Taurus 856 Revolver .38 Special 6rd 2″ Stainless
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taurus 856 is a compact, six-shot .38 Special revolver built on a small stainless steel frame with a 2.00-inch barrel for concealed carry. It uses a double/single action trigger system and features a simple fixed-sight design prioritized for durability over precision. At a listed price of $348.99 in its stainless configuration, it positions itself as an entry-point option to the small-frame revolver category dominated by Smith & Wesson and Ruger.
What is the Taurus 856 Revolver used for?
The Taurus 856 is primarily a close-quarters defensive and concealed carry sidearm, not a target pistol. Its 2-inch barrel and 22-ounce weight make it suitable for all-day carry on the body, while its simple mechanics are intended for reliability under stress at ranges under 10-15 yards. You will not be shooting tight groups at 25 yards with its small fixed sights, which is a design trade-off for snag-free presentation.
How does the Taurus 856 compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 642?
The Taurus 856 holds one more round than the Smith & Wesson Model 642 2", giving it a six-round capacity versus five. The 856's stainless steel frame will resist holster wear and oxidation better over years of daily carry than the Model 642's aluminum alloy frame, but this also makes it slightly heavier by about 3 ounces. For sheer brand pedigree, smoothness of the double-action trigger pull, and proven longevity, the Smith & Wesson is still the benchmark, but the Taurus offers more initial bang for your buck in terms of material and capacity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Taurus 856 weighs 22 ounces, with an overall length of 6.55 inches and a barrel length of 2.00 inches. The cylinder width is approximately 1.45 inches, which dictates the minimum holster size, and the grip circumference is about 5.2 inches, making it suitable for most adult hands. Compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle, this handgun is obviously far more compact, but its small sight radius of roughly 4.5 inches highlights its different intended purpose.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for the dedicated revolver competitor or the shooter seeking a 'one-does-it-all' handgun for both carry and recreational target shooting. The short barrel, fixed sights, and heavy double-action trigger pull past 10 yards make precision work frustrating. It’s also a poor choice for beginners who plan to only ever train with full-power .38 Special +P ammunition, as the light frame and short grip will transmit punishing recoil over a short practice session.
What's in the box?
Expect the Taurus 856 revolver, a single key-lockable cable security device, one 6-round moon clip for faster loading, and a basic owner's manual covering safety and maintenance. Taurus does not include a dedicated holster or cleaning kit with this base model. The manual is comprehensive on basic disassembly, but for deeper maintenance or modification guidance, you'll need to seek out armorer-level resources.
Is the Taurus 856 worth it at $348.99?
At $348.99, the Taurus 856 presents a viable value proposition for someone needing a basic, corrosion-resistant carry revolver without the premium cost of a Smith & Wesson or Ruger. The stainless steel construction and six-round capacity are legitimate features for the price. However, if your training regimen for a defensive firearm involves more than a few boxes of ammo a year, consider whether investing a few hundred dollars more into a platform like the Stevens 555 Sporting for clay shooting might offer better long-term skill-building value per dollar.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 22 oz in stainless — provides enough mass for controllable .38 Special recoil.
- Holds 6 rounds — offers a one-cartridge advantage over most competing 5-shot J-frames.
- Stainless steel frame — offers superior long-term corrosion resistance over alloy frames.
- 2-inch barrel length — keeps overall length to 6.55" for concealed carry.
Trade-offs
- Non-adjustable fixed sights — severely limits precision adjustment for windage or elevation.
- Factory rubber grips lack aggressive texture — can be slick with sweaty or gloved hands.
- Heavy, stacking double-action trigger pull — typically measures 11-13 lbs, hindering precision.
- Moon clip system is proprietary — limits aftermarket speedloader compatibility compared to standard models.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327937678 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-85629-MA |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| model | 856 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.1 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.9000000000000001 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .357 Magnum ammunition?
- No, the Taurus 856 is chambered exclusively for the .38 Special cartridge, including +P variants. Do not attempt to fire .357 Magnum through it, as this is a dangerous over-pressure situation that can cause catastrophic failure. The cylinder is not dimensioned or heat-treated for the longer .357 Magnum case and its significantly higher pressure, which averages around 45,000 PSI versus .38 Special's 17,000-20,000 PSI.
- Does it fit most universal .38 Special speedloaders?
- Yes, the Taurus 856's cylinder is spaced to work with most standard 5- and 6-shot .38 Special speedloaders designed for J-frame or similar small-frame revolvers, such as those from HKS or Safariland. The included moon clip is proprietary to Taurus's moon clip system. For the fastest reloads under stress, I recommend testing specific loader models like the HKS 36-A or Safariland Comp I to ensure a smooth fit with your specific defensive ammunition.
- Can I mount an optic on this revolver?
- No, the Taurus 856's top strap is not machined for any standard optic mounting system, and there are no commercially available plates or adapters that I am aware of. The fixed, non-adjustable rear sight is machined directly into the frame. If you require an optic-ready defensive handgun, you are looking at the entirely wrong platform category and should consider a modern striker-fired semi-automatic pistol instead.
- How long does shipping take for firearms to my FFL?
- Our standard processing and shipping time for in-stock firearms like the 856 is 2-3 business days before the item is transferred to our carrier, typically FedEx. Transit time then depends on your location but is usually 3-7 additional business days to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to provide their license information to us and coordinate the 4473 transfer process on arrival.