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Taurus, known for producing budget-friendly revolvers and concealed carry pistols, introduced the Taurus 608 to provide shooters with a high-capacity revolver that doesn't compromise on performance. Designed for both range use and home defense, the Taurus 608 was created to handle powerful .357 Magnum rounds while offering an impressive 8-round cylinder.
From my experience with the Taurus Model 608, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and the manageable recoil, thanks to its ported barrel. Key Taurus 608 specs include a 4-inch barrel, stainless steel build, and high cylinder capacity, making it a reliable choice for those who value power and control. The Taurus 608 performance is consistent and durable, while the Taurus 608 price, typically around $600, remains competitive, making it an excellent option for those looking for a well-rounded revolver.
In this review, you'll learn more about the Taurus 608 specs, its real-world performance, and whether the price is worth the investment. Continue reading to find out why the Taurus 608 4 inch stands out as one of the top choices for revolver enthusiasts.
Taurus 608: Background & First Impressions
When I first held the Taurus 608, the heft and solid feel of the revolver immediately stood out. The origin of the Taurus 608 dates back to Taurus’ goal of offering a revolver that could handle the powerful .357 Magnum round with an extended 8-round capacity. The Taurus 608 release date was in the late 1990s, as a response to the growing demand for high-capacity revolvers that didn't compromise on durability or performance.
This Taurus handgun is part of the company's large-frame revolver lineup and was designed based on the Taurus Model 607. The Taurus 608 4-inch model, with its full-length underlug and ported barrel, clearly draws inspiration from the iconic Smith & Wesson N-frame series, but adds its own distinctive features aimed at enhancing power and control.
Key Features of Taurus 608
The Taurus 608 is chambered in the powerful .357 Magnum, with an impressive 8-round cylinder capacity, giving it a significant edge in firepower compared to standard revolvers. One of the standout Taurus Model 608 features is its stainless steel construction, which contributes to its rugged durability while maintaining a relatively manageable weight for a large-frame revolver. The Taurus 608 barrel length is 4 inches, offering a good balance between accuracy and ease of carry, making it ideal for target shooting and home defense.
A key benefit of the Taurus 608 is its high capacity, which exceeds most revolvers in its class. However, a common Taurus 608 problem is its size and weight, which may make it less suitable for concealed carry. Despite this, the Taurus 608’s robust build and high cylinder capacity make it a solid choice for those prioritizing power and durability.
Main Specs of Taurus 608
The Taurus 608 is a powerful revolver, featuring an 8-round cylinder capacity and chambered in the potent .357 Magnum. Here's a look at the key Taurus 608 specifications.
| Taurus 608 Specs | Taurus 608 Spec Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum |
| Cylinder Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Height | 6.1 inches |
| Width | 1.75 inches |
| Overall Length | 9.5 inches |
| Barrel Length | 4 inches |
| Front Sight | Fixed |
| Rear Sight | Adjustable |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Frame Size | Large |
| Action Type | Double-Action/Single-Action |
| Weight | 52 ounces |
| Price | Approximately $600 |
Taurus 608 Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the Taurus 608 4 inch revolve around its impressive firepower and large frame. One key advantage of the Taurus Model 608 is its 8-round cylinder capacity, which allows for more shots between reloads, making it ideal for extended range sessions or home defense. However, a major downside is the revolver's weight, which can make it more challenging to handle for extended periods, especially for those seeking a lightweight carry option. Despite this, the Taurus 608’s power and capacity make it a solid choice for those prioritizing firepower over portability.
What are the main advantages of Taurus 608?
The Taurus 608 4 inch comes with several key advantages, making it a strong contender for shooters who value power and capacity. The most notable Taurus 608 benefits are listed below.
- High Cylinder Capacity: One of the main Taurus 608 pros is its 8-round cylinder, offering more firepower between reloads than many revolvers in its class.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Built from stainless steel, the Taurus 608 is designed for durability and long-lasting performance.
- Taurus 608 Ported Barrel: The ported barrel reduces recoil, making the Taurus 608 easier to control, especially when firing powerful .357 Magnum rounds.
These Taurus 608 advantages highlight its suitability for both range shooting and home defense scenarios.
What are the main disadvantages of Taurus 608?
Just like mentioned before, the biggest disadvantage of the Taurus 608 4 inch is its weight, which can make it uncomfortable for long-term use. Besides that, many shooters have pointed out several Taurus 608 problems, but fortunately, most are relatively easy to resolve. For more information on how to fix common Taurus 608 issues, check out our blog on frequent Taurus 608 problems. Below is a list of the main Taurus 608 cons.
- Taurus 608 Weight: At 52 ounces, the Taurus 608 can feel heavy, making it less suitable for extended carry.
- Taurus 608 Size: The large frame can be cumbersome for those with smaller hands or for use in tight spaces.
- Taurus 608 Fixed Front Sight: The lack of an adjustable front sight limits sight customization options for accuracy improvements.
These Taurus 608 disadvantages are manageable with some adjustments and practice.
Best Upgrades for Taurus 608
Upgrading your Taurus 608 4 inch with aftermarket accessories is an excellent way to boost the revolver's performance, accuracy, and handling. These Taurus Model 608 upgrades allow shooters to customize the gun to their specific needs, making it more versatile for activities like target shooting or home defense. Whether you want to improve accuracy or enhance comfort, aftermarket accessories for the Taurus 608 can make a significant difference in how the revolver performs.
What are the best Taurus 608 accessories?
Upgrading your Taurus 608 with the right accessories can greatly enhance its performance, accuracy, and overall handling. Here are some of the best Taurus 608 accessories to consider.
- Best Taurus 608 Red Dot: The Trijicon RMR is a top choice for adding precision to your Taurus 608. When pairing your revolver with a red dot sight, it’s important to invest in a custom holster, such as the Taurus 608 Scoped Leather Chest Holster, to ensure a proper and secure fit.
- Best Taurus 608 Sights: The HiViz Fiber Optic front sight is ideal for faster target acquisition, particularly in low-light situations.
- Best Grip for Taurus 608: Hogue Rubber Grips are widely considered the best grip for Taurus 608, providing improved control and comfort during long shooting sessions.
- Best Taurus 608 Holsters: Let's now take a closer look at the best Taurus Tracker 44 holsters, which offer secure and convenient carry options for the Taurus 608.
- Best Taurus 608 Gun Belt: The 1.5" Leather Belt provides excellent support for comfortable and secure carry.
- Best Taurus 608 Speedloader: The HKS Speedloader is a top choice, allowing for quick and efficient reloading of your Taurus 608, making it essential for range use or self-defense situations.
- Best Taurus 608 Speedloader Holder: This double Leather Speedloader Pouch is perfect for carrying those extra rounds securely and efficiently.
These Taurus 608 upgrades ensure your revolver is ready for optimal performance in any situation.
Taurus 608 Holsters: How to Choose the Best Holster for Taurus 608?
Taurus 608 holsters are one of the best accessories to improve the safety, comfort, and convenience of carrying this powerful revolver. Choosing the right Taurus 608 holster is essential for a secure and comfortable carry experience. To select the best holster for Taurus 608, you should consider the following factors.
- Intended Use: The best Taurus 608 holsters will depend on whether you need it for open carry, concealed carry, or range use.
- Carry Style: Inside-the-waistband holsters are ideal for concealed carry, while outside-the-waistband holsters offer quicker access and are better suited for open carry.
- Material: Leather holsters provide a durable and classic option, while kydex holsters offer a rigid and secure fit. Hybrid holsters combine the advantages of both materials.
By evaluating these factors, you can choose the best holster for Taurus 608 to match your specific needs.
What are the best Taurus 608 concealed carry holsters?
For effective concealed carry, the best Taurus 608 concealed carry holsters should offer comfort, secure retention, and ease of access. Several holster styles work well for discreetly carrying the Taurus 608.
- Taurus 608 IWB Holsters: Inside-the-waistband holsters are ideal for maximum concealment, keeping the revolver close to your body and hidden beneath clothing.
- Taurus 608 OWB Holsters: Outside-the-waistband holsters offer easier access but may require a cover garment like a jacket for proper concealment.
- Taurus 608 Shoulder Holsters: Perfect for off-the-waist carry, shoulder holsters provide comfort during extended wear and conceal well when paired with a jacket.
- Taurus 608 Chest Holsters: Chest holsters are great for outdoor use, offering secure carry and easy access, especially in colder weather with heavy outerwear. Choosing the best Taurus 608 holster depends on your personal comfort and preferred carry style.
Best Taurus 608 IWB Holster
The best IWB holster for the Taurus 608 is the Taurus 608 IWB Holster with Steel Clip. This Taurus 608 inside waistband holster is made from premium leather, offering both durability and comfort for daily concealed carry. The steel clip ensures a secure attachment to your belt, providing stability and preventing shifting during movement.
This Taurus 608 concealed holster features a slim profile that keeps the revolver well-hidden under clothing, making it perfect for discreet carry. The leather construction molds to your body over time, enhancing both comfort and concealment. If you're searching for the best IWB holster for Taurus 608, this Taurus 608 steel clip holster is an excellent option for reliable and comfortable carry.
Best Taurus 608 OWB Holster
The best OWB holster for the Taurus 608 is the Taurus 608 Comfortable Belt Holster. This Taurus 608 outside waistband holster is made from high-quality leather, providing both durability and comfort for everyday carry. Its classic belt design ensures a secure fit, keeping your revolver in place during movement.
This Taurus 608 belt holster offers easy accessibility, allowing for a smooth draw while maintaining stability on your waist. The comfortable fit makes it ideal for extended wear, making it one of the best OWB holsters for Taurus 608 users who value both reliability and comfort.
Best Taurus 608 Shoulder Holster
The best shoulder holster for the Taurus 608 is the Taurus 608 Shoulder Holster System. This shoulder holster is made from premium leather, ensuring durability and comfort for long-term use. The adjustable harness provides a custom fit, making it suitable for users of all sizes.
This Taurus 608 shoulder holster offers excellent stability and balance, allowing for smooth access to your revolver while keeping it securely in place. Its weight distribution makes it perfect for extended wear, making this one of the best shoulder holsters for Taurus 608 users seeking both comfort and functionality.
Best Taurus 608 Chest Holster
The best chest holster for the Taurus 608 equipped with a scope or a red dot is the Taurus 608 Scoped Leather Chest Holster. This holster is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a secure and comfortable carry solution for activities such as hiking or hunting. Crafted from premium leather, it ensures both durability and comfort, even during extended use.
The adjustable chest harness provides a tailored fit, distributing the weight evenly across your chest for all-day comfort while allowing quick access to your revolver. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, if you're equipping your Taurus 608 with a red dot sight, choosing a custom holster like this one is essential for ensuring the revolver remains securely in place and easily accessible. If you're looking for a dependable and sturdy chest holster for your Taurus 608, this is the ideal option.
Why Choose Taurus 608 Over Other Handguns?
Choosing the Taurus Model 608 over other handguns offers a powerful revolver chambered in .357 Magnum with an impressive 8-round cylinder, providing more firepower between reloads. Its 4-inch barrel delivers a solid balance of accuracy and maneuverability, making it suitable for home defense and range shooting.
The durable stainless steel build ensures long-lasting performance, and its ported barrel helps manage recoil for better control. Compared to other large-frame revolvers, the Taurus 608 stands out for its high capacity, reliable durability, and competitive price, making it an excellent choice for those seeking power and reliability.
How Does Taurus 608 differ from Taurus 627?
The primary difference between the Taurus 608 4 inch and the Taurus 627 lies in their cylinder capacity and overall design. The Taurus 608 features an 8-round cylinder, offering more firepower between reloads, while the Taurus 627 has a 7-round capacity. Both revolvers are chambered in .357 Magnum and share similar stainless steel construction, making them durable options.
The Taurus 608 has a slightly bulkier frame, which adds to its recoil management, especially with the ported barrel design. In contrast, the Taurus 627 offers a more compact frame, making it easier to handle for those seeking a lighter option. For shooters who prioritize extra rounds, the Taurus 608 is the better choice, while the 627 is ideal for those preferring a lighter, more maneuverable revolver.
How Does Taurus 608 differ from Ruger GP100?
The main difference between the Taurus 608 and the Ruger GP100 lies in their cylinder capacity, build, and price. The Taurus 608 features an 8-round cylinder, providing more firepower than the 6-round capacity of the Ruger GP100. This makes the Taurus 608 ideal for those who prioritize fewer reloads.
The Ruger GP100 is known for its heavier, more robust construction, offering superior durability and recoil control due to its thicker frame. While the Taurus 608 also boasts solid construction, it's generally lighter and more affordable. Both revolvers are chambered in .357 Magnum, but the choice comes down to whether you value the Taurus 608's higher capacity or the Ruger GP100's rugged durability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Taurus 608
Now that we've explored all the important details about the Taurus 608, let's conclude by addressing some of the most frequently asked questions about this revolver. This section will help clear up any remaining uncertainties and offer further insights into the Taurus 608's performance and features.
Yes, the Taurus 608 is a good gun, especially for those seeking power and high capacity in a revolver. With its 8-round cylinder and .357 Magnum chambering, it offers excellent firepower, making it ideal for both home defense and range use. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the ported barrel helps reduce recoil for better control. Overall, the Taurus 608 is a reliable and well-balanced revolver, delivering solid performance at a reasonable price.
No, the Taurus 608 is not good for concealed carry due to its large frame and 4-inch barrel. While it provides excellent performance, the revolver’s size and weight make it difficult to conceal comfortably compared to more compact options. Although carrying the Taurus 608 for concealed carry is possible with the right holster and attire, it's generally better suited for open carry or home defense.
The Taurus 608 uses the .357 Magnum caliber. This Taurus 608 caliber is well-regarded for its power and effectiveness, making it suitable for both self-defense and target shooting. Additionally, the Taurus 608 can also chamber .38 Special rounds, offering versatility in ammunition options.
The Taurus 608 has a capacity of 8 rounds. This 8-round cylinder offers an advantage over many standard revolvers, providing more firepower between reloads, making it particularly useful for range shooting and home defense scenarios.
The Taurus 608 is built on a large-frame design. This frame size provides excellent durability and stability, making it well-suited for handling the powerful .357 Magnum rounds. The large frame also contributes to better recoil control, ideal for extended shooting sessions.
Whether the Taurus 608 is better than the Smith & Wesson 627 depends on your needs and preferences. The Taurus 608 offers an 8-round capacity, providing an extra shot compared to the 627's 7-round cylinder, making it advantageous for those who value more firepower between reloads. However, the Smith & Wesson 627 is known for its superior build quality and smoother trigger pull, which may appeal to shooters looking for top-tier performance. If capacity and price are your priorities, the Taurus 608 is a great option. For premium craftsmanship, the 627 might be the better choice.
No, the Taurus 608 will not fit properly in a Taurus 627 holster. While both revolvers share some similarities, their dimensions differ enough that using a holster made for the Taurus 627 could lead to an improper fit. For optimal retention, comfort, and safety, it's always recommended to use a holster specifically designed for each model. A Taurus 627 holster is crafted for that particular revolver, so using it for the Taurus 608 may compromise the holster’s performance. Always choose a holster made for your exact model.
Conclusion: Is Taurus 608 Worth It?
The Taurus 608 4 inch is definitely worth considering for those who want a powerful and reliable revolver. What I love most about the Taurus 608 is its impressive specifications, like the 8-round capacity and .357 Magnum chambering, combined with solid performance and a reasonable price. Its durable stainless steel construction and ported barrel ensure excellent handling and longevity, making it ideal for home defense or range shooting.
This revolver is a great choice for shooters who value firepower and durability in a large-frame revolver. I'd strongly recommend it to anyone seeking a dependable firearm that delivers on both power and accuracy. Paired with the right Taurus 608 holster, it becomes an even better option for secure and comfortable carry.
