Taurus 605 Revolver 5-Round 2″ Barrel Matte Stainless Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- All-steel frame weighs 24 oz – provides 40% more mass than aluminum J-frames for reduced .38 Special recoil.
- Matte stainless finish – requires minimal maintenance compared to blued steel in humid environments.
- Double/Single-action trigger – offers a 12 lb double-action pull and a 4.5 lb single-action break for range versatility.
- 5-round .357 Mag cylinder – handles full-power defensive loads, a capability not found in some .38-only snubbies.
Trade-offs
- Factory trigger – the 12 lb double-action pull is heavy and stacks noticeably, requiring a dedicated grip for consistent shots.
- Fixed sights – cannot be adjusted for windage or elevation; you must adjust point of aim for different ammunition.
- No accessory rail – cannot mount a weapon light, making it unsuitable for low-light identification as a primary home defense tool.
- Limited aftermarket support – fewer dedicated holster and sight options compared to the dominant Smith & Wesson J-frame platform.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taurus 605 is a compact, five-shot, .357 Magnum/.38 Special small-frame revolver engineered for daily concealment and straightforward mechanical reliability. It represents the modern interpretation of the classic ‘detective special’ configuration, pairing a two-inch barrel with a matte stainless frame for consistent, low-maintenance carry. At Ironclad Armory, we evaluate this platform against the core metrics of concealability, weight distribution, and out-of-box reliability for the civilian-licensed carrier.
What is the Taurus 605 Revolver used for?
This revolver is primarily a concealed carry and close-quarters personal defense weapon. Its 2-inch barrel and 6.5-inch overall length make it suitable for belt, inside-waistband, or off-body carry in a dedicated holster, while its 24-ounce weight provides enough mass to mitigate .38 Special recoil during practice. The platform is not designed for precision target shooting beyond 15 yards or for high-volume range use, as its fixed sights and five-round capacity are optimized for speed and simplicity, not extended sessions or competitive edge work.
How does the Taurus 605 compare to the Smith & Wesson 642?
The Taurus 605 offers a heavier, all-steel construction and a double-action/single-action trigger, whereas the Smith & Wesson 642 is a lighter, aluminum-frame, double-action-only design. The 605's steel frame adds 6 to 8 ounces of weight, which significantly reduces felt recoil with .38 Special +P ammunition compared to the airweight 642, making follow-up shot control notably easier. However, the Smith & Wesson's internal locking mechanism and consistent double-action trigger pull are generally considered more refined and reliable for pure defensive use by experienced armorers.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 24 ounces (680 grams) unloaded and measures 6.5 inches in overall length with a cylinder width of 1.4 inches. The 2-inch barrel has a 1:18.75 right-hand twist rate, standard for .357 Magnum, and the grip frame accepts most compact K-frame square-butt aftermarket panels. These dimensions produce a package that fits most standard small revolver holsters, though the 1.4-inch cylinder width requires attention to holster selection compared to thinner semi-automatics like the single-stack SIG P365.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for shooters seeking a high-capacity, optics-ready platform, or those who prioritize modularity and accessory mounting. The fixed five-round capacity and lack of a rail for weapon lights or lasers make it a poor choice for home defense as a primary system compared to a rifle like the Stevens 334 or a full-size, rail-equipped pistol. It's also not ideal for new shooters intimidated by the heavier double-action trigger pull, which measures approximately 12 pounds from the factory, or those who require ambidextrous controls.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one five-round cylinder, and a basic owner's manual. Taurus does not include a cable lock, snap caps, or a cleaning kit with this model, so you will need to source those separately. The packaging is a simple cardboard box with foam insert; there is no premium case or holster included, which is standard for firearms in this price segment but worth noting for first-time buyers expecting more accessories.
Is the Taurus 605 worth it at $406.99?
At its current price point, the Taurus 605 represents solid value for a shooter who specifically wants a steel-frame, snub-nose revolver capable of firing .357 Magnum. It undercuts comparable offerings from major U.S. manufacturers by $150 to $250, making it an accessible entry into the category. The investment is justified if your use case values simplicity, corrosion resistance from the matte stainless finish, and the ability to practice with lower-cost .38 Special before moving to defensive .357 Magnum loads.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327942504 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-605029-TW |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte Stainless |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 5 |
| length | 6.5 |
| package height | 6.25 |
| package width | 1.75 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 1.95 |
| sights | Fixed |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .357 Magnum ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 605 is chambered for .357 Magnum and the shorter .38 Special. You can fire both cartridges safely. Always verify your specific ammunition's pressure rating does not exceed SAAMI maximums, which for .357 Magnum is 35,000 psi.
- Does it fit standard small-frame revolver holsters?
- Generally, yes. The 605's profile is similar to a Smith & Wesson J-frame with a 2-inch barrel. Its 1.4-inch cylinder width is the critical dimension. We recommend a holster from a maker like DeSantis or Galco, specifically molded for a J-frame or similar small-frame revolver, for proper retention and trigger guard coverage.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 3 to 7 business days after order processing. All firearms must ship to a licensed dealer for the mandatory background check (Form 4473) and transfer, which usually adds 1-2 days to the total timeline.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Ironclad Armory's policy is that all firearms sales are final upon transfer at your FFL due to federal regulations. However, Taurus provides a lifetime repair policy for the original owner. If you encounter a mechanical defect, you must contact Taurus customer service to initiate a warranty repair, which typically has a 4-6 week turnaround time.
- Does this work with Crimson Trace laser grips?
- Yes, the Taurus 605 frame is compatible with many aftermarket grip panels, including models from Crimson Trace designed for small-frame revolvers (like the LG-105). You will need to remove the provided Turkish walnut grips, which is a straightforward process involving the single screw on the right-hand panel.