Taurus Defender 856: Everything You Want, Nothing You Don’t
Gun enthusiasts and concealed-carriers the nation over know that when push comes to shove, the snub-nosed revolver remains a top choice for self-defense scenarios due to its simplicity and reliability–and with the release of its all-new Taurus Defender 856 revolver, the company has demonstrated once again their deep understanding of the tactical considerations of CCW. It’s obvious that its development began with the motto “Don’t Mess With Success” and ended with “Keep It Simple, Self-Defenders.” This little wheelgun was designed to give you everything you want…and nothing you don’t.
One of the biggest challenges to overcome for revolver carriers is that most snubbies are really only designed to put rounds on target at what is affectionately known in the self-defense community as “bad breath distance.” There’s actually nothing wrong with that at all; most self-defense scenarios take place within a 10-yard radius, and usually far fewer. That said, it’s extremely frustrating to practice and train with some of them because they tend to lack a decent set of sights, and their short sight radius amplifies the tiniest variations in point of aim. The Taurus Defender 856 was conceived to combat those tendencies.
Based on the original Taurus 856, the Defender 856 was developed for those who favor the easy carry, low profile, and comfort of a compact revolver in a package that performs across all environmental and lighting conditions. Unlike most compact revolvers, the Defender 856 features a factory-installed front sight post with an integrated tritium vial, allowing for quick sight-picture acquisition in the lowest light conditions. To ensure fast sight alignment in elevated ambient light conditions, the front sight post face surrounding the tritium element is bright orange. This combination gives the Defender 856 true all-light performance, which is essential for a go-anywhere personal defense handgun.
Chambered for .38 Special +P ammo, the Defender 856 boasts a six-round capacity and DA/SA action with a transfer bar safety. The barrel length is 3 inches, making it short enough for deep concealed carry while delivering a sight radius for accuracy at distances beyond the “bad breath” zone. The longer 3-inch barrel also delivers increased muzzle velocity (vs. 2-inch barrels) for more decisive terminal performance. Unlike most 3-inch-barrel revolvers, the Defender 856 comes with an extended ejector rod for quicker tactical reloads.
The Defender 856 debuts in four standard models—all featuring an ergonomic Hogue rubber grip for maximum recoil absorption and a no-slip grip. These include a stainless-steel frame with matte finish, ultralight aluminum alloy frame with matte finish, stainless steel frame with black Tenifer finish, and an aluminum alloy frame with hard coat black anodized finish.
Taurus also offers the Defender 856 in two upgrade versions featuring special grips and finish treatments. The Two-Tone model has a stainless-steel matte finish frame and barrel with a black cylinder. This color combination pairs well with an aggressively textured VZ grip in matching gray and black. Shooters who appreciate solid hardwood grips can opt for the Tungsten Cerakote model Defender 856 (frame, barrel, and cylinder) with a stylish Altamont walnut grip. The MSRP is $429-$477 depending upon the configuration you select. To learn more about the new Defender 856 revolver or to see the full line of Taurus handguns, visit TaurusUSA.com.
Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that, right now, you can sign up to win another of Taurus’ famed line of defensive handguns, the Judge! This revolver, chambered in .45 LC/.410 bore, is part of our Stay Home, Stay Safe 4.5K Guns & Gear Giveaway! Click on the link in that last sentence to enter–it’s free of charge, and runs through midnight on May 8. Best of luck to you!
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Kinda late in life to enter the Taurus scene, so here it is. In November I bought a 627 Tracker. Put 800 rounds thru it, about half-half .38 and .357. ZERO ISSUES. Replaced the factory ribber grip with a Hogue 73000. I liked the factory grip, I simply liked the Hogue better. In January I bought a stainless 605. Have put 400 rounds thru it, mostly .38 and some .357 (just because). ZERO ISSUES. I also swapped the factory grip, which is OK but too small for my meat hooks so I installed a Pachmayr Renegade wood grip. Something about a stainless revolver with a wood grip. My next revolver will be another Taurus. It boils down to BANG FOR YOUR BUCK. My only problem is deciding between the new 856 Defender or go big with a 44 mag. I received an email from Taurus Corporate that mentioned a facility move in progress from florida to Georgia, likely weighing in on the delivery of these new models. Get out and shoot fellas. God bless America.
I have had so many problems with Taurus hand guns right out of the box, new – their quality control needs vast improvement and their customer relations needs improvement – they are horrible. I have a Taurus pistol in for repair at the moment. It took two calls to finally get to talk to a real person – I waited an hour and finally hung up on the first call and did get a person on the second call which took 45 minutes holding and you have to pay the shipping to their new plant in Georgia.. They have had my pistol for six weeks and it is still on the “received item” only phase of the repair. They do not answer my emails. I will never purchase another Taurus no matter how good the deal may sound, I currently own four Taurus guns and two out of the four I had to send back which were new out of the box! I am done with Taurus and will spend a little more money for a gun company that cares about their customers, Ruger, S&W, and Charter Arms do and their guns are made in America.
I own several Taurus handguns. Have had problems with all of them. Currently have a 905 revolver in for repair but CANNOT reach ANYONE at Taurus via phone or email regarding repair status. They’ve had it for two months. Does anyone know if the repair shop is shut down due to the virus?
Just checked with Taurus today (4/23/2020) and it is still pending distribution. They don’t yet have an ETA on when it will hit the market. Will definitely pick one up when it does, though.
Kentucky Gun Company has all of the 856 Defenders listed on their website, but they are marked “Unavailable.” However, you can enter your email address and they will notify you when they are in stock. I’d like to pick up the cerakote model with the Altamont wooden grips.
I wish they would make a 3″ 605 .357 and if they could make it a 6 shot all the better.
Taurus has really stepped up their game. Other manufacturers take notice—you’ve got some competition moving in on your turf. If they can work out a way to improve the look and feel of their finish, they’d be sure to step on some toes.
Until Taurus steps up their quality and offers better customer service they will not be much competition to other quality manufacturers.
Been waiting for the release date on this revolver, but nothing has been rolled out that I am aware of.
I’d like to have the little defender gun that’s what I like