Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Taurus 605, a versatile and popular revolver known for its ability to chamber both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds. This compact powerhouse has garnered attention from concealed carry enthusiasts, home defenders, and recreational shooters alike. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore its features, performance, pros, cons, and overall value to help you decide if the Taurus 605 is the right firearm for you. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the Taurus 605

When we talk about compact revolvers, the Taurus 605 often enters the conversation. This small-frame, five-shot revolver is chambered in the powerful .357 Magnum, but it can also fire the milder .38 Special rounds. This versatility makes it an attractive option for various shooting needs, from self-defense to target practice. The Taurus 605 is designed with simplicity and reliability in mind, featuring a straightforward design that's easy to operate and maintain. Its compact size makes it a prime candidate for concealed carry, while its robust construction ensures it can handle the pressures of magnum ammunition. But, like any firearm, it has its strengths and weaknesses, which we'll delve into throughout this review.

The Taurus 605 typically features a 2-inch barrel, though some variations might offer slightly longer barrels. This short barrel contributes to its concealability but can also impact its ballistic performance, particularly with magnum loads. The revolver is usually made from steel, providing a solid and durable platform. Finishes vary, with options like matte black, stainless steel, and even some Cerakote variants. The grip is another crucial aspect, and the Taurus 605 often comes with rubber grips that offer a comfortable and secure hold. These grips are designed to help mitigate recoil, which can be substantial when firing .357 Magnum rounds in such a lightweight firearm. We'll touch on recoil management later in the performance section.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications that make the Taurus 605 what it is. This will give you a clearer picture of its design and capabilities.

• Caliber: The Taurus 605 is chambered in both .357 Magnum and .38 Special. This dual-caliber capability is a major selling point, offering shooters the flexibility to choose between the potent .357 Magnum for maximum stopping power and the more manageable .38 Special for practice or situations where less recoil is desired.
• Capacity: As a small-frame revolver, the Taurus 605 holds five rounds. While this is fewer than some semi-automatic pistols, it's a common capacity for compact revolvers and strikes a balance between size and firepower.
• Barrel Length: The standard barrel length for the Taurus 605 is 2 inches. This short barrel is ideal for concealed carry but can impact bullet velocity and accuracy at longer ranges. However, for its intended purpose of close-quarters self-defense, the 2-inch barrel is a reasonable compromise.
• Overall Length: The overall length of the Taurus 605 is typically around 6.5 inches, making it a very compact handgun. This small size contributes to its concealability and ease of handling.
• Weight: The weight of the Taurus 605 varies slightly depending on the specific model and materials used, but it generally falls in the range of 24 ounces (unloaded). This weight is light enough for comfortable carry but substantial enough to help absorb some recoil.
• Frame Material: Most Taurus 605 revolvers feature a steel frame, which provides excellent durability and strength. The steel frame is necessary to handle the pressures generated by .357 Magnum cartridges.
• Grip Material: The grips are usually made from rubber, which offers a comfortable and secure hold. Rubber grips are also effective at absorbing recoil, making the gun more manageable to shoot.
• Sights: The Taurus 605 typically comes with fixed sights. These sights are simple and robust, designed for quick target acquisition in close-quarters situations. While they may not offer the adjustability of some aftermarket sights, they are reliable and functional for the gun's intended purpose.
• Trigger: The trigger is a crucial component of any firearm, and the Taurus 605 features a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger. This means you can fire the gun by either pulling the trigger through its full range of motion (double-action) or by manually cocking the hammer and then pulling the trigger (single-action). The DA/SA trigger provides versatility and allows for different shooting styles.

Performance and Handling

Now, let's talk about how the Taurus 605 performs at the range. Performance and handling are critical factors to consider when choosing a firearm, and the Taurus 605 presents a mixed bag in this area.

Recoil Management

The first thing you'll notice when shooting the Taurus 605, especially with .357 Magnum rounds, is the recoil. This is a lightweight revolver chambered in a potent cartridge, so recoil is to be expected. The rubber grips do a decent job of mitigating some of the felt recoil, but it's still a handful. New shooters might find the .357 Magnum loads quite challenging, while experienced shooters will likely find them manageable but still stout.

Switching to .38 Special rounds makes a significant difference in recoil. The .38 Special is a much milder cartridge, and shooting it in the Taurus 605 is considerably more comfortable. This makes the .38 Special a great option for practice or for individuals who are recoil-sensitive. It also adds to the versatility of the revolver, allowing you to tailor your ammunition to the situation and your comfort level.

Accuracy

Accuracy with the Taurus 605 is generally good for a compact revolver. The fixed sights are simple but effective, and with practice, you can achieve reasonable groupings at typical self-defense distances (7-10 yards). The short barrel does limit the sight radius, which can make precise aiming more challenging, but for its intended purpose, the accuracy is adequate.

The trigger also plays a role in accuracy. The double-action trigger pull is quite heavy, which is typical for revolvers. This heavy trigger pull can make it more difficult to shoot accurately in double-action mode. However, the single-action trigger pull is much lighter and crisper, allowing for more precise shots when you have the time to cock the hammer manually.

Reliability

Reliability is paramount in any self-defense firearm, and the Taurus 605 generally performs well in this area. Revolvers, by their nature, are mechanically simpler than semi-automatic pistols, which often translates to greater reliability. The Taurus 605 is no exception. It's a straightforward design with fewer parts that can fail.

However, it's worth noting that Taurus has had a somewhat mixed reputation for quality control in the past. While many Taurus 605 owners report no issues, some have experienced problems with timing, cylinder lockup, or other mechanical malfunctions. It's always a good idea to thoroughly inspect any firearm before purchasing it and to test it extensively at the range to ensure it functions reliably.

Concealability

One of the primary reasons people choose a compact revolver like the Taurus 605 is its concealability. The small size and relatively light weight make it easy to carry concealed, whether in an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster, an ankle holster, or even a pocket holster (though pocket carry is not recommended for safety reasons unless using a proper holster).

The 2-inch barrel and overall compact dimensions mean the Taurus 605 doesn't print easily, making it a good choice for those who need a discreet carry option. The trade-off, of course, is a shorter sight radius and increased recoil compared to larger handguns, but for many, the concealability factor outweighs these drawbacks.

Pros and Cons of the Taurus 605

To give you a clear and concise overview, let's summarize the pros and cons of the Taurus 605:

Pros:

• Versatile Caliber: The ability to chamber both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds is a significant advantage. It allows you to choose the right ammunition for the situation and your comfort level.
• Compact and Concealable: The small size and light weight make the Taurus 605 an excellent option for concealed carry.
• Reliable Design: Revolvers are generally known for their reliability, and the Taurus 605 is no exception. Its simple design reduces the chances of malfunctions.
• Affordable Price: The Taurus 605 is typically priced lower than many other revolvers, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
• Good Recoil Absorption: The rubber grips do a decent job of absorbing recoil, making the gun more manageable, especially with .38 Special rounds.
• Easy to Operate and Maintain: The straightforward design makes the Taurus 605 easy to operate and maintain, even for novice shooters.

Cons:

• Heavy Recoil with .357 Magnum: The recoil can be significant, especially for new shooters or those who are recoil-sensitive.
• Fixed Sights: The fixed sights are simple but don't offer the adjustability of some aftermarket sights.
• Heavy Double-Action Trigger Pull: The heavy double-action trigger pull can make it more difficult to shoot accurately in double-action mode.
• Limited Capacity: The five-round capacity is less than some semi-automatic pistols, which may be a concern for some shooters.
• Mixed Reputation for Quality Control: Taurus has had a somewhat mixed reputation for quality control, so it's important to inspect the gun thoroughly before purchasing it.
• Short Barrel: The short barrel can limit bullet velocity and accuracy at longer ranges.

Who is the Taurus 605 For?

So, who is the Taurus 605 really for? This revolver is a solid choice for several types of shooters:

• Concealed Carry Permit Holders: Its compact size and concealability make it a great option for those who need a discreet carry gun.
• Home Defense: The .357 Magnum chambering provides substantial stopping power for home defense situations.
• Recreational Shooters: The ability to shoot .38 Special rounds makes it suitable for range practice without excessive recoil.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Taurus 605 is an affordable option compared to many other revolvers on the market.
• Individuals Seeking a Simple and Reliable Firearm: The straightforward design and inherent reliability of revolvers make the Taurus 605 a good choice for those who prioritize simplicity.

However, it may not be the best choice for:

• New Shooters Unfamiliar with Recoil: The .357 Magnum recoil can be intimidating for beginners.
• Competitive Shooters: The fixed sights and heavy trigger pull may not be ideal for competitive shooting.
• Those Prioritizing High Capacity: The five-round capacity is less than many semi-automatic pistols.

Alternatives to the Taurus 605

If you're not entirely convinced about the Taurus 605, there are several alternatives you might want to consider. Here are a few popular options:

• Smith & Wesson J-Frame Revolvers: The Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers are a classic choice for concealed carry. Models like the Model 642 and Model 442 are lightweight and chambered in .38 Special, while the Model 60 is a .357 Magnum option. They are known for their reliability and smooth triggers, but they typically come at a higher price point than the Taurus 605.
• Ruger LCR: The Ruger LCR (Lightweight Compact Revolver) is another excellent option for concealed carry. It features a lightweight polymer frame and a smooth, consistent trigger pull. The LCR is available in various calibers, including .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and 9mm.
• Charter Arms Undercover: The Charter Arms Undercover is a budget-friendly revolver similar in size and function to the Taurus 605. It's chambered in .38 Special and offers a simple, reliable design.
• Springfield Armory Hellcat: If you're open to semi-automatic pistols, the Springfield Armory Hellcat is a compact 9mm with a high capacity. It offers excellent concealability and firepower, but it's a different platform than a revolver.
• Sig Sauer P365: Another popular semi-automatic option is the Sig Sauer P365. It's a subcompact 9mm that balances concealability with a good capacity magazine.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Taurus 605? This is a versatile and affordable revolver that offers a lot of value for the money. Its ability to chamber both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds makes it a flexible option for concealed carry, home defense, and recreational shooting. The compact size and light weight make it easy to carry concealed, while the rubber grips help mitigate recoil.

However, it's not without its drawbacks. The recoil with .357 Magnum rounds can be significant, the fixed sights are basic, and the double-action trigger pull is heavy. Additionally, Taurus has had a mixed reputation for quality control, so it's important to inspect the gun thoroughly before purchasing it.

Overall, the Taurus 605 is a solid choice for those seeking a compact, reliable, and affordable revolver. It's particularly well-suited for concealed carry and home defense, but it may not be the best option for everyone. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget, and weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

I hope this comprehensive review has been helpful, guys! Happy shooting, and stay safe out there! Remember, responsible gun ownership is key, so always practice safe gun handling and follow all applicable laws and regulations.