Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Stainless 3″ Barrel- 2-85639NS
Welcome to Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Review. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the features and benefits of the Taurus 856 Defender and its history and popularity among gun enthusiasts. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision on whether 856 Defender 38 Special is a purchase that’s right for you.
Table of contents
- Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Stainless 3″ Barrel- 2-85639NS
- About Taurus Firearms
- History of the Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special 3″
- Unboxing the Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special
- Getting to know the Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special
- Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Photo Gallery
- Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Review Wrap Up
- 856 Defender 38 Special FAQs
About Taurus Firearms
Taurus Firearms is a Brazilian-based manufacturer of handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The company was founded in 1939 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. It has since expanded to become one of the largest firearms manufacturers in the world. Taurus is known for producing a wide range of firearms that cater to different needs and preferences, from compact pistols for personal defense to larger guns for hunting and competition shooting.
Taurus is also known for its innovative designs and use of advanced technology in its firearms. For example, Taurus was among the first companies to incorporate a built-in laser sight into their guns. They continue to incorporate cutting-edge features like ergonomic grips and adjustable sights.
Despite its Brazilian origins, Taurus has a significant presence in the United States, with a manufacturing facility in Miami, Florida. This has helped the company gain a strong foothold in the American firearms market and establish a loyal customer base.
In recent years, Taurus has faced criticism over some quality control issues, but the company has worked to address these concerns and improve its products. Overall, Taurus Firearms offers a wide range of reliable and affordable firearms that appeal to gun owners of all levels and interests.
History of the Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special 3″
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special is a relatively new addition to the Taurus Firearms product line, first introduced in 2019. However, it is based on a long history of Taurus revolvers that dates back to the 1970s.
In 1971, Taurus introduced the Model 85 revolver, which quickly became a popular choice for personal defense. Over the years, Taurus has continued to refine and improve upon the Model 85, releasing several variants and models with different features and specifications.
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special is one of the latest versions of the Model 85. It is a compact, lightweight revolver for easy concealed carry and self-defense. The 856 Defender features a 2″ or 3″ barrel, a six-round cylinder, and an ergonomic rubber grip. It also incorporates Taurus’ patented transfer bar safety system, which prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed.
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special comes in multiple finishes, including bright stainless, matte stainless, and a matte black finish.
Unboxing the Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special typically comes in a cardboard box with the Taurus logo. Inside the box, you should find the following items:
- Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special revolver: The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special in a matte stainless finish, a 3″ barrel, and a six-round cylinder.
- Owner’s manual and other documentation: Should include an owner’s manual and warranty information.
- Cable lock: Taurus includes a cable lock with their firearms for safety and security.
- Additional Grip: An extra smaller grip is included.
The 856 Defender 38 is an excellent-looking firearm, and despite its small size fits in hand comfortably. I have a little bigger than average hands, and this handgun felt very comfortable. I will add to this post when I switch to the smaller grip, but I am confident it would feel small. It is likely for smaller hands only.
Getting to know the Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special is a sleek compact revolver with a brushed stainless finish. It has a 6-round capacity and features a 3-inch barrel. The revolver has a fixed front sight and rear sight.
It’s best suited for self-defense and concealed carry. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and easily concealed in various holster configurations.
Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Specifications
- MANUFACTURER: Taurus
- FAMILY: 856 SERIES
- MODEL: 856
- TYPE: Revolver
- ACTION: Double / Single Action
- CALIBER/GAUGE: 38 Special
- FINISH: Matte Stainless
- FINISH TYPE: Stainless Steel
- FRAME: Steel Frame
- STOCK/GRIPS: Hogue Black Rubber Grips
- BARREL: 3″
- OVERALL LENGTH: 7.5″
- CAPACITY: 6
- SIGHTS: FS: Night Sight Orange Outline
- SIGHT TYPE: Fixed Sights
- WEIGHT: 35 oz.
- SHIPPING WEIGHT: 2.1 lbs.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Transfer Bar
- MFG MODEL NO: 2-85639NS
- UPC: 725327933854
- MSRP: $449.99
Barrel
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special barrel is 3 inches long and made of carbon steel with a brushed stainless finish. It is a fixed barrel, meaning it does not tilt or move during firing.
The barrel has six lands and grooves with a right-hand twist. This helps stabilize the bullet in flight for improved accuracy.
The front sight is also fixed to the barrel, and there is a notch in the top of the barrel near the rear of the gun. Overall, this compact revolver’s 3-inch barrel balances accuracy, reliability, and ease of carry.
Finish
The Taurus 856 Defender has a stainless steel finish. Stainless steel is a popular material for firearms due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and sleek appearance.
The stainless finish of the Taurus 856 Defender is achieved through passivation. Passivation is a chemical treatment that removes impurities from the surface of stainless steel. It creates a layer of chromium oxide that provides a barrier against rust and other forms of corrosion.
The stainless finish of the 856 Defender looks great, but it also helps to protect the firearm from the elements. Whether carrying the 856 as a personal defense gun or for recreational shooting, the stainless finish adds a touch of style.
The clean, bright finish of the stainless steel contrasts nicely with the black rubber grip. It gives the handgun a classic, timeless look.
Frame
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special’s frame is lightweight and durable aluminum alloy. Using aluminum in the frame keeps the revolver lighter, which will help when carrying concealed for extended stretches of time.
Grips
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special comes equipped with comfortable rubber grips. The rubber material provides a non-slip surface and is contoured to fit the natural shape of the hand.
The grips are also removable, allowing you to customize the handgun with different grip options to suit your preferences.
Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Photo Gallery
Safety’s
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special has a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system, which provides a long and heavy trigger pull for the first shot, followed by shorter and lighter pulls for subsequent shots.
This system ensures the firearm will not accidentally discharge due to a light trigger pull. In addition, the revolver has a transfer bar safety, which prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled.
Sights
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special has a fixed red dot front sight and rear fixed sight. The front sight is a serrated ramp that is easy to align with the target, while the rear sight is a notch positioned in line with the front sight.
The sights are simple, functional, and provide a quick sight picture making them ideal for self-defense and personal protection where quick and accurate shots are necessary.
Trigger
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special has a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system that provides a smooth and consistent trigger pull. To fire the first shot, you use the double-action trigger, which requires a long and heavy pull. This trigger is ideal for situations where speed is necessary, such as in self-defense scenarios.
Subsequent shots are fired using the single-action trigger, which has a lighter and shorter pull of just over 5 pounds. The trigger pull feels very comfortable; it has a crisp break and fast reset.
Given the weight and balance of the 856 Defender, the trigger and pull weight marry well to the handgun.
Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Review Wrap Up
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special is a great little carry or personal protection handgun. It’s small enough to be easily concealed but stout enough to manage the .38 Special round comfortably.
Taurus Revolvers have a great reputation for reliability; you may give up some in a magazine capacity. Still, with some training, the 856 Defender has great potential to make it up in accuracy.
The revolver’s weight and compact size make it easy to handle and carry. Also, it doesn’t hurt any that it is a good-looking handgun. Lastly, the price makes it very affordable and viable if considering a carry or self-defense firearm.
856 Defender 38 Special FAQs
Yes, the Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special is regarded as a reliable and effective firearm.
The Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special uses .38 Special ammunition.
Yes, the revolver’s simple design and a minimal number of parts make it relatively easy to disassemble and clean. As with all firearms, following proper cleaning and maintenance procedures is important.
According to the manufacturer’s website, the Taurus 856 Defender revolver is rated for +P ammunition. We have heard that the magnesium revolver was the only 856 that isn’t +P rated. But, any magnesium revolver would not be +P rated. However, it’s always important to double-check the owner’s manual or consult with a firearms expert to ensure the safe use of any firearm and ammunition combination.
