New For 2025: Taurus 850

by
posted on January 29, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Small, concealable revolvers maintain a sizeable share of the self-defense and concealed carry handgun market and no manufacturer offers as many different configurations of affordable and reliable small-frame revolvers as Taurus. Right on the heels of the company's launch of the concealed-hammer, .357 Magnum-chambered 650 last year, it is introducing the new-for-2025 Taurus 850, which offers the same features, but in a .38 Spl. only chambering.

Right side of the stainless-steel Taurus 850 with a 3-inch barrel.The Taurus 850 is an all-steel, five-shot, double-action revolver with an internal hammer and low-profile sights for snag free concealed carry. Image courtesy of Taurus.

The Taurus 850 follows the configuration of its magnum sibling. It is a double-action-only design with its hammer “shrouded” within the frame and has a five-shot capacity in its swing-out cylinder. The barrel has a full underlug. Sights are also low-profile, with a simple rear notch in the frame’s top strap and a ramped front blade that is removable so that it can be replaced with aftermarket options. Grips are wraparound textured rubber.  

Top view of the all-black Taurus 850 with a 2-inch barrel.Sights on the Taurus 850 are a simple fixed rear notch in the frame and a serrated ramp front that is removable. Image courtesy of Taurus.

The Taurus 850 is offered in four configurations. Carbon steel models have a matte black finish and those constructed out of stainless steel are given a matte natural finish. Either model is available with either a 2” or 3” barrel. Dimensions are 4.59” tall and 7.66” long (one inch longer for the 3”-barrel model), and with its all steel construction, the 2”-barrel 850 weighs 22.75 ozs. and the 3” models weigh 24 ozs. Taurus 850 revolvers have an MSRP of $425 for black finished models and $440 for stainless steel models. For more information, see the company’s website.

A man holding the Taurus 850 revolver in an urban setting.The size and features of the Taurus 850 are optimized for concealed carry. Image courtesy of Taurus.

Latest

author with Ruger New Model Blackhawk
author with Ruger New Model Blackhawk

Searching For The Perfect Single-Action Revolver

Bitten by the cowboy handgun bug early on—and influenced by no less an innovator than Elmer Keith—the author finds that, in the search for the ultimate single-action revolver, perfection is an elusive target.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 15, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Auto-Ordnance Remembers Iwo Jima Fallen With Special M1 Carbine

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Auto-Ordnance teamed up with Altered Arsenal to create a specially crafted version of the M1 carbine.

Preview: The Ruger 10/22 Complete Owner’s And Assembly Guide

Scott Duff Publications is renowned for its authoritative titles containing detailed information on iconic military and commercial firearms.

Henry Introduces Two New Special Products Division Rifles: The CRUSR & PREDATOR

Henry Repeating Arms' Special Products Division expanded its offerings with two new rifles in the fall of 2025, the CRUSR and PREDATOR lever-actions.

Preview: Duracell 3000L Tri-Power Lantern

The company renowned for its Coppertop batteries now offers a high-tech take on traditional camp illumination.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.