Taurus 856 Revolvers
The 856 is Taurus's 6 shot .38 Special revolver, rated for +P in many of our listings. We list it with 2 and 3 inch barrels: the steel 856, the lighter 856 Ultra-Lite, the Defender 856, the 856 T.O.R.O. and the Executive Grade. Listings in stock right now: 37.6 shots of .38 Special in a 2 or 3 inch revolver.
Prices from $305.39 to $571.27, as of Nov 13, 2026.
Pick your 856
Every 856 line we list, with the count in stock and the lowest price for each.
All 856 revolvers
37 in stock. Sold out listings stay up, after the ones you can buy today.
Compare 856 models
The most listed size for each model in stock.
As of Nov 13, 2026
Compare 856 models
The most listed size for each model in stock.
| Model | Size / grip | Barrel | Cylinder | Calibers | In stock | From | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 856 | Steel frame | 2 in | 6 | 38 Special | 17 | $305.39 | Shop |
| 856 Ultra-Lite | 2 in | 6 | 38 Special | 12 | $310.23 | Shop | |
| Defender 856 | 3 in barrel, night sight | 3 in | 6 | 38 Special | 3 | $360.39 | Shop |
| 856 T.O.R.O. | Optic mount included | 3 in | 6 | 38 Special | 4 | $368.27 | Shop |
| 856 Executive Grade | Wood grips | 3 in | 6 | 38 Special | 1 | $571.27 | Shop |
Source: barrel, cylinder and caliber are taken from our in-stock listings for each model.
Built for your 856
Holsters, grips and parts that fit the 856, from Taurus and other makers. Parts ship to your door where your state allows.
856 models explained
The 856 has a steel frame, carbon steel or stainless, with a 2 or 3 inch barrel. The 856 Ultra-Lite is the lighter version; the Ultra-Lite listings that name their frame say aluminum. The Defender 856 has a 3 inch barrel, and several Defender listings name a front night sight. The 856 T.O.R.O. has a 3 inch barrel and comes with an optic mount, and the Executive Grade has wood grips. Some 856 listings have a concealed hammer, and some are listed as California certified. In stock by model: 856 (17), Ultra-Lite (12), Defender (3), T.O.R.O. (4) and Executive Grade (1).
Sights, grips and lasers for the 856
XS Sights lists a tritium front sight for the 856 and 605, and Viridian a grip laser for the 85, 856, 380, 905 and 942. The parts tabs below the grid list what is in stock that names the 856.
Other Taurus snub-nose revolvers
For 5 shots of .357 Magnum, see the 605. For a 5 shot .38 Special or .357 Magnum, see the 850 and 650, and for an 8 shot 22, the 942.
Buying a handgun online
Holsters, grips, speedloaders and most parts ship to your door where your state allows. Check state restrictions before you order, and read how buying a gun online works. Firearms can go on layaway, and financing shows at checkout when the order qualifies.
More Taurus lines
Taurus 856 FAQ
What is the difference between the 856 and the 856 Ultra-Lite?
The frame. In our listings the 856 has a carbon steel or stainless steel frame, and the Ultra-Lite listings that name their frame say aluminum. Both hold 6 rounds of .38 Special.
What is the Defender 856?
An 856 with a 3 inch barrel; several of our Defender listings name a front night sight. It holds 6 rounds of .38 Special like every 856.
Can I put a red dot on a Taurus 856?
The 856 T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option) comes with an optic mount, as its listings say. See our Taurus T.O.R.O. page for every Taurus listed as T.O.R.O. or optics ready.
Do you have the Taurus 856 in stock?
The in-stock count as of Nov 13, 2026 is 37, and the lowest price is at the top of this page. Stock changes daily, and the ones that sell out stay listed after the ones you can buy.
Do you ship Taurus revolvers to my house?
No. A firearm bought online ships to a licensed dealer (FFL) you pick at checkout, and you fill out the transfer paperwork there. Holsters, grips and most parts ship to your door where your state allows.