Taurus 856CH 2″ Stainless Revolver .38 Special 6-Round

The Taurus 856CH 2″ stainless revolver .38 special 6-round is your go-to for deep concealment without giving up firepower. This small-frame six-shooter ditches the exposed hammer to cut snag risks while keeping a full cylinder of .38 Special ready to roll. Matte stainless finish and rubber grips tame recoil, making it a solid pick for urban carry or nightstand duty.

Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	856CH
Material	Stainless steel (matte finish)
Compatibility	.38 Special +P rated per manufacturer specs
Finish	Matte stainless
Weight	22 oz unloaded
Condition	New

Key Features

• Concealed hammer — why it matters: eliminates snagging on clothing during a draw from an IWB holster or pocket carry, keeping you faster on the street.
• 6-round capacity — why it matters: one more round than a standard J-frame gives you a critical extra shot in a defensive encounter without adding bulk.
• 2.00-inch barrel — why it matters: short enough for ankle or appendix carry, but long enough to get solid velocity with .38 Special +P loads per Taurus engineering specs.
• Black rubber grips — why it matters: absorb recoil effectively, letting you stay on target for follow-up shots even with hot defensive ammo.
• Fixed sights with serrated ramp — why it matters: no snag points, low profile, and the serrated front reduces glare in bright city lighting.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the urban CCW holder who prioritizes reliability and simplicity. Apartment dwellers who want a no-fuss home defense gun that won’t over-penetrate thin walls will appreciate the .38 Special’s balance of stopping power and safety. It’s also ideal for new shooters or anyone who prefers a revolver’s manual of arms under stress.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: snag-free profile for fast concealed draws.
• Pro: +P rated for premium defensive loads.
• Pro: six rounds vs typical five-shot snubbies.
• Con: fixed sights limit precision at distance beyond 15 yards — this is a close-quarters tool, not a target pistol.

Comparison

Feature	Taurus 856CH	Smith & Wesson 642	Ruger LCR .38
Capacity	6 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Hammer	Concealed (internal)	Enclosed (bobbed)	Enclosed (strike)
Weight	22 oz	15 oz	13.5 oz
MSRP	$348.76 (street)	$469 (street)	$429 (street)
Finish	Matte stainless	Stainless/black	Black anodized

FAQ

Is the Taurus 856CH rated for +P ammo?

Yes, per Taurus specs, the 856CH is rated for .38 Special +P. That means you can run hotter defensive loads like Winchester PDX1 or Federal HST without worrying about frame fatigue.

Can I dry fire this revolver?

Yes, the Taurus 856CH uses a transfer bar safety system, so dry firing is safe and won’t damage the firing pin. Just make sure the cylinder is empty and pointed in a safe direction.

What holsters fit the Taurus 856CH?

Most holsters designed for the Taurus 856 (2-inch barrel) will fit. Look for options from brands like DeSantis, Galco, or CrossBreed. The concealed hammer means it works with both open-top and thumb-break designs.

How does the trigger pull feel?

The double-action pull is around 12 pounds stock — typical for a defensive revolver. It’s smooth with a slight stacking point. Some shooters do a spring kit swap for a lighter pull, but stock is reliable for carry.

Get Yours Now

Order the Taurus 856CH 2″ stainless revolver .38 special 6-round today and get a compact six-shooter that fits your urban lifestyle. Whether you’re carrying concealed in the city or stashing it for home defense, this revolver delivers proven performance at a price that leaves cash for ammo.

✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✓ Ships 1-2 business days from order
✓ 30-day returns, no hassle
✓ Secure checkout with encryption

Browse more in our Revolvers or Concealed Carry categories. Last updated: April 2026. Over 1.2 million Taurus revolvers sold in the U.S. since 2020 alone.