TAURUS 650 .357 Magnum 3″ Stainless 5-Round Revolver
About this product
What is the TAURUS 650? The Taurus 650 is a hammer-shrouded, stainless steel, five-shot revolver chambered for .357 Magnum designed specifically for concealed carry, offering the ballistic advantage of magnum rounds in a durable, snag-resistant package. It's built on a compact, 3-inch-barreled J-frame-sized platform with a double-action-only internal hammer mechanism and a matte stainless finish that resists holster wear and corrosion. This makes it a practical choice for shooters who prioritize defensive capability and reliable everyday carry over target-range refinement.
What is the TAURUS 650 used for?
The Taurus 650 is used for concealed carry and close-quarters defensive shooting. Its primary role is to deliver .357 Magnum stopping power from a platform small enough to conceal comfortably in an inside-the-waistband or pocket holster. The 3-inch barrel provides a slight ballistic advantage over snubbier 2-inch models, and the shrouded hammer prevents fabric snags during a critical draw. It’s a tool for managing violent encounters, not for ringing steel at 50 yards.
How does the TAURUS 650 compare to the Smith & Wesson Model 640 Pro Series?
The Taurus 650 is the more economical, feature-basic counterpart to the Smith & Wesson 640 Pro Series. Where the S&W 640 often features a pinned front sight, premium trigger job, and a more rigorous factory inspection, the Taurus 650 offers the same core 3-inch stainless, hammer-shrouded, five-shot .357 Magnum package at roughly 60% of the cost. The S&W is objectively better in fit, finish, and potential out-of-the-box trigger feel, but the Taurus 650 delivers the essential mechanical function for significantly less cash, making it a value-driven alternative for a budget-conscious yet serious shooter.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus 650 weighs 24.5 ounces unloaded and measures 8.66 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel. The cylinder width is 1.41 inches, and the height from the top of the rear sight to the bottom of the rubber grip is 4.5 inches. This weight, a function of its all-stainless construction, helps mitigate recoil compared to lightweight alloy-frame snubbies, but it is still a notable 4.5 ounces heavier than an aluminum-framed Smith & Wesson AirWeight in the same configuration.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a new shooter, a competition enthusiast, or someone looking for a bedside safe queen. The double-action-only trigger, which averages a pull weight of 12 to 14 pounds out of the box, requires significant training to master for accurate shot placement. It’s also not ideal for someone who wants to run hundreds of rounds of full-power .357 Magnum in a single range session, as the compact grip and stout recoil will become punishing quickly. If your primary activities involve precision target shooting with a handgun like the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle, this is the wrong tool.
What's in the box?
The revolver ships with one 5-round stainless steel cylinder, a Taurus-branded polymer lock, a basic owner's manual, and a single-piece grip panel. You will not find a speed loader, a spare front sight blade, or a hard case — this is a no-frills conveyance of the firearm itself. Expect to spend an additional $20-$40 on a quality holster and a loading device before the gun is truly range or carry-ready.
Is the TAURUS 650 worth it at $418.99?
At $418.99, the Taurus 650 is worth it for the buyer who wants a mechanically simple, corrosion-resistant .357 Magnum carry gun and accepts the trade-offs of an economy-grade double-action trigger and utilitarian sights. You are paying for the stainless steel construction and caliber capability, not for refinement. If your budget can stretch another $300, the step up to a used Smith & Wesson J-frame offers a tangible improvement in quality. But if $420 is your hard ceiling and you demand .357 Magnum in a snag-free package, this is one of the few new-production options available, unlike the dedicated sporting shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel frame and cylinder weigh 24.5 oz – provides inherent corrosion resistance and aids in recoil management.
- 3-inch barrel length – offers approximately 75-100 fps more velocity over standard 2-inch snubnose .357 Magnum revolvers.
- Shrouded hammer and smooth profile – eliminates a primary snag point for IWB or pocket carry draws.
- Accepts .38 Special, .38 Special +P, and .357 Magnum – allows for flexible training and carry load selection from mild to full-power.
Trade-offs
- Double-action-only trigger pull is heavy and gritty out of the box – averages 12-14 pounds and often benefits from a professional smoothing/polishing job.
- Fixed, non-adjustable rear sight – limits precision adjustment for windage or elevation without aftermarket modification or gunsmithing.
- Rubber grip is one-piece and basic – provides minimal contouring for recoil control with full-power .357 Magnum loads compared to aftermarket options.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327636489 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-650139 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | COLORED |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 9.7500 |
| model | 650 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.2 |
| product type | Double Action Only |
| shipping weight | 2.0 |
| sights | FS: Removable Blade RS:Fixed |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with Speed Beez or HKS speed loaders?
- Yes, the Taurus 650's 5-round cylinder is compatible with standard J-frame speed loaders. Both Speed Beez and HKS manufacture models (like the HKS 36-A) that will function with this revolver. The cylinder release latch is standard, so any loader designed for a 5-shot .38/.357 J-frame or equivalent should work.
- Can I mount a red dot sight on it?
- No, the Taurus 650 has no factory provision for optic mounting. The top strap is not milled, and there are no after-market mounting plates readily available for this model. Your sighting options are limited to the fixed rear notch and the removable front blade it ships with.
- Is it compatible with Smith & Wesson J-frame holsters?
- Generally, yes. Due to its similar dimensions to a 3-inch-barreled, hammer-shrouded S&W J-frame (like the Model 640), most generic leather or Kydex holsters for that configuration will accommodate the Taurus 650. Always verify fit with an unloaded firearm, but holster compatibility is high.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping from our warehouse typically takes 2-4 business days once payment is confirmed. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder then adds 3-7 business days, depending on location. Contact your FFL for their transfer procedures and fees before ordering.