The Ultimate Guide to Taurus Defender 856: Features, Pros, and Cons
Taurus Defender 856: Introduction
If you are looking for a reliable and accurate revolver for self-defense, the Taurus Defender 856 is worth considering. The Taurus Defender 856 is a compact and lightweight revolver that has become very popular in recent years. It is ideal for concealed carry, personal protection, and home defense.
But what makes the Taurus Defender 856 stand out from the rest? In this comprehensive guide, we will review the Taurus Defender 856’s features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Features of Taurus Defender 856
1. Design and Build Quality

The Taurus Defender 856 has a sleek and stylish design that is appealing to gun enthusiasts. It is designed to be a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use revolver that is perfect for concealed carry. The revolver’s ergonomic grip ensures a comfortable and secure hold, while the frame is made of high-quality stainless steel for durability and longevity.
2. Caliber and Capacity
The Taurus Defender 856 is chambered in .38 Special and can accommodate up to 6 rounds in the cylinder. The .38 Special is a popular choice for self-defense, as it offers a balance of stopping power and recoil control.
3. Barrel Length and Sight
The Taurus Defender 856 has a 2-inch barrel length, which provides an ideal balance between portability and accuracy. It also has a front ramp sight that maximizes visibility and accuracy, even in low-light conditions.
4. Trigger and Hammer
The Taurus Defender 856 has a smooth and consistent trigger pull that ensures precision and accuracy. The revolver also features an exposed hammer that allows for single-action firing, providing an added layer of control and accuracy for experienced shooters.
5. Safety Features
The Taurus Defender 856 comes equipped with a transfer bar safety system that prevents accidental firing. The revolver also has a simple yet effective manual thumb safety that is easy to engage and disengage as needed.
Pros of Taurus Defender 856
1. Lightweight and Compact
The Taurus Defender 856 is designed to be a lightweight and compact revolver that is easy to carry and conceal. Its compact size and light weight make it ideal for everyday carry and personal protection.
2. Accurate and Reliable
The Taurus Defender 856 has a reputation for being accurate and reliable in self-defense situations. The revolver’s ergonomic grip and smooth trigger pull provide added accuracy and control for quick and precise firing.
3. Affordable Price
The Taurus Defender 856 is reasonably priced compared to other self-defense revolvers on the market. It is an excellent value for those who want a reliable and accurate revolver without breaking the bank.
4. Easy to Use
The Taurus Defender 856 is easy to use, even for beginners. Its simple design and intuitive controls make it easy to operate and maintain, even in high-stress situations.
5. Versatile
The Taurus Defender 856 is a versatile revolver that can be used for personal protection, home defense, and even recreational shooting. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry and handle in a variety of situations.
Cons of Taurus Defender 856
1. Limited Capacity
The Taurus Defender 856 can only hold up to 6 rounds, which is less than some other self-defense revolvers on the market. However, this is a common trade-off for a compact and lightweight revolver like the Taurus Defender 856.
2. Limited Caliber Options
The Taurus Defender 856 is only available in .38 Special, which may not be the preferred caliber for some gun enthusiasts. However, the .38 Special is a popular choice for self-defense, and its balance of stopping power and recoil control makes it an excellent choice for many users.
3. Limited Customization Options
The Taurus Defender 856 has limited customization options compared to some other revolvers on the market. However, this is a common trade-off for a compact and lightweight revolver like the Taurus Defender 856.
4. Recoil
The Taurus Defender 856 can have some recoil, which may be a concern for some users, especially those with weaker hands or wrists. However, with practice and proper technique, users can quickly adapt to the revolver’s recoil and maintain accuracy and control.
5. Trigger Pull Weight
The Taurus Defender 856’s trigger pull weight can be heavier than some other self-defense revolvers on the market, which may affect accuracy and control for some users. However, with practice, users can learn to adapt to the trigger pull weight and maintain accuracy and control.
FAQs about Taurus Defender 856
1. What is the price of Taurus Defender 856?
The price of the Taurus Defender 856 varies depending on the retailer and location. However, it is generally priced between $300 and $400, making it an affordable option for those looking for a reliable and accurate self-defense revolver.
2. What is the weight of Taurus Defender 856?
The Taurus Defender 856 weighs between 22 and 24 ounces, depending on the model and configuration. Its lightweight and compact design make it ideal for everyday carry and personal protection.
3. What is the barrel length of Taurus Defender 856?
The Taurus Defender 856 has a 2-inch barrel length, which provides an ideal balance between portability and accuracy. The revolver’s front ramp sight maximizes visibility and accuracy, even in low-light conditions.
4. What is the capacity of Taurus Defender 856?
The Taurus Defender 856 can accommodate up to 6 rounds in the cylinder, which is less than some other self-defense revolvers on the market. However, this is a common trade-off for a compact and lightweight revolver like the Taurus Defender 856.
5. What is the caliber of Taurus Defender 856?
The Taurus Defender 856 is chambered in .38 Special, which is a popular choice for self-defense. The .38 Special offers a balance of stopping power and recoil control, making it an excellent choice for many users.
6. Is Taurus Defender 856 reliable?
The Taurus Defender 856 has a reputation for being reliable and accurate in self-defense situations. Its ergonomic grip, smooth trigger pull, and transfer bar safety system provide added accuracy and control for quick and precise firing.
Taurus Defender 856: Conclusion
The Taurus Defender 856 is a reliable, accurate, and affordable self-defense revolver that is ideal for personal protection, home defense, and concealed carry. Its lightweight and compact design, along with its ergonomic grip and smooth trigger pull, make it easy to handle and control in high-stress situations.
While it may have some limitations, such as limited capacity and caliber options, the Taurus Defender 856 is an excellent value for those looking for a reliable and accurate self-defense revolver without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Taurus Defender 856 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate self-defense revolver that is easy to use and maintain. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, the Taurus Defender 856 is worth considering for your self-defense needs.