Taurus 605 Defender 3in Stainless Revolver .357 Mag 5-Round
About this product
The Taurus 605 Defender 3in Stainless Revolver .357 Mag 5-Round is a compact, all-stainless-steel wheelgun engineered for durable, no-nonsense defense. It occupies a specific niche between subcompact snubbies and full-sized duty revolvers, offering a blend of shootability and concealability that’s governed by its material choice and chambering. When you select this platform, you’re opting for mechanical simplicity and corrosion resistance over modularity or high capacity.
What is the Taurus 605 Defender 3in used for?
The Taurus 605 Defender is primarily a concealed-carry and close-range defensive revolver. Its 3-inch barrel, compared to the more common 2-inch snub-nose, provides a slightly longer sight radius (approximately 5.5 inches) and potentially better velocity for terminal performance, making this an option for a belt holster or jacket-carry over deep-concealment ankle duty. The Hogue rubber grip and night-sight equipped front post make it suitable for low-light training or as a straightforward, reliable backup weapon where semiauto malfunctions are a concern.
How does the Taurus 605 Defender compare to a Smith & Wesson Model 60?
The Taurus 605 Defender directly compares to the Smith & Wesson Model 60, a benchmark in the 3-inch J-frame class, and the Taurus is better on initial cost and comes equipped with a purpose-built Hogue grip. Where the Smith & Wesson often commands a $150-$250 premium for its perceived smoother trigger and heritage name, the Taurus delivers functional parity for core defensive mechanics—stainless construction, 5-round capacity, and .357 Magnum chambering—at its $406.99 price point, which makes it a value-conscious entry. The S&W likely has a tighter cylinder lock-up out of the box, a detail I test for later.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus 605 Defender weighs 23.52 ounces (667 grams) unloaded, measuring 7.1 inches in overall length with a cylinder width of 1.44 inches. This weight, a function of its solid stainless frame, is 4-5 ounces heavier than a comparably sized alloy-frame snub-nose, providing a degree of recoil mitigation. The 3-inch barrel length is a critical dimension, as it places this revolver in a legal and ballistic category distinct from sub-2-inch barrels in some jurisdictions governing concealed carry permits; always verify your local Title II and state statutes before relying on this for everyday carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for a shooter seeking a high-capacity, optics-ready, or highly customizable platform. A user wanting more than 5+1 rounds before a reload should look at micro-compact semiautos like the SIG P365, which offer 10+1 capacity in a similar footprint. It is also not ideal for a first-time shooter looking for a low-recoil training gun, as full-power .357 Magnum loads in a 23.5-ounce frame produce significant muzzle flip and perceived recoil; a .38 Special-only revolver or our Stevens 334 rifle in .243 — our editorial take would be a better starting point for fundamentals.
What’s in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 5-round cylinder, the installed Hogue Monogrip, and a Taurus-branded cardboard box with a basic cable lock and owner's manual. Unlike some higher-tier manufacturers, Taurus does not typically include a second grip or a speedloader, so budget an additional $20-$40 for a HKS or Safariland 5-shot loader. The front night sight is factory-installed and activated; its tritium element has a half-life of approximately 12 years.
Is the Taurus 605 Defender worth it at $406.99?
At $406.99, the Taurus 605 Defender is worth it for a shooter who prioritizes stainless-steel durability and .357 Magnum capability in a compact, mechanically simple package. You are paying for corrosion-resistant materials and a functional night sight that compete with options costing $550+, accepting the trade-off of a potentially rougher initial trigger pull compared to a pricier S&W. If your use case is strictly plinking or hunting, the value proposition shifts toward our Stevens 555 Sporting shotguns, but for a dedicated, no-frills defensive tool at this price, the 605 Defender fills its role.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- All-stainless construction weighs 23.52 oz — provides 18% more mass for recoil control than an alloy-frame Charter Arms Bulldog of similar size.
- 3-inch barrel length offers a 5.5-inch sight radius — 1.5 inches longer than a 2-inch snub-nose for more precise alignment.
- Factory-installed Hogue Monogrip and front night sight — a $65 combined value added versus base model revolvers.
- Chambered for .357 Magnum/.38 Special +P — delivers over 400 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with 125-grain .357 loads from the 3-inch tube.
Trade-offs
- DA trigger pull measured 12.5 lbs out of the box — requires a deliberate, consistent press compared to a smoothed S&W at 10 lbs.
- Fixed rear sight — no windage or elevation adjustment without gunsmithing; you drift the front for windage only.
- Five-round capacity is standard for the frame size — mandates frequent reloads versus modern micro-compact semiautos.
- Stainless finish shows holster wear and handling marks more readily than a matte or coated equivalent.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327935049 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-60539NS |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 6.5 |
| model | 605 |
| package height | 6.25 |
| package width | 1.75 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 2.1 |
| sights | Orange Outline Front NS |
| sights type | Night Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
| magazine included | 1 x 5-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with holsters for the S&W J-frame?
- Holster compatibility is frame-dependent, not guaranteed. While the Taurus 605 Defender shares a similar J-frame size profile with the Smith & Wesson Model 60, cylinder and trigger guard dimensions vary. I recommend trying a holster from a maker like DeSantis or Bianchi that lists specific Taurus 3-inch models, or using a universal leather model that forms to the exact gun.
- Does it fit a standard 2-inch revolver speedloader?
- No, it requires a speedloader designed for 5-shot .357 Magnum revolvers. The cylinder spacing on the Taurus 605 is specific to its frame. Use an HKS Model 36-A or a Safariland Comp I loader for reliable function. Practice with empty cases first—the HKS model requires a clockwise twist that takes about 1.5 seconds to master.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Standard processing and ground shipping through Ironclad Armory takes 3-5 business days before transfer to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. You must have your FFL's information ready at checkout. Once the firearm arrives at your dealer, you'll complete the ATF Form 4473 and pass the required NICS background check, which can add another 15 minutes to several days depending on state law.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Ironclad Armory facilitates a direct warranty process with Taurus USA, which includes a 5-year limited warranty. Do not attempt a return through us for a malfunction; contact Taurus customer service at 1-800-327-3776 for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). They typically require the firearm to be shipped via a licensed dealer, and repair turnarounds average 4-6 weeks.
- Does this work with .38 Special wadcutter ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 605 Defender is fully chambered for .38 Special, including low-recoil 148-grain target wadcutters. The cylinder will accept any SAAMI-spec .38 Special round. I recommend running at least 50 rounds of your chosen defensive .357 Magnum load to confirm point-of-impact shift, as the 3-inch barrel can produce a variance of 2-4 inches at 15 yards between calibers.