Taurus 856 Revolver 2″ 6-Round Viridian Laser Grip

About this product

The Taurus 856 Revolver 2" 6-Round Viridian Laser Grip is a compact, six-shot, steel-frame revolver designed for everyday concealed carry with an integrated targeting laser. It’s a modern interpretation of the snub-nose wheelgun, built on a small double-action/single-action (DA/SA) platform with a transfer bar safety and a 2-inch barrel. For the shooter needing a no-nonsense, point-shooting capable backup or primary handgun that prioritizes mechanical simplicity and immediate sight acquisition over magazine capacity, this package presents a compelling option from Brazil's largest small arms manufacturer.

What is the Taurus 856 Revolver 2" 6-Round Viridian Laser Grip used for?

This revolver is used for daily concealed carry, specifically as a close-contact backup or primary self-defense firearm where shot placement under stress outweighs the need for high capacity. Its primary function is to deliver six rounds of .38 Special or .38 Special +P with a reliable, simple manual of arms from inside a pocket, ankle holster, or AIWB position. The integrated Viridian red laser transforms it from a traditional point-shoot gun into an instrument capable of precise, low-light threat identification at home defense distances (typically 5-7 yards), and its 22-ounce unloaded steel-frame weight provides enough heft for manageable recoil without printing excessively under a light jacket.

How does the Taurus 856 Revolver 2" 6-Round Viridian Laser Grip compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 642?

The Taurus 856 with its Viridian grip offers a more modern sighting solution compared to the S&W Model 642's J-Frame, but the Smith & Wesson has superior out-of-box trigger feel and decades of track-record reliability. The key difference is in the action and sighting: the Taurus is a traditional DA/SA with an exposed hammer, allowing for a lighter, deliberate single-action pull, while the 642 is a hammerless, double-action-only (DAO) design meant for pocket carry without snagging. The Taurus is objectively better for the shooter who desires a laser for positive identification and the option for a precise single-action shot, whereas the Smith & Wesson is better for pure, snag-free pocket or deep concealment where the laser is a secondary concern.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The revolver has an unloaded weight of 22 ounces (approximately 624 grams), with an overall length of 6.65 inches and a cylinder width of 1.41 inches. These numbers matter because the 22-ounce steel frame provides a mass advantage for recoil management over polymer or aluminum competitors like the Ruger LCR, which can weigh as little as 13.5 ounces. The 6.65-inch overall length and 4.8-inch height (from top of rear sight to bottom of grip) dictate its concealability—it will ride in most standard IWB holsters designed for the J-Frame size class, but the laser-activated grip adds roughly 0.3 inches of width, which can affect some tight-fitting leather pancake designs.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for the competition shooter, the long-range plinker, or anyone whose primary concern is magazine capacity greater than six rounds. If your use case involves formal IDPA or USPSA events, you need a higher-capacity, faster-reloading platform like a the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win for precision rifle or a modern striker-fired pistol. It’s also a poor choice for a first-time handgun owner seeking a soft-recoiling training tool, as the short 2-inch barrel and light weight translate to snappy .38 Special +P recoil; a full-sized 9mm is a better learning platform. Finally, if you require absolute, snag-free concealment from a pocket, the exposed spurred hammer can be a liability compared to a hammerless revolver.

What's in the box?

You receive the Taurus 856 revolver with the Viridian laser grip pre-installed, one 6-round cylinder, and a set of keys for the integrated laser’s battery compartment—the laser itself is activated by a pressure pad built into the grip’s frontstrap, requiring no external switches. Notably absent is a dedicated holster molded for the laser grip profile; you’ll need to source one separately, as standard 856 holsters will not accommodate the added width. Expect to find a basic owner’s manual covering both the firearm and laser functions, along with a standard cable lock for transport and storage compliance.

Is the Taurus 856 Revolver 2" 6-Round Viridian Laser Grip worth it at $413.99?

At $413.99, the package is worth it for the shooter who specifically wants a snub-nose revolver with a factory-integrated, grip-activated laser, avoiding the cost and fitment issues of aftermarket laser add-ons. The value proposition is clear: a standalone Taurus 856 Defender often retails around $330, and a quality aftermarket laser grip can run $150-$200, putting this all-in-one solution at a slight discount. The trade-off is committing to Taurus’s factory trigger, which, while serviceable, lacks the refined break and reset of a Smith & Wesson costing $150 more for the firearm alone. If the integrated laser is non-negotiable for your low-light home defense or carry plan, this package delivers that capability in a proven platform without the gunsmithing fees.