The Taurus Model 856 Ultra Lite is a DA/SA revolver chambered in .38 SPL/.38 Special +P with a 2-inch barrel, aluminum frame in matte copper finish, and carbon steel cylinder in matte black. It holds 6 rounds and weighs 16 oz unloaded. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .38 SPL / .38 Special +P 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2.00 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.55 inches 
• Overall Height: 4.80 inches 
• Overall Width: 1.41 inches 
• Weight: 16.00 oz (unloaded) 
• Frame Material: Aluminum with a matte copper finish 
• Cylinder Material: Carbon steel, matte black finish 
• Barrel Material: Carbon steel, matte black finish 
• Front Sight: Serrated ramp 
• Rear Sight: Fixed 
• Action Type: Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) 
• Safety Feature: Transfer bar mechanism 
• Twist Rate: 1:16.5-in RH twist 
• Grooves in Barrel: 6 
   

Detailed Features 

 
At 16 oz the aluminum frame keeps weight low for a 6-shot .38 SPL revolver. The DA/SA action gives the option to cock the hammer for a lighter single-action pull or fire double-action for faster draw. The transfer bar safety prevents discharge unless the trigger is fully pulled. The serrated ramp front sight and fixed rear work together for quick acquisition without adjustment complexity. 
 
The matte copper finish on the frame is a visual distinction from the standard black or stainless options. The .38 Special +P capability means standard defensive loads are fine. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

 
The 856 Ultra Lite's 16 oz weight and 2-inch barrel make it a carry revolver first. Six rounds of .38 SPL gives more capacity than the 5-shot J-frame class. It functions for home defense bedside use as well, though the 2-inch barrel limits effective range compared to longer-barreled options.

The lightweight aluminum frame gets the most consistent positive feedback — at 16 oz, the 856 Ultra Lite is genuinely easy to carry for extended periods, and that comes up in most owner discussions. The copper finish is noted positively for its distinctive look.

Recoil with .38 SPL is described as manageable for most shooters, which makes range practice comfortable. The 6-round capacity is mentioned favorably relative to 5-shot alternatives in the same size class.

Trigger feedback splits opinions. Some owners find the double-action pull acceptable, while others describe it as heavy or inconsistent and note that it benefits from practice or customization.

Long-term durability concerns come up for a portion of owners given the aluminum frame and lightweight construction. Taurus customer service experiences vary widely in owner discussions — positive and negative interactions both appear with enough frequency that it's worth noting before relying on warranty support.

Holster fit is a practical topic in discussions since achieving a good holster match for this specific model requires some research. Price is viewed as a positive — buyers who chose it over more expensive alternatives generally feel the value holds up for the intended use as a carry revolver.