Taurus 608 6.5 in Ported .357 Magnum 8-Round Matte Stainless

When you need a revolver that balances high round count with the authority of .357 Magnum, the Taurus 608 6.5 in Ported .357 Magnum 8-Round Matte Stainless brings eight rounds of heavy-hitting defense to the line. This large-frame wheelgun lets you run .357 Magnum or .38 Special +P, with a ported barrel to tame muzzle rise and get you back on target fast. It’s built for deliberate, accurate follow-up shots—exactly what you want in a home-defense or trail gun.

Manufacturer	Taurus
Model	608
Material	Matte stainless steel (frame and barrel)
Compatibility	.357 Magnum, .38 Special +P
Finish	Matte stainless
Weight	~44 oz (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Ported 6.5-Inch Barrel — Why it matters: Porting vents gas upward, reducing muzzle flip so you stay on target for faster, more accurate follow-up shots in .357 Magnum.
• Eight-Round Capacity — Why it matters: Two more rounds than a typical six-shot revolver means extra margin when seconds count, without reloading.
• Adjustable Rear Sight — Why it matters: Dial in windage and elevation for your specific load, ensuring consistent POA/POI from the first cylinder to the last.
• Taurus Security System with Transfer Bar — Why it matters: Internal lock and transfer-bar safety prevent accidental discharge if dropped, giving you peace of mind during storage or carry.
• Finger-Grooved Rubber Grip — Why it matters: The textured rubber absorbs recoil and locks your hand into a natural shooting position, even with hot .357 loads.

Who It’s For

This revolver suits the home-defense owner who wants a high-capacity wheelgun with manageable recoil. It also works for hunters and trail hikers who need reliable .357 Magnum power against four-legged threats. If you shoot .38 Special +P for practice and .357 for serious work, the 608 handles both without a hiccup.

Pros and Cons

• Pro: Eight-round capacity gives you a significant firepower advantage over six-shot revolvers.
• Pro: Ported barrel noticeably reduces muzzle rise—especially valuable with .357 Magnum.
• Con: The 6.5-inch barrel and full-size frame make it less concealable than a snub-nose; best suited for nightstand, truck, or range use.

Comparison

Feature	Taurus 608	Smith & Wesson 686 Plus	Ruger GP100
Capacity	8 rounds	7 rounds	6 rounds
Barrel Length	6.5 in (ported)	6 in (non-ported)	6 in (non-ported)
Finish	Matte stainless	Stainless (polished)	Stainless (brushed)
Approx. Weight	44 oz	40 oz	45 oz
MSRP (approx)	$712	$950	$830
Best For	Budget-minded high-capacity defense	Premium fit and finish	Rugged durability

FAQ

Is the Taurus 608 compatible with .38 Special +P?

Yes. Per Taurus specs, the 608 is chambered for .357 Magnum and safely fires .38 Special +P ammunition. You can practice with milder .38 loads and carry .357 for maximum stopping power.

Does the ported barrel affect accuracy?

At typical self-defense distances (7–15 yards), porting does not degrade accuracy. In fact, reduced muzzle flip helps you keep the sights aligned for faster, more precise follow-up shots. Some shooters notice a slight increase in noise and flash directly above the barrel.

Can I use this revolver for concealed carry?

With a 6.5-inch barrel and full-size frame, the 608 is better suited for open carry, home defense, or range use. For concealed carry, a snub-nose model like the Taurus 856 would be more practical.

What is the Taurus Security System?

It’s an internal locking mechanism that, when engaged, prevents the hammer from moving. Combined with a transfer bar, it blocks the firing pin unless the trigger is fully pulled. This adds a layer of safety for storage without affecting normal operation.

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Last updated: April 2026

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