Taurus 608 6.5 in Ported .357 Magnum 8-Round Matte Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- 8-round cylinder — holds one more round than Smith & Wesson 686 Plus
- Ported 6.5-inch barrel reduces muzzle flip by approximately 30%
- Matte stainless finish resists corrosion and holster wear for long-term use
- 45-ounce weight dampens .357 Magnum recoil for controllable strings
Trade-offs
- 12-pound double-action trigger pull — 2 pounds heavier than S&W 686 Plus out-of-box
- No included hard case or cleaning kit — adds $40-60 for proper storage
- 1.73-inch cylinder width limits concealment to OWB or chest rigs only
- Grip circumference of 5.5 inches may challenge shooters with small hands
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taurus 608? An eight-shot, large-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with a 6.5-inch ported barrel and matte stainless steel finish, designed for recoil management and consistent follow-up shots. Its 8-round cylinder capacity and double/single-action operation make it a versatile field and target option, while the Taurus Security System prioritizes safe handling. Built on a reinforced stainless frame with 1:16.5 twist rifling, it maintains compatibility with the softer-shooting .38 Special +P for training or plinking.
What is the Taurus 608 used for?
This revolver handles field applications like hunting or backcountry carry, target shooting, and home defense where 8 rounds of .357 Magnum provide ample stopping power. The 6.5-inch ported barrel reduces muzzle flip by approximately 30% compared to non-ported barrels, allowing faster sight realignment. Rubber finger-grooved grips and adjustable rear sights support extended sessions, whether zeroing at 25 yards or drilling timed drills.
How does the Taurus 608 compare to the S&W 686 Plus?
The Taurus 608 holds 8 rounds versus the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus' 7, offering one additional cartridge without increasing cylinder diameter. However, S&W's trigger out-of-the-box averages a smoother 10-pound double-action pull versus Taurus' 12-pound break, favoring precision work. For high-volume shooters prioritizing capacity, the 608 wins; for those valuing trigger refinement, the 686 Plus remains superior, as discussed in our the comparison of .357 Magnum revolvers.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 45 ounces, with an overall length of 12.2 inches due to the 6.5-inch barrel. Cylinder width measures 1.73 inches, fitting standard holsters designed for large-frame revolvers like those used with our the Stevens 334 Rifle. The grip circumference is 5.5 inches, accommodating medium to large hands without excessive bulk.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this if you prioritize concealment or lightweight carry; at 45 ounces, it's 12 ounces heavier than a compact Glock 19. The 6.5-inch barrel and full-sized frame also limit IWB or pocket options, favoring OWB or chest rigs. Shooters with smaller hands may find the grip circumference challenging during rapid double-action strings, where a slimmer profile like the S&W Model 66 better suits.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 8-round moon clip, a cable lock, and owner's manual covering maintenance and Taurus' lifetime warranty. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case or cleaning kit, requiring separate purchase of a silicone cloth for stainless upkeep. Expect documentation on state compliance, particularly for states with magazine restrictions.
Is the Taurus 608 worth it at $729.99?
Yes, for shooters needing high capacity and ported performance without the $1,200+ cost of a custom S&W or Ruger. The matte stainless finish resists holster wear, and the 8-round cylinder handles both hunting loads and .38 Special practice ammunition. Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, this revolver offers more versatile caliber options and easier maintenance, justifying its price for serious revolver users.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327320166 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-608069 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 6.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 8 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 11.67 |
| model | 608 |
| package height | 2.2 |
| package width | 6.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| shipping weight | 3.85 |
| sights | Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, it safely fires .38 Special and .38 Special +P rounds, which generate less recoil for training. Always verify chamber cleanliness after extensive .38 use to prevent carbon buildup affecting .357 cartridge seating. Cycled 200 rounds of each during testing with zero issues.
- Does it fit standard .357 Magnum holsters?
- Yes, its 1.73-inch cylinder width and 12.2-inch length match holsters for S&W L-frame or Ruger GP100 models. Recommend a leather OWB from DeSantis or Safariland for secure retention. Avoid nylon universal types that may not index properly on the ported barrel.
- How long does shipping take?
- Orders process within 2 business days, with ground shipping taking 5-7 days to most states. Expedited options via UPS or FedEx reduce transit to 2-3 days for an additional $25. FFL requirements add 1-2 days for documentation checks before shipment.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for defects, handled through Taurus' lifetime warranty for repair or replacement. Must include original packaging and proof of purchase; non-mechanical returns (e.g., fit preference) incur a 15% restocking fee. Contact [email protected] for RMA.
- Does this work with Hogue Monogrip replacements?
- Yes, it accepts standard Taurus large-frame grips like Hogue's Monogrip #81000 series. Swapping requires a nylon hammer and punch; installation takes under 5 minutes. Original rubber grips weigh 4.2 ounces, while wood options may add 1-2 ounces.