The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is a compact .38 Special +P revolver with a 2-inch barrel and an anodized aluminum frame that keeps total weight at 16 oz. At that weight it's easy to carry all day. The DAO trigger means no external hammer to snag, and six rounds of +P are available without manual cocking. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Brand: Taurus 
• Model: 856 Ultra-Lite 
• Caliber: .38 Special +P 
• Action Type: Double Action Only (DAO) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.55 inches 
• Weight: 1 lb (16 oz) 
• Sights: Serrated Ramp Front & Fixed Rear 
• Grip Type: Black Finger Grooved Rubber 
   

Features 

 
The aluminum frame cuts weight without sacrificing reasonable durability. The finger-grooved rubber grip helps manage +P recoil and keeps the gun from shifting in your hand. Serrated ramp front sight with a fixed rear is straightforward, no adjustments to lose zero. DAO action removes the option to manually cock for a lighter first pull, which is a fair trade-off for a carry gun. 
 

Usage 

1. Concealed carry: 16 oz and 6.55 inches overall make it easy to conceal in most holsters. 
2. Home defense: six rounds of +P available immediately without cocking. 
3. Range practice: lightweight enough to go through longer sessions without fatigue.

The most consistent comment from owners of the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is how easy it is to carry. The lightweight aluminum frame and compact size make it a natural choice for concealed carry, and .38 Special +P gives it enough stopping power that people don't feel undergunned.

The DAO trigger generates divided opinions. Some owners specifically want a consistent pull without a light-trigger-accidental-discharge risk; others find the pull weight too heavy for accurate shooting. Both camps are reasonable.

Reliability reviews lean positive. Most owners report solid performance across extended use. There are scattered quality control complaints and some concerns about finish wear over time, but these aren't the majority experience.

For the price, most buyers consider it good value compared to other snub-nose revolvers in the same class. It's a practical carry option that does what it's built to do without unnecessary complication.

This revolver is easy for both my wife and me to handle. Its manageable feel is the quality that impressed us most.