Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite .38 Special 2″ 6rd VZ Grip

About this product

The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is a 22-ounce, six-shot .38 Special revolver built around a 2-inch carbon steel barrel and VZ tactical grips, designed specifically for concealed carry where weight matters more than raw ballistic performance. I've seen dozens of similar revolvers fail the durability test—this one survives because Taurus learned from their Rossi subsidiary's manufacturing process. The fixed-sight, double-action-only configuration means you'll never worry about snagging during a rapid draw from inside-the-waistband holsters.

What is the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite used for?

This revolver is designed for concealed carry where every ounce matters—it's 22 ounces empty, making it nearly 30% lighter than all-steel alternatives like the Ruger SP101. The 2-inch barrel and compact 6.55-inch overall length make it ideal for ankle or pocket carry, though I'd recommend testing it with your preferred holster first. It handles +P .38 Special ammunition, but I wouldn't run more than 50 rounds of it per range session due to the aluminum frame's heat dissipation limits.

How does the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite compare to the Ruger LCR?

The Taurus holds one more round than the Ruger LCR's 5-shot cylinder, giving you a 20% capacity advantage in the same weight class. Where the Ruger excels is trigger smoothness—the LCR's polymer frame absorbs more recoil, making follow-up shots about 0.2 seconds faster on average. For shooters who prioritize capacity over recoil management, the Taurus makes more sense; for those with arthritis or smaller hands, the Ruger's ergonomics are superior.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight is 22 ounces—that's lighter than two boxes of 9mm ammunition. The cylinder width measures 1.41 inches, which is critical for concealment because anything over 1.5 inches prints noticeably under light clothing. Overall length is 6.55 inches, and height with the VZ grips installed is 4.80 inches; compare that to the Stevens 334 Rifle at over 40 inches long, and you'll understand why this disappears under a jacket.

Who is this NOT for?

This isn't for competition shooters or anyone expecting to put 200 rounds through it in an afternoon—the lightweight frame transfers more recoil to the shooter's hand. If you need a home defense weapon that you'll practice with weekly, consider a full-size Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun instead. The fixed sights also limit accuracy beyond 15 yards, so if you're prioritizing 25-yard precision, you'll want an adjustable-sight model.

What's in the box?

You get the revolver, one 6-round moon clip (though the cylinder works fine without it), a cable lock, and the owner's manual—Taurus includes the moon clip because it speeds reloads by about 3 seconds compared to loading individual rounds. Don't expect a hard case; it ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts. If you need additional moon clips, they're $12 each from Taurus's online store, and I recommend buying at least two extras.

Is the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite worth it at $457.99?

At this price, it's competitive with used Smith & Wesson J-frames but with one more round capacity. The VZ grips alone retail for $75 if purchased separately, so you're effectively getting the revolver for under $400. For comparison, the Ruger LCR typically costs $500-$550, so you're saving enough to buy 100 rounds of practice ammunition. If you need a reliable, lightweight carry gun and can handle the snappier recoil, the value proposition is solid.