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.

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.