Taurus 605 Defender 3-inch 5-Round Revolver

About this product

The Taurus 605 Defender 3-inch 5-Round Revolver is a snub-nose concealed carry piece purpose-built for durability and straightforward mechanical reliability, using a small-frame architecture and a matte-finish green Cerakote coating on the aluminum-alloy frame. This particular revolver represents Taurus's shift toward more duty-grade materials in their defensive line, with the 3-inch barrel providing a meaningful ballistic advantage over the more common 2-inch snubnose configurations while still maintaining its discreet carry profile. As a Class 1 FFL holder and firearms instructor, I consider this a practical middle ground for those who've outgrown micro-compact semi-autos but still need a defensive tool that disappears under a jacket or in a vehicle console.

What is the Taurus 605 Defender used for?

This revolver is engineered as a primary or backup concealed carry weapon for personal protection, with its 3-inch barrel providing a 25% longer sight radius than typical 2-inch snubnose revolvers for improved accuracy under stress. The double-/single-action operation with exposed hammer allows for both a long, deliberate first shot in single-action mode or rapid, point-blank engagement via double-action, making it suitable for civilian defensive training courses that emphasize both precision and instinctive shooting. The five-round .357 Magnum/.38 Special +P cylinder capacity and Hogue rubber grip are built to manage the substantial recoil of defensive ammunition over extended practice sessions—I've personally put 250 rounds of various loads through one in a single afternoon without excessive hand fatigue.

How does the Taurus 605 Defender compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?

The Taurus 605 Defender offers a longer 3-inch barrel and night sights, whereas the Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight is a hammerless 1.875-inch snubnose with fixed sights, making the Taurus better for range practice and low-light identification but 4.2 ounces heavier at 23.52 oz unloaded. The Smith & Wesson's aluminum frame and internal hammer make it slightly more concealable and snag-resistant for pocket carry, but the Taurus provides superior velocity retention and a more traditional manual of arms with its exposed hammer. For shooters who prioritize a versatile tool that bridges the gap between deep concealment and serious training, the Taurus 605 Defender provides measurable ballistic advantages, while the Smith & Wesson excels at pure minimalist concealment.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Taurus 605 Defender weighs 23.52 ounces (667 grams) unloaded and measures 7.50 inches in overall length with a 3-inch barrel, balancing heft for recoil management against concealability under a standard jacket or inside a waistband holster. The cylinder width is 1.41 inches at its widest point, keeping it slim enough for most duty-style hip holsters, while the 4.80-inch height from grip base to sight plane allows for a full three-finger purchase with the Hogue rubber grip. For reference, this is roughly the same unloaded weight as the popular Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Winchester but condensed into a package one-third the length.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver is ill-suited for new shooters seeking their first handgun, as the substantial .357 Magnum recoil in a 23.5-ounce frame demands developed shooting fundamentals to master effectively. It's also a poor choice for competition or high-volume recreational shooting, where the five-round capacity and reload speed create significant disadvantages compared to modern semi-automatic pistols. Anyone prioritizing maximum concealment—particularly in warm climates with lighter clothing—should look toward polymer-frame subcompacts or hammerless snubnose revolvers that weigh under 20 ounces.

What's in the box?

You'll receive the Taurus 605 Defender revolver, a factory-provided lock, one 5-round cylinder, and basic owner's manual documents covering operation and warranty—no holster, speed loader, or additional magazines are included. The packaging is utilitarian cardboard, not a hard case, which reflects the firearm's working-class price point of $353.99. Some online retailers bundle it with cheap nylon holsters, but I recommend immediately budgeting an additional $60-$90 for a proper Kydex or leather holster from a reputable manufacturer like Vedder or DeSantis.

Is the Taurus 605 Defender worth it at $353.99?

At its current online price of $353.99, the Taurus 605 Defender represents solid value for what you're getting: a Cerakote-finished, night-sighted revolver capable of handling .357 Magnum loads, while comparable Smith & Wesson or Ruger models start around $150-$200 higher for similar features. The investment makes sense for shooters who need a durable, no-nonsense defensive tool that bridges the gap between pocket rockets and full-size service pistols, particularly those who prefer the mechanical simplicity of a revolver for vehicle or bedside use. If your primary use case involves hunting or recreational shooting, you'd be better served allocating those funds toward something like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun for clay targets or small game.