Six new models of the Taurus 856 Defender line, all with 3-inch barrels, just hit the market (Photo: Taurus)
Taurus this month expanded its .38 caliber 856 revolver line by introducing six new models, all standard with a 3-inch barrel.
The Brazilian company, which recently opened a major manufacturing facility in Bainbridge, Georgia, had their new 856 Defenders on display at SHOT Show in Las Vegas last week. All share the same 6-round cylinder, a factory-installed front sight post with an integrated tritium vial, and an extended ejector rod. With a 3-inch barrel, overall length runs 7.5-inches.
The six models include four standard models with an ergonomic Hogue rubber grip that vary in finishes to include a stainless-steel frame with a matte finish, an ultralight aluminum alloy frame with a matte finish, a stainless steel frame with a black Tenifer finish, and an aluminum alloy frame with hard coat black anodized finish.
The basic black-on-black with a rubber grip Model 856 Defender (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
And, in an UltraLite aluminum frame (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
Taurus also plans to market the Defender 856 in two upgraded versions with special grips and finish treatments.
The Two-Tone model has a stainless-steel matte finish frame and barrel with a black cylinder. This color combination is paired with an aggressively textured VZ grip in matching gray and black.
Buyers who dig solid hardwood grips can opt for the Tungsten Cerakote model Defender 856 (frame, barrel, and cylinder) with an Altamont walnut grip.
MSRP on the 3-inch Taurus Model 856 line runs from $429 to $477 depending on the model, a figure that should drop down in the $350ish range with retailers, proving a budget counter to Colt’s Cobra and Smith’s Model 60/686 3-inchers.
BROWSE GREAT DEALS ON TAURUS 856 REVOLVERS
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