Taurus M856 Defender .38 Special Revolver with VZ Grips - Stainless Steel Finish

SKU:
120918936
|
UPC:
725327933892
|
MPN:
285635NSVZ
$446.09
$499.99
(You save $53.90 )
Current Stock:
Capacity-Rounds:
6
Caliber-Gauge:
38 Special +P
Barrel Length:
3"
Barrel Length Range:
3" to 3.99"
OAL:
7.50"
Weight:
25.52 oz
Action:
DA/SA
Sights:
Night Front, Fixed Rear
Weight Range:
16 oz to 31.99 oz
Grips:
Black & Gray VZ
Cylinder Finish:
Matte Black
Frame Size:
Small
Frame Description:
Matte Stainless Steel
Barrel Finish:
Matte Stainless
Hammer Style:
Exposed

The Taurus M856 Defender is a compact .38 Special revolver built for shooters who prioritize concealed carry and personal defense without compromise. This six-shot wheelgun pairs a manageable 3-inch barrel with a small frame and matte stainless finish, delivering a carry gun that stays put in an IWB holster or pack without printing or dragging. At 35 ounces, it's light enough for all-day wear but substantial enough to shoot straight—no featherweight snappiness to fight through follow-up shots.

What sets this Defender apart is the thought given to the shooter's actual needs. Factory night sights with a bright orange front sight ring cut through low-light scenarios where personal defense situations typically occur. The custom VZ Grips provide confident control even when adrenaline spikes or your hands are less than perfectly dry. The double-action/single-action trigger lets you carry safely with the hammer down and still access single-action precision if you have time to reset.

The M856 is built on the idea that a defense revolver doesn't need to be fancy—it needs to work, point naturally, and fit your life. Whether you're carrying for home defense, keeping one in a nightstand, or running it alongside a primary carry pistol, the .38 Special +P round delivers proven stopping power in a platform that requires minimal maintenance and won't jam.

Key Features

  • Six-round .38 Special +P capacity—manageable recoil, proven round
  • Night sights with bright orange front sight outline for low-light identification and accuracy
  • Small frame with 3-inch barrel optimized for concealed carry and quick presentation
  • Custom VZ Grips for secure handling and confident control
  • Double-action/single-action trigger for flexibility in deployment
  • Matte stainless finish resists corrosion in pocket, pack, or holster
  • 35-ounce weight strikes the balance between carryability and shootability

Specifications

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Taurus M856 Defender suited for concealed carry?

Yes. The small frame, 3-inch barrel, and 35-ounce weight make it a natural fit for appendix IWB carry, ankle holsters, or vest pockets. Overall length of 7.50 inches keeps the profile manageable under most concealment methods.

What sights come factory equipped?

The M856 ships with night sights featuring a bright orange front sight outline and a fixed rear sight. The orange front ring aids target acquisition in low-light conditions and provides daylight contrast.

Can you carry this revolver hammer-down with a round in the chamber?

Yes. The double-action/single-action design allows safe carry with the hammer down and a loaded chamber. The trigger pull weight in double-action mode provides security against accidental discharge during holstering or movement.

What grips are included?

The M856 Defender comes with custom VZ Grips, engineered for secure handling and control.

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.