The Taurus Defender 605 is a 5-shot DA/SA revolver chambered in .38 Special and .357 Magnum. At 23.52 oz and a 3-inch barrel, it occupies a useful middle ground between pocket-sized snub-noses and full-size revolvers. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .38 SPECIAL / .357 MAGNUM 
• Action: Single/Double Action (DA/SA) 
• Capacity: 5 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 3 inches 
• Weight: 1.47 lbs (23.52 oz) 
• Finish: Matte Stainless Steel 
• Frame Material: Stainless Steel 
   

Features 

 
The front sight has a night sight with an orange outline for low-light use. Black Hogue rubber grips with finger grooves provide a secure hold and help manage recoil. A transfer bar safety prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed, which reduces accidental discharge risk. The DA/SA mechanism gives you the option of a longer double-action pull for deliberate shots or a shorter single-action pull once the hammer is cocked. 
 

Usage 

 
The 3-inch barrel and stainless frame make the Defender 605 practical for home defense - easy to store, accessible quickly, and durable. At under 1.5 lbs it's light enough for daily carry. The ability to shoot both .38 Special and .357 Magnum lets you choose between manageable practice loads and full-power defensive rounds.

The Taurus Defender 605 gets a mixed-but-generally-positive reception, with some genuine criticisms.

Owners appreciate the compact size and light weight for carry use. Reliability is a consistent positive - revolvers have fewer failure modes than semi-automatics, and most owners report confident function across range sessions and defensive scenarios. The night sights are specifically called out as useful, particularly for home defense situations. Most find the recoil with .38 Special loads very manageable.

The trigger pull is the most common complaint. In double-action mode some owners find it heavier than they'd like, which can affect shot-to-shot consistency at distance. Shooting full-power .357 Magnum loads in the compact frame generates significant recoil - manageable for experienced shooters but worth knowing before purchase. A few owners have noted build quality concerns or mechanical issues over time, and experiences with Taurus customer service vary across reviews.