[Editor’s note: Taurus announced the new Defender 856 at the 2020 SHOT Show. The new guns are +P rated with a 3″ barrel and a front night sight.]
Taurus USA announced the return of the Model 856 revolver.
While the gun is interesting on its own, I find that it is an even more compelling introduction when it is put head-to-head with the Colt Cobra. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s first take a look at what the gun is.
Just the Facts
At its most basic, the Taurus 856 is a 6-shot, compact revolver with a steel frame. It comes in at less than 1.5 pounds unloaded and is chambered for the venerable .38 Special cartridge.
The gun has sights typical to concealed carry revolvers of this size: a fixed front ramp with a trench-style rear that is integral to the frame and top strap.
Taurus uses a set of its own rubber stocks on the gun. I’ve not had a chance to shoot a gun with these grips yet, but they look to be an improvement over some of the grips the company used in the past. The profile looks similar to Pachmayr Compac grips I’ve used occasionally on my Smith & Wesson J-frames.
(Update: Taurus will introduce new frame colors for the 856 at the 2019 SHOT Show.)
Six Shots or Only Five?
When Dirty Harry asked that question, he was talking about the rounds in his 6-shot .44 Magnum. But a lot of cops were asking themselves the same question when that movie was released. Should their backup gun hold six shots, or only five?
While many compact wheel guns use a 5-shot cylinder to decrease the gun’s width, there are a lot of people who are hesitant to give up that extra round of ammunition in their defensive handgun.
Guns like the Colt Cobra battled the 5-shot J-frames from Smith & Wesson for position in the ankle holsters of cops in the 60s and 70s. That single extra round of ammo made the decision easy for a lot of lawmen. A little extra width and weight were a cheap price for 20% more firepower.
With the renewed interest in the compact revolver, companies have expanded their wheelgun offerings in recent years. This includes Colt, that rolled out its updated Cobra in 2017.
Bull vs. Snake
The new Taurus 856 is a direct competitor to the new Cobra. Both are compact, steel-frame revolvers with 6-shot cylinders.
There are differences, of course. Here’s a look at some of their specs:
| Taurus 856 | Colt Cobra | |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special | .38 Special |
| Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Action | DA/SA | DA/SA |
| Barrel Length | 2″ | 2″ |
| Overall Length | 6.55″ | 7.2″ |
| Unloaded Weight | 22.1 oz | 25.0 oz |
| Frame Material | carbon steel or stainless steel | stainless steel |
| Height | 4.8″ | 4.9″ |
| Width | 1.41″ | 1.40″ |
| Sights | serrated front ramp, fixed trench rear | fiber optic front, fixed trench rear |
| Grip | Taurus branded rubber | Hogue Overmolded |
| Finish | matte blue or matte stainless | matte finish |
| MSRP | $329 | $699 |
While I would prefer the Colt’s fiber optic sight to the Taurus’s serrated ramp, the specs seem to heavily favor the Model 856 when you factor in the final comparison: the price.
The Colt Cobra is more than twice the price of the Taurus 856.
I would never buy a self-defense handgun on price alone. However, the huge price difference is likely to sway many people standing at a gun counter.
For me, the key differences are the ones not listed in the spec chart above. What kind of reliability can I expect out of each gun? How smooth is the trigger? Does the gun feel good in my hand?
Those are things that I can only determine through testing of the guns.
Final Thoughts
Taurus USA and its parent company have been through some rough years. I don’t know if the bad times are truly behind them, but I do like the guns I’ve seen announced at the SHOT Show this year. The guns expand on the company’s best lines and are interesting enough to bring in new buyers.
The Model 856 seems to be introduced with the same reasoning. It is a known winner and is competing in a popular niche with relatively little direct competition: compact, 6-shot revolvers. With such an inexpensive MSRP, I suspect these guns will be good sellers.
If Taurus quality control can keep these guns in the hands of its customers and out of the repair center, I think this gun can go a long way in restoring trust to the Taurus brand.
Last Update: October 17, 2022
48 replies on “Taurus 856: Return of a Classic Revolver”
“The Colt Cobra is more than twice the price of the Taurus 856.”
It is also twice the gun. Period. Taurus is junk.
Hi Shawn,
Thanks for reading and taking time to comment.
Taurus has had more than their share of problems in the QC department. Like I said, I would never buy a self-defense gun on price, and the gun would have to prove itself before I would recommend it.
-Richard
The 856 is a tried and true model. I’m glad to see its making a comeback – I bet they’ll sell a ton. I’ve personally had great luck with Taurus revolvers…I browsed your comments – you don’t have anything positive to say – about anything really. I bet you’re hell and Jesus at a Christmas party! “Taurus is junk” – come stand in front of one of mine then, tough guy AHAHAHAHAHA
I must say the Taurus 85’s I have owned of late have been really nice … Better triggers out of the box than any out of the box newer production S&W J frame I have owned , including the performance center J frame models …From what I have read the 85 is going to be replaced by the 856 …. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Poly 85’s turn into Poly 856 ….
The 856UL is on my short list !
Thinking about a new gun, why do you say Taurus is Junk? Not trying to be a wise ass, but are you stating this on fact or personal opinion? I have been doing research on Taurus and not finding anything that will back it up. I know it is not a Sig, Glock, Ruger, S&W or HK, but my new Malibu is not a Caddy. BMW, Mercedes or Lincoln but a Chevy. But I wouldn’t consider it Junk.
Richard,
I know your question is directed toward Shawn, but I figured I would chime in.
While I hesitate from making a blanket statement that Taurus is junk, I also would urge caution on selecting a firearm. While I hope Taurus makes quality Model 856 revolvers, the company seems to have an extensive history of inferior quality control and marginal customer service.
For example, I purchased the new Taurus Spectrum a couple of weeks ago for testing. The gun would not function correctly and I’ve now shipped it back to the company for repairs. That was after spending more than an hour on hold waiting to talk to a human in the customer service department.
Previously, I reviewed the Taurus 709 pistol. That gun had issues and the customer service experience was unique – they fixed one problem but broke the sights. https://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/gun-reviews/taurus-709-slim/
While I had a good experience with the 905 revolver, I again had issues with the customer service folks. I returned the gun to them after the loan period. After a few weeks, I got it back in the mail saying it had been “fixed.” Bizarre. https://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/gun-reviews/taurus-905-review-9mm-revolver/
These are just a few of my personal experiences. The class action lawsuit against them (surrounding guns discharging and injuring people due to alleged mechanical defect) is a fairly well known issue the company is still dealing with. Of course, there are also several videos that have surfaced of Taurus guns firing while “on safe”.
I’m hesitant to call all Taurus guns junk. However, I don’t blame anyone who feels that way either.
Best,
Richard
I’m following your website now because of this comment.
Well I can state for a fact that of my experience with Taurus have been great and thay are very far from being junk guns. I’ve got a Taurus 709 Slim 9mm that a hold really tight pattern at 25 steps and I got a Smith & Wesson SD 40 ve that is ABOUT to go back Smith & Wesson for the second time. if it’s not shooting all over the place is shooting low and to the left and iam right hand . I had a Taurus 40 caliber compact never had a problem out of it it don’t matter what gun or Gun Company you buy a gun from sometimes you going to get them that you’re just not a good gun. it’s just the way it is but to call another brand junk but you have to call them all Taurus junk as maybe you had bad luck or got a lemon some gun they all have flaws they’re built by man enough said. I trust my Taurus 9mm over a Smith & Wesson all day long as I just got off the phone with Smith & Wesson in the SD stands for self-defense well if you got a gun that you can’t even hit nobody with not very good self defense and that’s one of your big name companies I’m not calling them junk the gun just got problems .have a GOOD day
This is for Richard V about his Chevy Malibu: your Chevy Malibu is actually a Toyota Camry in drag clothing. You picked a great car!!
Guns: I don’t own a Taurus, but I won’t rule it out because with today’s CNC machining and international standards for quality control all manufacturing is getting better and better.
Cheers! Mike P
If you look back with an unbiased opinion ALL MANUFACTURERS have released lemons and none of them are not experiencing quality control issues. It’s not to judge just Taurus that way. Here is just a few examples of duds released by the so called established companies; the Colt Double Eagle, Smith&Wessons Sigma 380, 9mm and 40 S&W. Have you checked the double actions the new S&Ws lately? They’re not what they used to be. I let go of a Ruger SP101 because after 8 to 10 shots the cylinder would lock up, my 856 shooting the same loads fired nearly 100 rounds with no problem. Am I saying Taurus is the best I’m just judging by my experiences, yours may vary. What I’m saying is what I said in the beginning about lemons and quality control that effects all manufacturers today. So let’s not be selective in remembering who makes a bad gun.
Hi John,
Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. I’m glad to hear your Taurus 856 has been reliable with almost 100 rounds through it.
-Richard
I’ve seen a whole lot of Colts that are junk.
Opinions are like aholes, everybody has one. Taurus will drop you like a rock, just like a Colt. Unless you plan on running 5000 rounds through it, which most people would never do in 100 lifetimes, the Taurus will get the job done.
Interestingly, I have run way more than 5000 rounds through my Taurs 85, including a lot of hot hand loads, and +P.
The gun is now 35 years old. So 35 years of shooting many thousands of rounds, sometimes a thousand a week.
I decided to send it in to Taurus to be freshed up, and to test their warranty. They said they wanted to replace the cylinder, but because of it’s age, and the difficulty of getting a cylinder, they offered to replace the gun, free of charge with the new 856. I decided to take the new gun, though I will miss the 85. I loved that gun.
So, I had a gun that functioned perfectly for 35 years, and had hard use with the hot handloads and +P ammo, and Taurus is replacing it. Thanks Taurus.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for sharing a fantastic story about your model 85. Taurus just announced that they will now back the 856 with a lifetime warranty, so you should be able to get similar service from them in the future.
-Richard
Taurus is absolutely not junk. In the late 1980’s, they made some stuff that was VERY questionable, but their quality has steadily improved since then. I bought my wife a 586 on 5/7/2020. The trigger is heavy, and long, as it should be on a pocket gun with no safety. I compared the fit and finish on the 586 to a Smith and Wesson model that is very similar, and other than the Taurus being blued and the Smith being stainless, I could tell no difference in the two(the Taurus is available in stainless, my dealer only had one in blued. The Taurus was $249, the Smith was $409, i bought the Taurus). The triggers on most guns nowadays are sprung up to hopefully prevent lawsuits, so new guns now require trigger work to get them to a place that most enthusiasts would call acceptable. Nowadays, all I ask is that a gun have nice fit and finish and not jam up……the Taurus 586 meet my criteria, and the spring kit will be here in 2 days.
Now make it with a Centennial-type frame & dovetails to install night sights & you have a winner!
Exactly! That would be a solid carry gun.
-Richard
I agree night sights are a plus!!
Night Site on a snub? It’s for self defense not combat or hunting.
Self-defense is a subset of combat. Night sights on a self-defense handgun can be useful for a lot of people.
I’m not sure how many people would want them on a hunting handgun, however. I imagine most handgun hunters would prefer better precision than night sights tend to provide (assuming you are aligning the dots, etc.)
-Richard
You don’t hunt with a snub nose.
Nor did I say that anyone does. I was responding to your comments about the application of night sights on a firearm. In case I was not clear, let me restate:
1. Night sights on a self defense handgun are a good choice for many people.
2. Many, if not most, handgun hunters would not willingly choose to use night sights on a hunting handgun as they tend to be less precise than other sighting options.
My comments in no way suggest that anyone hunt with a short barrel revolver. Rather, I am addressing your statement that night sights are not appropriate for self defense weapons – just “combat or hunting.”
I hope this helps.
-Richard
Is the only difference between the model 85 and 856 one round of 38 caliber cartridge ?
Taurus must think it will sell.
That equates to 20% more ammo capacity. Not insignificant.
And you think it won’t sell why? Because it’s selling really well.
Where did I say it wouldn’t sell? I was just referring to the only difference in the 85 and 856 was one cartridge.
In your comment. Unless you edited it by now.
This would be great for CCW. I still hate that revolvers are more expensive than semi autos. It makes zero sense when they are cheaper to make. Because of this I don’t buy revolvers anymore. Only semi autos.
As for reliability and quality goes, I have a Rossi model 82 4″ that I have run several thousand rounds through on top of whatever Peruvian law enforcement officer put through it, yup it was a police turn in from……well, Peru with a lanyard ring and everything. I ceracoated the revolver and it remains dead on accurate….better than my abilities and has never had any issues. I also have a Rossi 971 from back when those revolvers were offered in 2.5″ configuration, in stainless and of course with the adjustable sights that 971 revolves still come with though they have eliminated the snubbie line and I dont even think they are available in stainless any longer. Of course Rossi is now owned by Taurus.
The only problem I have had with any Taurus handgun was an early issue 1911 which I had hell with and sent to Taurus twice to fix operational problems and sold it when it returned from its second trip. I hear later issued 1911’s by Taurus work fine but cannot personally attest to it. Save money, for a self defense withing 10-15 yard revolver these Rossi or Taurus handguns cannot be beat and are at least as accurate and reliable as their much more expensive Ruger or Smith or especially Colt counterparts.
Hi Casey,
Thanks for sharing your experiences with some classic Rossi revolvers. I’ve met several people who love their pre-Taurus guns and are not likely to give them up.
Regarding self-defense, I’m not worried about the price as much as I am with reliability. I’m willing to pay extra for a gun that has proved to be reliable. Of course, I’m not someone who is foolish enough to think that the most expensive pistol is the most reliable one either.
That said, I hope Taurus gets its act together and starts making guns I can count on. My new Spectrum that I bought this year is a dog – even after a return trip to the company to be fixed. It’s too bad, as I like the feel of the gun. Maybe someday they will get it worked out.
-Richard
Does anyone know how the new, reintroduced Taurus 856 compares to the original Taurus 856 steel model and the 856 in magnesium?
I have both revolvers, a classic Colt Cobra (1972) and a new Taurus 856UL. Both revolvers will get the job done and I take both to the range with me. However, I carry the Taurus every day, while the Colt stays home in the gun safe. Why? Because if i need to defend myself, I don’t want my classic Colt Cobra to be rusting away in an evidence room until I get it back. The lower cost Taurus 856UL is, basically, my “throw down”. LOL … just saying.
Didymus
In 18 years my Taurus revolver has run thousands and thousands of rounds. Zero defects, zero problems.
I now have 3 Taurus revolvers, a 605, 617, and 627. After purchasing the 605, I liked it so much that I sold a Smith & Wesson and Ruger to buy the other two. The 617 is now my daily carry, the 605 my nightstand weapon, and the 627 my woods gun. Taurus has had their problems, but they currently make fine revolvers with the best double action triggers on the market.
The author hits the nail on the head in his end statement “If Taurus can keep these out of the repair center…”A human body needs all of its parts working together to function. So to a company.Taurus has the worst repair center I have ever dealt with. I sent in a gun for warranty work and it took them six months to send me back my gun (now rusty)without repairing it and no excuse why it took them so long to do nothing.It needed a centerpin which I ended up fitting myself due to the companies total incompetence. This is not a unique case it is unfortunately the rule. (R.I.P. Taurus you were once a great gun maker )
I am new to Taurus and have shot some guns but really not smart on guns. I bought the Judge and love the feel but my wife can’t pull the trigger. I was thinking of the Taurus 856 for her. She has never shot a gun and I was wondering about the trigger if it is easy to pull? Also I don’t understand the single/double, does that mean you can just pull the trigger or have the option to pull the hammer back? Thanks, Steven
Hi Steven,
Thanks for reading my article and taking the time to post your comments and questions.
The terms double action and single action refer to the specific mechanical processes that allow a gun to fire. In the interests in keeping things simple, a double action gun often has a longer, heavier pull than a single action gun. Some guns are double action only (DAO) or single action only, while others transition to single action after the first double action shot has been fired.
Many, but not all, modern revolvers like the Taurus 856 are double action guns. However, by cocking the hammer it does make the gun’s next trigger pull single action. Some revolvers do not allow for the hammer to be cocked, and many semi-automatic pistols do not have external hammers that can be cocked either.
There is a good chance that the 856 trigger will be similar to that of your Judge revolver.
In general, some of the easiest kinds of guns for a new shooter to learn on are striker-fired, semi-automatic pistols such as the Glock or Smith & Wesson M&P. The triggers tend to be easy to manipulate while the ergonomics of the guns make for relatively easy shooting.
If your wife is interested in owning a handgun, I would suggest locating a quality firearms instructor in your area. A good instructor will have a variety of handguns – semi-automatic and revolvers – that she can try. Once she has shot a few different firearms, she will quickly be able to determine what she likes and shoots best.
I hope this helps. Feel free to post any additional questions if you think I might be able to help.
-Richard
Thank you for your time. I was also looking at the S&W 638 but I want to be sure it is a DAO.
The Smith & Wesson 638 is a nice gun. Like the Taurus, it is also a double action, but not double action only, gun since the shrouded hammer is also able to be cocked into a single action position.
A Smith & Wesson 642 is a good example of a DAO gun. It has an internal hammer that is not able to be cocked by the shooter. I’ve owned a 642 since the mid-90s and like it a lot. It is not, however, a beginner’s gun due to the recoil, heavy trigger, etc. If this is for your spouse, I’d recommend letting her shoot it before spending the money on one.
Another good DAO gun to consider is the Ruger LCR. I find the Ruger LCR is a great handgun for carry with a smooth trigger and good ergonomics. I prefer the look of the S&W 642, but the LCR is a solid workhorse that is every bit as reliable and the Smith. While it shares the same general drawbacks of any small revolver when it comes to recoil, noise, etc it might be worth taking a look at.
-Richard
I have many handguns, revolvers and autos. SIG, Ruger, S&W, Colt, H&K and a lone Rossi M65 38 Spl. with a 3″ barrel that has many thousands of rounds through it and is my favorite plinking pistol. That is why I decided to purchase an M856, the price was a benefit and the little pistol has the best trigger of any of them except my Python. I do carry it and it’s in rotation with my Walther PPS and Ruger SP 101 depending on the time of year, clothing and destination. Great quality, fun to shoot and +P rated it’s what I drop in my pocket the most often. As for the sights, they’re fine and besides I live in NY so if I’m taking the time to aim my shots most likely I’m going to jail because my life wasn’t really in danger and I had time and space to retreat. In all a great little pistol that I can highly recommend and do enjoy.
I bought a new Taurus 856 UL that has a cylinder that holds 6 rounds and the revolver weighs about the same as the Smith 637 and is just as accurate and can also utilize +P ammo and loaded with +P Underwood ammo the old .38spcl sure can cause some severe tissue damage.
Also one must remember that when attacked there are often no witnesses and in these peculiar times it might be the best course of action to just “walk away” and to play it safe one might consider removing the firearm unfortunately used from the planet or at least from where it could possibly be found and one could more easily afford the loss of said firearm if using the comparatively less expensive Taurus. It sounds cold but then again the situation was not of the defenders making.
I bought a new 856 yesterday from Rural King for $269.99. Brought it home, inspected it and cleaned it. It had no cosmetic problems that I could find so I took it out to the back yard and shot it. It has a very nice and easy to pull double action trigger. I also find it more accurate for me than most other snub noses. I am very pleased with it but I have only shot about 1/2 box of ammo through it. I also have an older (2002) DAO only 605 that is very well built.
my dad had a Rossi .38 in the 80’s when I was a teenager, so buying this Taurus 856 a few days ago ($270) was a no-brainer. it’s basically the same gun, and fun to shoot. wish it came in blued, but settled for the matte black. makes a great BUG, and I might go back to buy another.
I carried a Taurus 85 UL for 20 years as a backup on an ankle holster. I qualified with it quarterly so it has had considerable use. I would not hesitate to carry it now that I am retired. It has some holster wear but functions perfectly.
I also have a Taurus 82 three inch revolver that has served me well.
I recently bought a Taurus 856 UL and found it to be a quality firearm, especially for the price point. The trigger is a bit heavy but I’m certain with use and practice it will get better. If not a 5 minute Wolf spring change will do the trick. I don’t care for the factory grip and will be replacing it with some type of a three finger wooden boot grip. That said it is still functional. It’s simply my personal preference.
I have never had to send one back for repair so I can’t comment on the process.
Don’t be afraid of a Taurus. As with any gun, take it to the range and shoot it. Work any bugs out before depending on it to save your life
I bought a Taurus 856 about a week ago. In reading the owners manual I noticed that Taurus recommends that the revolver be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. I thought that the use of a transfer bar made it safe to carry with a full cylinder. What am I missing?
Thank you
Nothing. I also have an 856 (Spurless hammer variant) and I’ve taken it down a couple of times. The firing pin will not engage with the hammer unless the transfer bar is moved into place by the trigger. I’m pretty sure they’re only advocating that to be extra extra extra safe, just in case by some wild coincidence a pebble got in there between the hammer and the pin and you shot yourself. That’s a scenario with an almost zero chance of occurring, provided you at least carry with the hammer down, which is how you should be carrying a revolver to begin with.
I bought a 856UL mid 2019 and have had no problems with it. It shoots as straight as I can. It’s somewhere on me every day. No complaints. It has done everything I’ve needed it do.