Taurus 942 Ultra-Lite 22 LR 3″ 8-Round Revolver

The Taurus 942 Ultra-Lite 22 LR 3″ 8-Round Revolver is a lightweight, 8-shot small-frame revolver built for low-recoil shooting. Chambered in .22 LR with a 3-inch barrel, this DA/SA revolver brings a traditional manual of arms to a compact package suited for concealed carry, training, and plinking. It’s the kind of wheelgun that disappears on the hip and keeps the range session affordable.

Specification	Detail
Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	942 Ultra-Lite
Material	Aluminum alloy frame, steel cylinder/barrel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.22 LR ammunition; fits standard Taurus small-frame holsters
Finish	Matte stainless or black (varies by SKU)
Weight	Approx. 18 oz (unloaded)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Ultra-Lite Frame Construction — Why it matters: The aluminum alloy frame keeps the revolver at roughly 18 ounces, making it easy to carry all day without dragging down your belt or printing through a cover garment.
• 8-Round Capacity — Why it matters: You get two more rounds than a typical J-frame .22, which means more trigger time between reloads and better odds in a defensive scenario.
• Double/Single Action Trigger — Why it matters: The DA/SA action lets you shoot slow, precise single-action groups at the range or stage a fast double-action first shot from the holster — your choice, every time.
• Fixed Front Sight — Why it matters: No snag, no adjustment needed. This sight is built for speed and reliability, exactly what you want on a carry revolver that might get banged around in a pocket or purse.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector who appreciates a classic wheelgun platform but wants modern lightweight materials. It’s for the gun show regular who picks up a .22 trainer to run cheap ammo through before stepping up to centerfire. It’s also for the concealed carrier who wants a low-recoil backup piece that weighs less than a full water bottle.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extremely light — 18 oz makes it one of the lightest .22 revolvers on the market.
• Low felt recoil — .22 LR in a 3-inch barrel is a breeze, even for new shooters.
• 8-shot cylinder — more capacity than most .22 snubbies.
• DA/SA versatility — one gun for both training and carry.

Cons:

• The factory trigger has some stacking in double-action mode — a $20 spring kit from a gunsmith can smooth it out, but it’s not match-ready out of the box.

Comparison: Taurus 942 Ultra-Lite vs. Smith & Wesson 43C vs. Ruger LCR .22

Feature	Taurus 942 Ultra-Lite	Smith & Wesson 43C	Ruger LCR .22
Capacity	8 rounds	8 rounds	8 rounds
Weight (unloaded)	18 oz	13.5 oz	15 oz
Barrel Length	3″	1.875″	1.875″
MSRP	$387.44	$599	$699
Action	DA/SA	DA only	DA only

The Taurus 942 Ultra-Lite gives you a 3-inch barrel and DA/SA trigger at a price point that undercuts both the S&W and Ruger by over $200. If you want a longer sight radius and the ability to shoot single-action, this is the budget-friendly winner.

FAQ

Is the Taurus 942 Ultra-Lite safe for concealed carry?

Yes. The revolver has a transfer bar safety and a hammer block — standard Taurus safety features. The 3-inch barrel and 18-ounce weight make it easy to conceal in an IWB holster or pocket holster. Always use a quality holster that covers the trigger guard.

What kind of accuracy can I expect from the 3-inch barrel?

With quality .22 LR ammo (like CCI Mini-Mag or Federal AutoMatch), expect 2-3 inch groups at 15 yards from a rest. The fixed sights are regulated for 25 feet, which is typical for a defensive revolver. For precision work, the single-action trigger helps tighten groups.

Does this revolver have a lifetime warranty?

Taurus offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. It covers defects in materials and workmanship. Keep your receipt and register the firearm on Taurus’s website within 30 days of purchase.

Why Buy from Us

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Last updated: April 2026

According to a 2025 shooting industry report, .22 LR revolvers account for 12% of all revolver sales in the U.S., driven by training and plinking demand.

See more in our Revolvers collection, or shop Taurus handguns and .22 LR firearms.