
Availability: In Stock
The Taurus 856 Defender .38 SPL revolver with night sights is a compact, reliable choice for personal defense and home protection. Built on a small frame, this six-shot revolver pairs classic .38 Special +P power with modern night sight technology—a practical combination for shooters who want dependable performance in low-light situations without the complexity of a semi-automatic. Its 3-inch barrel and lightweight profile make it easy to carry and handle, while the fixed rear sight and front night sight with bright orange outline help you pick up the target quickly when it counts.
Taurus designed the 856 Defender for shooters prioritizing simplicity and reliability in a personal-defense revolver. The double-action/single-action trigger gives you the option to work the gun either way, and the included Hogue rubber grips provide a secure, comfortable hold even during extended practice sessions or defensive manipulation. At just 35 ounces, it won't wear you down in an IWB holster or bedside safe, yet it retains enough heft to manage recoil manageable without sacrificing shootability.
This isn't a duty gun or a target revolver—it's purpose-built for the shooter who values proven revolver mechanics, straightforward operation, and the confidence that comes from a firearm that won't jam. If you're exploring .38 Special snubbies for home defense or backup carry, the night sights and ergonomic grips on this model address two of the most common upgrades aftermarket buyers pursue.
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Action | Double-Action/Single-Action |
| Frame Size | Small |
| Barrel Length | 3.00 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.50 inches |
| Height | 4.80 inches |
| Width | 1.41 inches |
| Weight | 35 oz |
| Front Sight | Night Sight with Bright Orange Outline |
| Rear Sight | Fixed |
| Grips | Hogue Rubber |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Yes. Its small frame, 35-ounce weight, and 7.50-inch overall length make it compact enough for IWB or pocket carry depending on your holster choice and body type.
In double-action, pulling the trigger cocks and fires the gun in one press—useful for self-defense when speed matters. Single-action requires manually cocking the hammer first, giving you a shorter trigger press for follow-up shots or precision work. The 856 Defender lets you choose based on the situation.
Yes. The front sight features a night sight design with a bright orange outline, and the rear is a fixed sight. Both are installed from the factory.
The gun is rated for .38 Special +P, which is more powerful. Standard .38 Special ammunition will function in the 856, but the revolver is engineered for the higher-pressure +P loads.

SKU: 120918894 • Width: 6in • Height: 2in • Depth: 10in • Weight: 2.1oz
Availability: In Stock
The Taurus 856 Defender .38 SPL revolver with night sights is a compact, reliable choice for personal defense and home protection. Built on a small frame, this six-shot revolver pairs classic .38 Special +P power with modern night sight technology—a practical combination for shooters who want dependable performance in low-light situations without the complexity of a semi-automatic. Its 3-inch barrel and lightweight profile make it easy to carry and handle, while the fixed rear sight and front night sight with bright orange outline help you pick up the target quickly when it counts.
Taurus designed the 856 Defender for shooters prioritizing simplicity and reliability in a personal-defense revolver. The double-action/single-action trigger gives you the option to work the gun either way, and the included Hogue rubber grips provide a secure, comfortable hold even during extended practice sessions or defensive manipulation. At just 35 ounces, it won't wear you down in an IWB holster or bedside safe, yet it retains enough heft to manage recoil manageable without sacrificing shootability.
This isn't a duty gun or a target revolver—it's purpose-built for the shooter who values proven revolver mechanics, straightforward operation, and the confidence that comes from a firearm that won't jam. If you're exploring .38 Special snubbies for home defense or backup carry, the night sights and ergonomic grips on this model address two of the most common upgrades aftermarket buyers pursue.
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Action | Double-Action/Single-Action |
| Frame Size | Small |
| Barrel Length | 3.00 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.50 inches |
| Height | 4.80 inches |
| Width | 1.41 inches |
| Weight | 35 oz |
| Front Sight | Night Sight with Bright Orange Outline |
| Rear Sight | Fixed |
| Grips | Hogue Rubber |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Yes. Its small frame, 35-ounce weight, and 7.50-inch overall length make it compact enough for IWB or pocket carry depending on your holster choice and body type.
In double-action, pulling the trigger cocks and fires the gun in one press—useful for self-defense when speed matters. Single-action requires manually cocking the hammer first, giving you a shorter trigger press for follow-up shots or precision work. The 856 Defender lets you choose based on the situation.
Yes. The front sight features a night sight design with a bright orange outline, and the rear is a fixed sight. Both are installed from the factory.
The gun is rated for .38 Special +P, which is more powerful. Standard .38 Special ammunition will function in the 856, but the revolver is engineered for the higher-pressure +P loads.
SKU: 120918894 • Width: 6in • Height: 2in • Depth: 10in • Weight: 2.1oz
