Taurus 605 Revolver .357 Magnum 5rd Matte Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 24 oz empty - 6 oz lighter than all-steel Charter Arms Bulldog
- Matte stainless finish resists corrosion 3x better than blued models
- Accepts both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P for ammunition flexibility
- 5-round capacity in compact 1.41-inch diameter cylinder
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights limit precision adjustment - requires replacement for night sights
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12 lbs - 3 lbs heavier than Smith & Wesson 642
- Rubber grips absorb recoil but add 0.3 inches to grip width
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taurus 605 is a compact hammer-fired revolver chambered in .357 Magnum designed for everyday concealed carry. This 5-round revolver features a matte stainless finish and operates in both single and double action. As an armorer, I appreciate that it handles both full-power .357 Magnum and more economical .38 Special +P ammunition.
What is the Taurus 605 used for?
The Taurus 605 is primarily used as a concealed carry defense weapon that delivers significant stopping power in a compact frame. Its 6.5-inch overall length and 24-ounce weight make it ideal for appendix or hip carry positions where bulkier firearms would print. The matte stainless finish resists sweat and environmental corrosion better than blued steel alternatives.
How does the Taurus 605 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Taurus 605 serves a completely different defensive role than long guns like the Stevens 334 Rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. While the Stevens offers superior accuracy at 100+ yards, the Taurus provides immediate close-quarters defense with its 2-inch barrel and rapid double-action trigger pull. For home defense scenarios under 7 yards, the revolver's simplicity often outweighs the rifle's ballistic advantages.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus 605 weighs exactly 24 ounces empty and measures 6.5 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel height of 4.3 inches. The cylinder diameter is 1.41 inches wide, creating a package that's 30% more compact than full-size service revolvers. These dimensions contribute to its 1.3-inch width across the grip panels when using the factory rubber boot grips.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not ideal for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil from full-power .357 Magnum loads. The 24-ounce frame transmits significant muzzle flip compared to heavier steel-framed revolvers or polymer striker-fired pistols. Anyone needing more than 5 rounds without reloading should consider higher-capacity options like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun for home defense scenarios.
What's in the box?
The Taurus 605 ships with the revolver, one 5-round moon clip, and owner's manual documenting the transfer bar safety system. Unlike some competitors, it includes no additional grips or sight adjustment tools due to its fixed-sight configuration. The factory packaging meets ATF requirements for secure transportation with a trigger lock installed.
Is the Taurus 605 worth it at $391.99?
At $391.99, the Taurus 605 represents solid value for a stainless steel .357 Magnum revolver with proven mechanical reliability. This places it approximately $150 below comparable Smith & Wesson J-frames while maintaining similar build quality and corrosion resistance. For shooters needing a durable carry revolver that won't break the bank, the price-to-performance ratio justifies the investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327203025 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-605029 |
| action | Revolver |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6.5 |
| model | 605 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 1.9 |
| sights | Fixed Sights |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 605 fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P ammunition interchangeably. The cylinder chambers are cut to accommodate the longer .357 cartridge case, providing safe headspacing for shorter .38 Special rounds. This allows for affordable practice with standard pressure .38 Special before transitioning to defensive .357 Magnum loads.
- Does it fit standard holsters for J-frame revolvers?
- The Taurus 605 typically fits holsters designed for Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers due to similar dimensions. The 1.41-inch cylinder diameter and 2-inch barrel length match most J-frame holster specifications from manufacturers like DeSantis and Galco. Always verify fitment with your specific holster model before carrying.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days once the background check clears. Ironclad Armory processes orders within 24 hours during business days, with expedited 2-day shipping available for $25 additional. All shipments require signature confirmation upon delivery to the FFL holder.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects verified by our armorers. Taurus provides a lifetime repair policy through their Florida service center, with typical turnaround of 2-3 weeks for warranty work. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee after the 3-day inspection period.