Taurus 605

605 vs. 856: .357 Magnum vs. .38 Special — Which Should You Choose?

The Taurus 605 and 856 are closely related compact revolvers built for similar carry purposes but at different power levels. The 856 is a 6-shot .38 Special +P that accepts .38 Special loads only — lighter recoil, one more round, and lighter overall weight. The 605 is a 5-shot .357 Magnum that also accepts .38 Special, offering the option to carry .357 Magnum defensive loads with significantly more energy while practicing with .38 Special. For buyers who want maximum revolver stopping power in a compact frame and can manage .357 Magnum recoil, the 605 is the correct choice. For buyers who prefer lower recoil and an extra round, the 856 is the answer.

.357 Magnum from a 2” Barrel: Ballistics and Reality

Full-power .357 Magnum loads lose approximately 150–200 fps of velocity from a 2” barrel compared to a 4” barrel, and produce significant muzzle blast and recoil in a compact revolver. Despite this, .357 Magnum from a 2” barrel still generates more muzzle energy than .38 Special +P and expands reliably with premium hollow point ammunition. Hornady Critical Defense .357 Magnum and Federal Personal Defense .357 Magnum are specifically engineered for short-barrel performance. The practical recommendation: carry .357 Magnum loads and practice with .38 Special to manage recoil and cost.

Steel Frame and Durability

The Taurus 605 uses a steel frame rather than the aluminum or polymer frames of lighter carry revolvers. The additional weight — approximately 24 oz — absorbs more recoil per shot than lighter alternatives, making the 605 more comfortable to shoot with .357 Magnum loads than ultralight titanium or aluminum-frame revolvers. The steel construction also provides long-term durability for sustained use with full-power loads. For buyers who will regularly practice with .357 Magnum rather than reserving it only for carry, the steel frame is a meaningful practical advantage.

Taurus 605 TORO: Optics-Ready Variant

Taurus offers the 605 in a TORO (Taurus Optic Ready Option) configuration with a slide cut for direct red dot mounting. For carry shooters who want a micro red dot on a compact .357 Magnum revolver, the 605 TORO is one of the few factory optics-ready compact revolvers available from any manufacturer. The sight cut accepts the Shield RMSc and similar micro red dot footprints.

Frequently Asked Questions: Taurus Model 605

What is the Taurus 605?
The Taurus Model 605 is a compact 5-shot double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, built on a small frame designed for concealed carry and backup gun use. It is available in steel and titanium configurations, with barrel lengths from 2 to 3 inches, making it one of the most compact .357 Magnum revolvers available.

Is the Taurus 605 good for concealed carry?
Yes — the 605 is a capable compact .357 Magnum revolver for concealed carry. Its 5-round capacity, compact dimensions, and .357 Magnum chambering (which also accepts .38 Special +P for reduced recoil practice) make it a practical defensive choice. Full-power .357 Magnum from a 2-inch barrel produces significant recoil and blast; many 605 owners carry it with .38 Special +P defensive loads.

How does the Taurus 605 compare to the S&W J-Frame?
Both are compact 5-shot .38/.357 revolvers. The S&W J-Frame (637, 642, 340) has a longer track record and broader aftermarket support. The Taurus 605 offers comparable function at a lower price point. For buyers focused on value in a compact .357 revolver, the 605 is a competitive option.

See Also: Taurus Firearms • Revolvers • Snub-Nose Revolvers • .357 Magnum Ammo