The Taurus 856 and 605 are compact revolvers designed for concealed carry and personal defense. The Taurus 856 fires .38 Special +P rounds, while the Taurus 605 handles both .38 Special and .357 Magnum. Both models feature double-action/single-action mechanisms and durable finishes, but they differ in capacity, frame materials, and caliber options. This guide breaks down their key differences to help you choose the right snub revolver for your needs.
Taurus 856 Overview
The Taurus 856 is a compact revolver chambered for .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition. Known for its reliability and versatility, it’s a popular choice for concealed carry and personal defense.
Key Features
- Caliber: Supports .38 Special and .38 Special +P, offering flexibility in ammunition selection.
- Capacity: Holds 6 rounds, providing an extra shot compared to many similar-sized revolvers.
- Barrel Length: Available in 2” and 3” options, balancing portability and accuracy.
- Action: Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) or Double Action Only (DAO) models, depending on the variant.
- Frame Material: Constructed with aluminum alloy, carbon steel, or stainless steel, ensuring durability and lightweight handling.
- Finish: Offered in a variety of finishes, including matte black, cerakote options, and stainless steel, catering to personal preferences.
The Taurus 856 is designed for ease of use and reliability, making it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced shooters. Its lightweight frame and compact size make it ideal for everyday carry, while its 6-round capacity provides a practical advantage in defensive situations.
Explore the Taurus 856 lineup, including the Ultra-Lite 38 Special +P Revolver, 2", the Executive Grade 38 Special +P, 3", and other variants like the Matte Natural Anodized, 6-Shot or the UL .38 Special 2", 6-Shot.
Taurus 605 Overview
The Taurus 605 is a compact, durable revolver designed for self-defense and concealed carry. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it also supports .38 Special and .38 Special +P rounds, providing flexibility in ammunition choice. Its 2" or 3" barrel lengths make it easy to handle while maintaining accuracy at close ranges.
Key Features
- Caliber: Handles .357 Magnum, .38 Special, and .38 Special +P ammunition.
- Capacity: 5 rounds, ideal for compact carry.
- Action: Available in DA/SA or DAO configurations for smooth operation.
- Frame Material: Built with stainless steel or alloy steel for durability.
- Finish: Options include matte black, stainless, and tungsten Cerakote for added corrosion resistance.
Models like the Taurus 605 357 Magnum Revolver, 2" and the Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. .357 Mag 3" offer variations in barrel length and finish to suit different preferences. The Taurus 605 balances power and portability, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a versatile revolver.
Key Differences
The Taurus 856 and Taurus 605 are both compact revolvers, but they differ in caliber, capacity, and design. The Taurus 856 is chambered in .38 Special, including +P rounds, while the Taurus 605 handles both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. This makes the 605 more versatile for shooters who want the option of higher recoil and power.
Capacity is another key difference. The Taurus 856 holds 6 rounds, offering one additional round compared to the Taurus 605, which holds 5 rounds. This extra round can be a deciding factor for those prioritizing capacity in a compact revolver.
Both models come in barrel lengths of 2" and 3", but the Taurus 856 offers more finish options, including Cerakote colors like Copper and Rose Gold. The Taurus 605, on the other hand, focuses on durable finishes like Matte Black and Stainless, catering to a more tactical or utilitarian aesthetic.
Frame materials also vary. The Taurus 856 features frames made from aluminum alloy or stainless steel, while the Taurus 605 uses alloy steel or stainless steel. This makes the 605 slightly heavier but potentially more durable for handling .357 Magnum rounds.
Who Should Choose the Taurus 856?
The Taurus 856 is a practical choice for shooters who prioritize lightweight carry and .38 Special performance. Its 6-round capacity gives it an edge over 5-shot revolvers for self-defense.
Ideal Users:
- First-time revolver owners: The Taurus 856 models with DA/SA triggers offer manageable recoil in a simple platform.
- Concealed carriers: Aluminum-frame versions like the 856 UL (21 oz) are easier to carry all day than steel-frame revolvers.
- Those sensitive to recoil: .38 Special +P loads in the 856 generate less kick than .357 Magnum rounds fired from a similar-sized 605.
- Budget-conscious buyers: The 856 series typically costs less than comparable .357 Magnum revolvers while offering similar concealability.
With barrel lengths from 2" to 3", the 856 suits different carry styles. The 856 Executive Grade adds upgraded sights and finishes for those wanting refinements. While not as powerful as the Taurus 605, the 856 handles common defensive .38 Special loads effectively.
Who Should Choose the Taurus 605?
The Taurus 605 is a compact revolver designed for shooters who want versatility and stopping power in a small package. Its ability to fire both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds makes it a strong choice for those who prioritize flexibility in ammunition. The .357 Magnum is known for its higher recoil and energy, making the Taurus 605 ideal for users who need a powerful self-defense option but still want the option to shoot milder .38 Special rounds for practice or reduced recoil.
Ideal Users:
- Self-Defense Enthusiasts: The .357 Magnum is a popular caliber for personal protection due to its stopping power. The Taurus 605's compact size makes it easy to carry, whether concealed or as a backup firearm.
- Handgun Owners Seeking Versatility: If you want a revolver that can handle both .38 Special and .357 Magnum, the Taurus 605 provides this dual-caliber capability without compromising on reliability.
- Revolver Fans: Those who appreciate the simplicity and durability of revolvers will find the Taurus 605's solid construction and classic design appealing.
For those considering the Taurus 605, models like the Taurus 605 .357 Magnum Revolver, 2" and the Taurus 605 Protector .357 Mag 2" Black Polymer, 5-Shot offer various finishes and barrel lengths to suit different preferences.
Buying Online with FFL Transfer
When purchasing a Taurus 856 or 605 revolver online, the process involves an FFL transfer. Federal law requires firearms to be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer rather than directly to your home. This ensures compliance with background check and registration requirements.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Select Your FFL Dealer
Before completing your purchase, choose a local FFL dealer to receive your firearm. Many gun shops and pawn shops offer FFL services. Confirm their fees and policies beforehand.
Step 2: Place Your Order
Once you’ve selected your Taurus 856 or 605 model, proceed with your order. During checkout, provide the FFL dealer’s information for shipping.
Step 3: Complete the Transfer
When the firearm arrives at the FFL dealer, they will notify you to complete the transfer. You’ll fill out ATF Form 4473 and undergo a background check. Once approved, you can take possession of your revolver.
This process ensures legal compliance and safety for all firearm purchases. Always verify your state’s specific laws regarding FFL transfers.
