Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. 3″ Stainless .357 Magnum Revolver
About this product
The Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. is a compact 3-inch barrel, all-stainless-steel .357 Magnum revolver designed with an integrated optics-ready mount for micro red dot sights. It represents a modern interpretation of the classic snub-nosed revolver, merging traditional double-action mechanics with contemporary defensive shooting capabilities. Its ability to digest both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P makes it a uniquely versatile platform within the concealed carry market.
What is the Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. used for?
This revolver is purpose-built for daily concealed carry and close-quarters defensive use. Its stainless steel construction provides the durability needed for consistent carry, while the 3-inch barrel offers a compromise between controllability and concealment that a 2-inch snub simply cannot match. The T.O.R.O. mount specifically makes it a practical choice for shooters who demand the target acquisition speed of a micro red dot on a wheelgun platform, a setup increasingly popular for low-light home defense or duty backup roles.
How does the Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. compare to a Ruger LCR in .357 Magnum?
The Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. prioritizes durability and optics-readiness over weight, making it a more versatile but heavier alternative to the purpose-built Ruger LCR. The all-stainless T.O.R.O. tips the scales at approximately 28.2 ounces unloaded, providing a significant mass advantage for recoil mitigation with full-power .357 loads compared to the roughly 17-ounce polymer/aluminum LCR. Conversely, the LCR is objectively superior for deep concealment due to its lighter weight and smoother edges, but it lacks any capacity for direct optical mounting without aftermarket modifications that can compromise its lightweight polymer grip frame.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver has an empty weight of 28.2 ounces (approximately 800 grams) and an overall length of 7.5 inches (190.5 mm). This places it firmly in the compact steel-frame revolver category, with a thickness of 1.41 inches (35.8 mm) across the cylinder, which is a critical dimension for comfortable inside-the-waistband carry. For perspective, its profile is comparable to the the Stevens 334 .308 Win in terms of thickness, though obviously much shorter in length.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the firearm for the ultralight or minimalist carry enthusiast seeking the absolute lightest possible option. The 28.2-ounce all-steel construction imposes a noticeable belt load compared to polymer-frame pistols or alloy-frame revolvers, a trade-off for its recoil-handling capability. Furthermore, shooters unwilling to invest an additional $150-$400 in a compatible micro red dot and the requisite mounting plate should consider the standard Taurus 605, as the T.O.R.O. system's primary cost/benefit is negated without the optic.
What's in the box?
Beyond the revolver itself, the package includes one Taurus-branded cable lock, a standard plastic case with foam cutout, a single set of user manuals and warranty paperwork, and the necessary Torx wrench for mounting an optic plate. Critically, the package does not include a sighting optic, a mounting plate for your specific optic footprint (which must be ordered separately from Taurus), or any additional speed loaders—a notable difference from more comprehensive kits like some Stevens 555 Sporting packages which often include choke tubes and a hard case.
Is the Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. worth it at $406.99?
At its current price point, the T.O.R.O. represents compelling value for the shooter who has already decided on an optics-capable revolver as their primary carry platform. The cost of adding a comparable optics-ready system to a standard 605 through aftermarket gunsmithing would easily exceed the $100-$150 premium this model commands. However, if your use case does not involve a red dot sight, that same money is better allocated towards ammunition and training with a standard model, or towards a higher-tier defensive handgun in a semi-automatic format.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- True optics-ready mount with direct Holosun K footprint — no adapter plate required for common micro dots
- All-stainless-steel construction at 28.2 oz provides substantial mass for taming .357 Magnum recoil
- 3-inch barrel increases sight radius over 2-inch snubs and optimizes .357 velocity by approximately 150-200 fps
- Extended ejector rod ensures positive case ejection with both .357 and shorter .38 Special brass
Trade-offs
- Unloaded weight of 28.2 oz is significant for all-day concealed carry compared to polymer-frame alternatives
- Factory rubber Hogue-style grip, while functional, is oversized for some hand sizes and limits holster compatibility
- Does not include the necessary optic mounting plate for non-Holosun footprints — a $30-$50 additional purchase
- Front sight is removable but factory replacement options are limited compared to S&W or Ruger's vast aftermarket
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327634430 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-605P39 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6.5 |
| model | 605 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.1 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 2.05 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the T.O.R.O. mount compatible with Holosun EPS Carry optics?
- Yes, directly. The Taurus T.O.R.O. system uses the Holosun K footprint as its native pattern. A Holosun EPS Carry, 407K, or 507K will mount directly to the slide using the appropriate Torx screws provided with the optic, requiring no separate adapter plate from Taurus.
- Can I use .38 Special ammunition in this .357 Magnum revolver?
- Absolutely, and it's highly recommended for initial familiarization and training. The chamber is engineered to fire the shorter .38 Special cartridge safely, including +P variants. This allows shooters to manage recoil and cost with .38 Special at the range before transitioning to full-power .357 Magnum defensive loads, which generate nearly double the muzzle energy.
- What size are the grip screw threads for aftermarket grips?
- The Taurus 605 uses a standard 8-32 thread pitch for its grip screw, identical to many small-frame S&W revolvers. This allows compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket grip panels from manufacturers like Hogue, Pachmayr, and Altamont without requiring custom fitting or thread adapters.
- Does it come with a holster included?
- No. The factory package does not include any form of holster, which is standard for handguns sold through most distributors. You will need to source a dedicated holster, preferably one designed for optics-ready revolvers, from a manufacturer like Galco, DeSantis, or a custom kydex maker accounting for the 3-inch barrel and optic profile.
- How long does standard shipping take for an online firearms purchase?
- Firearms shipping involves additional legal steps. After order processing (1-2 business days), the shipment to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3-7 business days via common carriers like UPS or FedEx. The total timeline from order to pickup at your local FFL is generally 7-14 days, depending on carrier routing and your FFL's processing speed for the required Form 4473.