Taurus 605 Defender 3in Stainless Revolver .357 Mag 5-Round

When you pick up the Taurus 605 Defender 3in Stainless Revolver .357 Mag 5-Round, you know you’re holding a no-nonsense wheelgun built for the real world. This compact stainless-steel five-shooter chambers both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P, pairing a 3-inch barrel with a five-shot cylinder for a platform that’s straightforward, durable, and ready for concealed carry, backup, or duty use. The exposed hammer and Hogue black rubber grip give you control in a compact form, while the front night sight with an orange outline and fixed rear sight keep you on target in low light. This is the revolver that collectors and shooters trust when they need something that just works.

Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	605 Defender
Material	Stainless steel (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
Finish	Stainless
Weight	Approx. 24 oz (unloaded)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 3-Inch Barrel — Balances concealability with ballistics. You get enough sight radius for accurate shots without printing under a jacket.
• Five-Shot Cylinder — Keeps the frame compact and strong. Five rounds of .357 Magnum are plenty for backup or duty use, and the cylinder gap is tight.
• Hogue Black Rubber Grip — Soaks up recoil from hot .357 loads. Your hand stays planted even during rapid strings, and the texture works in wet conditions.
• Front Night Sight with Orange Outline — Quick acquisition in low light. The orange ring draws your eye, and the tritium insert glows for hours after dark.
• Exposed Hammer — Gives you single-action precision when you need it. Cock it back for a crisp trigger break, or run double-action for defensive speed.

Who It’s For

This Taurus 605 Defender is for the collector who appreciates a classic revolver with modern upgrades. It’s also for the shooter who wants a backup gun that won’t fail—no safeties, no mag releases, just point and press. If you carry a semi-auto daily and need a revolver for deep concealment or as a truck gun, this fits the bill. Gun show enthusiasts will love the stainless finish and the fact it’s a .357 that doesn’t break the bank.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Affordable price point for a stainless .357 revolver—under $410.
• Pro: Night sight ready from the factory, no aftermarket work needed.
• Pro: Hogue grip improves control over factory rubber.
• Con: Fixed rear sight limits windage adjustment. If you’re a precision shooter, you’ll want a model with adjustable sights.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	Taurus 605 Defender	Smith & Wesson 642	Ruger LCR
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl +P	.38 Spl +P only	.357 Mag / .38 Spl +P
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Barrel Length	3 inches	1.875 inches	1.875 inches
Weight	~24 oz	~15 oz	~17 oz
Sights	Night sight (front) + fixed rear	Fixed (no night sight)	Fixed (no night sight)
Price	~$406	~$450	~$520

FAQ

Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?

Absolutely. The 3-inch barrel and five-shot cylinder keep the overall profile compact, and the Hogue grip helps it hide under a cover garment. It’s a popular choice for backup and ankle carry.

Can I shoot .38 Special +P out of this revolver?

Yes, the Taurus 605 Defender is rated for .38 Special +P. You can shoot standard .38 Special, +P loads, or full .357 Magnum. The stainless steel frame handles the pressure without issue.

Does the front sight glow in the dark?

Yes, it’s a tritium night sight with an orange outline. The tritium insert glows for years without needing a battery charge, and the orange ring helps you acquire it fast in daylight.

What is the trigger pull weight?

Per Taurus specs, the double-action pull is around 12 lbs, and single-action is about 4.5 lbs. The DA is smooth for a defensive revolver, and the SA break is clean.

Why Buy From Us

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

Check out more wheelguns in our Revolvers collection, or browse Taurus Firearms and Concealed Carry Gear.

Last updated: April 2026