The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite is a double/single-action revolver chambered in .38 Special +P, with an aluminum frame in Cerakote Sabre Sand finish and a carbon steel cylinder in matte black. At 16 oz unloaded, it is genuinely light for an all-metal revolver. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .38 Special +P 
• Action Type: Double/Single Action (DA/SA) 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2.00 inches 
• Overall Length: 6.55 inches 
• Weight: 16 oz (1 lb) unloaded 
• Frame Material: Aluminum with Cerakote Sabre Sand finish 
• Cylinder Material: Carbon Steel with Matte Black finish 
• Sights: Removable Serrated Blade Front & Fixed Rear Sight 
• Safety Mechanism: Transfer Bar 
   

Features 

The aluminum frame is the key weight reduction here -- 16 oz puts this well below steel-frame snubbies. The Cerakote Sabre Sand finish is durable and corrosion-resistant. The 6-round cylinder gives one extra round over many competing 5-shot snubbies. The transfer bar safety prevents firing unless the trigger is fully pulled. The DA/SA action allows either a smooth double-action pull or a manually cocked single-action shot. The 2-inch barrel is standard for concealed-carry revolvers. 
 

Usage 

The 856 Ultra Lite is a practical concealed carry revolver for buyers who want .38 Special capacity in the lightest possible package. The tradeoff is that the light weight means more felt recoil with +P loads -- this is a consistent finding across all ultra-lite snubbies, not specific to Taurus. Standard .38 Special loads are more comfortable for practice. The DA trigger pull can be heavy initially but typically smooths with use. Taurus customer service experiences vary by region and issue.

Owners appreciate the 16 oz carry weight above most else -- it disappears in a pocket or holster in a way heavier revolvers don't. The 6-round capacity over competitors' typical 5-round snubbies is a meaningful plus for many buyers.

Recoil with +P loads is the most-cited practical drawback. It is manageable but noticeable in a 16 oz revolver; most owners recommend standard .38 Special for training and +P only for carry. The DA trigger is described as heavy but smooth-able with dry fire practice.

Build quality is generally reported as solid for the price. Sights are adequate for close-range defensive distances though not ideal for precision work. Taurus customer service is the most variable factor in owner experience. Overall, buyers who understand the platform (a lightweight carry revolver, not a range gun) are typically satisfied.