Taurus 605 Defender .357 Magnum 5-Round Tungsten Cerakote

The Taurus 605 Defender .357 Magnum 5-Round Tungsten Cerakote is a compact, hard-hitting revolver that packs serious .357 punch into a stainless steel frame with a rugged Tungsten Cerakote finish. This five-shot DA/SA wheelgun is built for concealed carry, home defense, or as a backup on the trail—and it also eats .38 Special +P without a hiccup. If you want a revolver that bridges the gap between old-school reliability and modern defensive capability, this is the one you grab.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	605 Defender
Material	Stainless steel frame and cylinder
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
Finish	Tungsten Cerakote (per manufacturer specs)
Weight	Approximately 22 ounces unloaded
Condition	New

Key Features

• 5-Round Cylinder with Transfer Bar Safety – The five-shot capacity keeps the profile slim, while the transfer bar prevents accidental discharge if the hammer is struck. Why it matters: You get a compact, reliable carry piece that won’t fire unless you intend it to.
• Night Front Sight with Orange Outline – A tritium front sight with a bright orange ring gives you a fast, clear sight picture in low light. Why it matters: When seconds count, that high-vis front dot lets you get on target quick, even in the dark.
• Exposed Hammer for Single-Action Precision – You can thumb-cock the hammer for a crisp single-action trigger pull, or fire double-action for self-defense speed. Why it matters: This gives you the flexibility to shoot accurately at the range or rapidly in a defensive scenario.
• Altamont Wood Grips – These premium wood panels offer a classic look and a secure, comfortable grip. Why it matters: They reduce felt recoil from .357 rounds and keep your hand planted during rapid fire.
• Tungsten Cerakote Finish – This durable coating resists corrosion, scratches, and wear, even in harsh conditions. Why it matters: Your revolver stays looking sharp and functioning reliably whether you carry it daily or stash it in a truck glovebox.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector who wants a modern classic—a stainless steel .357 that’s compact enough to carry but still packs the punch of full-power Magnum loads. It’s also ideal for the shooter who appreciates a transfer bar safety and exposed hammer for both DA and SA shooting. If you’re looking for a backup gun, a trail companion, or a nightstand piece that’s easy to operate under stress, the 605 Defender fits the bill.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Versatile caliber compatibility—shoot .38 Special +P for practice, .357 Magnum for defense.
• Pro: Compact and lightweight at 22 ounces, making it easy to conceal or pack.
• Con: The fixed rear sight limits elevation adjustment; you’ll need to dial in your load choice for point of aim.
• Pro: Transfer bar safety adds peace of mind for carry.
• Pro: Altamont wood grips look fantastic and improve handling.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	Taurus 605 Defender	Smith & Wesson Model 60	Ruger SP101
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl +P	.357 Mag / .38 Spl +P	.357 Mag / .38 Spl +P
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Weight	22 oz (unloaded)	24 oz (unloaded)	27 oz (unloaded)
Finish	Tungsten Cerakote	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Price	$445.46	~$750	~$700
Sights	Night front with orange outline, fixed rear	Red ramp front, adjustable rear	Black blade front, adjustable rear
Safety	Transfer bar	Hammer block	Transfer bar

The Taurus 605 Defender comes in at a significantly lower price point than the S&W Model 60 or Ruger SP101, while still offering a night sight and durable Cerakote finish. The trade-off is the fixed rear sight versus adjustable options on the competitors—but for a defensive revolver, that’s rarely a dealbreaker.

FAQ

Does the Taurus 605 Defender have a transfer bar safety?

Yes, it features a transfer bar safety that prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. This is a standard safety mechanism on modern Taurus revolvers.

Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this revolver?

Absolutely. The Taurus 605 Defender is chambered for .357 Magnum and is fully compatible with .38 Special +P ammunition. In fact, shooting .38 Special +P reduces recoil and is great for practice or follow-up shots.

What is the weight of the Taurus 605 Defender?

According to manufacturer specs, the unloaded weight is approximately 22 ounces. That makes it light enough for comfortable all-day carry in a holster or pocket.

Is the front sight replaceable?

The front sight is a night sight with an orange outline and is fixed to the barrel shroud. It is not user-replaceable, but the tritium insert is designed to last for years.

Ready to Add This to Your Collection?

The Taurus 605 Defender .357 Magnum 5-Round Tungsten Cerakote is a hard-to-pass-up deal at $445.46—especially with that night sight and Altamont wood grips. Whether you’re a collector, a shooter, or just want a reliable .357 for the nightstand, this revolver delivers. Grab yours now and see why Taurus has earned a loyal following among revolver enthusiasts.

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
• ✅ 30-day returns
• ✅ Secure checkout

Browse more Revolvers or check out our Concealed Carry and Home Defense categories for similar gear.

Last updated: April 2026