Michigan Gunshop is a Grand Rapids, MI-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. The Taurus Defender 605 is a lightweight, stainless steel revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. Built for reliability and ease of carry, this revolver offers a solid balance of power and portability. Available now for $334.16 with same-day shipping from our Michigan warehouse.
Reviewed by Michigan Gun Shop Staff, Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer at Michigan Gunshop. Type-1 FFL holders, Class 3 SOT, serving Michigan since 2014.
Last updated: May 2026
Taurus Defender 605 .357 Magnum Revolver Specifications
| Product Type | Revolver |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 2″ |
| Overall Length | 6.5″ |
| Weight | 24 oz |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Grip | Rubber |
| Action | Double/Single Action |
| Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Country of Origin | Brazil |
| SKU | TAU-605-2SS |
Key Features
- Compact & Lightweight – At just 24 oz, the Defender 605 is easy to carry all day
- Stainless Steel Construction – Corrosion-resistant frame stands up to harsh conditions
- Rubber Grip – Provides solid control when firing .357 Magnum rounds
- Double/Single Action – Versatile trigger options for different shooting scenarios
- 2″ Barrel – Balanced for concealment while maintaining reasonable accuracy
Who This Revolver Is For
Buy it if:
- You want a reliable .357 Magnum for concealed carry
- You need a durable revolver for vehicle or home defense
- You prefer the simplicity of a revolver over semi-autos
- You want the power of .357 Magnum in a compact package
Skip it if:
- You need higher capacity (consider our semi-automatic pistols)
- You want a target-shooting revolver (look at our long-barrel revolvers)
- You prefer polymer frames (check out the Taurus 605 Protector)
Taurus Defender 605 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✅ Affordable .357 Magnum option
- ✅ Stainless steel stands up to abuse
- ✅ Rubber grip helps manage recoil
- ✅ Compact size ideal for concealed carry
- ✅ Simple operation – no safety to fumble with
Cons:
- ❌ Limited 5-round capacity
- ❌ Snappy recoil with full-power .357 loads
- ❌ Sights are basic (not adjustable)
How It Compares
| Feature | Taurus Defender 605 | Ruger SP101 | Charter Arms Pitbull |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Alloy Frame |
| Barrel Length | 2″ | 2.25″ | 2.2″ |
| Weight | 24 oz | 25 oz | 22 oz |
| Price | $334.16 | $650+ | $400+ |
| Capacity | 5 Rounds | 5 Rounds | 5 Rounds |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective range of a .357 Magnum revolver?
With the Taurus Defender 605’s 2″ barrel, effective range is about 25 yards for defensive purposes. The .357 Magnum cartridge itself is capable of accurate shooting out to 100+ yards from longer barrels.
Is the Taurus 605 Defender double or single action?
It’s both – the Defender 605 operates in double action (long trigger pull) or single action (cocking the hammer first for a lighter trigger pull).
Can I shoot .38 Special in this revolver?
Yes, the Defender 605 can fire both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, giving you flexibility in ammo selection.
Where can I buy the Taurus Defender 605 online?
You can purchase it right here at Michigan Gunshop (michigan-gunshop.com) with fast shipping from our Grand Rapids, MI warehouse.
What holsters fit the Taurus 605 Defender?
Most holsters designed for small-frame .357 revolvers will fit. We recommend checking our revolver holsters section for options.
How does the Taurus 605 compare to the Protector model?
The main difference is the Protector has a polymer frame, making it slightly lighter (22 oz vs 24 oz). Both are solid choices depending on your preference for steel vs polymer.
Is this revolver good for concealed carry?
Absolutely. The compact size and weight make the Defender 605 one of the better .357 Magnum options for concealed carry, though the recoil takes some getting used to.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Grand Rapids, MI
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
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Our reviews are written by experienced firearms professionals based on hands-on experience with the products. We update them regularly to reflect current models and pricing.
Last updated: May 2026

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