Taurus 605
Taurus International · Pistol · In Production · 1995
Also known as: Model 605, Taurus Model 605
Overview
The Taurus 605 is a compact, five-shot, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, built on Taurus's small frame. Introduced in 1995, it was designed as an affordable and reliable concealed carry revolver capable of handling full-power .357 Magnum loads as well as .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition. The 605 features a stainless steel frame, cylinder, and 2-inch barrel, weighing 24 ounces (680g) empty. Fixed front and rear sights are milled into the frame, with the rear being a gutter-style channel cut into the topstrap. The soft rubber grips help manage the substantial recoil generated by .357 Magnum loads in such a lightweight platform. Standard safety features include a transfer bar mechanism and the Taurus Security System (TSS), an integral key-lock that allows the owner to lock the action. The recessed ejection rod provides additional durability and snag-free carry. With an overall length of just 6.5 inches (165mm) and a width of 1.4 inches (36mm), the 605 is well-suited for inside-the-waistband, pocket, or ankle carry. Typical 125-grain .357 Magnum loads achieve approximately 1,250 fps (381 m/s) from the 2-inch barrel, producing around 588 joules of muzzle energy.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 680 g (24.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 745 g (26.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Barrel Length | 51 mm (2.01") |
| Height | 112 mm (4.41") |
| Width | 36 mm (1.42") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1250 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 588 J (434 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Matte Stainless |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
- .38 Special — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR, .38 Special +P
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Taurus Security System
- Features: Small Frame, Five Shot Cylinder, Fixed Sights, Rubber Grips, Recessed Ejection Rod, Dual Caliber Capability, Concealed Carry Optimized
Variants
- Taurus 605 Blued — Finish Variant
- Taurus 605 Stainless — Finish Variant
- Taurus 605 Poly Protector — Material Variant
- Taurus 605 Defender — Enhanced
- Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. — Optics Ready
- Taurus 605 Executive Grade — Premium
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Concealed Carriers
- Brazilian Military Police (Various States) · as Off-Duty/Backup Weapon
Production
Production years: 1995-present
Continuously produced since 1995 with multiple variant expansions including the Defender, Poly Protector, T.O.R.O., and Executive Grade lines
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Notes
The Taurus 605 competes directly with the Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolvers (Models 60 and 640) and the Ruger SP101, offering similar capability at a significantly lower price point. The rifling twist rate is 1:18.75 inches (476mm), optimized for the lighter 125-grain .357 Magnum bullets that are most commonly used in short-barrel revolvers. Loaded weight estimate includes five .357 Magnum cartridges at approximately 13g each. Muzzle velocity and energy figures are based on 125-grain JHP .357 Magnum loads from the 2-inch barrel, which lose significant velocity compared to 4-inch or longer barrels. The .38 Special +P ammunition is often recommended for the 605 by trainers and reviewers, as it provides adequate defensive performance with substantially less recoil and muzzle blast than full-power .357 Magnum in the compact frame. The Poly Protector variant uses a polymer frame to reduce weight to approximately 20 ounces. The Defender variant adds a Hogue rubber grip and night sight options. The T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optics Ready Option) variant features a milled slide for mounting micro red-dot sights. The Executive Grade is the premium variant with VZ grips and enhanced trigger work.
Background
The Model 605 was one of the first affordable small-frame .357 Magnum revolvers, bringing big-bore power to the concealed carry market at a fraction of the S&W price.