Taurus Defender 856 Revolver — Matte Stainless
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taurus Defender 856 is a compact, small-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special with a matte stainless finish, designed for concealed carry and personal protection. It features a 6-round capacity cylinder, Hogue rubber grips, and night front sight for low-light engagement. This model operates in both double-action and single-action modes with an exposed hammer and transfer-bar safety system.
What is the Taurus Defender 856 used for?
The Defender 856 is designed for concealed carry and personal defense applications where reliability matters more than high capacity. Its 7.5-inch overall length and 20-ounce unloaded weight make it suitable for appendix or hip carry, while the night front sight provides quick acquisition in low-light conditions. The double-action trigger pull measures approximately 12 pounds for deliberate firing, with a cleaner 4.5-pound single-action break for precision shots.
How does the Taurus Defender 856 compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Defender 856 offers an exposed hammer and single-action capability that the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight lacks, providing more shooting flexibility at a $150 lower price point. However, the S&W 642 weighs 5 ounces less at 15 ounces empty and features a more refined double-action trigger pull around 10 pounds. For shooters who prioritize hammer versatility over ultimate concealment weight savings, the Taurus represents better value.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Defender 856 weighs 20 ounces unloaded and measures 7.5 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel height of 4.8 inches. The cylinder width is 1.41 inches, making it comparable in profile to most compact semi-autos like the Stevens 334 Rifle in handling characteristics. These dimensions allow it to fit most standard holsters designed for J-frame revolvers.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for competition shooting or high-volume range sessions due to its limited capacity and heavier trigger pull. The 6-round cylinder requires more frequent reloading compared to modern semi-autos, and the 12-pound double-action trigger will fatigue most shooters after 50-75 rounds. If you need rapid follow-up shots or plan to fire more than 100 rounds per session, consider a higher-capacity option.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 6-round moon clip, a cable lock, and owner's manual with warranty information. Taurus provides a 5-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects but excludes normal wear or cosmetic issues. Unlike some competitors, no cleaning kit or additional grips are included—plan to purchase those separately if needed.
Is the Taurus Defender 856 worth it at $398.99?
At $398.99, the Defender 856 offers solid value for a stainless steel revolver with night sights and quality Hogue grips. You're getting features that would cost $550-600 in comparable Smith & Wesson or Ruger models, though with slightly rougher machining and a heavier trigger pull. For budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable carry revolver without compromising on safety features, this represents one of the better values in the current market.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Matte stainless steel construction resists corrosion better than blued models—requires 50% less maintenance in humid conditions
- Hogue rubber grips reduce perceived recoil by approximately 20% compared to factory wood grips
- Night front sight provides 15-minute glow duration after light exposure—superior to most budget revolver sights
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12 pounds—2 pounds heavier than Smith & Wesson equivalents
- No included speed loaders or carrying case—adds $25-40 to initial setup cost
- Stainless finish shows machining marks under bright light—lacks the polished fit of $600+ revolvers
Key attributes
| upc | 725327933854 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-85639NS |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 7.5 |
| model | 856 |
| package height | 6.2 |
| package width | 2.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.1 |
| sights | FS: Night Sight Orange Outline |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Defender 856 is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition according to Taurus specifications. The stainless steel construction handles increased pressure up to 20,000 PSI, though expect more noticeable recoil with standard Hogue grips. I recommend testing 10-15 rounds to ensure proper cycling before carrying with +P loads.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms within 2 business days with 3-5 day transit time to your selected FFL. You must provide your dealer's information before shipment—allow 7-10 total days from order to pickup. All transfers require background check completion through your FFL before release.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms cannot be returned due to federal regulations once transferred through an FFL. Ironclad Armory allows exchanges within 14 days for unopened products only—once the firearm is received by your FFL, the sale is final. I recommend handling similar revolvers at local shops before purchasing to ensure proper fit.