The Taurus M856 Defender is a compact .38 Special +P revolver engineered for personal defense and home protection. Built on a small frame, this six-shot wheelgun weighs just 35 ounces and measures 7.5 inches overall—manageable enough for belt carry or quick access from a nightstand, yet substantial enough to handle +P ammunition reliably. The double-action/single-action trigger gives you flexibility for fast, instinctive shots or deliberate aimed fire, and the matte stainless finish resists corrosion in all conditions.
Night sights with a bright orange front sight outline come standard, so you can acquire your target in low light without fumbling for a flashlight—a genuine advantage in a defensive tool. The three-inch barrel strikes a practical balance between velocity and concealability, while the included Hogue rubber grip provides confident control and helps manage recoil during practice or defensive use.
This is a purpose-built defense revolver for shooters who value simplicity and reliability over capacity. No safeties to manipulate, no slide to rack—just a proven mechanical platform that goes bang every time. Whether you're securing your home, carrying in a jacket pocket, or keeping one in your vehicle, the M856 Defender handles everyday defensive needs without needless complexity.
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Action | Double-Action/Single-Action |
| Frame Size | Small |
| Barrel Length | 3.00 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.50 inches |
| Width | 1.41 inches |
| Weight | 35 ounces |
| Front Sight | Night sight with bright orange outline |
| Rear Sight | Fixed |
| Finish | Matte stainless |
| Grip | Hogue rubber |
Yes. The compact size makes it easy to store and deploy quickly from a nightstand or safe, while the reliable DA/SA trigger and .38 Special +P ballistics suit defensive use. Night sights help you identify threats in darkness without a light.
The small frame and 35-ounce weight make it manageable for pocket carry or belt carry under a jacket or cover garment. The 7.5-inch overall length fits most holster options designed for compact revolvers.
The M856 Defender fires .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition. Verify ammunition type before purchasing; not all holsters or accessories are compatible with +P loads.
The M856 Defender ships with factory night sights and Hogue rubber grips already installed.
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
