Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Revolver 2.00 inch Walnut Grips
About this product
The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite 2.00 inch revolver is a compact, aluminum-framed, six-shot wheelgun engineered for lightweight everyday carry. It represents a deliberate trade-off, using an anodized aluminum alloy frame to achieve a 22-ounce unloaded weight while retaining a carbon steel cylinder and barrel for durability in the .38 Special chambering. This configuration prioritizes consistent concealment over long-range precision or high-volume practice sessions.
What is the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Revolver 2.00 inch Walnut Grips used for?
This revolver is purpose-built for concealed defensive carry, where weight and bulk are the primary constraints. Its 6.55-inch overall length and 22-ounce weight make it a viable deep-concealment option in a quality holster, while the 2-inch barrel limits its practical effective range to about 7-12 yards with standard-pressure .38 Special ammunition. The six-shot capacity, double/single-action trigger, and transfer bar safety provide a familiar and mechanically simple manual of arms suitable for defensive scenarios where presentation and the first few shots are the primary concern.
How does the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite compare to a Smith & Wesson J-Frame?
The Taurus 856 directly competes with Smith & Wesson's 5-shot J-Frame models like the 642, but makes a different design compromise. While the iconic S&W 642 Airweight offers a 15-ounce weight advantage, it does so with a 5-round cylinder versus the Taurus's 6-round capacity, giving the 856 a 20% firepower edge in a nearly identical package size. The Taurus uses a transfer bar ignition system functionally identical to the S&W's, but its aluminum alloy frame is slightly thicker in the web, which some shooters with larger hands may find offers a more positive grip—though it’s marginally heavier.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, it weighs 22 ounces (approximately 624 grams), with overall dimensions of 6.55 inches in length and 4.8 inches in height, not including the grip panels. The cylinder width measures 1.41 inches, and the 2-inch carbon steel barrel has a 1:16 right-hand twist rate optimized for standard 158-grain .38 Special loads. Compared to a micro-compact polymer pistol like the SIG P365, the 856 is roughly the same height but is over a half-inch wider through the cylinder, a trade-off inherent to the revolver platform.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a suitable primary firearm for a new shooter seeking a high-round-count training platform, or for anyone requiring terminal ballistics beyond 25 yards. The snub-nose revolver platform, with its heavy double-action trigger pull averaging 12 pounds and short sight radius, demands significant practice to master, making high-volume, low-cost training problematic compared to a Stevens 334 rifle in .308 Win. It's also a poor choice for those who prioritize accessory mounting, as the frame lacks a Picatinny rail for lights or lasers, unlike most modern pistols.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships with the fitted walnut grip panels installed, one unloaded 6-round cylinder, a factory-supplied cable lock, and the standard Taurus owner's manual with warranty registration card. No holster, speed loader, or cleaning tools are included. The removable serrated front sight blade requires a small punch or specialized tool for adjustment or replacement, which is not provided. This basic kit is standard for the price point and category.
Is the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite worth it at $396.99?
At this price, the 856 Ultra-Lite presents a solid value proposition for its intended role as a dedicated, lightweight carry gun. It undercuts a comparable Smith & Wesson 642 by roughly $150-$200, offering a functionally equivalent safety system and an extra round of capacity. The savings justify the investment in a quality leather or Kydex holster and several boxes of defensive ammunition. For the shooter who values the mechanical simplicity of a revolver and prioritizes weight savings, it’s a competent tool, though those wanting a more versatile training platform for shotgun skills might consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in 20 gauge.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 22 oz unloaded — 4-6 oz lighter than all-steel snub-nose equivalents.
- Holds 6 rounds of .38 Special — offers a 20% capacity advantage over a 5-shot J-Frame.
- Uses a transfer bar safety system — prevents discharge unless the trigger is fully pulled rearward.
- Aluminum alloy frame and walnut grips — provides a durable, 6.55-inch overall package for deep carry.
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights with serrated front blade — limits precision adjustment and is inferior to a dovetail system for windage.
- Double-action trigger pull averages 12 lbs — requires consistent, dedicated practice to master compared to a striker-fired pistol.
- No accessory rail — cannot mount a weapon light without custom gunsmithing or specialized grip panels.
- Snub-nose 2-inch barrel — results in significant velocity loss and limits effective range with most .38 Special loads.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327942498 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-85621UL-TW |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| length | 10 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.5 |
| sights | FS: Serrated Ramp / RS: Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Crimson Trace Laser Grips for J-Frame revolvers?
- No, it is not directly compatible. While the frame size is similar, Taurus uses a different grip screw pattern and frame contour than the Smith & Wesson J-Frame. You must use grips specifically designed for the Taurus 856 model series. Check with Hogue or Taurus directly for confirmed aftermarket options.
- Does it fit Safariland J-Frame speed loaders?
- No, it does not. The Taurus 856 uses a 6-round cylinder, while most J-Frame speed loaders are designed for 5-round cylinders. You need speed loaders sized for 6-shot small-frame revolvers, such as the HKS 36-A model, to ensure proper alignment and function.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification. Transit time depends on your location and carrier, but standard ground shipping to a continental US FFL usually adds 5-7 additional business days. You must contact your chosen FFL for their transfer fee and procedure before ordering.
- Does this work with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is rated for +P ammunition. However, the manufacturer advises that extensive use of +P loads may accelerate wear on the aluminum alloy frame. For practice, we recommend standard-pressure 158-grain .38 Special rounds and reserve +P 125-grain JHP loads for defensive carry.
- Can I return it if it has a mechanical issue?
- All firearms are final sale and cannot be returned for a refund. The revolver is covered by Taurus's lifetime repair policy. If you receive it and discover a mechanical defect, you must contact Taurus customer service directly to initiate a warranty repair or replacement claim, which typically takes 6-8 weeks for turnaround.