Taurus Firearms introduced the Taurus 856 Defender revolver at the 2020 SHOT show. Built on the Taurus 856 frame, the 856 Defender models are built with a 3” inch barrel versus the 2” barrel found on the original 856 models.
Like the original 856 revolvers, the Defender series is chambered to accept .38 Special +P ammunition and offers six-shot capacity. The slightly longer barrel offers an increased muzzle velocity over the 2-inch barrel and a longer sight radius for better accuracy at longer distances.
In addition to the longer barrel, the Defender 856 models also feature a low-profile front sight with night sight capability for low light situations.
Initially, Taurus offered the 856 Defender in 4 versions but has increased the series to 6 versions of the revolver. In addition to being offered in a black or ultra black finish, the Defender is also available in a stainless steel or tungsten cerakote finish. Some models are equipped with rubber Hogue grips, while others feature VZ grips or Altamont grips.
While the Defender 856 revolvers are slightly larger than the 2” versions of the Taurus 856, they are still small enough for concealed carry or CCW. Our top-selling holsters for the Defender revolvers are as follows:
MTR Custom Adversary IWB holster
MTR Custom Slimline Tuckable inside the waistband holster
MTR Custom Slimline Deluxe Pancake Holster
If you’re looking for an easy on and off holster, have a look at the MTR Custom Paddle holster or the MTR Custom Deluxe Fullsize Quicksnap holster.
Here are some of the more common questions that we see regarding holsters for the Taurus Defender 856 revolver:
Yes, any of the holster models listed below are made in a version to fit a Taurus 856 with a 3” barrel.
Technically speaking, the 856 and the 856 Defender have the exact same dimensions, except for the longer 3” barrel on the Defender models. The longer barrel will most likely cause a fit problem with a holster made for the 2” Taurus 856 model.
Most any of the holster models listed below can be ordered with an optional thumb break, which is a retention strap designed to go over the hammer on the 856 Defender revolvers. Those options are the closest that we have for a “security holster.”
Yes, we do and those holster models can be seen here: Holsters for a Taurus 856 TORO
Any gun holster models shown on this page are available in a version to fit the Taurus 856 Defender 3-inch revolver.