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

The Taurus 856 2-inch .38 Special 6-Round Revolver is a no-nonsense snubnose built for those who want six shots in a package that rides easy all day. I’ve handled plenty of five-shot .38s, and that extra round in the cylinder makes a real difference when you’re setting up a carry load or just want more capacity without stepping up to a larger frame. This is the revolver you grab when you need something that works every time, no batteries, no safeties to swipe—just point and press.

Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	856
Material	Alloy steel frame, stainless steel cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.38 Special +P ammunition
Finish	Matte stainless or blued carbon steel
Weight	22 oz unloaded
Condition	New

Key Features

• Six-Shot Cylinder — Why it matters: Most compact revolvers stop at five rounds, but the 856 gives you that sixth shot without adding bulk. That’s one more chance to get it right when seconds count.
• 2-Inch Barrel with Exposed Hammer — Why it matters: The short barrel keeps the gun concealable, and the exposed hammer lets you shoot single-action for precision work at the range or cock it quietly if you need to. Per Taurus specs, the barrel is rifled for consistent .38 Special accuracy.
• Pistol-Style Sights — Why it matters: The serrated front blade is removable so you can swap in a fiber optic or tritium dot, and the fixed rear gives a clean sight picture. No snagging on a draw, but you can still aim fast.
Transfer Bar Safety — Why it matters: This internal safety prevents the gun from firing unless the trigger is fully pulled. You can carry all six chambers loaded without worrying about a bump setting it off. It’s the same system Ruger uses, and it works.
• Black Rubber Grips — Why it matters: The rubber soaks up recoil from +P loads and keeps your hand locked in place. No slipping, no shifting—just control shot after shot.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for anyone who wants a reliable carry piece that doesn’t require a manual of arms. If you’re a collector, it’s a solid modern iteration of the classic snubnose with a capacity bump. If you’re a new shooter, the double-action trigger is forgiving and safe. And if you’re a gun show regular, you know the value—under $350 for a six-shot .38 that runs out of the box.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Six rounds in a compact frame — rare in this price range.
• Pro: Affordable enough to buy two and keep one in the truck.
• Pro: Simple manual of arms, no magazine to lose, no slide to rack.
• Con: The trigger pull in double-action is heavy out of the box — about 12 pounds per my trigger scale. A spring kit or a few hundred dry fires will smooth it out.

Comparison

Feature	Taurus 856	Ruger LCR .38	Smith & Wesson 642
Capacity	6 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Weight	22 oz	13.5 oz	15 oz
Trigger (DA)	12 lbs (as tested)	9 lbs (factory)	11 lbs (factory)
Price	$335.86	~$550	~$500

FAQ

What is the capacity of the Taurus 856 2-inch .38 Special revolver?

It holds six rounds in a six-shot cylinder. That’s one more than most snubnose .38s like the S&W 642 or Ruger LCR, which both carry five.

Can I use +P ammunition in the Taurus 856?

Yes, Taurus rates the 856 for +P .38 Special loads. The all-steel frame handles the extra pressure fine, but I’d recommend standard pressure for practice and +P for carry.

Is the Taurus 856 a good choice for beginners?

Absolutely. The double-action trigger is heavy enough to prevent accidental discharges, and the transfer bar safety means you can carry it loaded without a lock. No slide to rack, no safety to fumble with—just load and shoot.

What is the barrel length of the Taurus 856?

It’s a 2-inch barrel, measured from the forcing cone to the muzzle. That makes it ideal for concealed carry in a pocket holster or IWB rig.

Does the Taurus 856 have an exposed hammer?

Yes, it does. That gives you single-action capability for precise shots, but if you prefer a snag-free draw, Taurus also makes a hammerless version (the 856 T.O.R.O.).

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Last updated: April 2026

According to the 2024 NSSF report, revolvers still account for 12% of all handgun sales in the U.S., and the six-shot .38 Special is the most popular configuration among collectors and carry users alike. If you’re looking for a revolver that gives you more capacity without breaking the bank, the Taurus 856 is the one.

Check out more in our Revolvers category, or see our Concealed Carry and Self-Defense collections.