Taurus 856 .38 Special 2-inch 6-Round Revolver

Here’s a revolver that doesn’t just talk the talk — it walks the walk. The Taurus 856 .38 Special 2-inch 6-Round Revolver is a compact double/single-action wheelgun built for everyday carry and short-range defensive work. Chambered in .38 Special, this six-shooter pairs a 2-inch barrel with a 6-round cylinder, giving you close-quarters handling that’s fast, reliable, and easy to control. The matte black steel frame and cylinder, exposed hammer, and transfer bar safety all come together in a package that’s as secure as it is shootable. Per Taurus specs, this revolver weighs in at just 22 ounces empty — light enough for all-day carry, heavy enough to soak up recoil.

Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	856
Material	Steel frame and cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.38 Special ammunition only
Finish	Matte Black
Weight	22 ounces (empty, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 6-Round Cylinder: One extra round over the classic 5-shot J-frame — that’s a 20% capacity increase when you need it most.
• 2-Inch Barrel: Short enough to conceal under a t-shirt, long enough to stabilize a .38 Special round for defensive accuracy at 7-10 yards.
• Transfer Bar Safety: Prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed — secure carry without a manual safety to fumble with.
• Exposed Hammer: Gives you the option of single-action precision for slow-fire work or double-action speed for defensive drills.
• Matte Black Steel Frame: Tough, non-reflective finish that holds up to holster wear and doesn’t give away your position in low light.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the everyday carrier who wants simplicity and reliability without the complexity of a semi-auto. It’s a perfect fit for collectors who appreciate a classic wheelgun design with modern safety features, and for gun show enthusiasts who want a no-nonsense backup or primary carry piece. If you’re a revolver guy who values six shots over five and a compact profile that disappears under a jacket, this is your gun.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Six rounds in a compact frame — more firepower than most snubbies without adding bulk.
• Pro: Transfer bar safety means you can carry all six rounds loaded without worrying about an accidental discharge if dropped.
• Con: The 2-inch barrel limits sight radius, so precision shots past 15 yards require practice and a steady hand.
• Pro: Matte black finish resists rust and wear better than polished bluing.
• Con: Steel frame adds weight compared to lightweight alloy frames, but that weight helps manage recoil.

Comparison

Feature	Taurus 856 .38 Special 2-inch	Smith & Wesson Model 642	Ruger LCR .38 Special
Capacity	6 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Weight (empty)	22 oz	15 oz	13.5 oz
Frame Material	Steel	Aluminum alloy	Polymer
Barrel Length	2 inches	1.875 inches	1.875 inches
Safety	Transfer bar	Internal hammer block	Transfer bar
MSRP	$419.19	~$520	~$500

FAQ

What is the cylinder capacity of the Taurus 856?

The Taurus 856 holds 6 rounds of .38 Special ammunition in a fluted cylinder. That’s one more round than the typical 5-shot snub-nose revolver, giving you a capacity advantage right out of the box.

Is the Taurus 856 safe to carry with all six chambers loaded?

Yes. The transfer bar safety prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. You can safely carry the revolver with all six chambers loaded, even with the hammer down on a live round.

What kind of holster works best for the Taurus 856?

Any holster designed for a 2-inch barreled K-frame or J-frame revolver will fit the Taurus 856. Look for reinforced leather or Kydex holsters with a sweat guard to protect the matte black finish.

Can I use +P .38 Special ammunition in this revolver?

Per Taurus specs, the 856 is rated for +P ammunition, but they recommend using it sparingly to reduce wear on the steel frame and cylinder. Standard-pressure .38 Special is fine for everyday practice and carry.

What is the barrel length on the Taurus 856?

The barrel measures exactly 2.00 inches from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle. That’s the sweet spot for concealability and defensive accuracy at close range.

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