Holster for the 856

That's a good question, of which I'm not sure.


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The cylinder of the 856 is just a tad bigger than an 85 to account for the extra round. Some 85 holsters would probably fit, if the cylinder isn't normally tight with an 85. An 85 leather holster could probably stretch for the 856, but a tightly formed holster, like Kydex, isn't going to help.

MR_22 said:

The cylinder of the 856 is just a tag bigger than an 85 to account for the extra round. Some 85 holsters would probably fit, if the cylinder isn't normally tight with an 85. An 85 leather holster could probably stretch for the 856, but a tightly formed holster, like Kydex, isn't going to help.

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This is my understanding as well. The frame of the 856 is the same size as the 85. Only the cylinder is slightly larger on the 856, making the 856 slightly wider but no taller than the 85.


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I've been wondering that myself.

I have an Uncle Mikes #2 that I've used with a couple 85's and I think the 856 might just squeeze in, although I have no way of trying it.

MR_22 said:

The cylinder of the 856 is just a tag bigger than an 85 to account for the extra round. Some 85 holsters would probably fit, if the cylinder isn't normally tight with an 85. An 85 leather holster could probably stretch for the 856, but a tightly formed holster, like Kydex, isn't going to help.

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Agreed......So far 2 out of 4 holsters I purchased the Ruger LCR (and always worked with the M85) work with the 856.

Have a Ritche Ankle holster custom made for the LCR that is not a good fit and a Safariland OWB leather holster for the LCR that can be adjusted to fit the 856. But I'm leaving the set screws as is for the LCR because.....

Also have a Simply Rugged leather OWB used primarily for the M85 works well with the 856. Also have a generic J-frame nylon pocket holster by Barsony that was a great fit for the M85 is just as good for the 856.

Luckily I'm in good shape and don't need to rush out and pick up a new holster.

Unless I am missing something, a cylinder must be the same size all around, so if the revolver is wider it must also be taller, unless the window was made wider.

Fredward said:

Unless I am missing something, a cylinder must be the same size all around, so if the revolver is wider it must also be taller, unless the window was made wider.

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I haven't measured the window for the cylinder on my 856, but I'm assuming you are correct. However, the frame is not larger. The footprint of the frame, as well as the wider cylinder, is what matters when considering holsters. If the window/cylinder part of the 85 holster is tight, it's likely that it won't fit the 856, unless there's a way to stretch the cylinder part of the holster.