The Taurus Model 856 Ultra Lite is a 6-shot .38 Special +P revolver with a 2-inch barrel, built on an aluminum frame with a carbon steel cylinder. The charcoal green finish makes it visually distinct from standard black or stainless options. At 16 oz (1 lb), it sits toward the lightest end of the snubnose revolver category while still handling +P loads. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .38 SPL +P 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Weight: 1 lb (16 oz) 
• Finish: Charcoal Green 
   

Detailed Features 

• Ultra-Lightweight Aluminum Frame: The aluminum frame keeps the gun at 16 oz. The cylinder is carbon steel for durability under repeated firing, including +P loads. 
• DA/SA Action: Runs double-action for most defensive use or single-action for a lighter trigger pull when the situation allows. 
• Serrated Ramp Front Sight / Fixed Rear Sight: Low-snag configuration suited to pocket or IWB carry, with enough sight picture for close-range use. 
   

Usage Scenarios 

• Concealed Carry: At 16 oz and 2-inch barrel, the 856 Ultra Lite is easy to carry all day in a pocket holster or IWB rig without fatigue. 
• Home Defense: Six rounds of .38 Special +P is a practical defensive load, and the revolver's simple operation suits a grab-and-go role. 
• Range Practice: The light weight amplifies felt recoil somewhat with +P ammunition, which is worth noting when selecting training loads.

Owners of the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite in charcoal green generally appreciate the combination of low weight and six-shot .38 Special +P capacity. At a pound, the gun disappears in a pocket or light holster, and that's consistently the first thing owners mention.

Build quality opinions vary more than with some competitors. Many owners report no issues through extended use, but a subset raises questions about finish durability and long-term parts wear that don't show up with heavier steel-framed revolvers. The double-action trigger is heavier than what some shooters expect — not unusual for a revolver in this category, but worth dry-fire practice before carrying it defensively.

The charcoal green finish draws positive comments from buyers who want something other than black or stainless. The 6-round capacity is mentioned favorably compared to the 5-round snubnoses it competes with, though comparisons with semi-automatic carry options on capacity grounds are inevitable. Most owners treat it as a solid, lightweight defensive revolver that does its job without requiring much from the user.