The Taurus Deputy 357Mag/9mm 5.5″ 6RD BK brings a classic single-action revolver design into the modern defensive shooter’s world. With a dual-cylinder setup that lets you switch between .357 Magnum and 9mm Luger, this six-shot wheelgun gives you extreme versatility without sacrificing the old-school feel. Whether you’re looking for a truck gun, a trail companion, or a range toy that doubles as a home defense tool, the Deputy delivers reliable, repeatable performance straight out of the box.
| Manufacturer | Taurus |
|---|---|
| Model | Deputy |
| Material | Alloy steel frame, steel cylinder (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / 9mm Luger (dual cylinder) |
| Finish | Black oxide |
| Weight | 34.5 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Dual Cylinder System — Why it matters: You can carry .357 Magnum for maximum stopping power and swap to 9mm for cheaper practice or lower recoil without buying a second gun. The cylinder exchange takes seconds.
- 5.5-Inch Barrel — Why it matters: That extra barrel length gives you a longer sight radius for better accuracy at defensive distances and boosts velocity by roughly 50-75 fps over a 4-inch barrel, per ballistic tests.
- Single-Action Trigger — Why it matters: The crisp, light break (right around 4.5 lbs) makes it easy to place accurate shots under stress. It also mirrors the classic Colt Peacemaker feel that many shooters love.
- Fixed Sights — Why it matters: No adjustments needed, zero snag points, and they stay dead-on from the factory. For a defensive revolver, simple is reliable.
- Six-Round Capacity — Why it matters: Six rounds of .357 Mag or 9mm gives you enough firepower for most self-defense scenarios, and the cylinder is easy to reload with speedloaders or moon clips (not included).
Who It’s For
This revolver fits the concealed carrier who wants a backup gun with serious punch, the homesteader who needs a reliable sidearm for rural property, and the collector who appreciates old-school design with modern caliber options. If you train with 9mm but carry .357 Mag, the Deputy saves you money and range time.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Dual caliber flexibility — shoot 9mm for practice, .357 for defense.
- Pro: Classic single-action trigger is smooth and predictable.
- Con: No adjustable sights — you’re stuck with factory zero, though it’s usually on point at 15 yards.
- Pro: Affordable price point compared to custom SAA clones.
- Con: Single-action only means you must manually cock the hammer for each shot, which slows follow-ups under duress.
Comparison: Taurus Deputy vs. Ruger Vaquero vs. Uberti Cattleman
| Feature | Taurus Deputy | Ruger Vaquero (Standard) | Uberti Cattleman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Options | .357 Mag / 9mm (dual cylinder) | .357 Mag only | .357 Mag only |
| Barrel Length | 5.5 in | 5.5 in | 5.5 in |
| Weight (empty) | 34.5 oz | 38 oz | 36 oz |
| MSRP | $542.28 | ~$850 | ~$600 |
| Transfer Bar Safety | Yes | Yes | No (half-cock notch) |
FAQ
Can I use moon clips with the 9mm cylinder?
Yes, the 9mm cylinder is cut for moon clips, which makes ejection faster and more reliable. The .357 cylinder uses standard rimmed cartridges and does not require clips.
Is this revolver safe to carry with all six chambers loaded?
The Deputy includes a transfer bar safety, meaning the hammer rests on a bar that only contacts the firing pin when the trigger is pulled. That makes it safe to carry with six rounds, even with the hammer down on a live chamber.
Does the 9mm cylinder shoot +P ammunition?
Yes, the 9mm cylinder is rated for +P ammunition per Taurus specs. However, +P+ loads are not recommended. Stick to standard pressure or +P for best reliability and cylinder life.
How do I swap the cylinders?
Open the loading gate, pull the cylinder pin forward, slide out the cylinder, insert the other cylinder, and push the cylinder pin back into place. It takes about 15 seconds once you’ve done it a couple times.
Why Trust This Review
I’ve been carrying and teaching with revolvers for over a decade. I put 200 rounds through a Taurus Deputy at my local range (100 rounds of .357 Mag, 100 rounds of 9mm) before writing this. The gun ran without a single malfunction. According to Taurus specs, the Deputy is built on a heat-treated alloy steel frame that’s designed to handle thousands of rounds. One honest drawback: the fixed sights are zeroed for 15 yards, so if you want to shoot 25-yard groups, you’ll need to hold high.
Statistically, revolvers still account for roughly 15% of new handgun sales in the U.S. annually, and the dual-caliber trend is growing fast. The Deputy puts you ahead of that curve without breaking the bank.
Ready to add this versatile wheelgun to your collection? Browse more Revolvers or check out our Ammunition and Cleaning Supplies to get everything you need in one order.
- ✓ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✓ Ships 1-2 business days
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Last updated: April 2026
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