Taurus 605 Protector Revolver .357 Magnum 2″ 5rd

About this product

What is the Taurus 605 Protector Revolver? It's a compact five-shot .357 Magnum double-action revolver with a 2-inch barrel designed specifically for reliable concealed carry, featuring a 20-ounce unloaded weight and overall length of 6.7 inches that makes it comparable in size to Smith & Wesson's J-frame models but with Taurus' distinctive transfer-bar safety system. Built to handle both .357 Magnum defensive loads and more economical .38 Special +P practice ammunition, this revolver bridges the gap between range-capable training tools and serious personal protection hardware.

What is the Taurus 605 Protector used for?

This revolver serves primarily as a concealed carry weapon, with its 2-inch barrel keeping the entire package under 7 inches and weight under 1.3 pounds for comfortable all-day carry. The double-action trigger allows for immediate deployment without manual safety manipulation, while the five-round capacity provides adequate firepower for most self-defense encounters within 15 yards. Its fiber-optic front sight provides quick target acquisition in varied lighting conditions where milliseconds matter.

How does the Taurus 605 Protector compare to the Smith & Wesson 640?

The Taurus 605 Protector offers comparable ballistic performance at approximately 40% lower cost than the Smith & Wesson 640 Pro Series, though the S&W provides superior trigger out-of-box with a 10.5-pound double-action pull versus the Taurus' 12-pound standard. Both utilize similar stainless steel construction and five-round cylinders, but the Taurus includes its proprietary Security System for key-lock disablement that the S&W lacks. For budget-conscious shooters who prioritize mechanical reliability over refined triggers, the Taurus represents better value.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight measures exactly 20 ounces with an overall length of 6.7 inches and barrel length of 2.0 inches, making it nearly identical in footprint to our Stevens 334 .308 bolt-action rifle when both are disassembled for transport. The cylinder diameter measures 1.41 inches wide, contributing to a slim profile that conceals easily in IWB holsters without printing. At 4.7 inches tall including sights, it fits standard small-frame revolver holsters designed for similar J-frame patterns.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver isn't suitable for competition shooters who require quick reloads or high-capacity magazines, as the five-round cylinder requires approximately 8-10 seconds for full reload versus 2-3 seconds for semi-automatic alternatives. Those seeking long-range accuracy should consider our Stevens 334 in .243 Winchester instead, as the 2-inch barrel limits effective .357 Magnum range to about 25 yards maximum. The heavy double-action trigger pull also makes it challenging for shooters with limited hand strength to maintain accuracy during rapid fire.

What's in the box?

Each Taurus 605 Protector ships with one 5-round cylinder, two keys for the Security System lock, and basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance procedures. Unlike some competitors, Taurus does not include a factory hard case or cleaning kit, requiring additional $25-40 investment for proper storage. The revolver arrives with factory-applied lubricant that should be removed and replaced with quality gun oil before first range session.

Is the Taurus 605 Protector worth it at $355.99?

At $356, the 605 Protector delivers solid value for a American-made .357 Magnum revolver with modern safety features, costing approximately $150 less than comparable Smith & Wesson models while maintaining reliable function with both magnum and special ammunition. The investment makes sense for shooters who prioritize mechanical simplicity over capacity, particularly those in jurisdictions with magazine restrictions. For the price, you're getting a no-nonsense defensive tool that will function reliably for thousands of rounds with proper maintenance.