A new Taurus 38 Special revolver typically costs between $320 and $622 depending on the exact model and finish. The current direct price for the standard base model Taurus 856 is approximately $320 to $360 at most retailers. Shooters can expect the typical price range to sit right around $350 for the most common concealed carry configurations. The overall price varies heavily based on the specific model line, barrel length, chosen finish, included features like optics readiness, and the individual retailer. Premium models like the Executive Grade demand prices over $500, while basic carry models remain highly budget friendly.
Taurus 38 Special Revolver Price
| Taurus Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Finish | MSRP | Current Retail Price |
| Taurus 856 | .38 Special | 2″ | Matte Black | $417.99 | $320 to $360 |
| Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite | .38 Special | 2″ | Matte Stainless | $433.99 | $335 to $375 |
| Taurus Defender 856 | .38 Special | 3″ | Matte Black | $457.99 | $370 to $385 |
| Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O. | .38 Special | 3″ | Stainless Steel | $497.99 | $360 to $430 |
| Taurus 856 Executive Grade | .38 Special | 3″ | Hand Polished Satin | $722.99 | $510 to $622 |
Explaining The Table
Based on live retailer data, the lowest current price found for a new Taurus 38 Special is around $320 for the standard two inch matte black Model 856. The highest current price is roughly $622 for the Taurus 856 Executive Grade, which features custom polishing and wood grips. The typical retail price for an average new model hovers around $350.
When comparing MSRP to the actual retail price, Taurus revolvers usually sell for $60 to $100 below the factory MSRP. Different models cost different amounts primarily due to frame materials, specialized sights, and factory tuning.Standard steel and aluminum configurations are cheaper, while hand tuned models and optics ready frames cost slightly more. The Executive Grade is more expensive because it undergoes a dedicated hand polishing and assembly process not found on the base models.
How Much Does A Taurus 38 Special Revolver Cost?
A brand new Taurus 38 Special revolver will set you back roughly $320 at the absolute lowest entry point. Most buyers spend between $340 and $380 for models featuring upgraded sights, stainless steel construction, or lighter aluminum frames. If you want the absolute top tier factory model, expect to spend just over $500 to $600 for the premium Executive Grade series.
Taurus 38 Special Revolver Price By Model
Taurus currently dominates the budget revolver market with their 856 line.
- Taurus 856 Base Model: The most common configuration, featuring a steel frame and fixed sights, usually retailing for $320 to $360.
- Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite: These models use an aluminum frame to reduce carrying weight. They cost slightly more, ranging from $335 to $375.
- Taurus Defender 856:Featuring a longer barrel and improved sights, these retail from $370 to $385.
- Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O.: This optics ready version allows you to mount a red dot sight and costs between $360 and $430.
- Taurus 856 Executive Grade: This custom tuned, hand polished variant is the most expensive, retailing between $510 and $622.
Taurus 38 Special Revolver Price By Barrel Length
Barrel length plays a distinct role in determining the price tier of a Taurus revolver.
- 2 Inch Barrels: The standard snub nose length found on the base 856 and Ultra-Lite models. These are the most affordable, typically priced from $320 to $375.
- 3 Inch Barrels: Found on the Defender, T.O.R.O., and Executive Grade models. The extra inch of barrel and full ejector rod increase the price, pushing these models into the $360 to $622 range.
Taurus 38 Special Revolver MSRP vs Retail Price
The official Taurus MSRP is consistently higher than what you will pay at a gun shop. The base model 856 has an MSRP of $417.99, but it reliably retails in the low $300s. The T.O.R.O. optics ready model carries an MSRP of $497.99 but is widely available for around $400. Because Taurus produces firearms in massive volumes, retail competition frequently drives the actual purchase price down by 15 to 25 percent below MSRP.
Why Is The Taurus 38 Special Revolver So Affordable?
Taurus is able to keep prices incredibly low by manufacturing their firearms in Brazil, where labor and production costs are significantly lower than in the United States. They also focus on high volume production of simple, proven designs like the 856 rather than constantly retooling for new experimental actions. By utilizing standard matte finishes and basic rubber grips on their entry level guns, they avoid the expensive hand fitting and polishing required by premium brands.
Used Taurus 38 Special Revolver Price
Buying a used Taurus revolver is one of the cheapest ways to acquire a reliable concealed carry firearm. Older, discontinued models like the Taurus Model 85 frequently flood the used market at bargain prices.
| Condition | Typical Price Range | Notes |
| New | $320 to $622 | Varies by frame material and features |
| Used – Good Condition | $230 to $280 | Mostly standard Model 856 or older Model 85 revolvers |
| Used – Excellent Condition | $280 to $320 | Gently used Defender or Ultra-Lite models |
| Older Discontinued Models | $200 to $250 | Standard Taurus Model 85 in average condition |
Note: Used market figures are market observations rather than official pricing.
Taurus 38 Special Revolver Price Compared With Other Revolvers
How does the Taurus hold up against the competition in terms of pricing?
| Firearm | Caliber | Typical Current Price | Price Difference |
| Taurus 856 | .38 Special | $320 to $360 | N/A |
| Rock Island M206 | .38 Special | $230 to $260 | Taurus is roughly $90 more expensive |
| Charter Arms Undercover | .38 Special | $350 to $400 | Taurus is priced similarly or slightly cheaper |
| Smith & Wesson 642 | .38 Special | $480 to $550 | Taurus is roughly $150 to $200 cheaper |
| Ruger LCR | .38 Special | $500 to $650 | Taurus is roughly $180 to $300 cheaper |
What Affects The Price?
Several factors determine how much you will pay for your Taurus:
- Model Line:The standard 856 is the cheapest, while the Executive Grade carries a massive premium due to hand fitting.
- Frame Material: Aluminum Ultra-Lite models generally cost slightly more than standard heavy steel frames.
- Sights and Optics:Models cut for red dot sights or equipped with night sights cost more than models with fixed front blades.
- New vs Used Condition:A used Taurus 85 can easily be found for under $250, cutting the new price by a significant margin.
- Retailer: Big box stores tend to have higher prices than online discount firearm brokers.
Taurus 38 Special Revolver Price Pros
- Exceptional Budget Value: It is incredibly difficult to find a reliable, brand new six shot revolver for under $350 outside of the Taurus lineup.
- Six Round Capacity:Most revolvers in this price and size class only hold five rounds, giving the Taurus 856 a distinct capacity advantage.
- High Availability: These guns are heavily stocked at nearly every major retailer, meaning you will rarely have to pay inflated scarcity prices.
Taurus 38 Special Revolver Price Cons
- Low Resale Value: Because brand new models are so cheap, you will not get much money back if you decide to trade in or sell your used Taurus.
- Limited Customization: While grips can be changed easily, you do not have the massive aftermarket support that more expensive Smith & Wesson models enjoy.
Taurus 38 Special Revolver Price: How Much Does It Cost?
A typical new Taurus 38 Special revolver costs between $320 and $622.
The typical new price for an average carry model is around $350. The lowest researched price is $320 for the matte black base model, while the highest researched price is $622 for the custom tuned Executive Grade. The MSRP range stretches from $417.99 to $722.99 across the 856 family.If you are looking to save money, typical used prices for good condition Taurus 856 and older Model 85 revolvers range from $200 to $280.
FAQs
How much does a Taurus 38 Special revolver cost?
A brand new Taurus 38 Special costs between $320 and $622 depending on the model, finish, and barrel length.
How much is a Taurus 856 38 Special?
The base model Taurus 856 usually retails between $320 and $360.
What is the price of a Taurus 38 Special revolver?
Current retail prices range from $320 at the entry level to over $500 for the premium Executive Grade.
How much does a new Taurus 38 Special revolver cost?
Expect to pay around $350 for a standard new model, with specialized optics ready versions pushing closer to $400.
How much does a used Taurus 38 Special revolver cost?
Used models generally sell for $200 to $280, making them highly affordable on the secondary market.
What is the MSRP of a Taurus 38 Special?
The MSRP starts at $417.99 for basic models and goes up to $722.99 for the top tier variations.
Why is the Taurus 38 Special revolver so affordable?
They are manufactured in Brazil to save on labor costs and are produced in massive volumes utilizing simple, proven designs without expensive hand polishing.
Is the Taurus 38 Special revolver worth the price?
Yes. For budget conscious buyers, it offers a reliable six round capacity at a price point that few other manufacturers can beat.
Does barrel length affect Taurus 38 Special price?
Yes. Three inch models like the Defender and Executive Grade generally cost more than the standard two inch snub nose models.
What is the cheapest Taurus 38 Special revolver?
The cheapest models are the base 856 in matte black and the older, discontinued Model 85 on the used market.
What is the most expensive Taurus 38 Special revolver?
The Taurus 856 Executive Grade is the most expensive, commonly retailing between $510 and $622 due to its hand tuned action and custom finish.
How does Taurus 38 Special price compare with other revolvers?
It is significantly cheaper than alternatives from Smith & Wesson and Ruger, often saving buyers between $150 and $300 compared to those premium brands.