Taurus 605: A Pint-Size .357 Mag. Revolver

by
posted on December 4, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Taurus 605

With its 2" barrel, .357 Mag. chambering and 24-ozs. weight the Taurus 605 revolver is made for carry. The double action/single action can digest .38 Spl. to make practice a pleasant experience, but when loaded with the heavier-hitting cartridge it packs enough power to stop a felonious assault with authority.

Capacity is five cartridges and the frame, cylinder and barrel are made from stainless steel with a pleasant-to-the-eyes matte finish. A soft, rubberized black grip does a nice job of soaking recoil. Sights are fixed with a ramp up front and a groove to the rear.

A transfer bar safety prevents the gun from touching off a round without pulling the hammer back fully. The gun also comes with the Taurus Security System. Turning its lock, which is built into the frame and located below the hammer, renders the firearm inoperable. The feature is often cited as an asset for anyone who needs to prevent unauthorized access—those with small ones in the house, etc.  Two keys to operate the device are included with the revolver.

The gun’s heft doesn’t place it among lightest carry revolvers, although the weight is a welcome addition when shooting heavy-recoiling loads. The rest of the gun, however, features the sleek sides and rounded edges needed to minimize clothing snag during presentation—a real concern when under stress.  

Overall length of the Taurus 605, which was introduced in 1995 and continues to be a good seller for the company, measures 6.5". Width comes in at 1.4" and height at 4.4". The firm’s trademarked raging bull on the grips give it a look distinctive enough to stand out from much of the competition.

MSRP for the Brazilian-made revolver, which is imported by Taurus USA, is $406. Its solid performance, price and straightforward design have made it a popular choice among enthusiasts for more than a quarter century.

Latest

Magpul/ZEV FDP Carbine
Magpul/ZEV FDP Carbine

Ori-gun-i: The ZEV Technologies FDP Carbine

The American art of folding polymer and steel into a working firearm reaches what might be its zenith with the Zev Technologies/Magpul FDP.

Study Finds Correlation Between Firearm Training & Safe Gun Storage

In a survey of more than 1,000 firearm owners across the nation, researchers found that firearm training increases responsible gun storage at a dramatic rate.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 12, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Glenfield Firearms Model A

The Glenfield Firearms Model A is a stalwart budget option returning to the market under the Ruger umbrella.

Skills Check: Taking Time Off

Our drill this month is a real worker bee. It trains you to deliver a well-placed transition round and deliberately decreases the time it takes you to move the muzzle and set up for the next one.

Range Review: Canik Prime Radian

With the new Canik Prime Radian, you can have your compensator and your flared magazine well, too, all inside an easily carried, compact handgun.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.