Best IWB Holster for the Taurus 856, 605 & 942 Revolvers

The Taurus 856, 605, and 942 are small-frame double-action revolvers that share the same chassis geometry — which means the right holster for one fits all three. Whether you carry a .38 Special, .357 Magnum, or .22 WMR, the key variable isn’t the caliber: it’s the barrel length. This guide helps you identify the correct Kydex IWB holster based on your specific barrel configuration and carry goals.

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Understanding the Taurus Small-Frame Revolver Family

The Taurus 856, 605, and 942 are all built on the same compact revolver frame. Their shared dimensions — cylinder width, frame height, trigger guard profile — mean that a single molded holster shell accommodates all three models, as long as the barrel length matches.

The key distinction when selecting a holster is simple:

• 2-inch barrel → snub-nose profile, best for deep concealment and AIWB carry
• 3-inch barrel → slightly longer profile, better balance between concealability and accuracy
• 4-inch barrel → covered by the Tracker 627 holster (see Post #02)

Both options below are precision-molded Kydex, built specifically for these Taurus snub-nose frames. Neither is compatible with weapon-mounted lights, lasers, or oversized custom grips.

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Option 1: Taurus 856 / 605 / 942 — 2″ Barrel IWB Holster

→ Taurus 856, 605, 942 & Ruger SP101 — 2″ IWB Kydex Holster

This holster is precision-molded for small-frame double-action revolvers with 2-inch barrels — including the Taurus 605, 85, 856, and 942, as well as the Ruger SP101 in comparable snub-nose barrel lengths. All of these models share a similar external frame and cylinder profile, making a single dedicated mold viable for the entire group.

Key Features

• 0.08-inch Kydex shell — rigid thermoplastic that holds its shape under belt pressure and supports one-handed reholstering
• Full trigger guard coverage — completely encloses the trigger guard for safe carry
• Raised body-side shield — reduces metal-to-skin contact and protects the finish from perspiration during daily wear
• Adjustable retention — front-mounted screws let you fine-tune draw resistance to your preference
• Adjustable cant — set carry angle for appendix (AIWB) or strong-side hip carry
• 1.5-inch belt clip — attaches to standard EDC belts without removing the belt
• Available in: Standard and Carbon finish, Right and Left Hand
• Price: $39.99

Who It Fits

Model	Caliber	Barrel	Fits?
Taurus 856	.38 Special	2″	✅ Yes
Taurus 605	.357 Magnum	2″	✅ Yes
Taurus 85	.38 Special	2″	✅ Yes
Taurus 942	.22 WMR	2″	✅ Yes
Ruger SP101	.357/.38/.22	~2″ snub	✅ Yes
Any model	Any	3″ or 4″	❌ No

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Option 2: Taurus RT856 / 605 / 942 & S&W Model 60 — 3″ Barrel IWB Holster

→ Taurus RT856, 605, 942 & S&W Model 60 — 3″ IWB Kydex Holster

If your Taurus revolver has a 3-inch barrel, this is the correct holster. The 3-inch variant uses a longer molded body to properly cover the muzzle and achieve the right retention angle — a 2-inch holster will leave the barrel exposed and fail to retain the revolver correctly.

This holster also fits the Smith & Wesson Model 60 in its 3-inch J-Frame configuration, which shares a comparable external profile to the Taurus snub-nose family.

Key Features

• Precision-molded for 3-inch barrel revolvers — not a stretched 2-inch design, but a dedicated mold for this barrel length
• Full trigger guard coverage — same protection as the 2-inch version
• Raised body-side shield — separates the revolver from body moisture during daily carry
• Adjustable retention and cant — same hardware system for customizing draw tension and carry angle
• 1.5-inch belt clip — standard EDC belt compatibility
• Price: $39.99

Who It Fits

Model	Caliber	Barrel	Fits?
Taurus RT856	.38 Special	3″	✅ Yes
Taurus 605	.357 Magnum	3″	✅ Yes
Taurus 942	.22 WMR	3″	✅ Yes
S&W Model 60	.38/.357	3″ J-Frame	✅ Yes
Any model	Any	2″ or 4″	❌ No — wrong mold

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2-Inch vs 3-Inch: Which Should You Choose?

The barrel length is a carry tradeoff — both configurations are concealable, but they perform differently:

	2-Inch Snub Nose	3-Inch
Concealability	Excellent — easiest to hide	Very good — slightly longer profile
AIWB carry	Very practical	Possible but tighter for seated carry
Strong-side hip	Ideal	Ideal
Sight radius	Shorter — less accurate at distance	Slightly longer — better for accuracy
Weight	Slightly lighter	Marginally heavier
Best for	Deep concealment, backup carry	Primary carry with better accuracy

If you can choose between barrel lengths and daily concealability is your top priority, the 2-inch is the better carry choice. If you want a more capable primary carry revolver while still keeping it IWB, the 3-inch hits the sweet spot.

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Carry Position Tips for Snub-Nose Revolvers

The compact profile of the 856/605/942 family makes them more versatile than larger revolvers when it comes to carry position:

• Appendix (AIWB, 1–2 o’clock): The 2-inch barrel is short enough for comfortable AIWB carry for most body types. Set the cant to 0° or slight forward cant. This position allows fast access and excellent concealment under untucked shirts.
• Strong-side hip (3–4 o’clock): The most natural and comfortable position for extended carry. A slight negative cant (grip angled toward the body) minimizes printing under a shirt or jacket.
• Pocket carry: Not applicable for these IWB holsters — a dedicated pocket holster is required for pocket carry with snub-nose revolvers.

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What This Holster Does NOT Accommodate

Both holsters are designed strictly for standard configurations. They are not compatible with:

• Weapon-mounted lights or lasers
• Non-standard barrel lengths (the 2-inch and 3-inch molds are not interchangeable)
• Oversized aftermarket grips that change the frame’s external dimensions
• High-visibility or suppressor-height sights that extend above the standard sight channel
• Other revolver platforms (J-Frame S&W, GP100, etc.) that have different frame dimensions

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Looking for the Taurus Tracker 627 with a 4-Inch Barrel?

If you carry the larger Tracker 627, 44, or 82 with the 4-inch barrel, that platform has its own dedicated holster:

→ Taurus Tracker 627 / 44 / 82 — 4″ IWB Kydex Holster

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Final Recommendation

Both holsters are $39.99 and built to the same Kydex precision-molding standard. Your only decision is matching the correct holster to your exact barrel length. The 2-inch version is the right choice for the most popular configuration of the 856, 605, and 942 — snub-nose carry, maximum concealment, fast draw. The 3-inch version is for shooters who want a touch more capability from their carry revolver without stepping up to the Tracker platform.

→ Taurus 856/605/942 & SP101 — 2″ IWB Holster ($39.99)

→ Taurus RT856/605/942 & S&W Model 60 — 3″ IWB Holster ($39.99)