Taurus 856 2″ Stainless 6-Round Walnut Grips

The Taurus 856 2″ Stainless 6-Round Walnut Grips is a compact, small-frame revolver built for urban carry and close-range defense. Constructed with stainless steel and fitted with smooth walnut grips, this six-shot .38 Special packs a solid punch at just 22 ounces, making it a practical choice for apartment dwellers and CCW holders who want reliable stopping power without the bulk of a semi-auto.

Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	856
Material	Stainless steel frame and cylinder
Grips	Smooth walnut
Finish	Satin stainless
Weight	22 ounces (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Six-round cylinder: Holds one more round than most snubbies — gives you that extra shot when the threat doesn’t stop after five.
• Double/Single action trigger: Lets you shoot fast in DA for defensive drills or dial in precision with SA for range practice — keeps you versatile under stress.
• 2-inch barrel: Short enough to conceal in a pocket holster or appendix carry, but still long enough to get solid velocity from .38 Special +P loads.
• Exposed hammer: Allows thumb-cocking for single-action accuracy when you have time to aim — critical for home-defense scenarios where every shot counts.
• Fixed sights: No snag points, no adjustment needed — just point and shoot, exactly what you want in a close-quarters defensive tool.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the urban CCW holder who wants a no-fuss backup or primary carry piece. Apartment dwellers who prioritize reliability over magazine capacity will appreciate the simplicity of a wheelgun that works every time you pull the trigger. It’s also ideal for shooters with smaller hands who find double-stack semis too bulky — the walnut grips fill the hand without stretching your reach.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Lightweight at 22 ounces — easy to carry all day in a belly band or ankle holster.
• Pro: Stainless steel resists rust from sweat or humidity — a must for concealed carry in a coastal city.
• Con: Fixed sights limit adjustments for windage or elevation — you’ll need to practice point-of-aim at your typical defensive distance (7 yards or less).

Comparison

Feature	Taurus 856 2″	Smith & Wesson 642	Ruger LCR .38
Capacity	6 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Weight	22 oz	15 oz	13.5 oz
Barrel length	2″	1.875″	1.87″
Price (approx)	$378	$470	$440
Action	DA/SA	DAO	DAO

The Taurus 856 gives you an extra round and a lower price tag compared to the S&W 642 and Ruger LCR, though both competitors are lighter. If you can handle the extra 7-8 ounces, the 856’s six-shot capacity is a real advantage in a defensive encounter.

FAQ

Is the Taurus 856 2″ stainless 6-round walnut grips suitable for left-handed shooters?

Yes. The cylinder swings out to the left (standard for revolvers), but the exposed hammer and fixed sights are ambidextrous. The walnut grips are symmetrical, so lefties won’t have any issues with thumb placement or loading.

Can I use +P ammunition in this revolver?

Per Taurus specs, the 856 is rated for +P .38 Special loads. The stainless steel frame and cylinder handle the extra pressure fine for defensive use, but avoid shooting +P+ or magnum loads — those are not approved.

How does the trigger pull compare to other snub-nose revolvers?

The double-action pull is around 10-12 pounds out of the box — heavier than a semi-auto but smooth enough for consistent shots. The single-action pull breaks at about 4 pounds, giving you a crisp option for aimed fire. It’s comparable to a Ruger LCR in DA, but the SA option is a bonus.

Will this fit in a pocket holster for everyday carry?

Yes. At 22 ounces and 6.5 inches overall length, it fits most standard pocket holsters designed for J-frame or LCR revolvers. The walnut grips are slightly wider than rubber options, so test with your specific holster before carrying.

Trust & Delivery

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Related categories: Revolvers | Concealed Carry | Home Defense

Last updated: April 2026