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This 856 takes the small-frame Taurus platform everyone already trusts for concealed carry and dresses it up for a milestone year. The stainless frame and barrel are paired with a black stainless cylinder for a two-tone look, and instead of the usual rubber grip, this one wears a custom Altamont grip that gives it a little more character on the belt or in the safe. Underneath the finish work, it's still the same reliable 856 platform that's earned a following for packing six rounds of .38 Special into a package barely bigger than a five-shot J-frame.
Most small revolvers in this class top out at five rounds, but the 856 fits a sixth into a cylinder that's only a hair wider than the competition. That extra round matters more than it sounds like on paper, especially in a defensive revolver where reloading under pressure isn't always realistic. The 3" barrel on this build is a nice middle ground too. It's still short enough to conceal without much fuss, but the added length over the 2" snubbies gives you a longer sight radius and a bit more velocity out of .38 Special loads, along with slightly softer felt recoil.
The frame, cylinder, and barrel are all stainless steel, which holds up well against the sweat and moisture that come with daily carry, and the black cylinder finish adds contrast without looking flashy. Altamont has built grips for Taurus revolvers for years, and the checkered pattern on this one is shaped to fill the hand better than the factory rubber grips most 856 owners end up swapping out anyway. It's not oversized, so it still tucks into a holster cleanly, but there's enough real estate there to get a proper hold for double-action shooting.
Like every 856, this one runs a transfer bar safety, which means the hammer physically can't reach the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled all the way through. That's what lets you load all six chambers instead of leaving one empty, something older revolver designs required. The action is double/single, so you can run it as a fast-shooting DA gun or thumb the hammer back for a lighter, more deliberate single-action trigger break when precision counts. Fixed sights keep things simple, which is standard for a revolver built around close-range defensive use rather than target work.
Yes, this revolver is fully rated for .38 Special +P loads in addition to standard pressure .38 Special. That gives you some flexibility to run lighter target loads for practice and step up to +P defensive ammo for carry without any change in the gun's rating.
The extra inch of barrel gives you a longer sight radius, which helps with aiming, and it usually squeezes a bit more velocity out of .38 Special ammunition compared to the shorter snub barrel. It also tends to soften felt recoil slightly since there's more weight out front. You give up a little bit of concealability, but for a lot of people that trade off is worth it.
Yes, the grip is attached with a standard screw setup, so it can be swapped for aftermarket options from companies like Hogue or VZ if you want more palm coverage or a different feel. Just keep in mind the factory Altamont grip on this model already gives you more surface area to work with than the standard rubber grips on base 856 models.
Yes. The transfer bar safety keeps the hammer from ever contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled all the way through, so there's no need to leave a chamber empty like on some older revolver designs. All six rounds can be loaded and carried.
It's a solid option if you want a revolver over a semi-auto. The mechanics are simple, there's no magazine or slide to worry about, and the double/single action trigger lets you train both ways. Just plan on practicing your double-action trigger pull specifically, since that's the mode you'll rely on most in a real defensive situation.
The stainless frame and barrel resist corrosion better than a blued or carbon steel finish, which is a plus for anyone carrying it daily. Like any stainless firearm, it still benefits from regular wiping down and light oiling, especially if it's riding against skin or in a holster through hot, sweaty months.
| UPC | 725327944829 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 2-85635-US3 |
| Action | |
| Barrel Finish | STAINLESS |
| Barrel Length | 3" |
| Caliber/Gauge | .38 Special |
| Capacity | 6 |
| Color | Black, Silver |
| Model | |
| Product Type | Double Action Only |
| Safety | Thumb Safety |
| Shipping Weight | 2.3 |
| Sights | Fixed Sights |
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