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The Best Taurus Revolvers, Model by Model

By the Taurus Firearm team · Updated · 5 min read

Taurus revolvers are known for their reliability, affordability, and variety. This guide breaks down the best Taurus revolvers model by model, highlighting key features and specifications. From the lightweight Taurus 856 to the versatile Taurus Judge, find the revolver that fits your requirements.

Taurus 856

The Taurus 856 is a compact and lightweight revolver designed for concealed carry. Its small frame and manageable weight make it easy to carry daily. The 856 is chambered in .38 Special and can handle +P ammunition for added stopping power.

This revolver comes in multiple barrel lengths, including 2", 2.5", and 3". The shorter barrels enhance concealability, while the 3" barrel offers improved accuracy for longer shots. The Taurus 856 is available in both double-action/single-action (DA/SA) and double-action-only (DAO) configurations to suit your shooting preferences.

The frame is made from durable materials such as aluminum alloy, carbon steel, and stainless steel. These materials keep the revolver lightweight yet sturdy. Various finishes are available, including matte black, Cerakote options, and stainless steel, allowing you to choose a style that fits your needs.

Key Features

  • Caliber: .38 Special, .38 Special +P
  • Capacity: 6 rounds
  • Barrel Length: 2", 2.5", 3"
  • Action: DA/SA or DAO
  • Frame Material: Aluminum alloy, carbon steel, stainless steel
  • Finish: Matte black, Cerakote, stainless steel, and more

For example, the Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite 38 Special +P Revolver, 2" is a popular choice for its lightweight design and compact size. If you prefer a more refined look, the Taurus 856 Executive Grade 38 Special +P, 3" offers a sleek finish and longer barrel length.

Taurus 605

The Taurus 605 is a compact revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, making it a solid choice for both self-defense and range use. Its ability to fire .38 Special rounds adds versatility, allowing shooters to choose between powerful .357 Magnum loads or lighter .38 Special cartridges for practice or reduced recoil.

Available with 2" or 3" barrel lengths, the Taurus 605 is designed for easy carry and quick handling. Its double-action/single-action (DA/SA) mechanism provides flexibility in shooting modes, while its durable frame materials, including stainless steel and alloy steel, ensure reliability.

The Taurus 605 comes in various finishes, such as matte black, stainless, and tungsten cerakote, catering to different preferences. Its compact size and manageable weight make it an excellent option for concealed carry or as a backup firearm.

Popular Variants

Taurus Judge

The Taurus Judge is a standout revolver designed for versatility, capable of firing both .45 Colt ammunition and .410 shotgun shells. This dual-caliber capability makes it a unique choice for home defense, offering flexibility in ammunition selection.

Available in barrel lengths ranging from 3" to 13", the Judge accommodates various shooting preferences. Its 5-round capacity ensures reliable performance, while the double-action/single-action (DA/SA) mechanism provides smooth operation. The frame materials include alloy steel and stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity.

Finish options for the Taurus Judge include matte black, stainless, and tungsten cerakote, allowing for customization to suit individual tastes. Models like the Taurus Judge Magnum and Taurus Judge Executive Grade highlight the range of choices available.

The Taurus Judge's ability to fire .410 shotgun shells makes it particularly effective for close-range defense, delivering a wide spread that increases the likelihood of hitting a target. Combined with the stopping power of .45 Colt, it provides a formidable option for personal protection.

Taurus Tracker

The Taurus Tracker is a versatile revolver built for power and precision. Available in multiple calibers, it handles everything from .22 LR to .44 Magnum, making it suitable for both target shooting and hunting.

Key Features

  • Caliber options: Includes .22 LR/.22 WMR convertible models, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum
  • Capacity: Ranges from 5 to 9 rounds depending on the model
  • Barrel lengths: 2", 3", 4", and 6.5" options for different shooting needs
  • Frame material: Stainless steel or alloy steel construction
  • Action: Double/single action for flexible shooting

Popular Models

The Tracker 627 in .357 Magnum offers a 4" barrel and stainless finish. For rimfire enthusiasts, the Tracker 992 switches between .22 LR and .22 WMR. Larger game hunters may prefer the 6.5" Tracker 627 with 7-round capacity.

All Tracker models feature durable finishes like matte black oxide or matte stainless. The revolver's balance between power and handling makes it a practical choice for various shooting applications.

Taurus Raging Hunter

The Taurus Raging Hunter is built for hunters and shooters who need power at long range. This revolver handles some of the most powerful cartridges available, including .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and .500 S&W Magnum. Barrel lengths range from 5.12" to 14", giving options for different shooting scenarios.

Key Features

  • Calibers: .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .460 S&W Magnum, .500 S&W Mag, and 350 Legend
  • Capacity: 5 to 7 rounds depending on model
  • Barrel Lengths: From 5.12" up to 14" for specialized hunting needs
  • Frame: Stainless steel or alloy steel construction
  • Finish: Matte black oxide, matte stainless, or two-tone options
  • Sights: Fiber optic front sight for better target acquisition

The Raging Hunter's heavy frame helps manage recoil from powerful cartridges. The long barrel models like the 14" 350 Legend version are optimized for hunting. Shorter barrels offer more compact handling while still delivering substantial power.

This revolver uses a double/single action mechanism. The cylinder holds either 5, 6, or 7 rounds depending on the caliber. The Raging Hunter is available in several finishes including matte black oxide and two-tone stainless/black.

Taurus 942

The Taurus 942 is a lightweight revolver chambered in .22 LR, making it an excellent choice for training, plinking, and casual shooting. Its compact design and manageable recoil make it suitable for shooters of all experience levels.

Key Features

  • Caliber: Available in .22 LR and .22 WMR, the Taurus 942 offers versatility for different shooting needs.
  • Capacity: Holds 8 rounds, providing ample shots before reloading.
  • Barrel Length: Options include 2" and 3" barrels, allowing for a balance of portability and accuracy.
  • Action: Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) operation ensures smooth and reliable shooting.
  • Frame Material: Constructed with aluminum alloy or stainless steel, the revolver is both durable and lightweight.
  • Finish: Available in finishes like Matte Black, Matte Stainless, and Hard Anodized Black, offering both style and corrosion resistance.

The Taurus 942 is particularly well-suited for beginners due to its low recoil and ease of use. Its affordability in ammunition costs also makes it a practical choice for extended practice sessions.

Explore the Taurus 942 models on our site: Taurus 942 22 LR Revolver, 8-Shot, 3", Taurus 942 .22 WMR 3" Matte Stainless, 8-Shot, and Taurus 942 .22 LR 2", 8-Shot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Taurus revolver for concealed carry?

The Taurus 856 is the best option for concealed carry due to its lightweight design and compact size.

Can the Taurus Judge fire shotgun shells?

Yes, the Taurus Judge can fire both .45 Colt and .410 shotgun shells, making it versatile for home defense.

What is the capacity of the Taurus 942?

The Taurus 942 has a capacity of 8 rounds, making it ideal for training and plinking.

Shop the models in this guide: Taurus 856 · Taurus Raging Hunter · Taurus Judge · Taurus 605 · Taurus 942 · Taurus Tracker · Taurus 66 & 65

Models Mentioned in This Guide

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