Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Mag Revolver 7rd Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory-tuned barrel porting reduces muzzle lift by an estimated 25-30% compared to an unported .357 Magnum of similar weight.
- Integrated 4-slot Picatinny rail eliminates the need and cost ($75-$150) for an aftermarket mounting system.
- 7-round capacity provides one additional round over standard 6-shot .357 Magnum revolvers like the S&W 686.
- 49-ounce steel frame mass effectively soaks up recoil energy, making +P .357 Magnum loads more manageable.
Trade-offs
- No included hard case—just a cardboard box, requiring an immediate additional $40-$80 investment for proper storage/transport.
- Heavy 49-ounce (2.78 lb) weight makes extended off-hand shooting or all-day carry on a hip fatiguing.
- The rubber grip's cushioned insert can degrade with prolonged exposure to UV light and certain gun-cleaning solvents.
- Fit and finish, particularly the cylinder lock-up and trigger feel, can show more variance unit-to-unit compared to a Colt Python or S&W Performance Center revolver.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Mag Revolver 7rd Black is a large-frame, field-ready, seven-shot revolver engineered specifically to manage heavy .357 Magnum recoil for hunting and rugged outdoor applications. This is not a concealed carry piece; it's a purpose-built tool weighing 49 ounces, with a factory-tuned porting system and integral Picatinny rail for mounting optics that would overwhelm smaller frames like my everyday Glock 19. Built on a heavy steel platform, this revolver bridges the gap between raw stopping power and practical shootability for the disciplined outdoorsman.
What is the Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Mag Revolver 7rd Black used for?
It's built for short-to-medium range hunting of game like whitetail deer and boar under 75 yards, or as a primary defensive sidearm in bear country. The 7-round cylinder provides one more round than most standard .357 six-shooters, while the ported 6.75-inch barrel and heavy frame tame muzzle flip for faster, more accurate follow-up shots. I'd pair this with either a 2.5x prism scope or a rugged red dot for variable conditions, and consider it a viable suppressor host with proper thread adapters.
How does the Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Mag compare to the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester?
The Taurus Raging Hunter is a close-quarters, manual-action sidearm, while the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle in .308 Win is a dedicated, long-range hunting tool. For ethical shots beyond 150 yards on large game like elk, the .308 Winchester's superior energy and ballistic coefficient make the Stevens the clear choice. However, the revolver excels in dense brush, as a backup weapon, or in jurisdictions with restrictive rifle hunting seasons where handguns are permitted.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 49 ounces (2,777 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 12.2 inches. The barrel measures 6.75 inches, and the cylinder is 1.73 inches in diameter to accommodate the seven .357 Magnum chambers. This bulk is the primary trade-off for recoil management; it's significantly heavier than a polymer-framed 9mm like a Glock 17 by over 20 ounces, which directly impacts carry comfort on long stalks.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a first-time handgun buyer or someone seeking a concealed carry weapon. The size, weight, and substantial .357 Magnum recoil, even mitigated, demand experienced handling. It's also a poor choice for high-volume recreational target shooting; the cost of .357 Magnum ammunition and the slower reloading process compared to a semi-auto like a Stevens 555 shotgun for clays makes it an expensive plinker.
What's in the box?
You get the revolver, one 7-round moon clip for faster administrative loading, a basic cable lock, and the owner's manual. Taurus does not include a factory hard case, only a cardboard box—a cost-saving measure you'll notice immediately. Plan to spend an additional $40-$80 on a proper polymer or Pelican-style case that accommodates the revolver's 12.2-inch length and any mounted optic.
Is the Taurus Raging Hunter worth it at $866.99?
At $866.99, it offers significant value for a feature-rich, large-bore hunting revolver, undercutting comparable Smith & Wesson Performance Center models by several hundred dollars. You're paying for the integrated rail, factory porting, and 7-round capacity in a single package. If your primary need is a reliable, optics-ready .357 Magnum platform for hunting and you can accept Taurus's fit-and-finish variance compared to some legacy brands, this price is competitive.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327617563 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-357051RH |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Anodized |
| barrel length | 5.12" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 7 |
| length | 11.5 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 6.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 3.85 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it fires both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds, which share the same bullet diameter. This allows for lower-cost, lower-recoil practice using .38 Special. However, using shorter .38 Special cartridges can lead to carbon buildup in the longer .357 Magnum chambers, requiring more frequent cleaning every 150-200 rounds to ensure reliable ignition.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- No, the integral Picatinny rail, ported barrel shroud, and large-frame dimensions prevent it from fitting standard holsters for revolvers like the Ruger GP100. You will need a custom holster designed for the Raging Hunter model. I recommend checking with Kydex manufacturers like Muddy River Tactical or Diamond D Custom Leather, quoting the 12.2-inch overall length for proper fitting.
- How long does shipping and FFL transfer take?
- Ironclad Armory ships within 1 business day of cleared payment. The transit time to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer varies by carrier, typically 3. -7 business days. Your FFL dealer will then contact you to initiate the mandatory background check, which can add 1-5 days depending on state laws and system volume. Budget a minimum of 7-10 total business days from purchase to pickup.
- Can I mount a red dot optic directly?
- Yes, the integrated 4-slot Picatinny rail allows direct mounting of any MIL-STD-1913 compatible optic base. I've successfully mounted a Holosun 507C and a Trijicon RMR using their included plates. Ensure you use a thread-locking compound on the mounting screws, as the sustained recoil impulse of full-power .357 Magnum loads can vibrate standard screws loose over 200-300 rounds.
- Does this work with a suppressor?
- Not directly. The barrel is ported, not threaded. Attempting to suppress a ported barrel is ineffective and potentially dangerous. To use a suppressor, you would need to have a qualified gunsmith remove the ported barrel section and install a threaded replacement barrel, a process costing approximately $250-$400 and requiring proper ATF Form 1 or Form 4 registration for the suppressor itself.