Originally published June 2019. Updated June 2026.

The Taurus 856 is a six-shot .38 Special snubby that punches above its price point — and it still deserves a serious look for concealed carry in 2026. This review covers hands-on range testing with four different loads, real carry experience inside and outside the waistband, trigger performance data, and an honest take on where this little revolver fits in your defensive lineup.

Is the Revolver Still Relevant for Concealed Carry?

It seems the deeper we get into this century, the less people care about revolvers. It’s almost as if they have become a forgotten platform. Suffice it to say the gun owners of this generation are missing out.

After all, the day Samuel Colt submitted his revolving gun — U.S. Patent No. 138, granted February 25, 1836 — the world of firearms manufacturing began to improve. Not by inches, but by leaps and bounds. Taurus is keeping the design and manufacturing of revolvers alive and well with the Taurus 856. For those evaluating their options, it deserves consideration among the best concealed carry revolvers available today.

What Is the Taurus 856 and Who Is It For?

The Taurus 856 is a small-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special and rated for +P loads*. The standard model is double-action/single-action with an exposed hammer. Some variants, including the concealed-hammer 856CH, are double-action only.

This six-shot wheelgun with a 2-inch barrel is designed specifically for concealed carry and personal defense at an accessible price point.

As a die-hard semi-automatic concealed carrier, I hesitated when asked to evaluate it. So I decided to put it to the test by actually carrying the 856.

Taurus 856 Build Quality: How Does It Hold Up?

At first glance, the Taurus 856 is an unassuming little gun. My review gun was matte black and small enough that it was clear my long-fingered hands would engulf it. When I picked it up, though, I was pleasantly surprised by the feel of the soft rubber grip. The angle of the grip felt comfortable rather than awkward.

The 856 is machined well. Unlike guns of a similar price point, its cylinder is not loose. The cylinder release functioned reliably without sticking or catching. The frame, cylinder and barrel of my test gun were all carbon steel, though the revolver is also available in stainless.

During dry-fire, each chamber lined up properly with the barrel while remaining secure on the pin, and the cylinder gap does not change as the cylinder rotates. The hammer is smooth with no sharp edges — an important detail on any revolver. The lockup is solid.

Bottom line: the Taurus 856 might be affordably priced, but it’s machined to good standards.

Taurus 856 concealed carry revolver with tactical gear showing build quality and design

Taurus 856 Specs and Dimensions

The tested 2-inch steel model weighed 22.1 ounces empty (Taurus lists the standard steel 2-inch at approximately 22 ounces).

Capacity: 6 rounds
Overall height: 4.8 inches
Overall length: 6.55 inches
Barrel length: 2 inches
Width: 1.41 inches
Weight: 22.1 ounces unloaded

That is roughly three-quarters of an inch shorter than a Glock 19 in both height and length. Combine that size advantage with the gun’s curves and slimmer profile, and you have an ideal carry gun.

Editor’s note: The Taurus 856 lineup has expanded considerably since this article was first written. Current variants include the standard 856 (2-inch barrel, steel frame), the Taurus Defender 856 (3-inch barrel, steel frame), the 856 Ultra-Lite (2-inch barrel, aluminum frame), the Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O. (3-inch barrel, optics-ready) and the 856 Executive Grade (3-inch barrel, double-action-only with concealed hammer and premium finish). The gun tested in this review is the standard 2-inch carbon steel model.

Taurus 856 Range Time: Ammo Testing and Accuracy Results

At the range, the 856 was tested with four loads:

  • Hornady Critical Defense 110-grain FTX
  • Remington Wheelgun 158-grain round-nose
  • SIG Sauer Elite Performance 125-grain FMJ
  • Inceptor 77-grain ARX

Firing offhand, the best five-shot group at 7 yards was 0.771 inches with the Hornady. The Inceptor frangibles produced the tightest group of the session — 0.702 inches at 10 yards offhand.
Through 600 rounds and two different shooters, the 856 cycled reliably with no failures of any kind. Reliability for this firearm was not a question.

As for distance performance, the results were as expected from a revolver with a 2-inch barrel. It was most accurate at distances under 7 yards, but still nailed an 8-inch target consistently out to 15 yards. At 25 yards, the group scattered far beyond my liking, even firing from the bench. The groups remained on paper, but I’d prefer them smaller. While I did not clear Dot Torture with the 856, I was happy with its accuracy.

What Is the Taurus 856 Trigger Like?

The double-action trigger pull measured an average of 9 pounds, 3 ounces on my Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge. Single-action measured 3 pounds, 8 ounces. The pull has some grit and stacking ahead of the break. It is neither an ideal trigger nor a bad one.

If you carry a DA/SA revolver, you need to be capable of accurately firing double-action. Practicing with your gun only in single-action would be a serious mistake that you’ll regret if you’re ever forced to defend your life.

Dry-fire is a fantastic way to hone double-action trigger control. Do not “ride the reset” like you might with a Glock. Do not alter your grip pressure while shooting at all. Maintain an even, firm grip throughout. Double-action triggers take time to master. Patience matters here.

Pro Tips for Shooting the Taurus 856 Accurately

Assuming you’re using a proper grip — thumbs down with thumbprint pressed over thumbnail — your trigger finger becomes the focus.
You may need a bit more finger on this gun’s trigger than you would on a Glock. Avoid wrapping your finger around the trigger, but consider using a bit more than the typical first-pad placement. This can give you better leverage for greater control and an even, precise pull.

As with any trigger press, pull straight back without disturbing your front sight.

How Does the Taurus 856 Carry and Conceal?

Taurus 856 revolver in ankle holster demonstrating deep concealment carry options

I used the Galco Combat Master for outside-the-waistband carry and the CrossBreed Freedom Carry for inside-the-waistband. Carried IWB with the CrossBreed Freedom Carry, the 856 all but disappeared under my shirt. The shape of the grip and lack of sharp edges give revolvers an edge over the sharper, blunt outlines of most semi-autos.

At 1.41 inches wide, this small-frame handgun tucks cleanly against the body. The grip did not dig into my waist like several others do, and it was well-positioned for a fast, smooth draw.

My personal preference is to use a small revolver like the Taurus 856 as a backup gun (BUG). There are times when you’re forced into a non-permissive environment and need a gun suited for deep concealment. This little revolver excels at that.

On days I used it as my main carry, I slipped a speedloader into my pocket. Having a reload available while carrying a six-shot revolver matters. Speedloaders may seem intuitive and basic, but as with any tool, they still require practice to use without hesitation or fumbling.

Shooting Qualifications and Drills With the Taurus 856

Stepping the tests up a notch, I holstered the 856 and ran the MAG-40 qualification and Dot Torture Test. The pistol holds its own, performing above its price point. My drawstroke and accuracy improved with time, and I came away confident in the gun’s ability to perform under pressure.

Is the Taurus 856 a Good Value in 2026?

I’ve been pleased with the overall performance of the Taurus 856. It outdid my initial expectations. As of early 2026, the standard Taurus 856 typically sells in the $300 to $350 range new at retail, depending on configuration and finish. MSRP in the Taurus 856 Archives is $376. That still makes it one of the better handguns at this price point.

As a general rule, I do not use any gun this size as my main carry. I prefer greater capacity and a somewhat larger frame. However, it certainly works as a principal sidearm. It also fulfills deep concealment needs admirably and proved to be accurate and reliable.

If you choose to carry a DA/SA revolver in any capacity, train double-action, learn to use a speedloader or speed strips, and carry a reload. If you’re not yet in the revolver scene, why not try something like the Taurus 856 as your potential gateway revolver? A whole new world of guns awaits.

I’m glad that Taurus continues to offer an accessible, well-built option in this category. For more options in the Taurus lineup, explore our comprehensive guide to the best Taurus handguns for concealed carry.

*Always verify your specific variant’s +P rating in the owner’s manual before using +P loads.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Taurus 856 a good revolver?
Based on hands-on testing through 600 rounds with two shooters and zero failures, the 856 performs above its price point. The cylinder lockup is solid, the machining is good for the price, and accuracy results at 7 and 10 yards were impressive for a 2-inch barrel snubby. Bottom line: it outdid initial expectations and works as both a backup gun and a primary carry piece.

What are common problems with Taurus revolvers?
I noted some grit and stacking in the 856’s double-action trigger pull ahead of the break, which is not unusual for revolvers at this price point. Worth noting more broadly: revolvers can and do fail. They may fail less often than semi-automatics, but when a revolver does fail, it typically requires an experienced gunsmith to correct rather than a simple tap-rack from the shooter.

Is a .38 as powerful as a 9mm?
By verified ballistic data, no. Standard pressure .38 Special loads operate at approximately 17,000 psi SAAMI pressure, while standard 9mm loads run at 35,000 psi. For example, Remington’s standard 158-grain .38 Special load is listed at approximately 755 feet per second from a 4-inch test barrel, producing around 200 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. A comparable standard-pressure 9mm load — Federal’s 115-grain FMJ — is listed at approximately 1,180 feet per second, producing roughly 356 foot-pounds from a comparable test barrel. The 9mm generates more muzzle energy across comparable bullet weights. .38 Special +P loads close the gap somewhat but do not match standard-pressure 9mm performance.
Sources: SAAMI (SAAMI.org); Remington (Remington.com); Federal Premium (FederalPremium.com)

Is a .38 or .357 more powerful?
The .357 Magnum is significantly more powerful than the .38 Special. The .357 Magnum was developed directly from the .38 Special case — same bullet diameter, longer case, higher pressure. As a representative example, Federal’s 125-grain .357 Magnum load is listed at approximately 1,450 feet per second from a 4-inch test barrel, producing around 583 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. A comparable Speer 125-grain .38 Special +P load is listed at approximately 945 feet per second, producing around 248 foot-pounds from the same barrel length. Most revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum will also safely fire .38 Special loads, but not the reverse.
Sources: Federal Premium (FederalPremium.com); Speer (Speer.com)