The taurus defender 856 revolver — matte stainless is a compact, six-shot .38 Special +P revolver built for concealed carry and home defense. It pairs a matte stainless steel finish with a 3-inch barrel, Hogue rubber grips, and a night front sight for low-light shooting. Double- and single-action operation plus a transfer-bar safety keep it reliable and safe for everyday carry. Per Taurus specs, this revolver weighs 22 ounces unloaded, making it light enough for belt or pocket carry without sacrificing control.
| Manufacturer | Taurus |
|---|---|
| Model | Defender 856 |
| Material | Matte stainless steel frame and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .38 Special +P ammunition |
| Finish | Matte stainless |
| Weight | 22 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Six-round cylinder – Why it matters: Standard for the class, giving you one more round than traditional five-shot snubbies without adding bulk.
- Exposed hammer with transfer-bar safety – Why it matters: You get single-action precision for slow fire or double-action speed for defensive shots, with a safety that prevents firing unless the trigger is fully pulled.
- Hogue rubber grips – Why it matters: They absorb recoil and keep your hand locked in place during rapid strings, even with +P loads.
- Night front sight – Why it matters: Tritium insert lets you align the front post in darkness or low-light conditions, critical for a defensive revolver.
- 3-inch barrel – Why it matters: Balances concealability with a longer sight radius for better accuracy at typical self-defense distances.
Who It’s For
This revolver is built for the CCW holder who wants a simple, no-frills defensive tool. If you prefer wheelguns over semi-autos for their reliability under stress, or if you’re a new shooter looking for an easy-to-manage carry piece, the Defender 856 fits. It also works for home defense where you want a revolver that’s easy to store and grab quickly.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Affordable price point; six-round capacity beats five-shot competitors; Hogue grips improve control; night sight aids low-light use; matte stainless resists corrosion.
Cons: The trigger pull is heavier than many modern semi-autos, especially in double-action mode. Some shooters may prefer a lighter trigger for precision work.
Comparison: Taurus Defender 856 vs. Smith & Wesson Model 637 vs. Ruger LCR
| Feature | Taurus Defender 856 | Smith & Wesson Model 637 | Ruger LCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Weight | 22 oz | 15 oz | 13.5 oz |
| Barrel length | 3 inches | 1.875 inches | 1.875 inches |
| Frame material | Matte stainless steel | Aluminum alloy / stainless | Polymer / steel |
| MSRP | $398.26 | ~$530 | ~$600 |
FAQ
What is the capacity of the Taurus Defender 856?
It holds 6 rounds of .38 Special +P in the cylinder.
Is the Taurus Defender 856 good for concealed carry?
Yes. At 22 ounces and a 3-inch barrel, it’s compact enough for IWB or pocket carry with a proper holster. The Hogue grips and night sight make it practical for defensive use.
Does the Defender 856 have a safety?
It uses a transfer-bar safety system that prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. There is no manual safety lever.
Can I use +P ammunition in this revolver?
Yes. The Defender 856 is rated for .38 Special +P loads, which deliver higher velocity and energy for self-defense.
Over 1.2 million revolvers are sold annually in the U.S., and the six-shot .38 Special +P category continues to grow among CCW holders looking for revolver reliability.
✔ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
✔ Ships 1-2 business days
✔ 30-day returns
✔ Secure checkout
Browse related: Revolvers | Concealed Carry | Home Defense
Last updated: April 2026
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.