Taurus · Pistol

Taurus 856

Name: Taurus 856
Brand: Taurus

.38 Special · introduced 2016

Also known as Model 856

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About the Taurus 856

The Taurus 856 is a medium-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special, manufactured by Taurus since 2016. Produced at Taurus's modern manufacturing facilities in São Leopoldo, Brazil and their American operations in Bainbridge, Georgia, this firearm reflects Taurus's commitment to delivering reliable firearms at competitive price points. The 6-round cylinder provides an extra round compared to revolvers of this size class, a meaningful advantage in defensive situations. The 2.0-inch barrel prioritizes concealability over sight radius. At 624g (22.0 oz) unloaded, this lightweight firearm is well-suited for concealed carry without excessive burden. Taurus has positioned this model as a high-value option in the competitive handgun market, offering features and reliability that punch above its price point, making it particularly appealing to first-time gun owners and experienced shooters seeking a reliable secondary firearm.

The 856 revived the classic small-frame .38 Special revolver with an extra round - six shots instead of the traditional five - making it a significant upgrade in the snubnose market.

Taurus 856 specifications

General

Type: Pistol
Firing mechanism: Double action single action
Trigger: Double action single action
Trigger pull: 2.0 kg (4.5 lb)
Calibres: .38 Special, .38 Special +P
Magazine capacity: 6 rounds
Magazine: Rotary magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length: 51 mm (2.0 in)
Overall length: 168 mm (6.6 in)
Height: 117 mm (4.6 in)
Width: 35 mm (1.4 in)
Weight (empty): 0.62 kg (1.38 lb)

Barrel

Rifling twist: 1:19 in (476 mm)
Rifling: Right hand
Grooves: 6

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Finish: matte_black

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 290 m/s (951 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 341 J (252 ft·lb)
Effective range: 25 m

History

Introduced: 2016
Production status: In production
Country of origin: BR

Available calibres

.38 Special.38 Special +P

Features

Fixed sights
Rubber grips
Compact frame
6 shot cylinder
Swing out cylinder
Transfer bar safety
Exposed hammer

Safety

Transfer bar
Taurus security system

The 856 represents a significant improvement over the Model 85 by offering 20% more ammunition capacity (6 rounds vs 5) without substantially increasing the gun's size or weight. The cylinder uses a plunger-and-detent lockup system. Available in eight different models including standard, ultra-lite, and Executive Grade variants with various barrel lengths from 2 to 3 inches.