The Taurus 605 Defender is a DA/SA revolver chambered in .38 SPL +P that also accepts .357 Magnum. The 3-inch barrel keeps it concealable at 7.5 inches overall, and the 1.5 lbs (23.52 oz) weight is manageable for daily carry. It ships with a Black and Green Cerakote finish and Hogue rubber grips with finger grooves. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Taurus 
• Model Name: 605 Defender 
• Action Type: Double / Single Action (DA/SA) 
• Caliber: .38 SPL +P (also capable of .357 Magnum) 
• Barrel Length: 3 inches 
• Overall Length: 7.5 inches 
• Capacity: 5 rounds 
• Weight: 1.5 lbs (23.52 oz) 
• Finish: Black and Green Cerakote 
• Sights: Night Front / Fixed Rear 
• Grip: Black Hogue Rubber with Finger Grooves 
• Condition: New in Box 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The .357 Magnum chambering means the 605 Defender handles the full range from standard .38 Special practice loads up to .357 Magnum defensive rounds. The Hogue rubber grips with finger grooves help control the heavier loads, and the Cerakote finish resists wear and corrosion from regular carry. 
 
Night front sights paired with fixed rear sights give useful low-light visibility, which matters in defensive scenarios. The DA/SA action lets you fire immediately by pulling the trigger or pull the hammer back for a lighter single-action pull when time allows. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

 
The compact size and 5-round capacity suit concealed carry. The night sights and .357 Magnum capability make it a credible defensive option rather than a range-only gun. New shooters starting with .38 Special loads can work up to full-power .357 Magnum as their skill develops.

The 605 Defender gets solid marks for its concealed carry suitability. The compact size and light weight are the top reasons buyers choose it, and the Cerakote finish holds up to daily carry conditions.

The night sights are a genuine plus for owners who intend to carry this revolver rather than just range-shoot it. The trigger pull in DA mode gets consistently positive feedback for being smooth enough to shoot accurately under pressure.

Critiques center on quality control. A portion of reviews mention cylinder alignment problems or extraction difficulties after extended use, and some owners suggest that buyers inspect the gun carefully before purchase. The weight when fully loaded strikes a few users as heavier than they anticipated, which is worth considering if this is a pocket carry candidate.

For buyers working within a budget, the 605 Defender offers .357 Magnum capability and a usable carry package at a lower price than competing brands.