Taurus M856 Defender 3" .38 Special Revolver - Tungsten Finish (Model 2-8563CNS)
Taurus
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.
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 3.00 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.50 inches |
| Height | 4.80 inches |
| Width | 1.41 inches |
| Weight | 35 oz |
| Action Type | Double-Action/Single-Action |
| Frame Size | Small |
| Front Sight | Night Sight with Bright Orange Outline |
| Rear Sight | Fixed |
| Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Grips | VZ Grips |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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