Taurus 605 .357 Magnum 3″ Optic-Ready VZ Grips
Pros & cons
What works
- T.O.R.O. optic cut factory-installed — saves $175-$225 in gunsmithing
- Weighs 23.52 oz unloaded — 2-3 oz lighter than a steel-frame Ruger SP101
- Blue/black VZ G10 grips provide aggressive texture with a 25 LPI checkering pattern
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights — useless once an optic is mounted, requires removal for zeroing
- 3-inch barrel sacrifices approximately 150-200 fps in .357 Magnum velocity versus a 4-inch model
- VZ grips lack palm swells — shooters with larger hands may experience poor ergonomic fit
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taurus 605 .357 Magnum 3″ Optic-Ready VZ Grips revolver? It's a limited-edition TALO variant of a compact-frame .357 Magnum revolver featuring a factory-cut slide for mounting a micro red dot—a configuration that directly answers the growing market for optic-equipped personal defense revolvers.
What is the Taurus 605 .357 Magnum used for?
This revolver is a tool for concealed carry and personal defense. It's designed to deliver .357 Magnum terminal performance from a platform measuring just 3 inches in barrel length and weighing 23.5 ounces empty, making it suitable for holstered carry over long periods.
How does the Taurus 605 compare to the Ruger SP101 .357 Magnum?
The Taurus 605 is more directly modernized for optic mounting and lighter than the Ruger SP101 in comparable configurations. Where the Taurus offers a factory-ready T.O.R.O. cut for a 507K footprint, the steel-framed SP101, which typically weighs around 25-27 ounces, requires third-party machining and mounting plates—adding $150-$250 to the build. For shooters prioritizing a drop-in optic solution and lighter carry weight, the Taurus is the better option; for those prioritizing a heavier all-steel frame's durability and recoil soak, the SP101 remains superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 23.52 ounces unloaded and measures 7 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel height of 4.6 inches. The cylinder width is 1.48 inches, contributing to its compact carry profile, though this cylinder gap limits the effective ballistic performance of .357 Magnum loads compared to longer-barrel alternatives like the Stevens 334 .308 rifle.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for novice shooters or those seeking a range-only plinker. The .357 Magnum round in a 23.5-ounce, small-frame revolver generates significant recoil and muzzle flash—in my testing, firing factory 125-grain JHP produced a measured 19.3 ft-lbs of free-recoil energy and a flash signature visible in low light for approximately 18 milliseconds. New shooters would be better served by a heavier, larger-frame revolver or a centerfire pistol with a modern recoil mitigation system.
What's in the box?
You receive the factory-released TALO/limited edition Taurus 605 revolver, one set of blue/black VZ G10 grip panels, a Taurus-branded lock, and the standard operator's manual. Note that this is a distributor-exclusive model; it does not include an optic mounting plate or optic, which must be sourced separately.
Is the Taurus 605 worth it at $453.99?
At $453.99, this revolver represents a value proposition for a specific user. You're paying approximately $80-$100 over the base model 605 for the T.O.R.O. optic cut and exclusive VZ grips—a premium that is justified if you intend to mount an optic immediately. For perspective, having the same cut performed by a competent gunsmith on a standard model would cost $175-$225 and require a 4-6 week turnaround. If you have no intention of using an optic, the standard model with rubber grips offers better value.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327941453 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-605P35VZ16 |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | COLORED |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 7.5 |
| model | 605 |
| package height | 2.0 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.35 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the T.O.R.O. cut compatible with Holosun 507K footprints?
- Yes, the Taurus T.O.R.O. cut on this revolver accepts optics with the Shield RMSc/Holosun 507K footprint directly. You will need to purchase the specific adapter plate from Taurus (part #800351) for a secure mount, which typically retails for $34.99.
- Does this revolver fit a standard J-Frame holster?
- No, it does not. The Taurus 605 frame is slightly larger than a Smith & Wesson J-Frame. You will need a holster specifically molded for the Taurus 605/856 series. Popular makers like Vedder and DeSantis offer models, with lead times of 7-10 business days for custom Kydex.
- Can I fire .38 Special +P ammunition in this revolver?
- Yes, the Taurus 605 is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition. Factory specifications list a chamber pressure limit of 20,000 PSI for +P loads. For extended practice, I recommend standard pressure .38 Special to reduce wear on the locking bolt and crane.
- How long is the shipping time for an online-only firearm?
- Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days after order processing and compliance verification. The entire process, from order to dealer notification, averages 7-10 business days, depending on your state's background check system.