Taurus 357 Revolver: Models, Features, Specifications & Complete Guide

The Taurus 357 revolver is part of a long-running category of Magnum revolvers. Taurus has produced several revolver models chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge.

Among the best-known examples are the Taurus 605 and Taurus 627. These models offer different approaches to the same basic cartridge.

The 605 is a compact five-shot revolver. Meanwhile, the 627 uses a seven-round cylinder in Taurus’s larger revolver range. Taurus’s published catalog information lists both models for .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P.

This guide looks at the history, models, features, specifications, and main differences between Taurus .357 revolvers.

What Is a Taurus 357 Revolver?

A Taurus 357 revolver is a Taurus revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge.

The .357 Magnum has been an important revolver cartridge since its introduction in 1935. Over the decades, manufacturers have produced revolvers in many different sizes and configurations.

Taurus entered this category with several models.

The result is a range that includes compact revolvers, larger-frame designs, different barrel lengths, and different finishes.

The exact specifications depend on the model and production period. Therefore, it is important to identify the specific Taurus revolver before comparing specifications.

Taurus and the .357 Magnum

Taurus has built a broad revolver lineup over the years.

The company’s revolver range has included models chambered for .22 LR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and other cartridges.

The .357 Magnum remains an important part of the Taurus revolver lineup.

Two particularly useful models to understand are the 605 and 627.

The 605 focuses on a compact five-shot design. In contrast, the 627 uses a seven-shot cylinder and a larger overall format.

This difference gives each model a distinct place within Taurus’s revolver range.

Taurus 605

The Taurus 605 is one of the company’s best-known .357 Magnum revolvers.

Taurus describes the 605 as a five-shot revolver chambered for .357 Magnum or .38 Special +P. Published Taurus specifications have included two- and three-inch barrel configurations, depending on the version.

The model has appeared with different materials, finishes, sights, and grip options.

For example, Taurus’s catalog has listed stainless-steel versions with matte finishes and different grip configurations.

The 605 therefore represents the compact side of the Taurus .357 Magnum family.

Taurus 605 Specifications

Specifications can vary between versions and production years. However, Taurus catalog information has included examples with:

• .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P chambering
• Five-round cylinder
• Double-action/single-action operation
• 2-inch or 3-inch barrel options
• Stainless-steel construction on some versions
• Different grip configurations
• Fixed sight arrangements on some models

Taurus’s revolver documentation also lists the 605 as a small-frame DA/SA .357 Magnum model.

Because Taurus has produced several 605 variants, readers should check the exact model designation when comparing specifications.

Taurus 627

The Taurus 627 takes a different approach.

Taurus’s catalog lists the 627 as a seven-shot revolver chambered for .357 Magnum or .38 Special +P. Published versions include 4-inch and 6.5-inch barrel options.

That extra cylinder capacity is one of the clearest differences between the 627 and 605.

The 627 is also a larger revolver design.

As a result, it has a very different profile from the compact 605.

The model demonstrates how the same cartridge can be used in revolvers with different dimensions, capacities, and intended roles.

Taurus 605 vs 627

The 605 and 627 share the .357 Magnum cartridge. However, they are not simply different versions of the same revolver.

The biggest differences involve size and cylinder capacity.

Taurus’s published catalogs support the five-shot 605 and seven-shot 627 configurations.

Therefore, the choice between these models is mainly a question of design characteristics rather than simply cartridge type.

Taurus 357 Revolver Specifications

Specifications vary considerably across Taurus .357 revolvers.

That is important when researching the category.

A search for “Taurus 357 revolver” can return several different models. Those models may have different barrel lengths, cylinder capacities, materials, sights, and grip designs.

For example, Taurus has published 605 versions weighing around 24 to 25.5 ounces with three-inch barrels. Other versions use shorter barrels and different materials.

The 627, meanwhile, has been listed with seven-round capacity and 4-inch or 6.5-inch barrel options.

Consequently, the model number matters when checking specifications.

Barrel Lengths and Frame Sizes

Barrel length is one of the most visible differences between Taurus revolvers.

The 605 is associated with compact barrel options.

The 627 offers longer configurations, including 4-inch and 6.5-inch barrels in Taurus catalog information.

These differences also affect the overall appearance and weight of each revolver.

A longer barrel creates a different balance and profile from a compact revolver.

For that reason, barrel length is an important specification to include in an SEO article about Taurus .357 revolvers.

Cylinder Capacity

Cylinder capacity is another major difference.

The Taurus 605 uses a five-round cylinder. The Taurus 627 uses seven rounds in the published configurations.

This gives the two models very different designs.

Traditional Magnum revolvers often use six-shot cylinders. Taurus’s seven-shot 627 therefore provides an interesting example of how modern revolver designs have expanded cylinder capacity.

Capacity is also a useful long-tail SEO topic because people often search specifically for Taurus 357 revolver capacity.

Materials and Finishes

Taurus has produced .357 revolvers using different materials and finishes.

Stainless steel is one example.

Some 605 configurations have used stainless-steel construction with different surface treatments. Taurus catalog records also show versions with black accents, tungsten finishes, and different grip materials.

These differences can give the same basic model a noticeably different appearance.

However, the finish alone does not define the revolver.

The model number, barrel length, cylinder, sights, and other specifications are equally important.

Sights and Grips

Taurus .357 revolvers have appeared with several sight and grip arrangements.

The compact 605 family, for example, has included versions with fixed sight systems. Other configurations may use different sight arrangements.

Grip materials can also vary.

Taurus catalogs have listed rubber, Hogue, wood, and other grip configurations across different revolver models and versions.

As a result, two Taurus .357 revolvers can look quite different even when they share the same cartridge.

.357 Magnum and .38 Special

One useful feature of many Taurus .357 revolvers is their relationship with the .38 Special cartridge.

Taurus documentation lists the 605 for .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P. The 627 is also listed for .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P.

The two cartridges are closely related.

However, they are not the same cartridge.

The .357 Magnum uses a longer case and operates at a higher pressure than the .38 Special.

Therefore, ammunition compatibility should always be determined from the specific firearm’s official documentation.

Taurus 357 Revolver Reviews

Reviews of Taurus revolvers often focus on design, build quality, controls, sights, finish, and overall value.

The Taurus 856 provides an example of the company’s approach to modern revolvers.

Taurus has also developed the 856 T.O.R.O., which adds an optics-ready configuration to the 856 platform. The company describes it as an evolution of the traditional small-frame revolver format.

The 856 itself is a .38 Special revolver rather than a .357 Magnum model. Therefore, it should not be confused with the Taurus 605 or 627 when researching a Taurus 357 revolver.

This distinction is useful for both readers and search engines.

Taurus 357 Revolver vs Other Brands

Taurus is only one manufacturer in the .357 Magnum revolver market.

Other major names include Smith & Wesson, Colt, and Ruger.

Smith & Wesson has a long history with the .357 Magnum. Its original Registered Magnum dates to 1935.

Colt later introduced the Python in 1955.

Ruger also developed several .357 Magnum revolvers, including the GP100.

Taurus therefore belongs to a much larger historical category.

Comparing these manufacturers can help readers understand how different companies approached the same cartridge.

Taurus 357 Revolver Pros and Cons

Potential strengths

• Long association with the .357 Magnum cartridge
• Multiple revolver models
• Different barrel lengths
• Different cylinder capacities
• Compact and larger-frame options
• Several finishes and grip configurations
• Models with different sight arrangements

Potential limitations

• Specifications vary considerably by model
• Older and newer versions can differ
• Some model names cover several configurations
• Published specifications should be checked against the exact model
• Similar Taurus model numbers can cause confusion

This is why a model-specific review is usually more useful than treating every Taurus .357 revolver as identical.

Taurus 357 Revolver Model Guide

For readers researching the Taurus lineup, the following simple breakdown is useful.

Taurus 605

The 605 is the compact five-shot .357 Magnum option in this comparison.

Taurus documentation lists it with .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P chambering. Various versions have used different barrel lengths, finishes, sights, and grips.

Taurus 627

The 627 is a larger seven-shot .357 Magnum revolver.

Taurus catalog information lists 4-inch and 6.5-inch barrel configurations.

Other Taurus Revolvers

Taurus has produced many other revolver models.

However, not every Taurus revolver is chambered for .357 Magnum.

Models such as the 856, for example, are associated with .38 Special rather than the .357 Magnum chambering. Taurus’s published catalog information should therefore be used when identifying a specific model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Taurus 357 revolver?

A Taurus 357 revolver is a Taurus revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. Taurus has produced several models in this category.

Is the Taurus 605 a .357 Magnum?

Yes. Taurus documentation lists the 605 for .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P. It is a five-shot revolver.

Is the Taurus 627 a .357 Magnum?

Yes. Taurus catalogs list the 627 as a seven-shot revolver chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special +P.

How many rounds does the Taurus 605 hold?

The Taurus 605 uses a five-round cylinder according to Taurus’s published specifications.

How many rounds does the Taurus 627 hold?

The Taurus 627 has a seven-round cylinder in Taurus’s published specifications.

What barrel lengths are available for the Taurus 627?

Taurus catalog information lists 4-inch and 6.5-inch barrel configurations for the 627.

Is the Taurus 856 a .357 Magnum?

The Taurus 856 is generally associated with .38 Special rather than .357 Magnum. It should therefore be distinguished from Taurus’s .357 Magnum models such as the 605 and 627.

What are the main Taurus .357 Magnum models?

The Taurus 605 and 627 are two important models to know. The 605 is a compact five-shot revolver, while the 627 is a larger seven-shot design.

Final Thoughts

The Taurus 357 revolver category covers several different designs.

The Taurus 605 is particularly notable for its compact five-shot format. Meanwhile, the Taurus 627 offers a larger seven-shot design with longer barrel options.

Both models demonstrate how the .357 Magnum can be used in very different revolver formats.

Taurus has also produced many other revolvers, so checking the exact model number is important.

For anyone researching Taurus revolvers, the 605 and 627 provide a useful starting point. Together, they show the differences in size, capacity, barrel length, materials, and configuration found across the Taurus .357 Magnum lineup.