This is a 3” barrel? Says 3.5” at the top of the page AND in the description, but 3” in the specs. I’m guessing the 3.5 is a mistake. Not sure the 856 comes in 3.5”. Thanks.

Hi Matt and welcome. You are correct. The barrel is 3 inches and not 3.5 inches. Cheers and stay safe!

I see some revolvers with external hammers, yet they are designated as double action. The writeup on the Taurus 856 does not specify its designation. Answer?

Alan, this is SA/DA, the 856 Defender can be fired using either single action or double action. Have a great day.

Alan, this model has a double/single action trigger. So you can just pull the trigger for a quick but heavy double action trigger pull or pull the hammer back for a nice light single action trigger pull. Hope this helps.

Alan, this is Double Action (straight trigger pull) and Single Action (thumb the hammer) operation. Cheers and stay safe! The double-action trigger pull at an average of 9 pounds, 3 ounces and the single-action pull at 3 pounds, 8 ounces.

can you shoot 38 special rounds through this, or just +P?

Steve, this will shoot standard 38 special ammo just fine. +P just means it's a higher velocity 38 special. So this will shoot 38 special or 38 special +p ammo no problem. Hope this helps.

Steve, both +P and standard pressure .38 Special will work just fine. I highly recommend the new Punch +P : https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/121131/federal+premium+punch+.38+spl+p+120+gr+jacketed+hollow+point+20rd+box ------------ And the standard pressure Critical Defense : https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/84262/hornady+critical+defense+lite+38+spl+90gr+flex+tip+expanding+25rd+box

Steve, you can shoot regular .38 special rounds in addition to +P. Have a great day!

Is this item California authorized? Thanks!

Michael, unfortunately no Sir. It is not on the CA DOJ Handgun Roster. ----- https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search?make=150995

Michael, no, this exact model number is not on the CA DOJ roster of approved handguns. There are 2 Taurus .38SP revolvers with 3" barrels on the roster, however both are currently out of stock at Bud's. budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/121945/taurus+285635nsvz+856+defender+38+spl+p+6+round+3+matte+stainless+black+vz+grip .....and budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/121949/taurus+28563cns+856+defender+38+spl+p+6+round+3+stainless+cerakote+cylinder+tungsten+cerakote+frame+altamont+wood+grip

Michael, this is not California compliant, it's not on Californias approved list. Sorry but hope this helps.

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Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Revolver - Stainless/Silver, 3.5" Barrel, 6 Rounds, Rubber Grips, Night Sights

Name: Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Revolver
Brand: Taurus
SKU: 121947
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.80 (34 reviews)

34 Reviews| 5 Questions & Answers

Model: 285639NS

Condition: Factory New

Bud's Item Number: 121947

UPC: 725327933854

MFG: Taurus

Questions & Answers (5) Reviews 4.8 out of 5

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Lightweight. Easy to conceal. Exceptionally reliable. The Taurus Defender 856 is finely tuned to deliver the ultimate peace of mind for home and personal defense situations. This Defender 856 comes with night sights and special Hogue Rubber grips.

Item #	2-85639NS
UPC	7-25327-93385-4
Frame Size	Small
Capacity	6 rds
Action Type	DA/SA
Caliber	38 SPECIAL +P
Height	4.80"
Width	1.41"
Weight	23.52 oz.
Barrel Length	3.00"
Overall Length	7.50"
Front Sight	Night Sight W Orange Outline
Rear Sight	Fixed
Safety	Transfer Bar

Product Information

Finish

Stainless/Silver

Type

Not Listed

Caliber

22 Mag

Barrel Length

4.12

Capacity

33+1

Safety

Thumb Safety

Grips

Sights

Product Information

Finish

Stainless/Silver

Type

Revolver

Caliber

38 Special

Barrel Length

3.5

Capacity

Safety

No Manual Safety

Grips

Rubber

Sights

Night Sights

Product Information

Finish

Pink

Type

Semi-Automatic

Caliber

357 Magnum

Barrel Length

2.76

Capacity

5+1

Safety

Ambidextrous Safety/Decocker

Grips

Wood

Sights

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$347.49

Cash discount Price

$357.91

Retail Price

$347.49
Cash Discount Price

$357.91
Retail Price

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FREE SHIPPING New and used firearms SHIP FREE compliments of ShipMyGun.com. This excludes long guns shipping to AK, HI, and US Territories.

Layaway AvailableLayaway is Available on this Item.

Retail Store Availability

In-Store Purchase Only
Lexington, KY	Not in store
Greenville, KY	Not in store
Sevierville, TN	Not in store

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Taurus 856 Defender 38 Special Revolver

Model 285639NS	Condition Factory New
Bud's Item # 121947	UPC 725327933854
Manufacturer Taurus

Item #	2-85639NS
UPC	7-25327-93385-4
Frame Size	Small
Capacity	6 rds
Action Type	DA/SA
Caliber	38 SPECIAL +P
Height	4.80"
Width	1.41"
Weight	23.52 oz.
Barrel Length	3.00"
Overall Length	7.50"
Front Sight	Night Sight W Orange Outline
Rear Sight	Fixed
Safety	Transfer Bar

Operators Manual

34 Reviews. 4.8 out of 5 Stars!

5 Stars

86%

4 Stars

12%

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

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Michael L on 02/23/2024

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

Received my 856 defender and was pleasantly surprised with the fit and finish of this revolver. The feel and weight of the weapon is very good and the sights are excellent. The 3 inch barrel allows better accuracy and lower snap. The trigger is slightly heavy in DA mode, but is lighter in SA mode. For the price this 38 is probably one of the all time values for the money and it also handles +p loads as a bonus. I recommend this gun highly!

Steve R on 02/14/2024

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars!

I have owned many Taurus revolver. Owned as in past tense. This revolver is solid and attractive but action/trigger was so heavy I promptly sold it, maybe part of that is me being older now with less hand grip strength. I did like the big orange front sight and grips and the finish was nice.

Douglas S on 12/05/2023

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars!

Solid, no-frills revolver at a great price point, so I'm rating it at 5. Nice weight and balance. Orange/tritium front sight is a BONUS.

Craig T on 07/24/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

This 38 is a very nice wheel gun at a good price.

Chris K on 07/12/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

Got to fire this revolver finally. I really like the 3in. Barrel. It fires really smooth in SA or DA. Fits well in my hand and has good balance. Love the bright colored front sight. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a solid, reliable revolver at a great price. Looking forward to years of shooting with this 856.

Billy J on 07/02/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

Great service New the answers to all my questions . went out of there way to explain everything needed to walk me through everything from beginning to end.Thanks.will be a repeat customer.

Tony G on 06/21/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

Good price on a self defense revolver for carrying in truck. Quick shipment to local FFL. Bud's always has good customer service.

Rory A on 05/19/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

very fun to shoot. My dumb self traded it off, regret it very much. Smooth shooter and a good all day gun. Next time I want a 3” I’m 357. Love Taurus revolvers.

Christopher G on 05/02/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

This Taurus is great. Shoots great comes with a night sight and holds 6 rounds of 38 spl. The grip is nice on this gun and the double action trigger is ok and the single action trigger is very light. Love the gun.

Robert C on 04/16/2023

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars!

very pleased. Finish and function are perfect

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Questions & Answers

Q: This is a 3” barrel? Says 3.5” at the top of the page AND in the description, but 3” in the specs. I’m guessing the 3.5 is a mistake. Not sure the 856 comes in 3.5”. Thanks.
Answered

Asked 10/14/2023 21:33 by Matt R

A:

Hi Matt and welcome. You are correct. The barrel is 3 inches and not 3.5 inches. Cheers and stay safe!
Q: I see some revolvers with external hammers, yet they are designated as double action. The writeup on the Taurus 856 does not specify its designation. Answer?
Answered

Asked 06/06/2022 04:34 by Alan K

A:

Alan, this is SA/DA, the 856 Defender can be fired using either single action or double action. Have a great day.
See 2 more answers |
Q: can you shoot 38 special rounds through this, or just +P?
Answered

Asked 05/11/2022 01:22 by steve j

A:

Steve, this will shoot standard 38 special ammo just fine. +P just means it's a higher velocity 38 special. So this will shoot 38 special or 38 special +p ammo no problem. Hope this helps.
See 2 more answers |
Q: Is this item California authorized? Thanks!
Answered

Asked 05/04/2022 20:50 by Michael C

A:

Michael, unfortunately no Sir. It is not on the CA DOJ Handgun Roster. ----- https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search?make=150995
See 2 more answers |