Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite
Taurus · Revolver · In Production · 2019
Also known as: Taurus 856UL, Model 856 Ultra-Lite, 856UL
Overview
The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is a six-shot, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .38 Special +P, introduced in 2019 as the lightweight variant of the steel-framed Taurus 856. Built on a hard-anodized 7000-series aluminum-alloy frame paired with a matte-black carbon-steel barrel and cylinder, the Ultra-Lite weighs just 15.7 ounces (445g) unloaded - roughly 5.5 ounces lighter than the standard 856 - making it one of the lightest six-shot .38 Special snubnose revolvers on the market. The 2.0-inch barrel keeps the overall length to 6.55 inches for easy concealment, while the six-round cylinder gives the shooter an extra round over the traditional five-shot small-frame revolvers it competes with. The exposed-hammer design allows both double-action and single-action fire, and the revolver is rated for +P defensive ammunition. Sighting is handled by a serrated ramp front sight and a fixed square-notch rear channel milled into the topstrap, with textured progressive-grip rubber stocks helping to tame the brisk recoil that comes with firing +P loads from such a light frame. Taurus's transfer-bar mechanism and the Taurus Security System key lock provide the safety features. Offered in a range of finishes including matte black, stainless, and various anodized colors, the 856 Ultra-Lite is aimed squarely at the everyday concealed-carry market as an affordable, high-capacity-for-its-class defensive wheelgun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 445 g (15.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 166 mm (6.54") |
| Barrel Length | 51 mm (2.01") |
| Height | 122 mm (4.80") |
| Width | 36 mm (1.42") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 51 N (11.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 274 m/s (899 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 316 J (233 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Carbon Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .38 Special +P · primary — also known as .38 Spl +P, .38 S&W Special +P, 9x29.5mmR +P
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Taurus Security System, Exposed Hammer
- Features: Hard Anodized Aluminum Frame, Carbon Steel Cylinder, 6 Shot Cylinder, Swing Out Cylinder, Serrated Ramp Front Sight, Fixed Square Notch Rear Sight, Textured Rubber Grips, Plus P Rated, Compact Frame, Exposed Hammer
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carriers
Production
Production years: 2019-present
Lightweight alloy-frame variant of the Taurus 856 introduced in 2019; offered in multiple finishes and hammer configurations
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Notes
The Ultra-Lite differs from the base steel-frame Taurus 856 principally in its aluminum-alloy frame, which drops the unloaded weight from about 22 ounces to 15.7 ounces while retaining the six-round .38 Special cylinder and 2-inch barrel. American Rifleman's tested example (model 2-856021ULC13) recorded a double-action trigger pull of 11 pounds 7 ounces (approximately 51 N) and a single-action pull of 5 pounds 11 ounces (approximately 25 N). Because the frame is aluminum rather than steel, the Ultra-Lite is rated for +P .38 Special ammunition but not for extended high-volume +P practice sessions, and felt recoil is noticeably sharper than the steel-framed model. Muzzle velocity and energy figures reflect typical 125-130 grain .38 Special +P defensive loads fired from the 2-inch barrel. The 856 family is also offered as the Defender 856 (3-inch barrel, night sight) and in Executive Grade trim.
Background
By shaving nearly six ounces off the steel Taurus 856 with an aluminum-alloy frame, the Ultra-Lite squeezed a sixth round into a snubnose light enough to vanish in a pocket - trading a bit of extra recoil for the reassurance of one more shot than the classic five-shooters it was built to unseat.