday carry, the M856 Defender combines traditional revolver simplicity with modern touches. The dual-action/single-action trigger gives you flexibility—you can stage the trigger in DA for consistent, safe carry, or cock the hammer for a crisp SA shot at the range or in a known-threat scenario. The fixed rear sight and front night sight with bright orange outline help you find your target in low-light situations, whether you're checking a noise at 2 a.m. or shooting at dusk. Altamont grips are molded to fit a variety of hand sizes comfortably and securely.
The tungsten Cerakote finish resists corrosion and wear, so your defensive tool stays reliable through years of use and storage. With six rounds of .38 +P in the cylinder, you've got capacity for a defensive encounter plus a reload if life goes sideways. This is a no-nonsense revolver: no safeties to fumble, no magazines to lose, no questions about function when it matters.
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Barrel Length | 3 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.50 inches |
| Height | 4.80 inches |
| Width | 1.41 inches |
| Weight | 35 ounces |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Action | Double-action/single-action |
| Frame Size | Small |
| Front Sight | Night sight with bright orange outline |
| Rear Sight | Fixed |
| Finish | Tungsten Cerakote |
| Grips | Altamont |
| Model | 2-8563CNS |
Yes. At 35 ounces with a small frame and 3-inch barrel, it's designed to conceal effectively in an IWB or ankle holster without excessive printing or discomfort during extended wear.
The M856 is chambered in .38 Special and rated for .38 Special +P ammunition, which delivers higher velocity and stopping power than standard .38 Special rounds.
The revolver comes equipped with Altamont grips, which are molded for ergonomic fit and security across a range of hand sizes.
The night sights with bright orange outline are visible in daylight, though they're optimized for low-light environments. You'll pick them up quickly in darkness or low ambient light, which is when defensive sights matter most.
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.
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Taurus
Taurus
