Description
Snub-nose revolvers have stuck around for a good reason, and the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Concealed Hammer is a solid example of why. You get six rounds of .38 Special instead of the five most small frames give you, wrapped in an anodized aluminum frame that keeps the whole gun right around 15.7 ounces unloaded. The hammer is fully enclosed, so there is nothing to catch on a cover garment, a jacket pocket, or the inside of a bag when you need it out in a hurry.
Why the Concealed Hammer Design Earns Its Keep
This is a double action only revolver, which keeps the manual of arms about as simple as it gets. Pull the trigger, it fires. There is no hammer spur to think about and no way to snag one on the way out of a holster. A transfer bar safety means the gun only fires with a full, deliberate trigger pull. The carbon steel barrel and cylinder wear a matte black finish that matches the frame for a clean, low-profile look, and the soft rubber grips do a nice job soaking up recoil, which matters on a gun this light.
Shooting the 856 Ultra-Lite
The 856CH is rated for .38 Special +P, so you can carry stouter defensive loads and practice with softer standard pressure target ammo without breaking the bank or your wrist. Sights are a serrated ramp up front with a fixed rear notch, which is exactly what you want on a close-range defensive revolver: nothing to knock out of adjustment, nothing to fiddle with. At 6.55 inches long and 1.41 inches wide, it disappears in a waistband holster and rides comfortably all day.
A Carry Revolver That Makes Sense
Plenty of folks pick up an 856 Ultra-Lite as a first carry gun, a backup, or a nightstand piece, and it fits all three jobs well. The extra sixth round, the light weight, and the dead-simple operation add up to a wheelgun you can trust without babying it. If you have been eyeing a hammerless snubby, this one checks the right boxes.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Taurus
- Model: 856CH Ultra-Lite
- MPN: 2-856021ULCH
- UPC: 725327617501
- Caliber: .38 Special +P
- Capacity: 6 Rounds
- Action: Double Action Only
- Barrel Length: 2 Inches
- Overall Length: 6.55 Inches
- Weight: 15.7 oz (Unloaded)
- Frame: Anodized Aluminum, Matte Black
- Barrel/Cylinder Material: Carbon Steel
- Sights: Serrated Ramp Front, Fixed Rear
- Grips: Soft Black Rubber
- Safety: Transfer Bar
- Hammer: Concealed (Enclosed)
What’s Included
- Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Concealed Hammer revolver
- Factory hard case
- Cable lock
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite Concealed Hammer shoot +P ammunition?
Yes, the 856 Ultra-Lite is rated for .38 Special +P loads, so you can carry hotter defensive ammo with confidence. It also runs standard pressure .38 Special, which is easier on the hands and the wallet for range practice. It is not chambered for .357 Magnum, so stick to .38 Special only.
Is the 856CH double action only?
It is. The hammer is fully enclosed inside the frame, so there is no way to cock it for single action shots. Every trigger pull is a full double action stroke, which keeps operation simple and eliminates any chance of the hammer snagging on clothing during a draw.
How heavy is the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite compared to the standard 856?
The Ultra-Lite uses an anodized aluminum frame and comes in around 15.7 ounces unloaded, while the all-steel 856 runs several ounces heavier. That weight savings makes a real difference during all-day carry, especially in an inside-the-waistband or pocket setup. The carbon steel barrel and cylinder keep durability where it counts.
Does the 856 Ultra-Lite Concealed Hammer have a good trigger for carry?
The double action pull runs in the 10 to 12 pound range, which is typical for a defensive revolver and acts as a built-in margin of safety. It smooths out noticeably with use, and the soft rubber grips help you stay in control through the full stroke. Combined with the transfer bar safety, it fires only when you make a complete, intentional trigger pull.





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