The Taurus Defender 605 is a 5-shot DA/SA revolver chambered in .38 Special and .357 Magnum. This variant wears a Tungsten Cerakote finish over a stainless steel frame and ships with Altamont wood grips. It has a 3-inch barrel and weighs 1.5 lbs (24 oz). 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Defender 605 
• Caliber: .38 SPECIAL / .357 MAGNUM 
• Action Type: Single/Double Action 
• Capacity: 5 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 3 inches 
• Overall Length: 7.5 inches 
• Weight: 1.5 lbs (24 oz) 
• Finish: Tungsten Cerakote 
• Frame Material: Stainless Steel 
   

Features 

 
The Tungsten Cerakote finish protects the stainless frame from corrosion and wear while giving the revolver a distinctive matte grey appearance. Altamont wood grips provide an ergonomic hold and a more traditional look than rubber alternatives. The front sight includes a night sight with an orange outline for low-light visibility. The DA/SA mechanism gives a longer pull in double-action for quick defensive fire and a shorter single-action pull when cocked for deliberate shots. At 7.5 inches overall and 1.5 lbs, this revolver carries and stores easily. 
 
The .357 Magnum chambering is flexible: .38 Special and .38 Special +P rounds run in the same cylinder, giving you the option to practice with lighter loads and switch to full-power .357 when needed. 
 

Usage 

 
The 605 works for home defense, daily carry, and range use. The Tungsten finish and wood grips distinguish it visually from the standard matte stainless version without changing the mechanical operation.

The Taurus Defender 605 .38/.357 Mag Revolver with Tungsten finish gets broadly positive reviews, with a few familiar Taurus criticisms.

The compact build and light weight draw the most consistent praise for carry use. Revolver reliability comes up frequently - fewer moving parts means fewer potential failure points, which owners appreciate in a defensive firearm. The flexibility to shoot both .38 Special and .357 Magnum is valued for matching loads to purpose. The Tungsten Cerakote finish earns specific positive comments for its durability and appearance compared to standard matte stainless.

Trigger pull is the main mechanical complaint - some owners find the double-action pull heavier than they'd prefer. Shooting full-power .357 Magnum loads in the compact frame generates significant recoil, which is worth testing before committing. Quality control and Taurus customer service get mixed reviews, with some owners reporting positive experiences and others describing delays or difficulty resolving issues.