The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite is a six-shot .38 Special +P revolver with an aluminum frame finished in sky blue and a carbon steel cylinder in matte black. At 16.00 oz unloaded, it carries comfortably all day. The 2-inch barrel keeps the overall length at 6.55 inches, making it a reasonable option for concealed carry. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .38 Special +P 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2.00 inches 
• Weight: 16.00 oz (unloaded) 
• Frame Material: Aluminum 
• Frame Finish: Sky Blue 
• Cylinder Material: Carbon Steel 
• Cylinder Finish: Matte Black 
• Action Type: Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) 
• Safety Feature: Transfer Bar 
   

Features 

The transfer bar safety prevents discharge unless the trigger is fully pressed, which is standard and sensible for a carry revolver. Sighting is a serrated ramp front and fixed rear, adequate for close defensive distances. The DA/SA action lets shooters choose between a longer double-action pull for rapid draw or a lighter single-action pull when time allows. The aluminum frame keeps weight down while the steel cylinder handles +P pressure without issue. 
 

Usage 

At 16 oz with a 2-inch barrel, this revolver is oriented toward concealed carry and home defense rather than range sessions or extended target practice. The .38 Special +P load gives it more energy than standard .38 Special, though the short barrel limits velocity compared to longer-barreled guns. New shooters will find the DA/SA operation straightforward; the revolver has no external safety to manage, just point and pull.

Owners of the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite in sky blue generally appreciate what it is: a light, compact carry revolver at a price point well below comparable options from other brands.

The aluminum frame and 16-oz weight are consistently called out as genuine advantages for all-day carry. The sky blue finish gets attention at the range and draws compliments from people who prefer something other than standard black. Recoil with .38 Special +P is manageable for most shooters given the weight of the cylinder and frame combination.

The double-action trigger pull is heavier than many shooters expect, which affects accuracy at first. Most people report adapting to it over time, but it is worth dry-firing at home before committing to it as a primary carry gun. Some owners have noted wear on the finish with regular holster use, though this appears to affect primarily the high-contact areas.

Ammunition capacity comes up occasionally. Six rounds is adequate for most defensive purposes, but shooters who want more rounds in the cylinder will need to look at larger-frame options. Taurus customer service experiences vary across user reports, which is something to keep in mind if warranty service becomes necessary.