# Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite .38 Spl Revolver - Compact Stainless Defender **Brand:** Taurus **Category:** Single/Double Action Revolvers **Caliber:** .38 Special ## Specifications - **Caliber:** .38 Special - **Barrel Length:** 2" - **Capacity:** 6 rounds - **Finish:** Stainless - **Weight:** 15.7 oz - **Overall Length:** 6.55" - **UPC:** 725327932871 - **SKU:** UCClj85Sx ## Description The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is a .38 Special SA/DA revolver with a 2-inch barrel, 6.55 inches overall, and 16 oz (1 lb) unloaded. Capacity is 6 rounds. The grip is standard black rubber with finger grooves. Sights are fixed ramp front and fixed rear. Finish is matte stainless steel. ### Key Specifications - **Brand**: Taurus - **Model**: 856 Ultra-Lite - **Caliber**: .38 Special - **Action**: Single/Double Action (SA/DA) - **Capacity**: 6 rounds - **Barrel Length**: 2 inches - **Overall Length**: 6.55 inches - **Weight**: 16 oz (1 lb) - **Sights**: Fixed Ramp Front & Rear - **Grip Type**: Standard Black Rubber with Finger Grooves - **Finish**: Matte Stainless Steel ### Features At 16 oz, this is a genuinely lightweight revolver for the 6-round .38 Spl format, lighter than most steel-frame snubs and most aluminum-frame equivalents. The spurred hammer allows both single-action and double-action firing. Transfer bar safety prevents discharge unless the trigger is fully depressed. The matte stainless finish handles corrosion better than a blued steel revolver, which matters for a carry gun exposed to sweat and humidity. ### Use Context Designed for concealed carry and close-range personal defense. The 2-inch barrel limits practical accuracy at distance but is appropriate for the defensive role. Light weight combined with 6-shot .38 Spl capacity is the core tradeoff: easier to carry all day, more pronounced recoil when shooting, particularly with +P loads. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What caliber is the 856 Ultra Lite?** A: The 856 Ultra Lite is chambered in .38 Special. **Q: Who makes the 856 Ultra Lite?** A: It is made by Taurus. **Q: What type of firearm is the 856 Ultra Lite?** A: It is a single/double-action revolver. **Q: What is the barrel length of the 856 Ultra Lite?** A: The barrel is 2 inches long. **Q: How many rounds does the 856 Ultra Lite hold?** A: It has a 6-round capacity. **Q: How much does the 856 Ultra Lite weigh?** A: It weighs 16 oz (1 lb) unloaded. **Q: What finish does the 856 Ultra Lite have?** A: It has a matte stainless steel finish. **Q: Where can I buy the 856 Ultra Lite?** A: Compare current vendor offers on this page. ## What Reviewers Say *Quoted verbatim from YouTube reviews. Each link opens the video at the moment quoted.* > Really really cool affordable snub and nose revolver if you want to get started with revolvers somewhere. > > — [Mannix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklCpLO3608&t=56s) > Revolvers are very very simple tried and true pieces of Hardware they do not suffer from too many parts syndrome. > > — [Mannix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklCpLO3608&t=262s) > Close range accuracy is not the best at like seven or ten yards I mean it's okay it hits its Target. > > — [Mannix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklCpLO3608&t=365s) > I wish this was fiber optic or even just like a red plastic insert but it's not it's just a part of the barrel right there which is kind of disappointing. > > — [Mannix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cklCpLO3608&t=463s) ## What Customers Say *AI-generated insights from customer reviews* The Ultra-Lite's weight is its primary selling point and the most consistently praised spec. 16 oz carries noticeably better than a heavier snub. Compactness and simplicity of the revolver platform are recurring positives. Reliability relative to price is generally seen as acceptable, and the stainless construction is appreciated for durability. The main criticisms are predictable physics: a light revolver in .38 Spl produces more felt recoil, and the double-action trigger pull is heavier than many shooters prefer. Finish quality complaints come up occasionally, not universal, but enough to be worth noting. Taurus customer service gets mixed reviews; some owners have had smooth warranty experiences, others have found it frustrating. At the price point, most buyers consider the tradeoffs acceptable for a carry revolver. ## Pricing **13 offers available** | Vendor | Price | |--------|-------| | Shootingsurplus Com | $394.84 | | Kygunco Com | $398.56 | | Grabagun Com | $399.99 | | Impactguns Com | $406.49 | | Buds Gun Shop | $406.99 | | Gritrsports Com | $407.99 | | Palmettostatearmory Com | $422.99 | | Guns Com | $440.99 | | Centerfiresystems Com | $440.99 | | Gunbuyer Com | $448.14 | *...and 3 more offers* ## Similar Products - [Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite: Compact .38 SPL Stainless Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-compact-38-spl-stainless-revolver/UCClj85HH) - [Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite .38 Special +P Revolver - Stealth Defender](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-p-revolver-stealth-defender/UCClj85Fn) - [Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite .38 Special Revolver - Matte Stainless Compact](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-revolver-matte-stainless-compact/UCClj6mIW) - [Taurus 856 Ultra Lite .38 Special Revolver - Compact Black & Gold 6-Shot](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-38-special-revolver-compact-black-gold-6-shot/UCClj85TE) - [Taurus 856 Ultra Lite Revolver: Charcoal Green, .38 SPL +P, 6rd](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-revolver-charcoal-green-38-spl-p-6rd/UCClj86dQ) - [Taurus 856 Ultra Lite Copper .38 SPL Revolver](https://gunsnation.com/p/taurus-856-ultra-lite-copper-38-spl-revolver/UCClj86bp) --- *Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*