Taurus 856 Ultra Lite .38 Special 2" Copper/Black 6-Round Revolver
- Capacity-Rounds:
- 6
- Caliber-Gauge:
- 38 Special
- Barrel Length:
- 2"
- Barrel Length Range:
- 2" to 2.99"
The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite .38 Special revolver is a compact, lightweight carry gun built for shooters who prioritize concealability without sacrificing capacity. At just 16 ounces unloaded and measuring 6.55 inches overall, this snub-nose revolver fits easily into an ankle holster, jacket pocket, or waistband—making it a practical choice for backup carry, off-duty use, or anyone looking for a no-nonsense defensive revolver that doesn't fatigue after a day in the field or on the street. The 2-inch barrel balances point-and-shoot speed with enough sight radius for reliable shooting at defensive distances.
Built on a small aluminum frame paired with a carbon steel cylinder and barrel, the 856 Ultra Lite delivers the durability you expect from Taurus while keeping weight minimal. The gun handles .38 Special and +P ammunition, giving you flexibility in ammunition selection. The fixed rear sight and serrated ramp front sight are no-frills defensive sights—nothing to snag on a holster or catch the light. Double/single-action operation means you can use the trigger itself for the first shot or cock the hammer for a shorter, crisper pull on subsequent rounds, a proven interface that works for shooters of all skill levels.
A transfer bar safety sits between the hammer and firing pin, preventing accidental discharge if the gun is dropped. The six-round cylinder maximizes firepower in a frame this size, and the matte black cylinder and barrel finish resists corrosion and won't gleam in low light. If you need a small-frame revolver for deep concealment, backup duty, or as an introduction to wheelguns, the 856 Ultra Lite delivers proven reliability in a package that won't slow you down.
Key Features
- Lightweight aluminum frame—just 16 oz. unloaded
- Six-round capacity in .38 Special +P
- 2-inch carbon steel barrel for compact carry
- Double/single-action trigger
- Fixed rear sight and serrated ramp front sight
- Transfer bar safety
- Matte black cylinder and barrel finish
- Small frame design for deep concealment
Specifications
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2.00 in. |
| Overall Length | 6.55 in. |
| Overall Height | 4.80 in. |
| Overall Width | 1.41 in. |
| Unloaded Weight | 16.00 oz. |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Cylinder Material | Carbon steel |
| Barrel Material | Carbon steel |
| Finish | Matte black cylinder and barrel; copper/black frame |
| Action Type | Double/single-action |
| Rear Sight | Fixed |
| Front Sight | Serrated ramp |
| Rifling | 6 grooves, 1:16.5-in RH twist |
| Safety | Transfer bar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition?
The 856 Ultra Lite is rated for both. Standard .38 Special is the traditional cartridge; +P ammunition is loaded to higher pressure for increased velocity and energy. Always verify that any ammunition you use is labeled as safe for your firearm.
Is the 856 Ultra Lite suitable for concealed carry?
Yes. At 16 ounces and 6.55 inches long with a 1.41-inch width, this revolver is designed for compact carry—ankle holster, pocket carry, or appendix carry are all practical options depending on your setup.
Can I use this revolver for defensive training or range practice?
Yes. The fixed sights and double/single-action trigger make it suitable for defensive scenarios and training. Its compact size means it's an excellent platform to build fundamentals, though the short sight radius requires proper technique.
What caliber ammunition does the 856 Ultra Lite shoot?
.38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition.
Firearm Shipments:
To buy rifles or shotguns, you must be 18 years old, and for handguns, actions, or receivers, the minimum age is 21. By placing an order for this firearm, you confirm that you are the legitimate transferee/buyer, meet the legal age requirements, and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations necessary to purchase this firearm.
We only ship firearms to valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. At checkout we provide a FFL locator for your convenience.
We will need a copy of the FFL’s license to facilitate the process, kindly request your dealer to email us a copy of their FFL, as we cannot dispatch the firearm until we receive this document. It is imperative for the buyer to choose their FFL dealer, ensure they are willing to facilitate the transfer, and have them email their FFL copy to BOSQUE Outdoors. To avoid any confusion, the customer's name or order number must be mentioned in the email containing the FFL.
Email: [email protected]
- Prior to placing an order, it is the buyer's responsibility to understand and adhere to their state's firearm regulations.
- The buyer should verify with their receiving dealer that the chosen firearm is legally permissible in their state.
- The buyer is accountable for any transfer fees or background check charges imposed by the receiving dealer. If the designated dealer declines to accept the firearm delivery, the buyer assumes responsibility for shipping costs to retrieve the firearm and resend it to an accommodating dealer.
- Handguns will be shipped using air transportation, while long guns can be shipped using ground methods. If your order includes a mix of firearm and non-firearm items, BOSQUE Outdoors will send the firearm(s) to your selected FFL dealer and the remaining non-firearm items to your billing address.
- Firearms cannot be returned to BOSQUE Outdoors; please contact the manufacturer for warranty claims.
- Firearms refused by the FFL Dealer or which cannot be transferred due to a failed background check are subject to a $75 restocking fee plus 10% of the purchase price.

