Taurus Deputy Dual Cylinder .357 Mag/9mm 5.5″ 6rd
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes two cylinders for instant .357 Magnum/.38 Special and 9mm caliber switching.
- Weighs 41.6 oz — the all-steel frame significantly dampens .357 Magnum recoil.
- 5.5-inch barrel provides a 140 mm sight radius for precise, deliberate shooting.
- Features a modern transfer bar safety, a critical upgrade over purely antique designs.
Trade-offs
- Single-action-only operation mandates manually cocking the hammer for every shot, making it slow for anything but target shooting.
- Polymer grips are basic and slick; upgrade to aftermarket wood or checkered rubber for $40-$75 is advised for serious use.
- Cylinder swap requires tools (a pin punch) and understanding of headspacing; not a quick field procedure.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taurus Deputy Dual Cylinder .357 Mag/9mm is a single-action revolver delivering dual-caliber versatility in a traditional 5.5-inch-barreled format through its included cylinders for .357 Magnum and 9mm. This modern interpretation of a classic design replaces external gate loading pins with a swing-out, dual-cylinder system while retaining the iconic single-action trigger profile and fixed sights familiar to working revolver shooters. Built on a steel frame and weighing 41.6 ounces unloaded, it bridges nostalgia and practical utility for shooters valuing caliber options over tactical speed.
What is the Taurus Deputy used for?
The Deputy is primarily a range and recreational firearm, designed for deliberate, slow-paced shooting where the ritual of cylinder swapping and single-action trigger management is part of the appeal. Its 5.5-inch barrel provides a 13.97 cm (5.5-inch) sight radius suitable for target practice and informal plinking, while the substantial 1180 gram (41.6 oz) steel frame dampens the recoil of full-power .357 Magnum loads. It's also a competent, if unconventional, brush gun for hunters or ranchers who appreciate its mechanical simplicity and the ability to run cheaper 9mm for practice and .357 for field use, though its single-action-only nature makes it unsuitable for defense against fast-moving threats.
How does the Taurus Deputy compare to the Ruger Wrangler?
The Taurus Deputy offers superior materials and caliber flexibility but at a higher price point and weight compared to the Ruger Wrangler. Where the budget-friendly, aluminum-framed Wrangler is fixed in .22 LR and weighs a svelte 33 oz, the Deputy's steel frame and dual-cylinder system handle powerful centerfire cartridges but add significant mass and cost. The Deputy is better for shooters who demand centerfire power and 9mm compatibility, while the Wrangler is better for pure, low-cost plinking. For those considering a modern, double-action alternative for similar duties, the Stevens 334 Rifle offers a completely different action type but comparable deliberate-pace utility.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the revolver weighs 41.6 ounces (1180 grams), with an overall length dictated by its 5.5-inch (140 mm) barrel and 6-round cylinder. This weight is significant; it’s over 2.6 pounds of steel, which aids in recoil management but makes it less convenient for all-day carry compared to polymer-striker pistols or compact revolvers. The cylinder is 1.42 inches in diameter, and the grip dimensions are sized for a medium to large hand, providing a solid purchase necessary for controlling .357 Magnum recoil.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for anyone seeking a defensive or duty sidearm, due to its single-action-only operation and the time required to swap cylinders mid-session. It's also a poor choice for new shooters seeking a simple, one-caliber introduction to handguns, as the cylinder-switching process and understanding cartridge compatibility (.38 Special works in the .357 cylinder, but not the 9mm cylinder) adds unnecessary complexity. Competitive shooters in speed-based events will find its manual-of-arms far too slow compared to modern semi-automatics.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, two color-coded cylinders (one for .357 Magnum/.38 Special, one specifically headspaced for 9mm), a basic cable lock, an owner's manual detailing the cylinder-swap procedure, and typically a single, generic polymer grip panel. You do not receive speed loaders, a cleaning kit, or a hard case—just the essentials, packed in a cardboard box. Expect to spend an additional 15-20 minutes with the manual on your first range trip to master the cylinder latch and swap procedure safely.
Is the Taurus Deputy worth it at $542.99?
At $542.99, the Deputy's value hinges entirely on your desire for its specific, dual-centerfire capability in a single-action platform. You're paying a premium over a standard single-caliber SA revolver or a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for the engineering behind the interchangeable cylinder system. If you routinely shoot both 9mm and .357/.38 and appreciate the cowboy-action aesthetic, it justifies its cost. If you only need one of those calibers, a dedicated single-action or a used double-action revolver will likely offer better value.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327639916 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-D357951 |
| action | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 5.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Black |
| model | Deputy |
| product type | Single Action Only |
| safety | Thumb Safety |
| shipping weight | 4.5 |
| sights | Fixed |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammo?
- Yes, but only when using the .357 Magnum cylinder. The .38 Special cartridge is a shorter-cased version of the .357 Magnum and headspaces correctly in that specific cylinder. You cannot fire .38 Special in the 9mm cylinder—attempting to do so is dangerous and will result in a malfunction.
- Does it fit a standard size holster?
- It will fit holsters designed for medium-frame, 5.5-inch barrel, single-action revolvers, like those for the Ruger Blackhawk. However, the cylinder release latch profile may differ, so a custom-molded leather or Kydex holster from a maker like Diamond D Custom Leather is recommended for a secure, non-binding fit.
- How long does shipping take?
- Processing and FFL-to-FFL shipping for firearms typically takes 7-10 business days after order verification and compliance checks are complete. Once the receiving FFL notifies you, you must complete the mandatory 4473 background check, which adds a variable local wait time depending on your state's laws and system volume.
- Can I mount an optic or light on it?
- No, the Deputy has a non-milled top strap and no Picatinny or accessory rail. The sights are fixed—a half-moon front and notch rear—which is traditional for this style of revolver. Adding an optic would require extensive, costly gunsmithing, and there is no provision for mounting a weapon light.