New for 2018: Taurus 856 Revolver

While the concealed-carry market has been dominated by the single-stack nine, revolvers are still popular options for personal defense, thanks to their compact size, ease of use, simplicity and reliability. One of the new options on the market for 2018 is the Taurus 856 revolver, specially designed to provide consumers with a dependable self-defense revolver.

Providing six shots of .38 Spl., the Taurus 856 revolver is built on an all-steel frame paired with an all-steel cylinder and barrel. Consumers can choose between models with stainless-steel or matte-black, carbon-steel construction. Designed for ease of carry, the revolver uses a short, low-profile, 2-inch barrel that allows the gun to slip effortlessly into a pocket or waistband.

Added versatility comes with the double-action/single-action capability of the 856, thanks to an external bobbed hammer that provides a stiff, consistent, double-action trigger pull for safety or a crisp, lighter, single-action trigger pull for added precision when desired. The steel cylinder on the gun can be used with everything from easy-shooting target loads to heavier self-defense rounds without issue, but the gun is not rated for +P ammunition.

Shooting comfort is enhanced through the inclusion of a rubberized grip designed to absorb excess energy and soften the recoil impulse of the gun. However, the grip doesn't diminish the easy concealability of the Taurus 856 revolver. The gun measures in at an overall length of 6.55 inches with a height measuring 4.8 inches. The overall width of the cylinder is 1.41 inches. The all-steel construction on the wheelgun means that it weighs in at 22.1 ounces.

One of the standout features of the Taurus 856 revolver is its affordable price. Consumers have their choice between either a matte-black or matte-stainless gun at a suggested retail price of $329. Street prices on this budget-priced revolver will likely come in much lower, enabling even fiscally-challenged consumers to have an easily-carried self-defense option within their grasp.