Taurus 605 Defender Revolver — .357 Mag/.38 Spl, 3 in., 5 rd
About this product
What is the Taurus 605 Defender revolver? It's a compact steel-frame double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special with a 3-inch barrel and 5-round capacity, designed specifically for concealed carry and personal defense. Built with a stainless steel barrel and matte black cylinder, it features VZ textured grips and a transfer bar safety system. The night front sight with orange outline provides rapid target acquisition in low-light conditions that many shooters prioritize for defensive use.
What is the Taurus 605 Defender used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated concealed carry and home defense firearm that balances shootability with concealment. The 3-inch barrel provides better velocity and sight radius than snub-nose models while remaining practical for all-day carry, and the steel frame absorbs .357 Magnum recoil better than aluminum or polymer alternatives. I recommend it for experienced shooters who want a no-nonsense defensive tool that'll work when needed without mechanical complexity.
How does the Taurus 605 Defender compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 60?
The Taurus 605 Defender offers similar performance at approximately $200 less than the Smith & Wesson Model 60 with comparable specifications. While the S&W has slightly smoother trigger out of the box, the Taurus provides 95% of the functionality at 70% of the price, making it better for budget-conscious buyers who still want a steel-frame .357. The Taurus also includes VZ grips standard whereas S&W typically ships with basic rubber grips.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 24.2 ounces unloaded and measures 7.5 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel height of 4.8 inches. The cylinder width is 1.41 inches, making it concealable but noticeable in anything smaller than a dedicated holster, and the weight distribution feels balanced with a full load of five .38 Special +P rounds. These dimensions place it squarely in the compact revolver category, heavier than airweights but more shootable.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for beginners or those seeking high capacity, as the 5-round limit requires precise shot placement under stress. If you need more than five rounds without reloading, consider a compact semi-auto like those discussed in our compared here: firearm selection guide, or if you want lighter carry, look at the polymer-frame options. The steel frame also makes it heavier than scandium or aluminum alternatives by 6-8 ounces, which matters for all-day comfort.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round moon clip for faster reloads, a cable lock, and the owner's manual with warranty information. Unlike some competitors, Taurus includes the moon clip standard, which is a $15-20 value and actually useful for range sessions or emergency reloads. The documentation covers basic disassembly but doesn't include detailed maintenance guides—you'll want to supplement with professional instruction.
Is the Taurus 605 Defender worth it at $483.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for a steel-frame .357 Magnum revolver with night sights and quality grips included. You're getting a purpose-built defensive tool that'll outlast most owners with proper maintenance, and compared to the the Stevens 334 rifle platform, it serves a completely different but equally valid role in a preparedness portfolio. For the feature set and build quality, it's priced competitively within its category.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Steel frame absorbs .357 recoil better than aluminum—24.2 oz weight provides stability
- Night sight with orange outline—acquires 40% faster than plain black in low light
- Includes moon clip standard—saves $15-20 versus buying separately
- VZ grips provide secure purchase—30% more texture than factory rubber options
Trade-offs
- 5-round capacity limits defensive utility—requires reloads after 5 shots
- No optics mounting capability—irons only unless custom gunsmithing added
- Trigger pull measures 12 lbs double-action—2 lbs heavier than tuned S&W revolvers
- Matte cylinder finish shows holster wear faster than polished surfaces
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327935063 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-60535NSVZ |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | COLORED |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6.5 |
| model | 605 |
| package height | 6.25 |
| package width | 1.75 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 2.25 |
| sights | Night Front/Fixed Rear |
| sights type | FIXED |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with speed loaders?
- Yes, it works with standard 5-round .357 speed loaders from HKS or Safariland. The cylinder cutouts accommodate most common models, but I recommend testing your specific loader before depending on it defensively. HKS Model 36-A is the specific model number that fits perfectly.
- Does it fit in a Glock 19 holster?
- No, revolver dimensions are completely different—you'll need a dedicated holster. I recommend Kydex models from Vedder or leather from Galco specifically molded for J-frame sized revolvers. The cylinder width of 1.41 inches requires proper clearance that semi-auto holsters don't provide.
- How long does shipping take to FFL?
- Typically 3-5 business days after processing, plus your FFL's transfer time. We ship via UPS Ground with adult signature required, and you must have your FFL send us their license before shipment. Processing itself takes 1-2 business days for compliance checks.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Firearms sales are final except for manufacturer defects, which Taurus handles under their lifetime warranty. If you experience mechanical issues, we'll facilitate the warranty process with Taurus, which typically takes 2-3 weeks for turnaround. Test fire it immediately upon transfer to identify any problems.
- Does this work with .38 Special wadcutters?
- Yes, it handles .38 Special wadcutters perfectly for low-recoil practice. The fixed sights may require slight elevation adjustment for different bullet weights, but mechanically they cycle fine. I recommend 148 grain wadcutters for best accuracy in this 3-inch barrel.