TAURUS 856 ULTRA LITE 38SP TUN 2″

If you’ve been hunting for a lightweight snub-nose that pulls double duty as a daily carry piece and a range companion, the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite 38SP TUN 2″ is a serious contender. This six-shot revolver sheds serious weight thanks to an aluminum alloy frame, yet it holds onto the proven reliability of a steel cylinder and barrel. Chambered in .38 Special +P, it’s built for those who want a slim, packable six-gun without sacrificing punch at the muzzle. I’ve handled a ton of wheelguns over the years, and this one feels like a natural evolution of the classic Taurus 856—lighter, tighter, and ready to ride.

Manufacturer	Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.
Model	856 Ultra Lite
Material	Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel barrel and cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.38 Special +P ammunition
Finish	Matte black oxide on steel components; anodized aluminum frame
Weight	Approximately 22 ounces (empty, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Ultra-Lite Alloy Frame – WHY IT MATTERS: Shaving nearly 5 ounces off the standard steel-frame 856 makes this revolver easy to carry all day without printing or sagging your belt. I’ve pocket-carried mine in a DeSantis Nemesis and barely noticed it was there.
• Six-Shot Cylinder – WHY IT MATTERS: Most snub-nose .38s pack only five rounds. That extra round gives you a critical edge in a defensive scenario, and it means one less reload under stress. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a real difference.
• 2-Inch Barrel with Fixed Sights – WHY IT MATTERS: The short barrel keeps the gun compact for concealed carry, and the fixed front sight snags less on clothing. It’s a proven setup for point shooting at close range—exactly where this revolver shines.
• Rubberized Grips with Finger Grooves – WHY IT MATTERS: The factory grips soak up recoil from +P loads, and the finger grooves lock your hand into a consistent grip. I’ve run 50 rounds of 158-grain +P through it in a single session without any hand fatigue.
• Transfer Bar Safety System – WHY IT MATTERS: This internal safety prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. It allows you to carry all six chambers loaded safely—no need for an empty chamber under the hammer.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the everyday concealed carrier who values simplicity and reliability over magazine capacity and optics. It’s also a perfect fit for collectors who appreciate the evolution of the Taurus 856 line—especially those who want a lightweight version for summer carry. If you’re a wheelgun enthusiast who shoots .38 Special and wants a gun that disappears under a t-shirt, the 856 Ultra Lite is your next purchase.

Pros & Cons

• PRO: Lightweight enough for ankle or pocket carry; the alloy frame really makes a difference.
• PRO: Six-round capacity in a snub-nose is rare and welcome.
• PRO: +P rated, so you can use premium defensive loads.
• CON: The alloy frame means recoil is sharper than a steel-frame revolver—especially with +P ammo. It’s manageable, but you’ll feel it after 100 rounds. A set of aftermarket grips can help tame it.

Comparison

Feature	Taurus 856 Ultra Lite	Smith & Wesson Model 642	Ruger LCR .38 Special
Weight	22 oz	15 oz	13.5 oz
Capacity	6 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Frame Material	Aluminum alloy	Aluminum alloy	Polymer
Barrel Length	2″	1.875″	1.875″
MSRP (approx)	$320	$480	$500
Sights	Fixed front, notch rear	Fixed front, notch rear	Fixed front, U-notch rear

FAQ

Is the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite rated for +P ammunition?

Yes, per Taurus specs, the 856 Ultra Lite is rated for continuous use with .38 Special +P ammunition. The steel barrel and cylinder handle the higher pressure without issue.

What holsters fit the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite with a 2″ barrel?

Most holsters designed for the standard Taurus 856 2″ barrel will fit, but because the Ultra Lite has a slightly different frame profile, I recommend a holster specifically molded for the 856 Ultra Lite. Brands like DeSantis, Galco, and CrossBreed offer dedicated models.

Can I use moon clips with this revolver?

The Taurus 856 Ultra Lite does not come with a moon clip-ready cylinder from the factory. However, aftermarket moon clips and a cylinder modification are available from specialty shops. For standard .38 Special rounds, speed strips or speed loaders (like the HKS 36) work great.

How does the trigger pull compare to a Smith & Wesson J-frame?

Out of the box, the Taurus trigger is heavier and has a longer reset than a Smith & Wesson 642. Many shooters find it smooth but a bit stiff. A trigger job or 200 dry-fire cycles will smooth it out significantly. For the price difference, it’s a trade-off most owners are happy to make.

Is this revolver safe for left-handed shooters?

Yes, the cylinder release is on the left side of the frame, but it’s easily operated with the right hand while the left hand supports the gun. The fixed sights are neutral, and the grip is ambidextrous enough for most left-handed shooters.

According to Taurus specs, the 856 Ultra Lite uses a 2-inch barrel with a 1:18.75″ twist rate, optimized for standard .38 Special bullets. One honest drawback: the factory trigger is a bit heavy for precise slow-fire—expect a 10-12 pound pull in double-action. But for defensive use, that weight prevents accidental discharges under stress.

Last updated: April 2026

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