Taurus 605 Executive Grade 3″ Stainless Revolver
About this product
What is the Taurus 605 Executive Grade 3" Stainless Revolver?
The Taurus 605 Executive Grade 3" Stainless Revolver is a presentation-level compact handgun engineered for durability and concealed carry precision. Built on a small-frame stainless steel platform with a 3-inch barrel, it balances carry convenience with range-worthy handling. This model ships in a protective Nanuk case with refinements including a tuned trigger and brass front sight for immediate target acquisition.
What is the Taurus 605 Executive Grade used for?
The Taurus 605 excels as an everyday carry or backup firearm where reliability and stainless corrosion resistance matter. Its 3-inch barrel provides 15% better velocity retention than snub-nose alternatives while maintaining a 7.5-inch overall length that conceals comfortably in an IWB holster. I'd deploy this as a duty-rotation piece or recommend it to shooters who need a no-fail mechanical system with minimal maintenance demands.
How does the Taurus 605 Executive Grade compare to the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus?
The Taurus 605 trades the S&W 686 Plus' 6-round capacity and full-lug barrel for superior concealability and 4.2 ounces less weight. While the 686 Plus dominates range sessions with its L-frame stability, the 605's 23.5-ounce unloaded weight and compact profile make it the definitive choice for all-day carry. For pure ballistic performance, choose the 686; for carry logistics, the 605 wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 23.5 ounces with overall dimensions of 7.5 inches long and 1.4 inches wide. The 3-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 4.2 inches—enough for consistent hits at 25 yards—while the cylinder width measures 1.49 inches to balance concealment against .357 Magnum chambering. Compare that to the bulkier the Stevens 334 Rifle if long-gun dimensions better suit your needs.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this revolver if you prioritize high-capacity platforms or optic-ready systems—the fixed 5-round cylinder and non-milled top strap preclude red dots. Competition shooters needing rapid reloads should consider a semi-auto like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U instead. The 605’s deliberate reload process and limited round count make it poorly suited for dynamic scenarios requiring sustained fire.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, and a Nanuk 905 hard case with customizable foam inserts. Unlike basic cardboard packaging, the Nanuk case provides IP67 water resistance and crush protection—critical for safeguarding the polished stainless finish during transport. Taurus includes a cable lock and owner's manual, but notably omits speedloaders or additional grips.
Is the Taurus 605 Executive Grade worth it at $651.99?
At $651.99, the Executive Grade justifies its premium over base models with its Nanuk case, refined trigger pull, and corrosion-resistant stainless construction. Compared to a $400 standard 605, you're paying for the case ($90 value) and hand-fitted components that reduce trigger stack—making this a tangible upgrade for shooters valuing out-of-box readiness. Budget-conscious buyers might prefer the value-oriented Stevens 334 — our editorial take, but the 605 delivers where refinement matters.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion—ideal for coastal or high-humidity environments
- 23.5 oz unloaded weight balances carry comfort with .357 Magnum capability
- Nanuk 905 case included—$90 value with customizable foam and IP67 rating
- 3-inch barrel improves velocity by 15% over 2-inch snub-nose models
Trade-offs
- Fixed 5-round capacity limits tactical flexibility versus semi-autos
- No optics milling—requires gunsmithing for red dot mounting ($200+)
- Brass front sight lacks tritium—limits low-light targeting without upgrades
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327940555 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-605EX39 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Polished |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6.5 |
| model | 605 |
| package height | 4.7 |
| package width | 9.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 4.7 |
| sights | Brass Rod Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the 605 handles .38 Special +P to SAAMI spec, but I recommend limiting extended use to preserve the forcing cone. Stick to standard pressure for practice—the 3-inch barrel achieves 890 fps with 158gr FMJ regardless.
- Does it fit standard speedloaders?
- HKS Model 36-A speedloaders work perfectly—they're the industry standard for 5-shot J-frames. Avoid generic brands; the 605's cylinder chamfer requires precise alignment for reliable loading.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with FedEx 2Day shipping adding 2-3 days transit. FFL delays vary—confirm your dealer's availability before ordering.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Returns require a 15% restocking fee and unopened packaging—handle fit isn't grounds for refund. I suggest trying a similar J-frame at a range first; the 605's grip circumference measures 4.9 inches.
- Does this work with Safariland holsters?
- Yes, Safariland's Model 29 J-frame holsters fit the 605 perfectly—their injection-molded kytek accommodates the 1.4-inch width. Avoid universal holsters; they lack the retention needed for carry.