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Taurus is well-known for producing affordable and reliable firearms, particularly excelling in revolvers and concealed carry handguns. Introduced as part of their lineup of budget-friendly, compact revolvers, the Taurus 605 was designed to offer powerful performance in a small, easy-to-carry package, ideal for self-defense. When I first tried out the Taurus 605 - 2 inch, I was impressed by its balance of firepower and portability. Its ability to chamber both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds makes it versatile, while the compact 2-inch barrel ensures it remains easy to conceal.
The Taurus 605 specs include a 5-round capacity and a durable stainless steel frame, making it a sturdy option for everyday carry. In terms of Taurus 605 performance, it delivers impressive stopping power for its size, though its recoil can be a bit challenging with .357 Magnum rounds. As for Taurus 605 price, it typically ranges around $350, making it a great value for a revolver with this level of versatility and performance.
In this review, you'll learn more about the key specifications, performance details, and pricing of the Taurus 605 2''. Keep reading to discover why the Taurus 605 is considered one of the top choices for those in search of a reliable and powerful concealed carry revolver.
Taurus 605: Background & First Impressions
When I first handled the Taurus 605 2'', its sturdy build and manageable size quickly caught my attention. The origin of the Taurus 605 stems from Taurus’ commitment to providing a compact yet powerful revolver designed for self-defense. Taurus introduced this handgun in the early 2000s to cater to shooters seeking a reliable small-frame revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, which could deliver stopping power in a lightweight design. The Taurus 605 release date aligns with this push for robust, easy-to-carry handguns.
This Taurus revolver is part of the small-frame series, making it ideal for concealed carry. The design of the Taurus Model 605 is heavily based on the renowned Taurus 85 series but adapted to handle the increased pressure of .357 Magnum rounds, making it a versatile choice for personal protection.
Key Features of Taurus 605

The Taurus 605 is chambered in .357 Magnum and features a 5-round cylinder capacity, offering a solid balance between firepower and compactness. One of the most notable Taurus 605 features is its robust construction. Made from stainless steel, the revolver is both durable and resistant to the wear and tear of daily carry. With a barrel length of 2 inches, the Taurus 605 size makes it ideal for concealed carry, as it’s compact enough to fit easily in holsters without sacrificing too much power.
A key benefit of the Taurus 605 - 2 inch is its ability to shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds, giving shooters versatility in both recoil and stopping power. However, a common Taurus 605 problem is the noticeable recoil when firing .357 Magnum rounds, which can make it more difficult to control for some shooters. Despite this, its compact size and stopping power make it a reliable choice for personal defense.
Main Specs of Taurus 605
The Taurus 605 2'' is a compact revolver, featuring a 5-round cylinder and chambered in powerful .357 Magnum. Here's a look at the key Taurus Model 605 specifications.
Taurus 605 Specs | Taurus 605 Spec Value |
---|---|
Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
Cylinder Capacity | 5 rounds |
Height | 4.4 inches |
Width | 1.41 inches |
Overall Length | 6.5 inches |
Barrel Length | 2 inches |
Front Sight | Fixed |
Rear Sight | Fixed |
Frame Material | Steel |
Frame Size | Small |
Frame Type | K-Frame |
Action Type | Double-Action/Single-Action |
Weight | 24 ounces |
Price | Approximately $350 |
Taurus 605 Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the Taurus 605 highlight its balance between power and control. A key advantage of the Taurus 605 2'' is its ability to chamber both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds, providing flexibility in terms of recoil and stopping power, making it a strong option for personal defense. However, a notable disadvantage is its relatively heavy recoil when firing .357 Magnum rounds, which can make it harder to control during rapid firing. Despite this, the Taurus 605 remains a reliable choice for concealed carry and home defense.
What are the main advantages of Taurus 605?
The Taurus Model 605 offers several key advantages, making it a solid choice for concealed carry and personal defense. The most significant Taurus 605 benefits are listed below.
- Versatile Caliber: One of the main Taurus 605 pros is its ability to chamber both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds, providing flexibility in recoil and stopping power.
- Compact Design: The Taurus 605 advantages include its small frame and 2-inch barrel, making it easy to conceal and carry.
- Durability: Built with a stainless steel frame, the Taurus 605 benefits from its strong, long-lasting construction, ensuring reliability over time.
These Taurus 605 - 2 inch advantages make it a practical option for those seeking a powerful yet manageable revolver.
What are the main disadvantages of Taurus 605?
Just like mentioned earlier, the biggest disadvantage of the Taurus 605 is its noticeable recoil when firing .357 Magnum rounds. Besides that, quite a few shooters have pointed out other Taurus 605 problems, which are listed below. Fortunately, most Taurus 605 issues are manageable with practice or minor adjustments. Check out our blog on common Taurus 605 problems and how to fix them. Below is a list of the main Taurus 605 cons.
- Heavy Taurus 605 Recoil: The recoil from .357 Magnum rounds can be difficult to control, especially for less experienced shooters.
- Limited Cylinder Capacity: With only 5 rounds, the Taurus 605 offers less firepower between reloads compared to some other revolvers.
- Taurus 605 Fixed Sights: The fixed sights on the Taurus 605 limit customization and may impact accuracy for some users.
These Taurus 605 disadvantages are worth considering, but they can be mitigated depending on your needs and shooting experience.
Best Upgrades for Taurus 605

Upgrading your Taurus 605 with aftermarket accessories is a great way to enhance its performance, accuracy, and overall functionality. These Taurus 605 upgrades allow shooters to customize the revolver to better suit their needs, whether that means improving precision for target practice or increasing comfort for everyday carry. With the right Taurus 605 accessories, you can make the revolver more reliable and versatile, ensuring it meets the demands of both self-defense and recreational shooting.
What are the best Taurus 605 accessories?
Upgrading your Taurus 605 with the right accessories can significantly enhance its performance, comfort, and overall handling. Below are some of the best Taurus 605 accessories to consider.
- Best Taurus 605 Sights: The TruGlo Tritium Pro sights are an excellent choice, providing improved visibility in both low-light and daylight conditions, making target acquisition faster and more precise.
- Best Grip for Taurus 605: The Hogue Rubber Grips are widely regarded as the best grip for Taurus 605, offering superior control and comfort, especially during extended shooting sessions.
- Best Taurus 605 Red Dots: The Vortex Venom is a top-rated red dot sight for the Taurus 605. However, adding a red dot requires a custom holster, such as the Scoped Leather Chest Holster, to accommodate the setup.
- Best Taurus 605 Holsters: When it comes to holstering your revolver, let’s take a closer look at the best Taurus 605 holsters.
- Best Taurus 605 Gun Belt: The 1.5'' Belt with Central Stitching is the best Taurus 605 gun belt, offering excellent support and durability for daily carry.
- Best Taurus 605 Speed Loader: The HKS 36-A speed loader is the best option for quickly and efficiently reloading the Taurus 605’s 5-round cylinder.
These Taurus 605 upgrades help optimize your revolver for maximum performance and ease of use.
Taurus 605 Holsters: How to Choose the Best Holster for Taurus 605?

Taurus 605 holsters are one of the best accessories to enhance the safety, comfort, and ease of carrying this compact revolver. Choosing the right holster for the Taurus 605 is crucial for secure and reliable daily carry. To select the best holster for Taurus 605, consider several important factors.
- Intended Use: The best Taurus 605 holsters will differ depending on whether you plan to use them for concealed carry, home defense, or range practice.
- Carry Style: Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holsters are ideal for concealed carry, while Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) holsters offer more comfort and faster access.
- Material: Leather holsters provide durability and a classic look, while kydex holsters offer a more rigid and secure fit. Hybrid holsters combine the benefits of both materials.
- Accessories: Ensure the holster is compatible with any additional accessories, like red dots or speed loaders, to optimize performance.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best holster for Taurus 605 - 2 inch to fit your specific needs and preferences.
What are the best Taurus 605 concealed carry holsters?
For effective concealed carry, the best Taurus 605 concealed carry holsters provide both security and ease of access while keeping the revolver discreet. Several holster styles work well for carrying the Taurus 605.
- Taurus 605 IWB Holsters: Inside-the-waistband holsters offer the highest level of concealment, holding the revolver close to your body and hidden beneath clothing.
- Taurus 605 OWB Holsters: Outside-the-waistband holsters offer easier access but may require a cover garment, such as a jacket, for full concealment.
- Taurus 605 Shoulder Holsters: Ideal for extended wear, Taurus 605 shoulder holsters keep the firearm off your waist and are perfect for wearing under a jacket or coat.
- Taurus 605 Ankle Holsters: For deep concealment, Taurus 605 ankle holsters are a discreet option, ideal for backup carry.
Choosing the best Taurus 605 concealed carry holster depends on your preferred carry style and comfort needs.
Best Taurus 605 IWB Holster
The best IWB holster for the Taurus 605 is the Taurus 605 - 2" Open Top IWB Holster - Lynx. This Taurus 605 inside waistband holster is crafted from high-quality leather, ensuring both durability and comfort for daily concealed carry. Its open-top design allows for quick and easy access, making it a reliable option for self-defense situations.
This Taurus 605 concealed holster also features a slim profile, allowing for easy concealment under most clothing without sacrificing comfort. The leather material molds to your body over time, enhancing both comfort and concealment. If you're looking for the best IWB holster for Taurus 605, the Open Top IWB Holster - Lynx is a top choice for secure and discreet carry.
Best Taurus 605 OWB Holster
The best OWB holster for the Taurus 605 is the Taurus 605 - 2" Open Top Holster - Panther. This Taurus 605 outside waistband holster is crafted from premium leather, offering durability and long-lasting comfort for everyday carry. The open-top design allows for quick and smooth access, making it perfect for self-defense situations.
This Taurus 605 belt holster sits close to your body, providing both a secure fit and comfort throughout the day. Its pancake-style construction ensures stability and makes it an ideal option for those looking for the best OWB holster for Taurus 605, combining reliability and ease of use.
Best Taurus 605 Shoulder Holster
The best shoulder holster for the Taurus 605 is the Taurus 605 - 2" Shoulder Holster Rig - Eagle. This Taurus 605 shoulder holster is crafted from premium leather, ensuring durability and comfort during long-term wear. Its horizontal design provides easy and quick access to your revolver, making it ideal for both daily carry and self-defense situations.
This holster also features an adjustable harness, allowing it to fit comfortably on a wide range of body types, and comes with a double ammo pouch for added convenience. If you're looking for the best shoulder holster for Taurus 605, this rig offers a secure and practical solution for concealed carry.
Best Taurus 605 Chest Holster
The best chest holster for the Taurus 605 is the Taurus 605 - 2" Leather Chest Holster. This holster is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or camping, providing a secure and comfortable way to carry your revolver. Made from high-quality leather, it ensures durability and comfort during extended wear.
The adjustable harness offers a custom fit, distributing the weight evenly across your chest and keeping the revolver easily accessible. If you're looking for a reliable chest holster for your Taurus 605, this holster is an excellent choice for both convenience and comfort in rugged conditions.

Why Choose Taurus 605 Over Other Handguns?
Choosing the Taurus 605 2'' over other handguns offers a powerful and compact revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, providing excellent stopping power in a small-frame design. Its ability to shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds gives it versatility in recoil management and ammunition options.
Built from durable stainless steel, the Taurus 605 is designed for long-term reliability while remaining easy to conceal. Compared to other handguns, it stands out for its balance of power, portability, and affordability, making it a great choice for self-defense and everyday carry.
How does Taurus 605 differ from Taurus 856?
The primary difference between the Taurus 605 and the Taurus 856 lies in their caliber and cylinder capacity. The Taurus 605 is chambered in .357 Magnum, with a 5-round cylinder, allowing for more powerful ammunition options, including .38 Special. In contrast, the Taurus 856 is chambered solely in .38 Special and features a 6-round cylinder, providing one extra shot per reload but with less stopping power.
Both revolvers are compact and designed for concealed carry, but the Taurus 605 offers more versatility in ammunition, making it a stronger choice for those who need greater firepower, while the Taurus 856 is ideal for users preferring more rounds and lighter recoil.
How does Taurus 605 differ from Ruger SP101?
The main difference between the Taurus 605 and the Ruger SP101 lies in their construction, weight, and capacity. The Taurus 605 features a 5-round cylinder chambered in .357 Magnum, making it lighter and more compact for concealed carry. In contrast, the Ruger SP101 is slightly heavier due to its full stainless steel construction and can hold either 5 or 6 rounds depending on the model.
While both revolvers are durable and chambered in .357 Magnum, the Ruger SP101’s added weight provides better recoil control, but the Taurus 605 offers a lighter, more portable option for everyday carry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Taurus 605
Now that we've covered everything you need to know about the Taurus Model 605, let's finish by addressing some of the most commonly asked questions about this revolver. This section will help clarify any remaining details and provide further insights into the Taurus 605’s features and performance.
Yes, the Taurus 605 is a good gun, especially for those seeking a powerful yet compact revolver for self-defense. Chambered in .357 Magnum with the option to use .38 Special rounds, it offers versatility in firepower. Its durable stainless steel construction ensures long-term reliability, and its compact design makes it ideal for concealed carry. Overall, the Taurus 605 delivers solid performance, combining power, durability, and portability at an affordable price.
Yes, the Taurus 605 is good for concealed carry. Its compact size, 2-inch barrel, and lightweight frame make it easy to conceal under clothing. The Taurus 605 for concealed carry is a great option due to its manageable dimensions and powerful .357 Magnum chambering, offering a balance of portability and firepower. With the right holster, it becomes a reliable and discreet choice for everyday carry.
The Taurus 605 uses the .357 Magnum caliber. This Taurus 605 caliber provides excellent stopping power, making it ideal for self-defense. Additionally, it can also fire .38 Special rounds, offering flexibility for those who prefer lighter recoil or more affordable ammunition for practice.
The Taurus 605 has a cylinder capacity of 5 rounds. This compact revolver holds five .357 Magnum or .38 Special cartridges, offering a balance between firepower and portability, making it an excellent option for concealed carry and self-defense.
The Taurus 605 is built on a small-frame design. This compact frame enhances its portability and makes it ideal for concealed carry, without sacrificing durability. Despite its small size, the frame is strong enough to handle the powerful .357 Magnum rounds, offering a balance between strength and convenience.
Whether the Taurus 605 2'' is better than the Taurus 608 depends on your needs. The Taurus 605 is a compact revolver with a 5-round capacity, making it ideal for concealed carry and self-defense. In contrast, the Taurus 608 offers an 8-round capacity and a larger frame, better suited for target shooting or home defense. If portability and ease of concealment are your priorities, the Taurus 605 is the better option. However, for those seeking higher capacity and more robust shooting, the Taurus 608 might be the superior choice.
No, the Taurus 605 will not fit in a Taurus 856 holster. While the two revolvers have similar dimensions, there are slight differences in their frames that can affect the fit and retention. It’s always best to use a holster specifically made for each model to ensure optimal fit, security, and comfort. Using a Taurus 856 holster for the 605 may compromise the revolver's accessibility and safety.
Conclusion: Is Taurus 605 Worth It?

The Taurus Model 605 is definitely worth considering for anyone seeking a compact, powerful revolver that delivers strong performance at an affordable price. What I love most about the Taurus 605 2'' is its versatility, with the ability to fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds, making it a great option for personal defense. Its solid specifications, such as a durable stainless steel frame and compact 2-inch barrel, ensure reliable performance without sacrificing portability.
This revolver is ideal for those looking for a dependable concealed carry weapon that balances power and ease of use. I’d highly recommend pairing it with the right Taurus 605 holster to enhance comfort and security, making it an even better option for everyday carry.