Taurus 856 .38 Spl 2″ 6rd Revolver Blue VZ Grip
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Taurus 856 .38 Spl 2″ 6rd Revolver Blue VZ Grip? It's a compact, steel-framed, six-shot revolver engineered for primary or backup concealed carry with a 2-inch barrel and purpose-built VZ Cyclone grips. As a direct replacement for older five-shot J-frames, the 856 offers one additional round in a nearly identical package, making it a practical choice for shooters prioritizing capacity within a minimal footprint. This model uses a simple, durable fixed-sight system and a transfer bar safety, hallmarks of a dedicated working gun.
What is the Taurus 856 .38 Spl 2″ 6rd Revolver Blue VZ Grip used for?
This revolver's primary use is concealed personal defense, specifically as a deep-concealment primary or a reliable backup gun for law enforcement. Its 6.55-inch overall length and approximate 22-ounce weight let it disappear in an ankle holster or a pocket, while the six-round cylinder provides a meaningful capacity advantage over traditional five-shot snub-nose revolvers. The 2-inch barrel and simple sights optimize it for fast, instinctive shooting inside 15 yards, not for precision target work.
How does the Taurus 856 .38 Spl 2″ compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Taurus 856 provides a six-round capacity and a steel frame, while the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight offers a five-round capacity and a lighter alloy frame. The 642, at roughly 15 ounces, is objectively better for all-day carry comfort and less printing. However, the 856's heavier steel frame, at 22 ounces, is significantly better at absorbing recoil from defensive .38 Special +P loads, making follow-up shots faster and less punishing for the shooter, particularly during extended practice sessions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Taurus 856 with its steel frame and VZ grips weighs approximately 22 ounces, or 624 grams. Its hard specifications are a 2-inch carbon steel barrel, an overall length of 6.55 inches, and a cylinder width of 1.41 inches. This profile is 0.55 inches shorter in overall length than a comparable the Stevens 334 Rifle, by design, prioritizing concealment over a full firing grip and sight radius.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a new shooter seeking a soft-recoiling first handgun for the range. The short barrel and light weight generate sharp recoil and a loud report with .38 Special ammunition, which can develop flinch habits. It is also not for anyone primarily focused on home defense; while capable, a full-size pistol or shotgun like a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers superior capacity, easier reloads, and more manageable recoil in a defensive scenario.
What's in the box?
You will receive the revolver, one plastic speed loader compatible with its six-round cylinder, a single key-operated cable lock, the owner's manual, and a Taurus warranty card. Unlike higher-tier firearms, there is no spare grip panel, cleaning kit, or premium hard case included. The package is functional and minimal, reflecting the gun's role as an affordable, no-frills tool.
Is the Taurus 856 worth it at $380.99?
At its $380.99 price point, the Taurus 856 is worth it for a budget-conscious shooter who needs a reliable, steel-framed snub-nose with a sixth round. It represents a savings of over $200 compared to a new Smith & Wesson J-frame with similar features, directing those funds toward ammunition and a quality holster. The value lies not in exquisite fit and finish, but in delivering core concealed-carry functionality at a competitive price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Six-round capacity — adds one more round than the standard J-frame in a nearly identical package.
- Steel frame weighs approx. 22 oz — absorbs .38 Spl +P recoil better than a 15-oz alloy frame.
- 2-inch barrel with 6.55-inch OAL — a full 0.8 inches shorter in holster profile than a Ruger SP101 for deep concealment.
- Transfer bar safety — provides a modern drop-safe design absent on many older revolvers.
- Aggressive Blue VZ Cyclone grips — improve purchase significantly over standard hard rubber during rapid fire.
Trade-offs
- Heavy double-action trigger — factory pull often measures 12-14 lbs, requires dedicated practice for smooth operation.
- Grip screws can loosen — check and apply blue Loctite after the first 100 rounds to prevent issues.
- Fixed, non-adjustable sights — limits optimization for specific ammunition bullet weights and point of impact.
- Matte finish shows holster wear quickly — expect visible surface polishing on high-contact edges within a month of daily carry.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327932758 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-856021MVZ16 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| length | 6.55 |
| model | 856 |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | FS: Serrated Ramp / RS: Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 856's steel frame and barrel are rated for use with .38 Special +P ammunition according to the manufacturer. I would limit a steady diet of +P to under 20% of your total round count for the gun's service life, focusing on standard-pressure rounds for most practice to manage wear on the forcing cone and top strap.
- Does it fit standard Smith & Wesson J-frame holsters?
- In most cases, yes. The Taurus 856's external dimensions are designed to be compatible with many holsters molded for S&W J-frame revolvers with a 2-inch barrel. However, I always recommend a test fit or buying from a holster maker like DeSantis or Galco that specifies Taurus 856 compatibility, as minor variations in cylinder latch or trigger guard shape can cause a tight or insecure fit.
- How long does shipping to my FFL take?
- For in-stock items like this revolver, our standard processing and shipping time to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder is 3 to 5 business days from order confirmation. Your FFL will then contact you to complete the 4473 background check, which is a separate, state-dependent process that can add anywhere from 10 minutes to several days.
- Can I return it if I don't like the trigger?
- No. Federal law and our policy prohibit the return of firearms to a non-licensed individual once the transfer is complete at your FFL. If you have a verifiable mechanical defect, our warranty process with Taurus USA handles it. I recommend trying a similar revolver at a rental range first; the 856's double-action trigger pull is typically a heavy 12 to 14 pounds, which is standard for this class of defensive revolver.
- Does this work with standard .38 Special moon clips?
- No. The Taurus 856 cylinder is not cut for moon clips. Reloads are performed with a speed loader, individual rounds, or a Bianchi Speed Strip. Using a speed loader will typically cut your reload time by 2 to 3 seconds compared to loading loose rounds under stress, a critical factor in defensive training.