Taurus Revolvers
Taurus Defender 856
Specs, variants & prices
Taurus currently makes 8 versions of the Defender 856 revolver, all chambered in 38 SPECIAL +P. Each has a 3" barrel. Of the 8 versions, 2 use Taurus's T.O.R.O. optic-ready system, and 6 aren't set up for an optic. Taurus's suggested retail prices run from $471.99 to $593.99, and stores set their own prices from there. The table below lines up every version so you can compare them at a glance.
What versions of the Taurus Defender 856 are there?
8 current versions. Specs and measurements are Taurus's own.
Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O., 38 SPECIAL +P, 3.00 In., 6 Rounds, Matte Black
T.O.R.O.
- Optics
- T.O.R.O.
- Model / part #
- 2-856P31
- Caliber
- 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity
- 6 Rounds
- Barrel
- 3.00 In.
- Overall length
- 7.50 In.
- Weight
- 23.50 Oz. (Unloaded)
- Finish
- Matte Black
- Details
- Action: DA/SA; Frame size: Small; Frame: Stainless Steel; Barrel: Stainless Steel; Cylinder: Stainless Steel; Height: 4.80 In.; Width: 1.40 In.; Front sight: Removable Front Sight; Rear sight: Fixed; Safety: Transfer Bar; Twist: 1:16.5-in RH Twist; Cylinders included: 1
- MSRP
- $496.99
- CA
- —
- MA
- —
Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O., 38 SPECIAL +P, 3.00 In., 6 Rounds, Matte Stainless
T.O.R.O.
- Optics
- T.O.R.O.
- Model / part #
- 2-856P39
- Caliber
- 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity
- 6 Rounds
- Barrel
- 3.00 In.
- Overall length
- 7.50 In.
- Weight
- 23.50 Oz. (Unloaded)
- Finish
- Matte Stainless
- Details
- Action: DA/SA; Frame size: Small; Frame: Stainless Steel; Barrel: Stainless Steel; Cylinder: Stainless Steel; Height: 4.80 In.; Width: 1.40 In.; Front sight: Removable Front Sight; Rear sight: Fixed; Safety: Transfer Bar; Twist: 1:16.5-in RH Twist; Cylinders included: 1
- MSRP
- $513.99
- CA
- Yes
- MA
- Yes
Taurus Defender 856, 38 SPECIAL +P, 3.00 In., 6 Rounds, Hard Anodize Black; Cylinder Matte Stainless; Barrel Matte Black
- Optics
- No
- Model / part #
- 2-85631ULNS
- Caliber
- 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity
- 6 Rounds
- Barrel
- 3.00 In.
- Overall length
- 7.50 In.
- Weight
- 24.00 Oz. (Unloaded)
- Finish
- Hard Anodize Black; Cylinder Matte Stainless; Barrel Matte Black
- Details
- Action: DA/SA; Frame size: Small; Frame: Aluminum Alloy; Barrel: Stainless Steel; Cylinder: Stainless Steel; Height: 4.80 In.; Width: 1.41 In.; Front sight: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline; Rear sight: Fixed; Safety: Transfer Bar; Twist: 1:16.5-in RH Twist; Cylinders included: 1
- MSRP
- $471.99
- CA
- —
- MA
- —
Taurus Defender 856, 38 SPECIAL +P, 3.00 In., 6 Rounds, Matte black; Cylinder Matte Stainless; Barrel Matte Black
- Optics
- No
- Model / part #
- 2-85631NS
- Caliber
- 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity
- 6 Rounds
- Barrel
- 3.00 In.
- Overall length
- 7.50 In.
- Weight
- 24.00 Oz. (Unloaded)
- Finish
- Matte black; Cylinder Matte Stainless; Barrel Matte Black
- Details
- Action: DA/SA; Frame size: Small; Frame: Stainless Steel; Barrel: Stainless Steel; Cylinder: Stainless Steel; Height: 4.80 In.; Width: 1.41 In.; Front sight: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline; Rear sight: Fixed; Safety: Transfer Bar; Twist: 1:16.5-in RH Twist; Cylinders included: 1
- MSRP
- $471.99
- CA
- —
- MA
- —
Taurus Defender 856, 38 SPECIAL +P, 3.00 In., 6 Rounds, Matte Stainless (2-85639NS)
- Optics
- No
- Model / part #
- 2-85639NS
- Caliber
- 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity
- 6 Rounds
- Barrel
- 3.00 In.
- Overall length
- 7.50 In.
- Weight
- 24.00 Oz. (Unloaded)
- Finish
- Matte Stainless
- Details
- Action: DA/SA; Frame size: Small; Frame: Stainless Steel; Barrel: Stainless Steel; Cylinder: Stainless Steel; Height: 4.80 In.; Width: 1.41 In.; Front sight: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline; Rear sight: Fixed; Safety: Transfer Bar; Twist: 1:16.5-in RH Twist; Cylinders included: 1
- MSRP
- $487.99
- CA
- —
- MA
- —
Taurus Defender 856, 38 SPECIAL +P, 3.00 In., 6 Rounds, Matte Stainless (2-85639ULNS)
- Optics
- No
- Model / part #
- 2-85639ULNS
- Caliber
- 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity
- 6 Rounds
- Barrel
- 3.00 In.
- Overall length
- 7.50 In.
- Weight
- 17.36 Oz. (Unloaded)
- Finish
- Matte Stainless
- Details
- Action: DA/SA; Frame size: Small; Frame: Aluminum Alloy; Barrel: Stainless Steel; Cylinder: Stainless Steel; Height: 4.80 In.; Width: 1.41 In.; Front sight: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline; Rear sight: Fixed; Safety: Transfer Bar; Twist: 1:16.5-in RH Twist; Cylinders included: 1
- MSRP
- $487.99
- CA
- —
- MA
- —
Taurus Defender 856, 38 SPECIAL +P, 3.00 In., 6 Rounds, Matte Stainless; Cylinder Matte Black
- Optics
- No
- Model / part #
- 2-85635NSVZ
- Caliber
- 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity
- 6 Rounds
- Barrel
- 3.00 In.
- Overall length
- 7.50 In.
- Weight
- 24.00 Oz. (Unloaded)
- Finish
- Matte Stainless; Cylinder Matte Black
- Details
- Action: DA/SA; Frame size: Small; Frame: Stainless Steel; Barrel: Stainless Steel; Cylinder: Stainless Steel; Height: 4.80 In.; Width: 1.41 In.; Front sight: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline; Rear sight: Fixed; Safety: Transfer Bar; Twist: 1:16.5-in RH Twist; Cylinders included: 1
- MSRP
- $593.99
- CA
- Yes
- MA
- —
Taurus Defender 856, 38 SPECIAL +P, 3.00 In., 6 Rounds, Tungsten Cerakote
- Optics
- No
- Model / part #
- 2-8563CNS
- Caliber
- 38 SPECIAL +P
- Capacity
- 6 Rounds
- Barrel
- 3.00 In.
- Overall length
- 7.50 In.
- Weight
- 24.00 Oz. (Unloaded)
- Finish
- Tungsten Cerakote
- Details
- Action: DA/SA; Frame size: Small; Frame: Stainless Steel; Barrel: Stainless Steel; Cylinder: Stainless Steel; Height: 4.80 In.; Width: 1.41 In.; Front sight: Night Sight w/ Orange Outline; Rear sight: Fixed; Safety: Transfer Bar; Twist: 1:16.5-in RH Twist; Cylinders included: 1
- MSRP
- $546.99
- CA
- Yes
- MA
- —
What calibers does the Defender 856 come in?
Every current version is chambered in 38 SPECIAL +P.
Is the Defender 856 optics-ready?
Of the 8 versions, 2 use Taurus's T.O.R.O. optic-ready system, and 6 aren't set up for an optic.
How much does a Taurus Defender 856 cost?
Taurus's suggested retail prices run from $471.99 to $593.99, depending on the version. Tap “See prices” next to any version to see what retailers are asking.
Can you buy one in California or Massachusetts?
According to Taurus, 3 versions are available in California, and one version is available in Massachusetts. Look for “Yes” in the CA and MA columns. State rules change, so check our California and Massachusetts pages before you buy.
What's the latest on the Defender 856?
Nothing new on the Defender 856 lately.
Specs from Taurus, checked October 29, 2026 (source). Spot a mistake? Let us know and we'll fix it. Taurus is a trademark of its owner, listed for identification only. Firearms Almanac isn't affiliated with Taurus.