Head to head

Taurus 605 vs Ruger SP101

Both are small stainless .357s. One is built to be cheap, one is built to be beaten on.

Taurus 605 .357 Magnum

Approximate manufacturer figures. Confirm on the merchant listing before buying.
Capacity	5 rounds
Chambering	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Barrel	2"
Weight	~23 oz
Frame	Stainless
Action	Double / single action

Illustrative rendering — see merchant listing for actual product photos.

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Ruger SP101 .357 Magnum

Approximate manufacturer figures. Confirm on the merchant listing before buying.
Capacity	5 rounds
Chambering	.357 Magnum / .38 Special
Barrel	2.25"
Weight	~25 oz
Frame	Stainless
Action	Double / single action

Illustrative rendering — see merchant listing for actual product photos.

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Where they actually differ

	Taurus 605 .357 Magnum	Ruger SP101 .357 Magnum
Build priority	Cost — acceptable materials, simpler finishing	Durability — deliberately overbuilt for the size class
Realistic magnum diet	Occasional; practice on .38 Special	Sustained, if you can tolerate the recoil
Trigger out of the box	Gritty on many examples, improves with use	Heavier but smoother, very consistent

The verdict

The SP101 is the better revolver and it is not especially close — heavier frame, better fit and finish, and a reputation for absorbing full-power magnum loads year after year. The 605 costs meaningfully less and gets you to the same place if your magnum use is occasional and most of your range time is .38 Special. Buy the 605 to own a .357; buy the SP101 to shoot one.

Common questions

Do I have to shoot .357 in a .357 revolver?

No. Any .357 Magnum chamber safely fires .38 Special, which is cheaper, quieter, and far easier to shoot well. Clean the chambers properly afterward or the shorter .38 cases will leave a carbon ring that makes seating magnums difficult.

Is a 2-inch .357 worth it over a .38?

Short barrels waste much of the magnum's powder charge as muzzle blast and flash. You do gain velocity, but you pay a lot of recoil and noise for it. Buying a .357 for the flexibility is reasonable; expecting rifle-like gains from a snub is not.

Which has better aftermarket support?

Ruger, comfortably. Grips, sights, springs, and holsters for the SP101 are easy to find. The 605 is more limited outside of holsters.

Check the law where you live. Firearms transfer through a licensed dealer where required, and state and local rules differ on what may be bought, shipped, or carried. Verify before you order.

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