Taurus .38 Special Ultra Lite for sale
(15)
Taurus 856 Ultra Lite .38 Special Bk 2
Brand:
Taurus
Action:
Single Action
Barrel Length:
2 inches
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special
Capacity:
6
Finish Per Color:
Black
Marketplace Insights
★ 4.9/5
based on 15 customer reviews across 1 variants from 18 retailers
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Taurus 856 revolver for its reliability, accuracy, build quality, and exceptional value, with minimal complaints.
What customers like
Reliable & Accurate67%
The sights are dead on. It is easy to operate.
Great Value47%
Really good gun for the money.
Quality Workmanship40%
The workmanship and fitting is up to the quality that I always expect from Taurus
Excellent Customer Service27%
Guns.com made the acquisition and delivery to my local dealer easy and painless.
Low Recoil20%
It reduces muzzle flip as well.
Common concerns
High Recoil Difficulty7%
tons of recoil, not the painful kind just the really hard to manage kind
Frequently Asked Questions
Taurus .38 Special Ultra Lite for sale
What are common problems with the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite?
Reported issues include cylinder binding and timing problems where the cylinder stop releases too early, causing the hand to miss the cylinder ratchet and resulting in misfires. Some users also report a sticking cylinder latch that prevents proper lockup. These appear to be isolated quality control issues rather than widespread defects.
What model is a Taurus Ultra Lite 38 Special?
The Taurus Ultra Lite 38 Special is the Model 856. It is a compact .38 Special +P revolver featuring a 6-round cylinder, DA/SA action, and 2-inch barrel, available in standard and Ultra-Lite variants.
Is the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite a good gun?
Whether it's "good" depends on your priorities. It's a lightweight .38 Special revolver suited for concealed carry, with no magazines or feeding issues to worry about. Six-round capacity is modest for defensive use. Prices run $317–$422. Some owners report cylinder timing issues, but these appear isolated rather than systemic.
Is the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite +P rated?
Yes, the Taurus 856 Ultra Lite is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition. Taurus lists all standard 856 models as +P capable. The only 856 variant not rated for +P was an earlier magnesium frame version that's no longer in production.
Why would you want a hammerless revolver?
Hammerless revolvers eliminate snag points during the draw, especially critical for pocket carry where an exposed hammer catches on fabric and delays access. They're simpler mechanically, require no hammer manipulation, and offer faster presentation in tight spaces. Trade-off: you lose single-action capability.
Is a hammerless revolver safe?
Hammerless revolvers are generally safe and reduce certain risks—they eliminate snag hazards during draw and prevent accidental hammer contact. However, no firearm is inherently safe without proper training, secure storage, and responsible handling. The design reduces some risks but user discipline remains essential.