The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite is a compact .38 Special revolver built for concealed carry and personal defense. The aluminum frame keeps weight at 16 oz., which makes it practical for all-day carry. It handles .38 SPL +P loads and works as a home defense option or range gun for those who prefer revolver simplicity. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Taurus 856 Ultra Lite 
• Caliber: .38 SPL +P 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.55 inches 
• Weight: 16 oz (approximately) 
• Finish: Matte Black 
• Material: 
  • Frame: Aluminum 
  • Barrel & Cylinder: Carbon Steel 
• Action Type: Double Action / Single Action 
• Front Sight: Serrated Ramp 
• Rear Sight: Fixed 
• Grip Material: Soft Rubber 
   

Detailed Features 

At 16 oz. the 856 Ultra Lite is light enough for all-day carry without significant fatigue. The 2-inch barrel and compact frame make it easy to conceal under most clothing. Chambered in .38 Special +P, it delivers adequate stopping power for self-defense while keeping recoil manageable, though the lightweight frame does amplify felt recoil with hot +P loads compared to heavier revolvers. The DA/SA trigger lets shooters choose between a longer double-action pull for quick work or a staged single-action pull for more deliberate shots. The transfer bar safety prevents discharge without a full trigger pull. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

For concealed carry the 16 oz. weight and 6.55-inch overall length fit most holsters and cover garments without printing. At home it sits accessible in a drawer and cycles reliably when called on. At the range the manageable recoil and simple operation make it an approachable option for newer shooters learning revolver fundamentals.

The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite draws a consistent mix of reactions from owners across several themes.

Lightweight Design: The aluminum frame's 16 oz. weight is the most frequently praised feature. Owners who carry daily appreciate the reduced fatigue, and it comes up in almost every positive review.

Recoil Management: Opinions split here. .38 SPL standard loads are manageable for most shooters, but +P loads in a 16 oz. frame produce noticeable snap. Shooters with lower recoil tolerance sometimes find full +P loads uncomfortable for extended sessions.

Build Quality: Reviews are mixed. Many owners report solid reliability and finish durability over time; a smaller number mention finish wear or mechanical issues after extended use. Taurus quality control appears to vary by production run.

Shooting Performance: At close range, the typical self-defense distance, owners report consistent accuracy. Longer-distance accuracy gets more variable reviews, though a 2-inch barrel is not designed for that role.

Ease of Use: Revolver operation is straightforward compared to semi-automatics, and this is consistently noted as a positive for newer shooters or those looking for a reliable backup gun.

Price Point: The 856 Ultra Lite is priced below most comparable revolvers, and owners generally agree it delivers good value for the cost, particularly given the feature set.

Aesthetics and Ergonomics: The matte black finish and soft rubber grip are functional choices. Some owners prefer the look of stainless options, but the matte finish holds up practically.

Customer Support: Taurus customer service gets split reviews. Positive experiences exist alongside accounts of slow response times or repair delays. Worth factoring in if that matters to the purchasing decision.