Description
There's a reason the small-frame .38 revolver has stuck around this long. It's simple, dependable, and it goes bang every time you press the trigger. The Taurus 850 takes that proven formula and cleans it up for modern carry. The hammer is fully shrouded inside the frame, so there's nothing to catch on a jacket or cover garment when you draw, and the double action only trigger gives you the same consistent pull on every shot. No manual safety to fumble with, no hammer spur to snag. Just point and press.
Why the 3-Inch Taurus 850 Makes Sense
This version of the 850 wears a 3-inch barrel, and that extra inch over the typical snubby pays off more than you'd think. You get a longer sight radius for easier aiming, a touch more velocity out of your defensive loads, and a little extra weight up front to help tame recoil. At around 22.75 ounces unloaded, it's still light enough for all-day carry in a belt holster without feeling like a boat anchor. The alloy steel frame, cylinder, and barrel all wear a matte black finish that keeps glare down and shrugs off daily wear, and the black rubber grip gives your hand something to hang onto when you're running full-power .38 loads.
Living With the 850
Sights are a removable serrated blade up front paired with a fixed rear notch, a setup that's rugged and stays put. The transfer bar safety means the gun won't fire unless the trigger is pulled all the way through. And since the 850 shares its small-frame dimensions with revolvers that have been around for decades, finding holsters and speedloaders that fit is easy. Whether this is your first carry gun, a backup to your primary, or a nightstand companion that will run for years with minimal fuss, the 850 covers those bases without overcomplicating anything. Sometimes five rounds of .38 Special in a package this simple is all you need.
Key Specifications
- Model: 850
- Manufacturer Part Number: 2-850131
- UPC: 725327637622
- Caliber: .38 Special
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Action: Double Action Only (DAO)
- Barrel Length: 3 in
- Overall Length: 8.66 in
- Overall Height: 4.59 in
- Overall Width: 1.34 in
- Weight (Unloaded): 22.75 oz
- Frame Size: Small
- Frame/Cylinder/Barrel Material: Alloy Steel, Matte Black
- Sights: Removable Serrated Blade Front, Fixed Rear
- Grip: Black Rubber
- Safety: Transfer Bar, Concealed Hammer
What’s Included
- Taurus 850 revolver
- Owner's manual
- Cable lock
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Taurus 850 be fired in single action?
No, the 850 is double action only. The hammer is fully shrouded inside the frame, so there's no spur to cock manually. Every trigger pull is the same long, consistent stroke, which is exactly what most folks want in a dedicated carry revolver since there's nothing to snag on the draw.
How is the Taurus 850 different from the Taurus 856?
The biggest differences are capacity and the hammer. The 850 holds 5 rounds with a fully shrouded internal hammer and DAO trigger, while the 856 holds 6 rounds and most versions have an exposed hammer with single and double action capability. The 850's slimmer cylinder and snag-free top end make it the more concealment-focused of the two.
Will holsters and speedloaders for small-frame revolvers fit the 850?
For the most part, yes. The 850 is built on a small frame with a 5-shot cylinder, so it works with a wide range of speedloaders and holsters already made for compact 5-shot .38 revolvers. Just make sure the holster you pick is cut for a 3-inch barrel rather than the shorter 2-inch version.
What ammo should I run in the Taurus 850?
The 850 is chambered in .38 Special, and standard-pressure loads are the safe bet for regular practice and carry. There's a huge selection of proven defensive .38 Special ammo out there, and the gun's 22.75-ounce weight plus rubber grip keep recoil very manageable. Check your owner's manual before running anything hotter than standard pressure.





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