The Taurus 605 .357 Magnum 3″ Optic-Ready VZ Grips is a compact revolver built for serious concealed carry and home defense. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it fires both .357 and .38 Special rounds, giving you flexibility in ammo choice. The 3-inch barrel balances concealability with sight radius, while the factory T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option) cut lets you mount a micro red-dot sight without milling. It ships with blue/black VZ-pattern grips that improve recoil control and hand fit. At $453.57, this is a practical, optics-ready wheelgun for shooters who want modern capability in a proven platform.
| Manufacturer | Taurus |
|---|---|
| Model | 605 .357 Magnum 3″ Optic-Ready VZ Grips |
| Material | Stainless steel cylinder and barrel; alloy frame |
| Compatibility | Micro red-dot sights with T.O.R.O. footprint (e.g., Shield RMSc, Holosun 407K/507K) |
| Finish | Matte stainless |
| Weight | 23 oz unloaded (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- T.O.R.O. Optic-Ready Cut: Why it matters — You can mount a micro red-dot directly on the frame without aftermarket milling, speeding up target acquisition in defensive scenarios.
- .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P Chambering: Why it matters — You choose between full-power .357 loads for maximum stopping power or lighter .38 Special rounds for reduced recoil during practice or carry.
- 3-Inch Barrel: Why it matters — The extra inch over snub-nose models improves velocity and sight radius while still fitting most IWB and OWB holsters designed for compact revolvers.
- VZ-Pattern Grips (Blue/Black): Why it matters — These grips fill the hand, reduce muzzle flip, and provide a non-slip surface even in wet or sweaty conditions, essential for defensive use.
- Combat-Style Trigger and Hammer: Why it matters — The trigger has a smoother pull for consistent double-action shots, and the spurred hammer allows single-action precision when you have time to aim.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the concealed carrier who wants a .357 Magnum with an optic-ready slide. It suits home defense buyers who prefer a wheelgun’s reliability over semi-autos. It also fits shooters transitioning from semi-autos to revolvers who want a red-dot option to maintain their sighting system.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Optic-ready from the factory — no gunsmith needed.
- Pro: Shoots both .357 and .38 Special, letting you train cheap and carry hot.
- Pro: VZ grips offer excellent traction and recoil management.
- Con: The 23-ounce weight is light for .357 Magnum, so full-power loads produce noticeable muzzle rise — practice with .38 Special first.
Comparison: Taurus 605 vs. Ruger LCR .357 vs. Smith & Wesson 642
| Feature | Taurus 605 .357 3″ Optic-Ready | Ruger LCR .357 1.87″ | Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special | .357 Magnum / .38 Special | .38 Special +P only |
| Barrel Length | 3 inches | 1.87 inches | 1.88 inches |
| Weight (unloaded) | 23 oz | 13.5 oz | 14.4 oz |
| Optic-Ready | Yes (T.O.R.O. cut) | No | No |
| Grips | VZ-pattern (blue/black) | Hogue Tamer | Standard rubber |
| Capacity | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Price | $453.57 | ~$580 | ~$480 |
FAQ
What red-dot sights fit the Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. cut?
The T.O.R.O. footprint accepts micro red-dots like the Shield RMSc, Holosun 407K/507K, and Swampfox Sentinel. Always verify with the optic manufacturer for exact footprint compatibility.
Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this revolver?
Yes. The Taurus 605 is rated for .38 Special +P as well as .357 Magnum. You can use .38 Special for lower recoil practice and .357 for defensive loads.
Does this revolver come with a red-dot sight included?
No. The optic cut is ready to accept a red-dot, but the sight is sold separately. This allows you to choose your preferred brand and footprint.
What holsters work with the 3-inch barrel and optic?
Most holsters for the Taurus 605 with a 3-inch barrel will fit, but you need an optic-cut or open-ended design to accommodate the red-dot. Brands like Alien Gear, CrossBreed, and Safariland offer compatible options.
Is the Taurus 605 a good choice for a first-time revolver owner?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with the recoil of .357 Magnum. The optic-ready feature and VZ grips make it easier to shoot accurately. Start with .38 Special to build proficiency before moving to .357.
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Related Categories:
Revolvers
Concealed Carry Handguns
Taurus Firearms
Last updated: April 2026
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, revolvers account for roughly 12% of new handgun sales annually, with .357 Magnum being the most popular magnum caliber for defensive use.
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