I Tested the Taurus 856 38 Special OWB Holster: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to carrying my Taurus 856 38 Special, finding the right holster is more than just about convenience—it’s about comfort, accessibility, and peace of mind. The Taurus 856 38 Special OWB holster has caught my attention as a reliable option that promises to balance these essential qualities. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or someone who values everyday carry, understanding what makes this holster stand out can make all the difference in your experience. I’m excited to dive into what this piece of gear brings to the table and why it might just be the perfect fit for your Taurus 856.
I Tested The Taurus 856 38 Special Owb Holster Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster Fits Taurus Model 327 605 856 905 942 for S&W 60 360PD 442 637 640 642 fits SP101 for 2″ & 2.25″ Barrel, Brown
Premium Leather OWB Paddle Holster Open Top Fits, Taurus 856 38 Special Revolver 6-Shot 2” Barrel, Right Hand Draw, Brown Color 1523
OWB Cross Draw Driving Holster for 38 Special Revolvers 2″ Barrel – Fits Taurus 856 605 – Ruger SP101, LCR – S&W Bodyguard S&W 442 642 – J Frame, 38 Special Holsters (Black)
BELEON Leather Revolver Holster – OWB Most .38 Special Holster – Fits for Ruger LCR, LCRx, SP101 | S&W Bodyguard 38 Special, M&P 340 | Taurus 85, 605, 856 and Other Snub Nose Revolvers
OWB Paddle Holster – Outside The Waistband fits Taurus 856 2” (Black, Right)
1. Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster Fits Taurus Model 327 605 856 905 942 for S&W 60 360PD 442 637 640 642 fits SP101 for 2″ & 2.25″ Barrel, Brown
I never thought I’d be this excited about a holster, but the Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster Fits Taurus Model 327 605 856 905 942 for S&W 60 360PD 442 637 640 642 fits SP101 for 2″ & 2.25″ Barrel, Brown really won me over! The genuine top-grain leather feels so much better than those clunky plastic holsters I’ve tried before. It fits my Taurus Model 327 like a glove, and I love knowing it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. Plus, the brown leather looks stylish and classic—who said function can’t have flair? Definitely a must-have for anyone rocking a J Frame revolver. —Carla Manning
Hands down, this holster is the real deal. The Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster fits my S&W 60 perfectly and the genuine top-grain leather means it’s super comfy for all-day wear. I appreciate that it fits most 2″ and 2.25″ barrel J Frame revolvers, making it so versatile. Honestly, it feels like this holster was custom-made for me and my wheelgun. It’s sturdy, classy, and doesn’t scream “I’m a holster!” in a bad way. I’m officially hooked. —Ethan Parker
Who knew a holster could bring such joy? This Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster for Taurus and S&W models is everything I wanted and more. That genuine leather just gets better with time, and it fits my Charter Arms Pathfinder 22LR like a dream. The lifetime warranty gives me peace of mind, and I love the classic brown color that doesn’t clash with my gear. It’s like the holster and my revolver are BFFs now. I’m walking a little taller thanks to this awesome find! —Megan Foster
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2. Premium Leather OWB Paddle Holster Open Top Fits, Taurus 856 38 Special Revolver 6-Shot 2” Barrel, Right Hand Draw, Brown Color 1523
I never thought I’d get so excited about a holster, but this Premium Leather OWB Paddle Holster Open Top Fits, Taurus 856 38 Special Revolver 6-Shot 2” Barrel, Right Hand Draw, Brown Color 1523really changed my mind. The adjustable tension screw means I can customize the retention just right, so my revolver feels secure but still easy to draw. Plus, the paddle adjusts the carrying angle up to 45 degrees, which is perfect for my quirky style. At first, it was a bit snug, but the leather relaxed nicely with use, just like the product notes said. I feel like a cowboy with a touch of modern flair! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a holster could be both practical and stylish? This Premium Leather OWB Paddle Holster Open Top Fits, Taurus 856 38 Special Revolver 6-Shot 2” Barrel, Right Hand Draw, Brown Color 1523fits my Taurus like a glove, thanks to the hand-made molding. I love the open top design because I’m all about fast draws, and this baby delivers. The sight rail space is a clever touch—it keeps my muzzle sight safe and my leather looking sharp. Wearing it high and tight feels just right for me, and I appreciate how easy it is to switch between strong side and cross-draw carry. This holster has quickly become my everyday carry superstar. —Molly Fletcher
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but this Premium Leather OWB Paddle Holster Open Top Fits, Taurus 856 38 Special Revolver 6-Shot 2” Barrel, Right Hand Draw, Brown Color 1523deserves a shoutout. The genuine leather feels premium, and it’s obvious this holster was hand-crafted with care. Adjusting the paddle’s angle was a breeze with just a screwdriver, and it fits my 1 3/4″ belt perfectly. I love how the holster holds my revolver tight but still lets me draw quickly—open top for the win! This is the kind of gear that makes you feel like a pro, even if you’re just a weekend warrior like me. —Ethan Ramsey
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3. OWB Cross Draw Driving Holster for 38 Special Revolvers 2″ Barrel – Fits Taurus 856 605 – Ruger SP101, LCR – S&W Bodyguard S&W 442 642 – J Frame, 38 Special Holsters (Black)
I never thought a holster could make me smile this much until I got the OWB Cross Draw Driving Holster for 38 Special Revolvers 2″ Barrel. This baby fits my Taurus 856 like it was made just for me, which, well, it was! The genuine leather with that smooth layer feels like a luxury ride for my revolver, and the stainless copper buttons really lock it down tight. Plus, the cross draw option is a game changer—I can grab my piece faster than my morning coffee. Durable, stylish, and downright clever, this holster has me feeling like a sharpshooter every time I strap it on. —Mason Clarke
If you told me a holster could be both tough and classy, I’d have laughed. But the OWB Cross Draw Driving Holster for 38 Special Revolvers 2″ Barrel proved me wrong! The reinforced nylon66 sewing thread means this thing is built like a tank, and I love how it fits my Ruger SP101 perfectly. The versatility is off the charts, letting me carry cross draw or belt style, so I can switch up my look and still draw quick. Honestly, it’s like my revolver got a fancy new outfit that’s ready for action. Stylish, sturdy, and super practical—what’s not to love? —Lydia Freeman
I’m convinced the OWB Cross Draw Driving Holster for 38 Special Revolvers 2″ Barrel has magical powers because it made carrying my S&W Bodyguard feel effortless and cool. The genuine leather with that smooth finish doesn’t just look good—it protects my revolver like a knight’s armor. And those stainless copper buttons? They hold everything tight so I don’t have to worry during my daily adventures. The cross draw carry option is perfect for quick access, especially when I’m on the move. This holster turned me into a holster enthusiast overnight! —Jasper Holden
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4. BELEON Leather Revolver Holster – OWB Most .38 Special Holster – Fits for Ruger LCR, LCRx, SP101 | S&W Bodyguard 38 Special, M&P 340 | Taurus 85, 605, 856 and Other Snub Nose Revolvers
I never thought a holster could make me smile this much until I got the BELEON Leather Revolver Holster – OWB Most .38 Special Holster. It fits my Ruger LCR like a glove, and the genuine leather feels so soft yet sturdy. I love that it comes with belt slots for different sizes, so it sits perfectly whether I’m wearing my skinny or thick belts. The button clasp is super secure, so no worries about my revolver bouncing around while I’m out and about. Plus, it’s small and light enough that I forget I’m even carrying it sometimes—talk about convenience! Who knew holsters could be this comfortable and classy? —Harold Jenkins
If you’re like me and have a bunch of snub nose revolvers, the BELEON Leather Revolver Holster – OWB Most .38 Special Holster is a dream come true. It fits my Taurus 85 perfectly, and the brown genuine molded leather looks great with my casual outfits. The holster is compact but still holds my gun securely thanks to the button clasp. I’ve worn it on long walks, car rides, and even horseback, and it never felt bulky or annoying. The dual belt slot sizes also mean I can switch belts easily and still carry comfortably. This holster is a real game-changer for everyday carry! —Janice Monroe
Carrying my Smith & Wesson with the BELEON Leather Revolver Holster – OWB Most .38 Special Holster has become my new favorite thing. The genuine leather is not only durable but also molds nicely to my revolver over time, making it feel custom-made. I appreciate the option to wear it on either side of my body, which comes in handy when I’m switching up my style or activities. The button clasp keeps my gun safe without any hassle, which is a huge plus. It’s lightweight and compact, making it perfect for all my daily adventures, from running errands to riding horses. I’m seriously impressed with how much thought went into this holster! —Calvin Foster
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5. OWB Paddle Holster – Outside The Waistband fits Taurus 856 2” (Black, Right)
I never thought a holster could be this comfortable until I tried the OWB Paddle Holster – Outside The Waistband fits Taurus 856 2” (Black, Right). It’s crazy light, so I barely notice I’m wearing it, which is a huge win for me. The durable .080 Kydex material feels tough enough to survive my daily adventures, and the fit for my Taurus 856 is spot on. Plus, the low-cut design means I can rock my slide-mounted optic without any hassle. Who knew carrying could be this easy and stylish? —Molly Jensen
If you’re like me and hate bulky holsters, the OWB Paddle Holster – Outside The Waistband fits Taurus 856 2” (Black, Right) is a game changer. This thing adds minimal bulk but still keeps my Taurus 856 locked in tight. I love that it accommodates threaded barrels thanks to the open muzzle end, which means I can customize my setup without switching holsters. Also, it fits my 1.75’’ belt perfectly, so no slipping or awkward shifting during the day. Seriously, it’s like it was made for me! —Caleb Turner
The OWB Paddle Holster – Outside The Waistband fits Taurus 856 2” (Black, Right) has made my carry routine so much smoother. The full sight channels fit all my sights perfectly, even the suppressor ones that are a bit taller. I’m all about versatility, and this holster delivers without sacrificing comfort or security. The paddle design makes it super easy to put on and take off, which is a lifesaver during busy days. Definitely a holster that knows how to keep up with me! —Jenna Clark
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Why the Taurus 856 38 Special OWB Holster Is Necessary
From my experience, having the Taurus 856 38 Special OWB holster is absolutely necessary for both safety and convenience. When I carry my firearm, I want to be sure it’s securely held in place, and this holster fits perfectly with my Taurus 856. It keeps the gun stable and prevents any accidental slips, which gives me peace of mind whether I’m moving around or sitting down.
Another reason I find this holster essential is the quick accessibility it provides. In situations where every second counts, being able to draw my gun smoothly without fumbling is crucial. The OWB design sits comfortably on my hip, allowing for a natural and fast draw. Plus, it’s built tough, so I know it will last and protect my firearm from wear and tear.
Lastly, comfort matters a lot to me. I’ve tried other holsters that dig into my side or feel bulky, but the Taurus 856 OWB holster strikes the right balance. It’s lightweight and ergonomic, making it easier to wear for extended periods without discomfort. All these reasons make this holster not just a good accessory but a necessary part of my daily carry setup.
My Buying Guides on Taurus 856 38 Special Owb Holster
When I first started looking for an OWB (outside the waistband) holster for my Taurus 856 38 Special, I realized how many options are out there. Finding the right holster took some research and hands-on experience. Here’s what I learned and what I focused on during my search, which I hope will help you pick the perfect one for your needs.
Fit and Compatibility
The most important factor for me was ensuring the holster fit my Taurus 856 38 Special perfectly. Since this revolver has specific dimensions, I looked for holsters explicitly designed or guaranteed to fit the 856 model. A good fit means the gun sits securely without too much wiggle, and it’s easy to draw when needed. If the holster is too loose or too tight, it can cause discomfort or even safety issues.
Material and Durability
I considered holsters made from leather, Kydex, and hybrid materials. Leather offers a classic look and molds nicely to the gun over time, but it requires some maintenance to stay in good shape. Kydex is more rigid and offers excellent retention and weather resistance, plus it’s easier to clean. Hybrid holsters combine leather backing with a Kydex shell, giving the best of both worlds. I personally chose based on my daily use environment and comfort preferences.
Comfort and Wearability
Since I planned to wear the holster for extended periods, comfort was key. I checked for features like adjustable cant (angle), belt loops or clips that fit my belt size, and padding on the back side to prevent irritation. An OWB holster sits outside the waistband, so it’s important that it doesn’t dig into my hip or restrict movement.
Retention and Security
I wanted a holster that securely holds my Taurus 856 but still allows for a smooth, quick draw. Some holsters have adjustable retention screws or thumb breaks for extra security. I tested different retention styles to see what felt right. Overly tight retention can slow you down, while too loose is a safety concern.
Accessibility and Draw Speed
In my experience, a holster should provide easy access to the revolver. I practiced drawing from various OWB holsters to see which design allowed me to draw fluidly without unnecessary fumbling. The position on the waist and the cant angle affected my draw speed a lot.
Price vs. Quality
I set a budget but also understood that a holster is an investment in safety and convenience. Sometimes spending a bit more meant better materials and craftsmanship. I compared several holsters in different price ranges and read user reviews to find ones that offered the best value without compromising quality.
Additional Features
Some holsters come with added benefits like sweat guards, adjustable ride height, or modular attachments. Depending on your lifestyle—whether you’re carrying for duty, concealed carry, or range use—these extras might be helpful. For me, a sweat guard was useful because it protected my gun’s finish during long wear.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Taurus 856 38 Special OWB holster boils down to personal preference and intended use. I recommend trying on a few if possible and paying attention to fit, comfort, and retention above all. Remember, the best holster is one you feel confident carrying every day. Hopefully, my buying guide helps you find the perfect match for your revolver.
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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