TAURUS M856 DEFENDER
Posted May 26, 2023
Having been an avid firearms enthusiast for over a decade, and having owned numerous weapons from various manufacturers in that time, I have been fortunate enough to gain a fair bit of experience when it comes to owning and utilizing firearms. The opportunity to review the TAURUS M856 DEFENDER was an exciting one, and I was very eager to take on the challenge. What I found was that the DEFENDER offered me a reliable, affordable and well-built revolver that I could count on to get the job done when I needed it most.
At first impression, the Taurus M856 DEFENDER was a tall, slender but thick revolver that fit my hand nicely. The gun is designed with an integrated Picatinny rail for mounting accessories such as lights and lasers, giving the gun an edgy tactical feel. The rubberized grips provided a comfortable and secure grip that allowed the gun to move smoothly in my hand upon firing.
The cylinder of the DEFENDER is a six-shooter, and has an overall capacity of seven rounds (one in the chamber, six in the cylinder) with .38 Special or +P ammunition. The revolver also comes with an internal lock system and a transfer bar for safe carrying and operation.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Taurus M856 DEFENDER is that this gun is built to last. It features a steel frame and cylinder along with a Combat Tactical Hammer for quick and crisp use. The barrel is constructed out of black matte stainless steel, and the entire gun is finished off in a matte black finish.
The trigger of the DEFENDER is single action and offers an extremely smooth pull. I found it to be surprisingly light for a revolver, especially one of this size. The pull was consistent and predictable, and with a little practice, I was able to get quite accurate with my shots.
In terms of accuracy, I was quite impressed with the results I achieved with the DEFENDER. I was able to keep a tight grouping with all of my rounds, at both close and farther distances. I had no trouble landing shots consistently on various targets at various distances, including my paper targets, plastic water bottles and other various objects.
The performance of the TAURUS M856 DEFENDER was top notch all-around. The gun was extremely reliable, cycling through the rounds and returning to the correct position and ready to fire each and every time. The recoil was also minimal, and I could easily manage it without fear of jerkiness or loss of control.
The cost of the DEFENDER was one of the more impressive parts of the gun. While the gun is a quality product, it is still quite affordable in comparison to competing models. Additionally, the availability of after market accessories makes the gun easy to customize, as well as cost efficient if the need arises.
Overall, I was extremely pleased with the quality, performance and value of the TAURUS M856 DEFENDER. From the moment I opened the box to the actual shooting of the gun, I was consistently impressed with the product. I could not recommend the gun more highly to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable and effective revolver that will serve them faithfully in any situation.
Pros & Cons
PROS:
• Highly durable and rugged design constructed with reinforced steel and high impact plastic
• Comes with a 3-inch cylinder, capable of shooting any .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammunition
• Match grade trigger, designed to optimize accuracy and shooting control
• High visibility sights for quick target acquisition
• Ambidextrous design for left- or right-handed users
• Includes a heavy-duty polymer holster for secure carrying
• Compatible with most speedy mags and speedloaders
CONS:
• Some users may find the grip to be slightly too large and unwieldy
• Heavy weight may be a disadvantage for some shooters
• Only holds six rounds of ammunition (can purchase extended magazine to increase capacity)
• Higher price point compared to some other revolvers on the market
Who Should Buy
Anyone who needs a reliable, accurate handgun for self-defense or personal protection should consider the TAURUS M856 DEFENDER. It is reliable, accurate, and powerful, which makes it a great choice for a range or home defense firearm.
Those who are looking for a range gun for target shooting or hunting should not buy the TAURUS M856 DEFENDER. This weapon was designed for self-defense, and is not recommended for those purposes. In addition, those with smaller hands or those whose primary purpose is target shooting may find the weapon too large and heavy for their needs.
Comparisons
| TAURUS M856 DEFENDER | Similar Product 1 | Similar Product 2 |
|---|---|---|
| .38 Special +P | .380 ACP | .38 Special |
| 27 oz | 11.6 oz | 26.7 oz |
| 2" | 2.75" | 2" |
| 5 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Double Action/Single | Single Action | Double Action/Single |
| $360 | $399 | $360 |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .38Special +P
• Action: Double/Single Action
• Capacity: 6 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 2"
• Overall Length: 6.5"
• Front Sight: Fixed Steel Ramp
• Finish: Matte Blued
• Grips: Rubber with Cushioned Insert
• Weight: 19.75 oz.
Popular Accessories
Revolver?
- Cleaning Kit: A cleaning kit is a must-have accessory for any revolver, and the TAURUS M856 Defender is no exception. Cleaning kits usually include a rod, brushes, and patching materials for the chamber, bore, and other working parts of the gun.
- Extended Magazine: An extended magazine allows for more rounds of ammunition and can provide an extra measure of safety for shooters. Extended magazines for the TAURUS M856 is available in both 9mm and .380 calibers.
- Lasers: Lasers are popular additions to many types of firearms, and the TAURUS M856 is no exception. Lasers allow for more accurate shooting, especially in low-light scenarios.
- Grips: Grips are important accessories that can be used to customize the ergonomics of the TAURUS M856. Rubber or synthetic grips offer improved recoil control while also providing a more comfortable grip.
- Sights: Sights are critical accessories for the M856, as they improve visibility and accuracy. Popular sight options for the revolver include fiber-optic and adjustable sights.
Accuracy
The TAURUS M856 DEFENDER is engineered for accuracy and dependability. The revolver features Taurus' famed Ribber Grip which absorbs shock and offers a firm, consistent hold. The adjustable rear sight provides pinpoint precision, and the deep grooves on the cylinder help ensure reliable extraction of spent rounds. Its 4" barrel and enclosed bore design make it ideal for superior accuracy and performance. When you consider all of these factors working together, you have a revolver that will deliver reliable accuracy consistently and repeatedly.
