Taurus 856 Ultra Lite Revolver, Stainless 2″ 6-Round
About this product
What is the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite Revolver, Stainless 2" 6-Round? It's a small-frame, six-shot revolver built specifically for concealed carry, pairing a lightweight alloy frame with a stainless barrel and cylinder to achieve a balance of durability and manageable on-body weight. This configuration directly answers the market demand for a compact defensive handgun that prioritizes reliability over high capacity, operating within the mechanical simplicity and straightforward manual of arms that defines the revolver platform.
What is the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite Revolver used for?
This revolver is designed for concealed everyday carry (EDC) in a belt or pocket holster. Its primary function is as a close-range defensive tool, with the 2-inch barrel and 6-round cylinder (chambered for .38 Special) providing a practical compromise between concealability and adequate ballistic performance. The transfer bar safety and double-action trigger pull of approximately 12 pounds make it suitable for holstered carry without external safeties, while the fixed sights are configured for instinctive point shooting inside 7 yards.
How does the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite compare to a Smith & Wesson Airlite?
The Taurus 856 provides a significant cost advantage and one additional round of capacity compared to most 5-shot J-frames like the Smith & Wesson 642 Airlite. Where the S&W excels is in its smoother, more consistent double-action trigger pull and superior, pinned-front-sight construction; the Taurus offers a heavier, grittier 12-pound pull and a removable front sight that sits in a simpler dovetail. For a budget-conscious shooter prioritizing a sixth round, the Taurus wins; for a shooter valuing out-of-the-box trigger refinement and sight robustness, the Smith & Wesson is the better investment.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver's empty weight is 22.2 ounces, with overall dimensions of 6.5 inches in length and 4.8 inches in height. This specific weight is a direct result of the aluminum alloy frame—the cylinder and 2-inch barrel are stainless steel, which adds necessary heft for recoil management. The cylinder is 1.4 inches wide, which is a critical measurement for pocket carry profiles; it will fit most standard front-pocket holsters but will print noticeably in fitted trousers.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the firearm for a target shooter or someone seeking a soft-shooting range toy. The 22.2-ounce frame transmits significant felt recoil with standard-pressure .38 Special loads, making extended practice sessions uncomfortable. Furthermore, rifle shooters accustomed to the precision of a bolt-action platform, or those needing a firearm for hunting or long-distance engagement, should look to dedicated long guns, not this compact defensive revolver.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships with one set of soft black rubber grips, a Taurus-branded cable lock, and the standard owner's manual and warranty card. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a case designed for transport to the range—you'll need to source your own. Critical for compliance: verify your state and local laws regarding lock requirements, as the included cable lock may not satisfy all jurisdictional mandates for safe storage.
Is the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite worth it at $352.99?
At this price point, it represents competent mechanical value for a functional carry revolver. You are paying for a simple, robust firing system and the Taurus warranty network, not for refined finishing or premium materials. Compared to investing in a specialty shotgun for sport, the value proposition here is purely utilitarian defense. For a shooter who needs a reliable, no-frills, six-shot carry gun and accepts the trade-offs in trigger quality and recoil impulse, the $352.99 asking price is justifiable.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 22.2 oz — over 5 oz lighter than an all-steel equivalent.
- 6-round cylinder provides one additional shot over standard 5-shot J-frames.
- Transfer bar safety allows safe carry with all six chambers loaded.
- 2-inch stainless barrel resists corrosion from sweat during carry.
- Price point under $360 is approximately $200 less than a comparable new Smith & Wesson Airlite.
Trade-offs
- Factory double-action trigger pull is heavy and gritty, averaging 12 pounds—requires a 500-round break-in or professional smoothing.
- 22.2-ounce frame transmits sharp recoil with standard .38 Special, discouraging extended practice.
- Fixed rear sight is a simple groove milled into the frame, offering minimal windage adjustment.
- Matte stainless finish shows holster wear quickly, developing a polished appearance on high-contact edges.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327620860 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-85629UL |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6.55 |
| model | 856 |
| package height | 6.2 |
| package width | 2.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 1.55 |
| sights | Ramp Front/Fixed Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite is rated for +P ammunition. However, given the 22.2-ounce weight, firing more than 20-30 rounds of +P in a single session will be punishing on the shooter's hand and accelerate wear on the gun. For practice, stick to standard-pressure 130-grain FMJ.
- Does it fit most universal IWB holsters for small-frame revolvers?
- Generally, yes—its 6.5-inch length and 1.4-inch cylinder width align with common J-frame dimensions. However, due to slight frame contour differences, a holster molded specifically for the Taurus 856 or 856 Ultra Lite from brands like DeSantis or Vedder will provide a more precise, secure fit.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipment from Ironclad Armory typically takes 2-3 business days. Delivery time depends on the carrier and your FFL's location; expect 3-7 additional business days for ground shipping. You must contact your chosen FFL for their transfer fee and procedures before completing the purchase.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical defect?
- All firearms sales are final except in cases of verifiable manufacturer defect. If you experience a mechanical failure, you must initiate a warranty claim directly with Taurus USA, which typically involves shipping the firearm to their service center for inspection and repair—a process that can take 4-8 weeks.
- Does this work with Crimson Trace Laser Grips for Taurus?
- It is compatible with Crimson Trace LG-205 series grips designed for Taurus small-frame revolvers. Installation is straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver, and the laser activates via a pressure pad integrated into the grip panels. Battery life for the provided CR2 is approximately 4 hours of continuous use.