Taurus 856 38 Special +P 2in Matte Stainless Revolver – 6 Rounds

Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories for families and responsible shooters. The Taurus 856 38 Special +P 2in Matte Stainless Revolver is a six-shot, snub-nose revolver built on a durable stainless steel frame. It offers a compelling blend of simplicity, reliability, and value that’s hard to beat for personal defense or as a first revolver. Available now for $314.99, down from $349.99.

Let’s be honest: in a world obsessed with the latest polymer-framed, high-capacity semi-autos, the humble revolver can feel like a relic. But after handling more handguns than I can count, I’ve learned something. For certain jobs—especially the job of being there when it absolutely matters—nothing beats the straightforward, go-bang-every-time logic of a wheelgun. The Taurus 856 in .38 Special is a modern take on that timeless concept. It’s the handgun I recommend to folks who want a tool, not a hobby. It’s the one you clean once a year, load, and forget about until you need it. Think of it like the dependable pickup truck in your garage; it might not be flashy, but it starts every morning.

Who Is This Taurus 856 Revolver For?

I teach a lot of families to shoot, and I see three main types of people who will get the most out of this revolver.

• The First-Time Handgun Owner: If the mechanics of racking a slide, clearing a stovepipe, or managing a safety lever seem daunting, this revolver simplifies everything. Point, pull the trigger. That’s it. It’s an excellent confidence-builder.
• The Personal Defense Purist: You believe in a simple, robust tool for close-quarters protection. You appreciate the ability to fire from inside a pocket or purse without the slide hanging up. The 856’s double-action-only trigger is a consistent, deliberate pull that reinforces safe handling.
• The Backup or Trail Gun User: You want a lightweight, corrosion-resistant companion for your primary firearm or for outdoor activities. The stainless steel construction and .38 Special +P capability make it a reliable option when weight and reliability are key.

Key Features of the Taurus 856 38 Special +P

1. Six-Round Capacity: In a compact 2-inch barrel revolver, getting six rounds instead of the traditional five is a real advantage. It’s a 20% increase in capacity without adding significant bulk—a smart engineering choice by Taurus.
2. +P Rated: This means the revolver is certified to handle higher-pressure .38 Special +P ammunition. This gives you access to modern, high-performance defensive loads with improved terminal ballistics, a major plus for a defensive tool.
3. Matte Stainless Steel Construction: This isn’t a painted or coated finish. The entire frame and cylinder are solid stainless steel with a non-reflective matte finish. It’s highly resistant to rust and wear, making it ideal for humid Texas climates or carry where sweat is a factor.
4. Double-Action-Only (DAO) Trigger: There is no external hammer spur to cock. Every shot is fired by a long, smooth pull of the trigger. This eliminates a snag point for drawing and simplifies the manual of arms to the extreme—just pull to fire.
5. Compact & Contoured Design: The 2-inch barrel and rounded edges make this revolver exceptionally easy to conceal. It melts into a waistband holster or a coat pocket without printing.
6. Rubber Grips: The included rubber grips provide a firm, comfortable hold that helps manage the recoil of the .38 Special cartridge, which can be stout in a lightweight gun.

How It Stacks Up: Taurus 856 vs. The Competition

This table tells the story. The budget option is a liability—I wouldn’t trust my safety to it. The premium option is fantastic, but it’s an investment. The Taurus 856 occupies the crucial middle ground: it’s made from proper materials, handles serious ammunition, and is built to last, all at a price that doesn’t require a second mortgage. It’s the working man’s reliable snub-nose.

Detailed Specifications

Pros & Cons: My Honest Take

Pros:

• ✅ Six-Shot Capacity: The extra round in a snub-nose platform is a tangible tactical benefit.
• ✅ +P Capability: Opens the door to the most effective modern defensive .38 Special loads.
• ✅ Stainless Steel Construction: For durability and corrosion resistance, this is the material you want.
• ✅ Extremely Simple Operation: No safety to disengage, no slide to rack. Ideal for high-stress situations or novice shooters.
• ✅ Excellent Value: The features and build quality you get for this price point are impressive.

Cons:

• ❌ Heavy Double-Action Trigger Pull: The DAO trigger is long and heavy by design. This requires dedicated practice to master for accurate shooting. It’s a feature for safety, not a target trigger.
• ❌ Limited to .38 Special: It is not a .357 Magnum. If you want the versatility of shooting both .38 and .357, you’ll need a different model. See our revolver section for .357 Magnum options.
• ❌ Snub-Nose Ballistics: The 2-inch barrel sacrifices velocity compared to a 4-inch or 6-inch barrel. This is physics, not a flaw in the gun, but it’s something to consider when selecting ammunition.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Revolver

Buy the Taurus 856 2″ if:

• You want a supremely simple, no-nonsense defensive handgun.
• You’re a new shooter intimidated by semi-automatic operation.
• You need a highly concealable, rust-resistant backup or carry gun.
• You value reliability over high capacity and fast reloads.

Skip the Taurus 856 2″ if:

• You are primarily a recreational range shooter wanting a light trigger for precision. (Look at target-focused semi-autos).
• You require the power and ammunition flexibility of a .357 Magnum.
• You prioritize high magazine capacity and rapid reloads above all else for home defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve been looking for a straightforward, rugged, and effective personal defense revolver that won’t break the bank, the Taurus 856 2-inch in matte stainless is a standout choice. It’s a modern tool built on a proven design, and it’s ready to go to work for you.

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