TAURUS 605 357MAG BLK/SS 3″ NS

The TAURUS 605 357MAG BLK/SS 3″ NS is a five-shot, stainless-and-black snub-nose revolver that chambers both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P. It’s built on Taurus’s proven small-frame design, with a 3-inch barrel and factory-installed night sights. This is a no-nonsense defensive revolver that gives you magnum power in a concealable package—exactly what collectors and shooters who appreciate a hard-hitting wheelgun want.

Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	605
Material	Stainless steel cylinder and barrel, black oxide carbon steel frame (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.357 Magnum, .38 Special +P, .38 Special
Finish	Two-tone: black frame, stainless cylinder/barrel
Weight	22.5 ounces unloaded
Condition	New

Key Features

• 3-inch barrel with full underlug — WHY IT MATTERS: The extra barrel length over a 2-inch snub gives you a longer sight radius for more accurate shots, plus the underlug adds front-end weight to tame .357 Magnum recoil.
• Factory night sights — WHY IT MATTERS: Tritium front and rear sights let you acquire your target in low light without needing a flashlight or laser; a real edge for a defensive revolver carried at night.
• Five-shot cylinder in .357 Magnum — WHY IT MATTERS: You get full-power magnum loads in a compact frame, with the option to shoot cheaper .38 Special for practice. The 5-shot capacity keeps the cylinder small for concealment.
• Two-tone black/stainless finish — WHY IT MATTERS: The black frame resists glare and holster wear, while the stainless barrel and cylinder shrug off moisture and sweat. This combo looks sharp and holds up to daily carry.
• Transfer bar safety system — WHY IT MATTERS: Taurus’s hammer-block design prevents accidental discharge if the revolver is dropped, making it safer to carry with all five chambers loaded.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who wants a modern classic—a stainless snub with night sights that’s ready for the nightstand or the holster. It’s also for the shooter who wants a .357 Magnum that’s easy to pack but still accurate enough for defensive use at 15 yards. If you’re a gun show regular who appreciates a solid, no-frills wheelgun that chambers two calibers, this 605 fits.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P—versatility in one cylinder.
• Pro: Night sights are standard; most guns in this price range have plain black sights.
• Pro: The 3-inch barrel gives better velocity and accuracy than a 2-inch without being hard to conceal.
• Con: The trigger pull is heavy out of the box (around 12 pounds double-action), typical for a defensive revolver but not as refined as a tuned Smith & Wesson. A spring kit can lighten it.

How It Stacks Up

Feature	Taurus 605 3″ NS	Smith & Wesson Model 60 3″	Ruger SP101 3″
Caliber	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl	.357 Mag / .38 Spl
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Barrel Length	3 inches	3 inches	3.06 inches
Sights	Night sights (tritium)	Fixed black blade	Fixed black blade
Weight (unloaded)	22.5 oz	24.5 oz	27 oz
Price (MSRP)	$401.08	$849.00	$719.00
Frame Material	Carbon steel (black)	Stainless steel	Stainless steel

The Taurus 605 undercuts both the Model 60 and SP101 by hundreds of dollars while offering the same barrel length and caliber flexibility. The big difference: the Taurus comes with night sights standard, something you’d pay extra for on the others. The trade-off is a heavier trigger and a carbon steel frame that needs a little more care than stainless, but at this price, it’s a steal for a shooter-grade revolver.

FAQ

Does the Taurus 605 come with a hammer spur for single-action shooting?

Yes. The 605 has a spurred hammer, so you can manually cock it for a lighter, more precise single-action shot. This is useful for target practice or longer-range shots.

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

Absolutely. The 605 is rated for .38 Special +P, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum. You can mix and match loads, but always clean the chambers after shooting .38 Special to prevent carbon rings from interfering with .357 Magnum cases.

Are the night sights replaceable or adjustable?

The front night sight is a fixed tritium unit; the rear is a fixed notch with a tritium insert. They are not adjustable for windage or elevation, but they’re regulated for standard .357 Magnum loads at 25 yards. If you need adjustability, you’d need a gunsmith to install a different front sight.

What holsters fit the Taurus 605 with 3-inch barrel?

Most holsters made for the Smith & Wesson J-frame with 3-inch barrel will fit the 605, but check the specific model. Brands like Galco, DeSantis, and Bianchi offer leather and Kydex options. The 605’s cylinder is slightly larger than a J-frame, so a custom-fit holster is recommended for retention.

Is this revolver safe to carry with all five chambers loaded?

Yes. The transfer bar safety prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled fully. You can safely carry it with a round under the hammer. This is the same system used on modern Ruger and Taurus revolvers.

Per Taurus specs, the 605 has a double-action trigger pull of approximately 12 pounds and a single-action pull of about 4.5 pounds. Over 1.5 million Taurus revolvers have been sold in the U.S. since 2000, making them one of the most popular wheelgun brands in the country.

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

Browse more wheelguns in our Revolvers collection, or check out compact Concealed Carry options. For home defense, see our Home Defense category.

Last updated: April 2026