The Taurus Model 605 has occupied a unique niche in the firearms market since its introduction in 1995. Positioned as a budget-friendly, five-shot "snub-nose" revolver, it promises the raw power of the .357 Magnum cartridge in a package that fits in a jacket pocket. However, any experienced shooter knows that there is no such thing as a free lunch in physics. Carrying a small-frame .357 is a compromise between portability and extreme recoil.

After putting over 500 rounds through various iterations of the 605—including the standard stainless steel model and the newer Executive Grade—it is clear that this firearm is a specialized tool. It is reliable, surprisingly accurate for its size, and undeniably powerful. But it is also a "beast" that demands respect and significant training to master.

Quick Verdict: Is the Taurus 605 Right for You?

For those seeking a definitive answer immediately: The Taurus 605 is an exceptional value for a defensive firearm. It is reliable enough for daily carry and versatile enough to practice with softer .38 Special loads while carrying potent .357 Magnums for protection.

It is ideal for:

  • Budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable self-defense tool.
  • Experienced shooters looking for a rugged backup gun.
  • Those who prefer the mechanical simplicity of a revolver over semi-automatics.

It is not recommended for:

  • First-time shooters who are recoil-sensitive.
  • Anyone unwilling to spend significant time at the range mastering a heavy double-action trigger.

Technical Specifications and Build Quality

The Taurus 605 is built on a small steel frame, often compared to the Smith & Wesson J-frame, though it is slightly beefier in certain dimensions.

  • Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
  • Capacity: 5 Rounds
  • Barrel Length: 2.0 inches (Standard) / 3.0 inches (Executive/Special editions)
  • Overall Length: 6.5 inches
  • Weight: 24 oz (Unloaded, Stainless Steel model)
  • Action: Double Action / Single Action (DA/SA)
  • Safety: Transfer Bar mechanism

Material and Finish

The most common version of the 605 comes in a matte stainless steel finish. In our long-term testing, the stainless finish has proven remarkably resistant to salt-water corrosion and sweat—a critical factor for a gun carried close to the body in an Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster. The machining on the cylinder is clean, and the lock-up is surprisingly tight for a firearm at this price point.

The blued steel version is also available and offers a more classic look, but it requires more frequent oiling to prevent surface oxidation. For a dedicated carry piece, the stainless steel model is the logical choice for 90% of users.

The Grip

Taurus ships the standard 605 with a pebbled rubber grip. This isn't just an aesthetic choice; it’s a necessity. The rubber features finger grooves that help anchor the gun in the hand during the violent snap of a .357 discharge. The grip is small enough to aid in concealment but large enough to allow a solid two-finger hold for most shooters, with the pinky often curling underneath the frame.

The Shooting Experience: .38 Special vs. .357 Magnum

The 605's dual-caliber capability is its greatest selling point. However, the experience of shooting these two calibers is night and day.

Practicing with .38 Special

When loaded with standard 130-grain .38 Special target loads, the Taurus 605 is actually quite pleasant to shoot. The 24-ounce weight of the steel frame provides enough mass to soak up the modest recoil. During a 50-round range session, accuracy was consistent at 7 yards, with most groups falling within a 3-inch circle. The sights—a fixed ramp front and a gutter-style rear—are rudimentary but sufficient for defensive distances.

Moving up to .38 Special +P (higher pressure) loads increases the "snap," but it remains manageable for anyone with basic handgun experience. This is where most shooters should spend their training time.

The Reality of .357 Magnum

Switching to full-power .357 Magnum 158-grain jacketed hollow points changes the personality of the 605 instantly. The recoil is, quite frankly, brutal. In our testing, the muzzle flip was significant, often requiring a full second to re-align the sights for a follow-up shot.

The palm of the shooting hand takes a beating. After just 10 rounds of .357, many shooters will notice a slight tremor in their grip. This is not a defect of the gun, but a reality of physics: 600+ foot-pounds of energy being funneled through a 1.5-pound steel frame. In a self-defense situation, you likely won't feel the recoil due to adrenaline, but for practice, it is a punishing ordeal.

Trigger Dynamics: DA/SA Performance

The 605 features a Double-Action/Single-Action trigger, which offers two distinct ways to fire.

Double Action (DA)

The DA pull—where the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer—is the way this gun is intended to be used in a defensive encounter. Out of the box, the Taurus DA pull is heavy, likely in the 12-to-14 pound range. It feels "stout" but generally smooth. There is a noticeable "stacking" near the end of the pull, which actually helps some shooters know exactly when the hammer is about to drop.

For those used to a 5-pound striker-fired trigger (like a Glock), this will feel like a workout. However, a heavy DA trigger acts as an inherent safety, ensuring that the gun only fires when a deliberate, forceful pull is applied.

Single Action (SA)

By manually cocking the hammer, the trigger pull drops to a crisp 4-to-5 pounds with almost zero creep. This transforms the 605 into a much more precise instrument. In our accuracy testing at 15 yards, firing in single-action mode allowed for 4-inch groups, which is impressive for a 2-inch barrel. While you likely won't cock the hammer in a high-stress defense situation, it’s a great feature for placing a precise shot if ever needed.

Accuracy and Sights: Can You Hit the Target?

A common myth is that snub-nose revolvers are inherently inaccurate. This is false; they are simply difficult to shoot accurately due to the short sight radius (the distance between the front and rear sights).

The 605's sights are "combat sights." The front ramp is serrated to reduce glare, but it is the same color as the rest of the slide. In low light, the front sight can disappear. Pro-Tip: Many owners apply a dab of bright orange or neon green nail polish to the front sight ramp. This small modification dramatically improves target acquisition speed.

At 3 to 5 yards—the statistically most common distance for civilian self-defense—the Taurus 605 is perfectly capable of "center-of-mass" hits as fast as you can pull the trigger. Once you move out to 15 or 25 yards, the limitations of the short barrel and fixed sights become apparent, but that is outside the intended mission of this firearm.

Versions of the 605: Which One Should You Buy?

Taurus has expanded the 605 line to cater to different tastes and budgets.

1. The Standard 605 Stainless/Matte Black

This is the workhorse. It is heavy enough to be shootable and durable enough to last a lifetime. If you want a reliable tool and don't care about "frills," this is the one.

2. The 605 Poly Protector

The Poly Protector features a polymer frame with steel inserts. It is significantly lighter than the all-steel version, which makes it a dream to carry. However, that weight reduction comes at a steep price: recoil. Firing .357 Magnum out of the Poly Protector is an experience most shooters only want to try once. It is a specialized tool for those who prioritize weight above all else.

3. The 605 Executive Grade

Released as a more premium offering, the Executive Grade features:

  • A 3-inch barrel for improved ballistics and a longer sight radius.
  • Hand-tuned action for a smoother trigger pull.
  • Altamont wood grips that look stunning but offer less cushion than rubber.
  • A brass bead front sight for better visibility.

In our hands-on review, the Executive Grade felt like a completely different class of firearm. The extra inch of barrel makes a noticeable difference in reducing muzzle flip, and the trigger is significantly more refined. If you have the extra $200 in your budget, the Executive Grade is arguably the best revolver Taurus has ever produced.

Concealed Carry Practicality

The Taurus 605 is a "Goldilocks" gun for concealment. It is small enough to disappear under a t-shirt but powerful enough to handle almost any threat.

Holster Selection

Because the 605 is a five-shot revolver, it is very slim (approx. 1.4 inches at the cylinder).

  • Appendix IWB: This is very comfortable due to the short barrel not poking into the groin.
  • Pocket Carry: In a dedicated pocket holster (like a Desantis Nemesis), the 605 can fit in loose-fitting jeans or cargo shorts. However, at 24 ounces, it may cause the pocket to sag.
  • Ankle Carry: This is a popular spot for the 605 as a backup gun, though it requires a high-quality neoprene holster to manage the weight.

Reliability in the Field

Unlike semi-automatics, the 605 is not sensitive to "limp-wristing." It doesn't care about your grip strength or the shape of the bullet's nose. In our testing, it ate everything from cheap lead round nose (LRN) to premium hollow points without a single failure to fire. If a round fails to go off (a "dud" primer), you simply pull the trigger again to move to the next chamber. This "fail-deadly" reliability is why many still trust their lives to five shots.

Maintenance and Long-Term Durability

Maintaining a 605 is straightforward. After a range session, carbon fouling will build up on the front of the cylinder and around the forcing cone. A standard brass brush and CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Preservative) will remove most of it.

One thing to watch for: The ejector rod. On some Taurus models, the ejector rod can slightly unscrew itself after hundreds of rounds of heavy magnum fire. It is a good habit to check the tightness of the rod every time you clean the gun.

After 500 rounds, our test unit showed no signs of timing issues or excessive crane play. The "Transfer Bar" safety—which prevents the gun from firing if dropped on its hammer—remained crisp and functional.

Pros and Cons of the Taurus 605

Pros

  • Exceptional Value: Often found for $350-$400, it is hundreds less than a Smith & Wesson Model 60.
  • Versatility: Shoots .38 Special for practice and .357 for defense.
  • Stainless Construction: Excellent weather resistance for daily carry.
  • Simplicity: No safeties to fumble with; just point and shoot.
  • DA/SA Versatility: Offers a light trigger option for precise shots.

Cons

  • Recoil: .357 Magnum is physically painful for some shooters in this frame size.
  • Capacity: Limited to 5 rounds, whereas many modern micro-9mm pistols hold 10-13.
  • Trigger Weight: The heavy double-action pull requires significant finger strength.
  • Fixed Sights: Hard to see in low-light conditions without modification.
  • Weight: At 24 oz, it is heavier than many polymer semi-autos.

Comparing the Competition

Taurus 605 vs. Ruger SP101

The Ruger SP101 is built like a tank. It is heavier than the 605 (approx. 26-28 oz), which makes it better at handling recoil. However, the Ruger is significantly more expensive. If you plan on shooting .357 Magnum exclusively, the Ruger is the better choice. If you want a carry gun that will mostly see .38 Specials, the Taurus wins on value.

Taurus 605 vs. Smith & Wesson Model 60

The S&W Model 60 is the "gold standard" for this class. It has a smoother trigger and a more refined finish. However, the price difference is nearly double. In a defensive encounter at 5 yards, the Taurus 605 will perform just as reliably as the Smith & Wesson.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Taurus 605

If you decide to purchase a 605, follow these steps to ensure you are proficient:

  1. Dry Fire: Spend time pulling the trigger on an empty chamber (or with snap caps). This will smooth out the action and strengthen your trigger finger.
  2. Paint the Front Sight: As mentioned, a little high-visibility paint goes a long way.
  3. Choose the Right Ammo: For carry, look for "Short Barrel" .357 Magnum loads. These are designed to expand at lower velocities and often have slightly reduced recoil compared to full-hunting loads.
  4. Practice Reloads: Five rounds go fast. Invest in a pair of HKS or 5-Star speed loaders and practice using them until the motion is muscle memory.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Taurus 605

Is the Taurus 605 a good first gun?

It depends. As a primary home defense gun, a larger-frame revolver or a full-size semi-auto is better because they are easier to shoot accurately. However, if the user specifically wants a simple gun for a purse or pocket, the 605 is a candidate—provided they practice with .38 Special loads first.

Can I shoot .38 Special +P in the Taurus 605?

Yes. The 605 is rated for .38 Special +P. This is often the "sweet spot" for this gun, offering more power than standard .38s without the punishing recoil of the .357 Magnum.

Does the Taurus 605 have a safety?

It does not have a manual thumb safety. Instead, it uses a "Transfer Bar" safety system. The hammer cannot reach the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled all the way to the rear. This makes it safe to carry with all five chambers loaded.

What is the difference between the 605 and the 856?

The Taurus 856 is a six-shot revolver but is only chambered for .38 Special. The 605 is a five-shot revolver because the cylinder walls must be thicker to handle the much higher pressures of the .357 Magnum.

Summary

The Taurus 605 remains one of the most practical defensive revolvers on the market. It doesn't pretend to be a competition target pistol or a luxury heirloom. It is a rugged, stainless steel tool designed to work every time you pull the trigger.

While the recoil of the .357 Magnum in such a small frame is legendary for its intensity, the ability to chamber that round gives the owner a level of ballistic confidence that few other "pocket guns" can match. If you can master the heavy trigger and respect the muzzle flip, the 605 is a formidable companion for personal protection. It is a testament to the idea that you don't need to spend a thousand dollars to get a firearm that is capable of protecting your life.

Whether you choose the standard matte stainless model for its durability or the Executive Grade for its refined action, the Taurus 605 stands as a solid, reliable choice in an era of increasingly complex firearms. It is simple, it is powerful, and it works.