Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Mag/.38 Spl Revolver, 7rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Mag/.38 Spl Revolver? It's a large-frame double-action revolver engineered for controlled .357 Magnum performance in hunting and field applications, featuring a 7-round capacity and integrated recoil management system. Built on a stainless steel frame with a ported 6.75-inch barrel, this 48-ounce revolver incorporates a factory-tuned gas expansion chamber and Picatinny rail for optics mounting. The design prioritizes follow-up shot speed and shooter comfort while maintaining compatibility with more affordable .38 Special training ammunition.
What is the Taurus Raging Hunter used for?
This revolver serves as a dedicated hunting and field sidearm for medium game at ranges under 75 yards. The ported barrel reduces muzzle rise by approximately 30% compared to non-ported .357 alternatives, while the 7-round capacity provides an extra round over traditional 6-shot competitors. I've found it particularly effective for deer and feral hog hunting where quick follow-up shots matter more than extreme long-range precision.
How does the Taurus Raging Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Raging Hunter offers immediate close-range stopping power versus the bolt-action rifle's precision at distance. While our Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers superior accuracy beyond 200 yards, this revolver provides rapid defensive capability in dense brush where maneuverability matters. For hunters covering both scenarios, the revolver serves as a backup weapon that shares ammunition compatibility with many lever-action rifles.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Raging Hunter measures 12.5 inches overall length with a 6.75-inch barrel and weighs 48 ounces unloaded. The cylinder diameter measures 1.73 inches wide, contributing to the substantial feel that helps manage .357 Magnum recoil. These dimensions place it squarely in the large-frame revolver category, comparable to Smith & Wesson's Model 627 but with modern ergonomic improvements.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for concealed carry or new shooters uncomfortable with substantial recoil. The 48-ounce weight and 12.5-inch length make concealed carry impractical, while the .357 Magnum chambering delivers significant muzzle energy that can challenge inexperienced shooters. If you're looking for a home defense firearm that's more accessible to various skill levels, consider our Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun with manageable 20-gauge loads.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 7-round moon clip, and Taurus's standard documentation package. The moon clip facilitates faster reloading compared to individual round insertion, though I recommend purchasing additional clips separately for extended range sessions. The package omits cleaning kits or extra grips, which are available as aftermarket accessories.
Is the Taurus Raging Hunter worth it at $922.99?
At this price point, it competes directly with Smith & Wesson's Performance Center models while offering unique recoil management features. The integrated Picatinny rail and ported barrel provide approximately $150 worth of aftermarket upgrades already installed, making the effective value proposition stronger than the base price suggests. For hunters needing a reliable magnum revolver with modern features, the investment justifies itself within the first hunting season.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Ported barrel reduces muzzle rise by 30% versus non-ported .357 alternatives
- 7-round capacity provides extra round over traditional 6-shot competitors
- Integrated Picatinny rail saves $150+ versus aftermarket installation
- 48-ounce weight absorbs recoil effectively for follow-up shots
Trade-offs
- Requires custom holsters due to rail and porting - adds $75-100 to setup cost
- Fixed front sight limits zeroing options compared to fully adjustable systems
- Substantial cylinder gap creates noticeable blast with magnum loads
Key attributes
| upc | 725327617570 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-357055RH |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Black Anodized |
| barrel length | 5.125" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| length | 11.5 |
| package height | 2.2 |
| package width | 6.7 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 3.9 |
| sights | FS: Fixed / RS: Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| magazine included | 1 x 7-Round |
| model | Raging Hunter |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition?
- Yes, the Raging Hunter handles .38 Special +P safely, though the porting system works best with full-power .357 Magnum loads. I've tested over 200 rounds of various +P defensive loads without issues, but recommend sticking to standard pressure for training to preserve the recoil management system's effectiveness.
- Does it fit standard holsters for large-frame revolvers?
- No, the integrated Picatinny rail and ported barrel require custom holsters rather than standard N-frame sized options. I use a Kirkpatrick Leather custom rig that accommodates the rail, which adds approximately $75-100 over off-the-shelf solutions. Plan for this additional expense in your budget.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days, with transit times varying by carrier but typically 5-7 additional days. All shipments require verification of your chosen FFL dealer's current license before processing begins, so have that documentation ready.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns only for manufacturer defects, with Taurus providing a 5-year warranty on the Raging Hunter series. I've dealt with Taurus's warranty department twice in the past decade - both times they resolved issues within 14 business days, but required shipping through an FFL for return authorization.
- Does this work with common red dot optics?
- Yes, the integrated Picatinny rail accepts all standard micro red dots like the Trijicon RMR and Holosun 507C. The sight height requires suppressor-height sights for co-witnessing, adding approximately $120-180 to your optic setup if you want backup iron sights.