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

Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto
Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Review: Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Following the success of its .45 ACP-chambered LC Carbine, Ruger realized that this platform would go a long way toward making the 10 mm Auto more controllable and fun to shoot, and a new 10 mm version was released in 2024.

The Armed Citizen® July 14, 2025

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

Favorite Firearms: A Little Stevens From Chicago

"Over the next five or six years, and before I went off to college, I fired hundreds and hundreds of rounds of .22 BB Caps, CB Caps, Shorts and Longs through this rifle."

Preview: Strike Industries T-Bone Charging Handle

The T-Bone from Strike Industries is an ideal fit for suppressed applications, as it can be configured by the user to redirect gas blowback entirely to either side ...

New For 2025: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0 & Alpine ST Rifles

Weatherby's Model 307 bolt-action rifle opens up a world of aftermarket components to consumers, thanks to its Model 700 receiver footprint, and the company now has two new models for hunters and sport shooters.

Preview: Thunderbolt To The Rebels | The United States Sharpshooters In The Civil War

Author Darin Wipperman provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Berdan’s sharpshooters during the American Civil War.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.