Taurus Defender 856, .38 Special +P, 3 in. Barrel, 6-Shot, Matte Black, Revolver The Taurus 856 is a small-frame, six-shot .38 Special revolver, giving you one more round than most snub-nose designs in a similar size. This configuration, Taurus item number 2-85631NS, is chambered in .38 Special +P and pairs a 3" barrel with a Matte Black finish. It holds 6 rounds in the cylinder. Revolvers like the 856 are popular for concealed carry and home defense because they are simple to operate and reliable. Highlights DA/SA action .38 Special +P chambering 3" barrel 6-round capacity Front Sight: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline Rear Sight: Fixed Safety: Transfer Bar DA/SA Operation The double-action/single-action lockwork lets you fire with a long, smooth double-action pull, or thumb the hammer back first for a short, light single-action press when you want a more precise shot. Construction and Finish The frame is stainless steel with a matte black finish; the cylinder is stainless steel with a matte stainless finish; the barrel is stainless steel with a matte black finish. Grips are hogue. How Big Is It? Overall length 7.50 in., overall height 4.80 in., overall width 1.41 in., weight 24.00 oz. (unloaded). Check the dimensions against your holster or case before you order. At a Glance Lightweight. Easy to conceal. Exceptionally reliable. The TaurusA(R) Defender 856 is finely tuned to deliver the ultimate peace of mind for home and personal defense situations. The all-new TaurusA(R) Defender 856 comes with night sights and special HogueA(R)Rubber grips. About the 856 Platform The Taurus 856 is a six-shot, small-frame double-action revolver built around the .38 Special cartridge, and it is rated for +P loads. Taurus designed it to give a snub-nose sized revolver one more round than the usual five-shot J-frame class while keeping the frame compact enough for concealed carry. Carry and Handling A revolver this size carries well in an inside-the-waistband holster, a pocket holster on the shorter-barrel versions, or a coat pocket. With no slide to rack and no magazine to seat, loading is as simple as swinging out the cylinder, and a revolver will cycle a wide range of bullet shapes and power levels reliably. Recoil and Ammunition Standard-pressure .38 Special is the easiest load to learn on in a light revolver. +P defensive ammunition adds velocity and recoil; practice with the load you plan to carry so you know how the gun handles it. Good Uses Concealed carry and personal protection Home defense Range use See more Taurus firearms, or shop all revolvers. What Is in the Box Taurus Defender 856 revolver owner's manual Why Choose a Revolver A double-action revolver has a simple manual of arms: load the cylinder, close it and pull the trigger. There is no slide to rack, no magazine to seat and no safety lever to remember, and a misfire is cleared by simply pulling the trigger again to bring up the next chamber. Revolvers also handle a wide range of bullet weights and shapes, from light target wadcutters to heavy hollow points, because they do not rely on recoil energy to cycle. Loading and Unloading Press the cylinder release forward and swing the cylinder out to the left. Point the muzzle up and push the ejector rod firmly to clear all the cases at once, then point the muzzle down to load fresh rounds by hand or with a speed loader or speed strip. Close the cylinder gently by hand rather than flicking it shut, which protects the crane and timing over the long run. Choosing Ammunition Use the cartridge stamped on the barrel, and practice with the same load you plan to carry or hunt with so you know where it hits and how it recoils. Lighter target loads are fine for range sessions, while defensive or hunting loads should be tested for accuracy and point of impact before you rely on them. Care and Maintenance Clean the bore and each chamber after shooting, and wipe the front of the cylinder and the forcing cone where carbon builds up. A light coat of oil on the exterior protects the finish. Buying From BattleHawk Armory This revolver ships to the licensed FFL dealer of your choice. After checkout, provide your dealer's information and they will complete the background check and transfer, subject to your local laws. Specifications Manufacturer Taurus Model Defender 856 Manufacturer Part Number 2-85631NS UPC 725327933878 Caliber .38 Special +P Capacity 6 rounds (cylinder) Barrel Length 3" Action DA/SA Frame Size Small Overall Length 7.50 In. Overall Height 4.80 In. Overall Width 1.41 In. Weight 24.00 Oz. (Unloaded) Twist Rate 1:16.5-in RH Twist Frame Material Stainless Steel Frame Finish Matte black Barrel Material Stainless Steel Barrel Finish Matte Black Cylinder Material Stainless Steel Cylinder Finish Matte Stainless Front Sight Night Sight w/ Orange Outline Rear Sight Fixed Safety Transfer Bar Grips Hogue Frequently Asked Questions What caliber is the Defender 856? This model is chambered in .38 Special +P. How many rounds does it hold? It holds 6 rounds in the cylinder. How long is the barrel? The barrel is 3" long. How much does the Defender 856 weigh? It weighs 24.00 Oz. (Unloaded). What kind of action does it have? It uses a DA/SA action. Do I need an FFL to buy it? Yes. This firearm ships to a licensed FFL dealer for transfer, subject to federal, state and local laws.