The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is a 6-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special, with an anodized tungsten aluminum frame and a 2-inch carbon steel barrel. 
 

Key Specifications 

• UPC: 725327629382 
• Caliber: .38 SPL 
• Action: Single/Double Action 
• Capacity: 6 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2 inches 
• Weight: 1 lb 
• Finish: Tungsten Gray 
   

Detailed Features 

 
At 1 lb, the 856 Ultra-Lite is built around an anodized tungsten aluminum frame that keeps weight low while maintaining structural integrity. The carbon steel barrel has a matte black finish. Fixed rear sights and a ramp front sight are standard for a 2-inch carry revolver. Single/double action gives you the option of deliberate single-action shots or faster double-action pulls. 
 
The 6-round cylinder puts it one ahead of most snub-nose competitors in this class. .38 Special is a manageable, well-established defensive cartridge. The 2-inch barrel and light weight suit it for concealed carry and compact storage.

The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite in Tungsten gets straightforward positive feedback for what it is: a lightweight carry revolver. The 1 lb weight is the headline spec and buyers consistently note it's comfortable to carry for extended periods. The tungsten finish gets positive remarks for appearance and durability. Reliability and ease of operation come up often in reviews.

.38 Special gets credit for manageable recoil, which makes the revolver accessible to a range of experience levels. The 6-round capacity is also noted as an advantage over 5-shot competitors.

The main criticisms are trigger feel -- some find the double-action pull heavier or less smooth than preferred -- and capacity relative to semi-automatics. Neither is a design flaw so much as inherent to the platform.