The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite is a DAO .38 Special +P revolver with a 2-inch barrel, anodized matte black finish, and a 16 oz total weight. Six rounds fit in the cylinder. At 4.8 inches tall and 1.41 inches wide, it hides easily under a cover garment and draws clean from a holster. 
 

Key Specifications 

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

Features 

 
The carbon steel frame with anodized matte black finish handles daily carry wear reasonably well. The transfer bar safety prevents the gun from firing unless the trigger is intentionally pulled through -- no half-cock discharge. The serrated ramp front sight picks up quickly in most lighting. The soft rubber grip cushions +P recoil and keeps the grip from moving during fast strings. 
 

Usage 

• Concealed carry: 16 oz and compact dimensions make it comfortable for all-day carry in most holsters or pocket rigs. 
• Home defense: DAO operation is simple and direct; six rounds of +P on tap. 
• Range practice: light enough to shoot for extended sessions without hand fatigue.

Owners of the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite in .38 Special +P split fairly consistently across a few themes.

The weight is the top positive. At 16 oz it's easy to carry all day, and most owners find the anodized black finish holds up. Reliability with .38 Special and +P gets positive marks from the majority of reviewers. The simple DAO operation is seen as a safety advantage for carry by those who want a consistent trigger every time.

The main complaints are the trigger pull weight -- some find it too heavy for accurate shots at distance -- and recoil from +P in the lightweight frame, which is more noticeable than in heavier revolvers. Scattered quality control issues and finish wear over time also show up.

The overall picture is a capable, affordable carry revolver. Worth testing with your chosen +P load before committing to it for carry, since the lightweight frame amplifies felt recoil noticeably with hotter ammunition.