The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Defender is a double/single action revolver chambered in .38 Special +P with a 3-inch barrel, 6-round capacity, and an aluminum alloy frame with black anodized finish. The cylinder is stainless steel with a matte black finish. It weighs 17.36 oz (1.1 lbs). The Hogue finger-grooved rubber grip and night front sight are standard. Transfer bar safety prevents firing unless the trigger completes its travel. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Taurus 
• Model: 856 Ultra-Lite Defender 
• Caliber: .38 Special +P 
• Action: Double/Single Action (SADA) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 3 inches 
• Overall Length: 7.5 inches 
• Weight: 1.1 lbs (17.36 oz) 
• Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy with Black Anodized Finish 
• Cylinder Material: Stainless Steel with Matte Black Finish 
• Sights: Night Front / Fixed Rear 
• Grip: Finger Grooved Black Hogue Rubber 
• Safety Feature: Transfer Bar 
   

Detailed Features 

The aluminum alloy frame keeps weight at 17.36 oz -- light for a 6-shot .38 Special, which matters for daily carry comfort. The Hogue rubber grip with finger grooves helps manage recoil from +P loads, which the lightweight frame would otherwise make snappy. The night front sight is useful for low-light use without a weapon light. The 3-inch barrel is a practical middle ground between snub-nose and full-size -- longer than a 2-inch for sight radius but still compact enough for waistband carry. The stainless cylinder provides durability and corrosion resistance without the weight penalty of a full stainless frame. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Concealed Carry: 17 oz carry weight in a 6-shot .38 Special +P package is genuinely light for daily use. 
• Home Defense: Simple DA/SA operation and 6 rounds on tap. 
• Backup Carry: Light enough to serve as a secondary weapon without adding significant carry weight.

The 856 Ultra-Lite Defender is positioned at the accessible end of the revolver market, and most feedback reflects that context. Lightweight design and the 6-shot capacity at this price point are the most common positive mentions -- getting six rounds in an aluminum-frame .38 Special for this cost is the pitch, and most buyers find it delivers on that. The Hogue grip is specifically called out as a useful inclusion for managing the recoil the light frame creates.

On the critical side, trigger pull weight is a recurring topic -- DA pull on Taurus revolvers in this segment runs heavier than on premium alternatives, which affects accuracy for those with less experience or hand strength. Finish quality gets some criticism compared to Smith & Wesson aluminum-frame revolvers at higher price points. The lightweight frame amplifies recoil with .38 +P loads, which some new shooters find more than expected. Six rounds versus higher-capacity semi-autos is a calibration point buyers should think through for their specific use case.