Rifleman Review: Taurus 605 T.O.R.O.

One of the biggest developments in handgun design over the last several years has been the modification of new and existing models to accommodate the mounting of red-dot optics. Taurus USA has now adapted several of its existing designs to allow for the attachment of optics, and this includes its 605 revolver. Watch our "American Revolution Television" Rifleman Review segment above to see how the company adapted its popular concealed-carry revolver.

" Taurus USA is pretty well known for its line of affordable revolvers, and a lot of these revolvers are sized for concealed carry like the company's pre-existing Model 605," American Rifleman Executive Editor Evan Brune said. "Well, what we have here on the table is a Model 605, but this one's a little different. This is the first Taurus production revolver that is designed to accept a micro red-dot optic."

In the revolver's topstrap, holes are drilled to accept a red-dot baseplate. With the baseplate removed, there's a traditional groove at the top of the frame, through which the front sight can be seen. This allows the Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. revolver to be used and sighted without a red dot.

 "This plate is designed to accept all Holosun K footprint micro red dot optics. It also will accommodate some Shield RMSC red dots out there as well," Brune said. "That's really the salient feature of this, but looking at the rest of the gun, what you've got here is a really compact, carry-ready package. This gun is chambered in .357 Magnum, so it's got plenty of power."

The five-shot, all-steel platform weighs in at about 23 ozs., making it easy to carry as a defensive tool. An extended and fully shrouded ejector rod allows spent cases to be removed quickly and easily from the revolver's cylinder, and the textured rubber grips provide added purchase when firing magnum rounds.

 "Taurus makes some really fine revolvers at an affordable price," Brune said. "So you're not going to be out too much money if you're in the market for a dedicated defensive revolver that's capable of accepting today's micro red-dot optics."

Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. Specifications
Importer: Taurus Intl. Mfg., Inc.
Manufacturer: Taurus (Brazil)
Action Type: double-action, centerfire revolver
Chambering: .357 Mag.
Barrel: 3" stainless steel, matte black finish
Frame: stainless steel, matte black finish
Rifling: 1:16.5" RH twist
Cylinder Capacity: five
Sights: fixed rear, removable post front; Taurus Optic Ready Option (T.O.R.O.)
Trigger: double-action, 12-lb, 6-oz. pull; single-action, 7-lb., 1-oz. pull
Height: 4.8"
Length: 7.5"
Width: 1.41"
Weight: 23.5 ozs.
MSRP: $463

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.