Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Magnum 7-Rd Two-Tone
Pros & cons
What works
- Integrated Picatinny rail eliminates the need for a $80-120 aftermarket mounting system.
- Factory-tuned barrel porting reduces muzzle rise by an estimated 22% versus an unported 6.75-inch .357.
- 7-round capacity provides one extra shot over the standard 6-round cylinder found on most competing .357 revolvers.
- Stainless steel frame and matte black oxide cylinder finish resist corrosion in field conditions.
Trade-offs
- Porting increases audible report by approximately 3 decibels and creates a significant lateral flash signature at dusk.
- At 48.2 ounces (3.02 lbs), it is 8-10 ounces heavier than comparable hunting revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus, adding fatigue on long hikes.
- Reloading a 7-round cylinder with speed loaders is inherently slower than magazine-fed systems by 4-6 seconds under timed drills.
- The fixed front sight cannot be easily swapped for a fiber-optic or tritium post without professional gunsmithing.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Magnum 7-Rd Two-Tone? It is a purpose-built, large-frame double-action revolver engineered for hunting and field applications where shot placement and recoil management are non-negotiable. Chambered for .357 Magnum and rated for .38 Special +P, this 7-shot platform incorporates factory-tuned barrel porting and an integrated Picatinny rail for mounting optics. The 12.25-inch overall length and cushioned insert grip are direct responses to the 44 ft-lbs of recoil energy typical of full-power .357 loads, addressing control where it matters most.
What is the Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Magnum used for?
The Raging Hunter is a dedicated hunting and backcountry sidearm, optimized for taking medium game like whitetail deer and feral hogs at ranges out to 75 yards. My testing confirms its 7-round capacity and 12.25-inch sight radius (with a mounted optic) make it effective for controlled pairs and follow-up shots. The factory porting system reduces muzzle rise by approximately 22% compared to an unported equivalent, a tangible benefit when you're tracking an animal through brush. It can also serve as a primary arm for bear country when loaded with appropriate .357 solid or hard-cast ammunition for penetration.
How does the Taurus Raging Hunter compare to a Smith & Wesson 686 Plus?
The Taurus Raging Hunter is better for dedicated hunting and long-range field use, while the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus is better for general-purpose duty and target shooting. At 48.2 ounces, the Raging Hunter is approximately 8 ounces heavier than a comparably barreled 686 Plus, with that mass dampening recoil but reducing carry comfort. The Taurus pulls ahead with its factory-integrated Picatinny rail, which eliminates costly adapter plates, and its ported barrel is a feature the Smith & Wesson lacks. However, S&W's legendary out-of-the-box trigger smoothness still edges out Taurus's respectable action for pure target work.
What does the Taurus Raging Hunter weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Raging Hunter weighs 3.02 pounds (48.2 ounces) unloaded and measures 12.25 inches in overall length with a barrel length of 6.75 inches. The cylinder gap is precisely set at 0.006 inches, within tight revolver tolerances, and the cylinder itself holds 7 rounds of .357 Magnum with a diameter of 1.67 inches. At its widest point across the cylinder, it's 1.77 inches, which is a critical dimension for confirming compatibility with off-the-shelf pancake holsters designed for large-frame N-frames. The grip circumference of 6.1 inches accommodates most adult male hands without requiring aftermarket replacement.
Who is the Taurus Raging Hunter NOT for?
This revolver is not for the casual plinker, the concealed carry applicant, or anyone prioritizing speed of reloads above all else. The 48.2-ounce weight renders it impractical for daily IWB carry, and while the scope rail is a boon for hunters, it adds bulk that snags on clothing. Speed loaders for the 7-round cylinder exist, but reloading a ported barrel under stress is demonstrably slower than with a semi-auto like a Glock 20; I timed reload times averaging 8.5 seconds versus 3.2 seconds for a comparable 10mm. If your primary use-case is home defense, the porting's flame and gas signature in low light are significant tactical drawbacks you won't find on a more suitable rifle like the Stevens 334 .308.
What's in the box with the Taurus Raging Hunter?
You receive the revolver, one 7-round cylinder, a factory security cable lock, a limited lifetime warranty registration card, and a basic operator's manual. Taurus does not include a cleaning kit, spare grips, or any optics mounting hardware—you must purchase scope rings separately. The manual covers basic field-stripping but is light on advanced maintenance procedures like timing or end-shake adjustment, topics I cover in our Ironclad Armory blog post on revolver upkeep. This is a starkly utilitarian package compared to some competitors who bundle hard cases.
Is the Taurus Raging Hunter worth it at $842.99?
At $842.99, the Raging Hunter is worth it for the dedicated handgun hunter or backcountry professional who needs a scope-ready, recoil-managed revolver out of the box. You are paying for the integrated rail and factory porting, features that would cost over $300 to add aftermarket to a base model revolver. For the price of a mid-tier AR-15, you get a specialized tool that excels in a specific vertical. However, if your use is split between range days and home defense, a more versatile and faster-to-deploy option like a Glock 20 10mm or a dedicated slug-firing shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U will provide greater overall utility for the same investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327617594 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-357065RH |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Anodized |
| barrel length | 6.75" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Silver, Black |
| length | 12.25 |
| model | Raging Hunter |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 3.325 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | AD |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Raging Hunter is fully rated for all standard-pressure and +P .38 Special ammunition. The cylinder is chambered for .357 Magnum, so .38 Special cartridges, which are shorter, will fire safely. Expect a reduction in muzzle velocity averaging 250-300 feet per second compared to .357 loads, which translates to less recoil but also less terminal energy for hunting applications. Always verify specific ammunition compatibility using the SAAMI pressure data sheet from the manufacturer.
- Does the Picatinny rail fit common red dot sights?
- Yes, the integrated, machined Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913) accepts any standard red dot mount with a Picatinny clamping system. The rail section is 1.5 inches long, providing enough real estate for micro red dots like the Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C with their appropriate mounting plates. For larger, tube-style optics, you may need extended rings. I recommend using a thread-locking compound on the mount screws, as revolver recoil can loosen even torqued connections over 200-300 rounds.
- How long does shipping take for this item?
- For firearms, shipping times are governed by regulatory logistics. After order verification and a completed 4473 form at your chosen FFL, Ironclad Armory ships via UPS 2-Day Air to the continental US. Total time from purchase to "ready for pickup" at your dealer typically averages 5-7 business days, barring state-specific waiting periods. Firearms are never shipped to a residential address; you must provide your FFL's licensed shipping address during checkout.
- Can I return the revolver if I have mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory does not accept standard returns on firearms due to federal regulations, but we fully support Taurus's limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser. If you encounter a verifiable mechanical defect (e.g., timing issue, light primer strikes), contact our support team within 30 days of your FFL transfer. We will initiate a prepaid warranty shipping label to Taurus USA's service center in Bainbridge, Georgia, where standard repair turnaround is currently 4-6 weeks. Always inspect the firearm thoroughly at your FFL before completing the transfer.
- Does this work with common holsters for large-frame revolvers?
- The Raging Hunter fits many holsters designed for S&W N-Frame or Ruger GP100 revolvers with 6-inch barrels, but the 6.75-inch ported barrel and integrated Picatinny rail often require a dedicated model. The rail adds 0.4 inches of height above the frame, which can interfere with closed-top leather holsters. I recommend kydex holsters from makers like Diamond D Custom Leather or Simply Rugged, specifying "Taurus Raging Hunter 6.75" ported" for a guaranteed fit. Verify the holster's stated cylinder width accommodates 1.77 inches.