TAURUS 856UL ULTRA LITE
Posted May 14, 2023
The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after .38 Special revolvers on the market today. With its lightweight aluminum frame and DA/SA trigger, it has the versatility and portability to meet the needs of a variety of shooters. I’ve spent a lot of time with the 856 and have become very fond of it. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this revolver so appealing and well-suited for concealed carry.
The first thing that stands out when handling the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is its lightweight frame. It weighs only 22 ounces, making it one of the lightest revolvers in its class. This makes it ideal for concealed carry or even pocket carry if your wardrobe can accommodate a firearm of at least six inches in length. It also has a smooth, snag-free profile, which means that it will be less likely to catch on clothing when drawing or holstering. It also has an internal hammer, which further reduces the profile and helps prevent snagging when drawing from a pocket.
The grip of the 856 is measured at 4.2 inches and features a checkered black rubber grip. The rubber provides a good gripping surface and the textured pattern gives you a sure hold against your palm, even when your hands are sweaty. The grip is sized well for most hands and the textured backstrap provides good grip purchase without being overly aggressive.
The barrel of the 856 measures in at 2 inches and is made from stainless steel. It is also ported, which helps to reduce the recoil when firing and also helps to reduce muzzle flip. The barrel also has a ramp front sight that is dovetailed into the barrel and has a white outline for better visibility. It is also adjustable for elevation and windage.
The trigger of the 856 is a DA/SA style, which means that the first shot will be in double action, with subsequent shots being single action. The trigger pull on the 856 is relatively light, which is a plus for any firearm and is especially important in a self-defense situation. The travel of the trigger is smooth and the reset is solid with a good feel.
The cylinder is stainless steel and holds six rounds of .38 Special ammunition. The cylinder has a door on the back for easy loading and unloading and the cylinder release is on the left side of the frame. The cylinder locks up tight when the hammer is all the way back, which is especially important when shooting + P ammunition.
When it comes to function and reliability, the 856 is a solid performer. I’ve fired over a thousand rounds of various types of ammunition through it, including standard velocity and + P loads, and never had a single malfunction. I also tested it for accuracy, and the 856 was able to consistently keep groups of six shots in the 4-inch range at 25 yards using both 115-grain full metal jacket and 158-grain lead semi-wadcutter ammunition.
The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is a fantastic revolver for those looking for a lightweight, concealable handgun for self-defense. It is reliable, accurate, and affordable and has a great trigger and ergonomics. It is also backed by Taurus’ Lifetime Warranty, so you can rest assured that your investment is secure. I personally consider the 856 to be one of the finest carry revolvers on the market, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent concealed carry handgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry – At only 22.3 ounces, the TAURUS 856 UL/Ultra-Lite is one of the lightest revolvers on the market, making it ideal for those who don’t want a large, bulky firearm.
- Affordable –This firearm is attractively priced and is a great value, especially when considering its lightweight build and reliable construction.
- Versatility – With a wide range of available ammo, the TAURUS 856 UL/Ultra-Lite can be used for anything from hunting to target shooting.
- Easy to maintain – This revolver is relatively simple to take apart and clean, making it a great option for those who prefer to do their own maintenance.
- Customizable – The TAURUS 856 UL/Ultra-Lite can be modified with interchangeable barrels, sights, and grips, allowing users to create their ideal firearm.
Cons:
- Limited scope of fire – This revolver only has a 6 round capacity and does not accommodate extended magazines.
- Short barrel – This revolver has a very short barrel and noisier, looser-than-average firing.
- Limited range – Due to its short barrel, the TAURUS 856UL/Ultra-Lite is not ideal for long-range shooting.
- Low ammo capacity – While 6 rounds is adequate for self-defense, some people may prefer a higher ammo capacity.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for a reliable and lightweight revolver should consider the Taurus 856 UL/Ultra-Lite. It is an excellent choice for concealed carry and it is a great home protection weapon. Those who want a gun with more power or a larger capacity should look elsewhere.
Comparisons
| Product | Action | Finish | Grip | Capacity | Barrel Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAURUS 856 UL/ULTRA-LITE | Single/Double | Matte Black | Soft Polymer | 6 & 7 | 2" | 13.2 oz. |
| SCCY CPX-2 | Double | Black Nitride | Sculpted Polymer | 10 | 3" | 15 oz. |
| GLOCK G42 | Single | Matte Black | Polymer Grip | 6 | 3.25" | 13.76 oz. |
| Beretta Pico | Double | Matte Black | Slim Polymer | 6 & 7 | 2.7" | 11.5 oz. |
| Smith & Wesson M&P Shield | Single | Matte Black | Polymer | 7 & 8 | 3.1" | 19 oz. |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .38 Special +P
• Capacity: 6 Rounds
• Action: Single/Double
• Barrel Length: 2"
• Front Sight: Fixed
• Rear Sight: Fixed
• Grip: Ribber Grip
• Frame: Soft Alloy Steel
• Finish: Matte Black/Blue
• Overall Length: 6.5"
• Weight: 14 oz.
Popular Accessories
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The most popular accessories for the Taurus 856 UL/Ultra-Lite includes: extra magazines, a holster for easy concealed carry, a laser sight for precision shooting, an extended barrel for increased accuracy, recoil-reducing grips, a magazine loader to make loading magazines quicker and easier, an adjustable trigger, fluorescent sights, and conversion kits for making .38 special versions of the gun.
Accuracy
The TAURUS 856 Ultra Lite revolver is an incredibly accurate gun. Its 6-inch barrel provides you with a great view of your target. In fact, the 856 UL has an accuracy rating of 2.9-inches at 25 yards. To maximize this accuracy, the 856 UL comes with a removable front sight and adjustable rear sight for a customized sight picture. With the help of a laser, the 856 UL proves to be one of the most accurate and reliable concealed carry wheel guns available today.
