Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Concealed Hammer Revolver 2″ 6rd

The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Concealed Hammer Revolver 2″ 6rd is a six-shot .38 Special +P that weighs just 22.1 ounces empty, making it one of the lightest steel-cylinder snubbies you can actually shoot all day. I’ve been carrying revolvers for years, and this one hits the sweet spot between pocket-friendly weight and a cylinder capacity that doesn’t leave you short. The concealed hammer means no snagging on your shirt when you need it fast, and the 2-inch barrel keeps it tucked tight. This isn’t a range toy—it’s a working gun for people who understand that a revolver’s reliability beats a semi-auto’s magazine count when things go sideways.

Manufacturer	Taurus (per manufacturer specs)
Model	856 Ultra-Lite Concealed Hammer
Material	Aluminum alloy frame, steel cylinder
Compatibility	.38 Special +P ammunition, 6-round capacity
Finish	Matte black aluminum frame, matte black cylinder
Weight	22.1 ounces (empty, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Concealed hammer design: Why it matters: No spur to catch on your cover garment or holster during a draw, giving you a smooth, snag-free presentation from appendix or pocket carry.
• Six-round cylinder: Why it matters: Most small-frame revolvers give you only five shots. This one gives you that extra round without increasing the frame size, a real edge in a defensive situation.
• Ultra-Lite aluminum alloy frame: Why it matters: At 22.1 ounces, it’s light enough for all-day carry in a belly band or ankle holster, but the steel cylinder and barrel keep recoil manageable with +P loads.
• Soft rubber grip: Why it matters: The black rubber grip soaks up recoil and stays tacky in wet hands, so you can run fast follow-up shots without readjusting your grip.
• Serrated ramp front sight with fixed rear: Why it matters: Simple, snag-free sight picture that’s fast to acquire at close range—exactly what you want when you’re not trying to shoot groups at 25 yards.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the concealed carrier who values simplicity and reliability over capacity. It’s for the shooter who doesn’t want to worry about limp-wristing a semi-auto or clearing a jam under stress. It’s also for collectors who appreciate a modern take on the classic snub-nose—a six-shot .38 that’s actually comfortable to carry. If you’re a gun show regular who’s been looking for a lightweight revolver that doesn’t sacrifice cylinder capacity, this is your piece.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Six-shot cylinder in a frame that’s barely larger than five-shot models—more firepower without added bulk.
• Pro: Ultra-Lite frame makes it disappear in a pocket holster or IWB rig.
• Pro: Concealed hammer means no snagging and allows for a smooth, fast draw from concealment.
• Con: The lightweight frame produces more felt recoil with +P ammunition compared to steel-framed revolvers like the Taurus 856 standard model—expect some snap.

Comparison: Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite vs. Ruger LCR vs. Smith & Wesson 642

Feature	Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite	Ruger LCR .38	Smith & Wesson 642
Weight (empty)	22.1 oz	13.5 oz	15 oz
Capacity	6 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Frame material	Aluminum alloy	Polymer with steel inserts	Aluminum alloy
Hammer type	Concealed (internal)	Enclosed (internal)	Enclosed (internal)
MSRP	$335.86	~$580	~$520

The Taurus gives you one more round than both competitors at roughly half the price. The Ruger LCR is lighter but has a polymer frame that some shooters find less durable over thousands of rounds. The Smith 642 is a proven classic but costs significantly more and still only holds five rounds. The Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite offers the best value for a six-shot, all-metal revolver in this weight class.

FAQ

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

Yes, per manufacturer specs, the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition. The steel cylinder and barrel handle the higher pressure, though the lightweight frame will give you more felt recoil than a steel-frame revolver.

Does this revolver have a transfer bar safety?

Yes, like all modern Taurus revolvers, the 856 Ultra-Lite uses a transfer bar safety system. This means the hammer cannot contact the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled, making it safe to carry with all six chambers loaded.

Can I use speedloaders with this revolver?

Yes, standard .38 Special speedloaders designed for small-frame revolvers work with the 856 Ultra-Lite. Look for models compatible with Taurus 85/856 frames, like the HKS 36 or 5-Star Firearms speedloaders.

What holsters fit the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite with concealed hammer?

Most holsters designed for the Taurus 856 standard model will fit the Ultra-Lite, as the frame dimensions are identical. For pocket carry, look for holsters like the DeSantis Nemesis or the Uncle Mike’s #3. For IWB, the CrossBreed SuperTuck or Alien Gear ShapeShift work well.

How does the trigger pull compare to other snub-nose revolvers?

Out of the box, the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite has a trigger pull that averages around 9-11 pounds in double-action—heavier than a tuned Smith 642 but lighter than many Ruger LCR triggers. It smooths out after a few hundred rounds. Some shooters opt for a trigger spring kit to lighten it.

Why Buy From Us

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Looking for more? Check out our Revolvers or Concealed Carry categories for similar gear.

Last updated: April 2026