Taurus 856 Ultra Lite 38 Special Matte Black Double

Taurus also offers the Defender 856 in two upgrade versions featuring special grips and finish treatments. The two-tone model has a stainless-steel matte finish frame and barrel with a black cylinder and aggressively textured VZ grip in matching gray and black. If you like hardwood grips, you can opt for the Tungsten Cerakote model Defender 856 with a stylish Altamont walnut grip.

I’m comfortable carrying the Defender as a primary carry gun at times. I have to say my attitude toward carrying a six-shot revolver for personal protection has mellowed. Because these guns have a transfer bar safety, carrying six rounds in them is safe. A .38 caliber hole equals 9.6mm so it’s plenty of bullet.

All of the major manufacturers make defensive rounds for the .38 Special and I particularly like Speer Gold Dot, Hornady XTP, Hornady Critical Defense and Federal HydraShok. I’m not too fond of shooting +P ammo but the guns are fine with it. While some scoff at the .38 Special for self-defense, if this is the gun you feel comfortable carrying and shooting, then all the talk about bigger, more powerful guns with more ammo is moot.

Firearm Specifications

Manufacturer: Taurus
Model: 856 Ultra Lite
Model Number: 2-856021ULGLD
Caliber: 38 Special
Barrel Length: 2″
Overall Length: 6.55″
Height: 4.8″
Width: 1.41″
Weight: 22 oz. (loaded)
Finish: Matte Black with Gold Accents
Action Type: DA/SA
Safety: Transfer Bar
Front Sight: Serrated Ramp
Rear Sight: Fixed
Capacity: 6 Rounds