The Ultimate Guide to the Taurus 856 UL .38 Special Revolver: Your Compact Companion for Personal Protection and Everyday Carry

Are you searching for a reliable, easy-to-use firearm for personal protection or home defense? Do you need a lightweight, compact handgun that is comfortable to carry discreetly every day? For many individuals, from first-time firearm owners to seasoned enthusiasts seeking a dependable backup, the Taurus 856 UL (UltraLite) Double Action Revolver chambered in the versatile .38 Special cartridge emerges as a top contender. This detailed guide explores why the 856 UL is an exceptional choice, addressing common questions and highlighting its unique advantages.

Why Choose a .38 Special Revolver for Self-Defense?

When considering a personal protection firearm, revolvers, particularly those chambered in .38 Special, offer several compelling benefits that resonate with a wide range of users:

• Unparalleled Reliability: Revolvers are renowned for their mechanical simplicity. With fewer moving parts than semi-automatic pistols, they are less prone to malfunctions caused by ammunition variations, limp-wristing, or harsh environmental conditions. This makes them incredibly dependable when it matters most.
• Ease of Use: There's no slide to rack, no magazine to insert, and typically no complex manual safeties to manipulate under stress. Simply load the cylinder, point, and pull the trigger. This intuitive operation is a significant advantage for new shooters or anyone prioritizing simplicity in a defensive situation.
• User-Friendly Maintenance: Cleaning a revolver is straightforward, requiring minimal tools and effort. Their robust design means less fuss, allowing you to focus on training and responsible ownership.
• Versatile Ammunition: The .38 Special cartridge has a long and proven history as a personal defense round. It offers a balance of manageable recoil, effective stopping power, and a wide array of ammunition types, from light target loads ideal for practice to advanced self-defense rounds designed for optimal performance.
• Safety Features: Many modern revolvers, including the Taurus 856 UL, incorporate passive safety mechanisms like a transfer bar, which prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled, significantly reducing the risk of accidental discharge if dropped.

Introducing the Taurus 856 UL (UltraLite) Revolver: The 2-856029UL Model

The Taurus 856 UL, specifically the 2-856029UL model with its UPC 725327616504, stands out in the crowded field of compact revolvers. It's engineered to provide a robust, yet remarkably lightweight solution for those needing a discreet and dependable self-defense tool. This model encapsulates what makes a .38 Special revolver a timeless choice for personal security.

Key Features That Set the Taurus 856 UL Apart:

1. Lightweight Alloy Frame: The "UL" in 856 UL signifies "UltraLite," and this is where the firearm truly shines. Crafted from a high-strength alloy, the frame significantly reduces the overall weight of the revolver to a mere 22 ounces. This makes it incredibly comfortable for all-day concealed carry, whether you prefer inside-the-waistband (IWB), outside-the-waistband (OWB), or off-body carry in a bag or purse. Lighter weight means less fatigue and greater likelihood of consistently carrying your protection.
2. Compact 2-inch Barrel: The short 2-inch barrel is a defining characteristic of this model, contributing directly to its exceptional concealability. With an overall length of just 6.55 inches, the 856 UL is designed to disappear under clothing without printing, ensuring discretion in public settings. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for quick draws and close-quarters personal defense scenarios.
3. Double/Single Action Functionality: The Taurus 856 UL offers both double-action (DA) and single-action (SA) firing modes.
   • Double Action (DA): A longer, heavier trigger pull cocks and releases the hammer in one continuous motion. This provides an additional layer of safety, making accidental discharges less likely, especially under stress, and is often preferred for immediate defensive situations.
   • Single Action (SA): By manually cocking the hammer first, the trigger pull becomes significantly lighter and crisper. This mode is excellent for target practice, allowing for greater precision and accuracy on the range. The versatility of both modes allows users to train and operate the firearm to their preference.
4. Soft Rubber Grip: Recoil management is a critical factor, especially in lightweight revolvers chambered in calibers like .38 Special. The 856 UL features a soft rubber grip specifically designed to absorb and mitigate recoil impulse. This ergonomic grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, even for shooters with smaller hands, allowing for faster follow-up shots and extended practice sessions without discomfort. This thoughtful design element greatly enhances the shooting experience and encourages consistent training.
5. Fixed Sights for Reliability and Simplicity: The revolver is equipped with a serrated ramp front sight and a fixed rear sight. This simple, robust sight picture is ideal for a self-defense firearm. Fixed sights are durable, less prone to snagging during drawing, and require no adjustments, ensuring the firearm is always ready when you need it. They are optimized for quick target acquisition at defensive distances.
6. Transfer Bar Safety System: At the heart of the 856 UL’s safety design is the transfer bar mechanism. This internal safety system prevents the hammer from directly contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed. This means the gun will not fire if dropped, if the hammer is snagged, or if there’s an accidental impact. This passive safety system contributes significantly to the firearm's overall safety profile, providing peace of mind to the owner.
7. Durable Matte Stainless Finish: The 2-856029UL model features an attractive and highly durable matte stainless finish. This finish not only gives the revolver a sleek, professional appearance but also offers excellent corrosion resistance, protecting the firearm from rust and wear, even in humid environments or with consistent handling. It ensures the longevity and reliable performance of your investment.

Who Is the Taurus 856 UL For? Real-World Applications and Questions Answered

The Taurus 856 UL is an excellent solution for a diverse group of individuals seeking effective personal protection. If any of the following scenarios or questions resonate with you, this revolver deserves your serious consideration:

• First-Time Gun Owners: Are you new to firearms and looking for a simple, reliable, and confidence-inspiring first gun? The 856 UL's intuitive operation, minimal maintenance, and inherent safety features make it an ideal starting point for learning firearm fundamentals without overwhelming complexity.
• Individuals Seeking a Dependable Self-Defense Tool: Do you need a firearm that you can count on when your life, or the lives of your loved ones, is on the line? The revolver's reputation for reliability, coupled with the proven effectiveness of the .38 Special cartridge, ensures it will perform when it matters most.
• Concealed Carry Permit (CCP/CCW) Holders: If you possess a concealed carry permit and are looking for a discreet and comfortable everyday carry (EDC) option, the 856 UL's ultra-lightweight frame and compact dimensions make it incredibly easy to carry for extended periods without discomfort or printing.
• Homeowners Prioritizing Home Defense: Are you looking for a straightforward, accessible firearm for home protection? The 856 UL can serve as an excellent bedside companion, offering six rounds of .38 Special with simple operation, ensuring you are prepared for unexpected threats within your home.
• Those Prioritizing Simplicity and Ease of Use: Do you prefer a firearm that doesn't require extensive training on reloads, malfunction clearances, or complex controls? The revolver's "point and shoot" simplicity minimizes the learning curve and maximizes preparedness.
• Shooters Concerned About Recoil: While the .38 Special is a capable cartridge, some may worry about felt recoil, especially in lighter firearms. The 856 UL’s soft rubber grip is specifically engineered to cushion recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot, even with defensive loads, and encouraging more consistent practice.
• Individuals Seeking a Backup Firearm: For law enforcement professionals or armed citizens who carry a primary firearm, the compact and reliable 856 UL can serve as an ideal backup weapon, offering redundancy and peace of mind.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts: For hikers, campers, or those in rural areas where legal and appropriate, a lightweight .38 Special revolver can provide a measure of protection against smaller animal threats.

Understanding Ammunition for Your Taurus 856 UL

The .38 Special cartridge offers significant versatility, allowing you to tailor your ammunition choice to your specific needs:

• Standard Pressure .38 Special: Ideal for practice and general plinking. These loads offer lighter recoil and are less expensive, allowing you to train frequently and build proficiency without excessive wear on your firearm or your hand.
• .38 Special +P (Plus P): These are higher-pressure loads designed for enhanced ballistic performance, often used for self-defense. While they generate more recoil, the Taurus 856 UL is rated for +P ammunition, meaning its robust construction can safely handle these loads for defensive use. Always ensure your firearm is rated for +P before using such ammunition.
• Self-Defense Rounds: Modern self-defense ammunition in .38 Special often features advanced bullet designs, such as hollow points, engineered for reliable expansion and energy transfer upon impact, maximizing their effectiveness. When choosing defensive ammunition, it's crucial to test it in your specific firearm to ensure reliable feeding and function.

Maintaining Your Taurus 856 UL: A Simple Process

One of the often-overlooked benefits of revolvers is their ease of maintenance. The Taurus 856 UL requires minimal effort to keep it in optimal working condition, ensuring its longevity and reliability:

• Basic Cleaning: After each shooting session, especially with lead ammunition, a simple cleaning of the bore, chambers, and cylinder face will prevent carbon buildup and maintain accuracy.
• Lubrication: A light coat of gun oil on moving parts, such as the ejector rod and hammer pivot, ensures smooth operation.
• Inspection: Periodically check for any signs of wear or damage. The durable matte stainless finish and robust construction mean the 856 UL is built to withstand regular use.

Specifications and Details: Taurus 856 UL (UPC 725327616504)

The Taurus 856 UL is meticulously engineered with specifications that underscore its design as a reliable, compact, and comfortable self-defense revolver. These precise measurements and material choices contribute to its overall performance and user experience, making it a highly desirable option for concealed carry and personal protection.

Every detail, from the overall length optimized for discreet carry to the precise width for comfortable handling, has been considered to deliver a superior product. This model, identified by SKU 2-856029UL and UPC 725327616504, represents Taurus's commitment to quality and functional design.

When you invest in the Taurus 856 UL, you're acquiring a firearm built for real-world application, offering peace of mind through its dependable performance and thoughtful construction. For those looking to secure this excellent self-defense option, reputable firearm retailers like DEGuns offer the Taurus 856 UL with the UPC 725327616504, providing a trusted source for your purchase.

Feature	Description
Model	Taurus UL 856 Double Action Revolver
SKU	2-856029UL
UPC	725327616504
Caliber	.38 Special
Barrel Length	2 inches
Action Type	Double/Single Action
Safety	Transfer Bar
Front Sight	Serrated Ramp
Rear Sight	Fixed
Grip Material	Soft Rubber
Frame Material	Lightweight Alloy
Overall Length	6.55 inches
Overall Width	1.41 inches
Overall Height	4.8 inches
Overall Weight	22 ounces
Finish	Matte Stainless