Taurus 856 Ultra Lite .38 Special, 2-inch

About this product

The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite .38 Special, 2-inch is a six-shot, double/single-action revolver built on an aluminum alloy frame specifically for concealed carry. At 15.7 ounces and 6.55 inches in overall length, it prioritizes weight reduction and compactness to meet compliance needs in restrictive jurisdictions. This revolver represents a traditionalist's answer to modern micro-compact autoloaders, trading magazine capacity for mechanical simplicity under stress.

What is the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite used for?

This revolver is designed for daily concealed carry and close-quarters defensive use where its 2-inch barrel is most effective. The short sight radius and fixed serrated ramp front sight limit precision beyond 15 yards, but the double-action trigger pull provides a consistent, deliberate firing mechanism that reduces negligent discharge risk in high-stress situations. Its primary utility is as a deep-concealment or backup weapon, particularly for shooters operating under state or local capacity or feature restrictions that prohibit higher-capacity semiautomatic pistols.

How does the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite compare to the S&W J-Frame Model 642?

The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite directly competes with the Smith & Wesson J-Frame, offering a one-round capacity advantage over the 642's five-round cylinder at a significantly lower price point. Where the Taurus wins on paper capacity and MSRP, the S&W 642 typically demonstrates superior out-of-the-box trigger smoothness and has a longer-proven track record for durability under sustained +P ammunition use. For the budget-conscious buyer who values that extra round, the Taurus is the better value proposition; for those prioritizing a generational reputation for reliability with hot defensive loads, the S&W remains the benchmark.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This revolver weighs 15.7 ounces unloaded and measures 6.55 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.41 inches, critical for holster compatibility, and the height from grip base to top of rear sight is 4.8 inches. Compared to a Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win, which can weigh over 7 pounds, the Taurus's sub-one-pound carry weight is its defining operational characteristic, though that lightweight alloy frame directly increases perceived recoil with standard-pressure .38 Special ammunition.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not the firearm for a new shooter seeking a soft-recoiling range or training pistol, nor for anyone requiring extended engagement capability beyond 25 yards. The lightweight frame and small grips magnify felt recoil, making prolonged practice sessions unpleasant, and the fixed, non-adjustable sights are inadequate for precision work. If your primary use case involves high-volume training, competition, or duty applications requiring rapid reloads, a modern striker-fired pistol like those in our stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black category offers a more suitable platform.

What's in the box?

The factory packaging includes the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a single six-round plastic speed strip, a basic cable lock, and the owner's manual with warranty card. It does not include a holster, additional speed loaders, or a cleaning kit. You will need to budget for a quality kydex or leather holster, a minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition for functional testing, and a .38/.357 caliber cleaning rod and bore brush before the firearm is range-ready.

Is the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite worth it at $320.99?

At this price point, the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite delivers good value for a dedicated carry revolver, undercutting comparable Smith & Wesson and Ruger models by approximately $150-$200. You are paying for a functional, no-frills tool that achieves its design goals of light weight and reliable operation with standard-pressure ammunition. The trade-off is accepting a rougher initial trigger pull, a finish more prone to wear, and the need for a thorough cleaning and lubrication before first use—common for firearms in this tier.