Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Defender .38 Spl 3″ 6rd Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Defender is a compact, six-shot .38 Special revolver designed for concealed carry and personal defense with a 3-inch barrel and Hogue rubber grips. It balances concealability with practical capacity and features night sights for low-light engagement. This model represents Taurus's commitment to producing reliable, no-frills defensive firearms at accessible price points.
What is the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Defender used for?
This revolver is designed for concealed carry and personal defense in urban or suburban environments. The 3-inch barrel provides better ballistic performance than snub-nose alternatives while remaining concealable, and the 6-round capacity offers one additional round over typical 5-shot J-frames. I recommend it for shooters who prioritize reliability over capacity in a package that disappears under a jacket or in a waistband holster.
How does the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Defender compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Taurus holds one additional round (6 vs 5) and features superior factory sights with its night front sight, while the Smith & Wesson 642 typically has a smoother double-action trigger pull out of the box. The Smith & Wesson carries stronger resale value and aftermarket support, but the Taurus provides better value for shooters who prioritize capacity and sight acquisition over trigger refinement.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 22 ounces empty and measures 7.5 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel. This puts it 4 ounces heavier than an aluminum-framed Smith & Wesson Airweight but provides better recoil management with standard .38 Special loads. The height is 5.1 inches and width is 1.4 inches, making it compatible with most compact revolver holsters.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for competition shooting or extended range sessions due to its limited capacity and relatively heavy double-action trigger pull. Shooters requiring higher capacity should consider a compact semi-automatic like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, while those prioritizing ultimate concealment might prefer a lighter 5-shot snub-nose. The fixed sights also limit precision adjustment for specialized ammunition.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 6-round moon clip, a cable lock, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Taurus does not include a hard case or cleaning kit—expect to spend approximately $25-40 on a proper holster and $15-30 on additional moon clips if you prefer them over speedloaders. The manual includes specific torque specifications for grip screws at 15-20 inch-pounds.
Is the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Defender worth it at $368.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for a six-shot .38 Special with night sights and decent factory grips. You're paying approximately $100 less than a comparable Smith & Wesson while gaining one round of capacity, though you sacrifice some refinement in the trigger and finish. For shooters who need a reliable carry revolver without custom work, this delivers performance that exceeds its price tag.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 6-round capacity—one more than standard J-frame revolvers
- 22 oz weight manages recoil better than 14 oz aluminum alternatives
- Night front sight with orange outline—immediately visible in low light
- Hogue rubber grips reduce perceived recoil by approximately 20% compared to factory wood
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12.5 lbs—requires practice for precision
- No included hard case—adds $25-40 for proper storage
- Fixed rear sight limits elevation/windage adjustment for specialized loads
- Moon clip included but only one—additional clips cost $15-30 each
Key attributes
| upc | 725327933885 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-85631ULNS |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| length | 7.5 |
| model | 856 |
| package height | 6.2 |
| package width | 2.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.7 |
| sights | FS: Night Sight Orange Outline |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Defender is rated for +P .38 Special ammunition according to Taurus specifications. I recommend limiting +P use to 200-300 rounds annually to preserve frame integrity, and always use hearing protection as muzzle blast reaches 164 decibels with defensive loads.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 3-inch revolvers?
- It fits most holsters designed for K-frame revolvers with 3-inch barrels, though I recommend checking with specific manufacturers. The 1.4-inch width matches Smith & Wesson Model 10 dimensions, and the 7.5-inch overall length requires holsters with adequate clearance beyond the ejector rod.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Shipping typically requires 7-10 business days to FFL dealers in Montana after order processing. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required, and your FFL must provide their license before shipment—allow 2-3 additional days for that verification.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Taurus provides a lifetime repair policy for original owners through their warranty service center. Returns must be handled through an FFL and typically require 3-4 weeks for evaluation and repair—I recommend contacting Taurus customer service at 1-800-327-3776 before initiating any return.
- Does this work with HKS speedloaders?
- It accepts HKS Model 36-A speedloaders designed for 6-shot .38 Special revolvers. I've tested them with both flat-nose and hollow-point ammunition—they function reliably but require practice to achieve sub-3-second reloads under stress compared to moon clips.