Best Taurus Guns: Quality at Half the Price

When most shooters think of revolvers, names like Smith & Wesson and Ruger typically come to mind first. However, Taurus has quietly built one of the world’s largest revolver manufacturing operations, producing over 100,000 revolvers annually and earning a reputation as the “value leader” in the wheel gun market. For shooters seeking reliable revolvers without premium pricing, understanding what Taurus offers—and why they’ve become so successful—is essential.

Company Foundation & Evolution

Forjas Taurus was established in 1939 in São Leopoldo, Brazil, initially as a tool and die forging company. The transition to firearms manufacturing began in 1941 with their first revolver, the Model 38101SO. This early entry into the revolver market would prove prophetic, as Taurus would eventually become one of the world’s largest revolver manufacturers.

The company’s most significant development occurred between 1971-1977, when Smith & Wesson’s parent company acquired a majority stake in Taurus. During this six-year partnership, Taurus gained access to Smith & Wesson’s manufacturing techniques, quality control processes, and design specifications. When the companies separated in 1977, Taurus retained much of this technical knowledge while developing their own innovations.

Company Milestones:

• 1941: First revolver production begins
• 1968: U.S. market entry with revolver imports
• 1971-1977: Smith & Wesson partnership and knowledge transfer
• 1980s: Independent expansion and product line development
• 1990s: Introduction of innovative designs like the Judge series
• 2000s: Focus on value-oriented manufacturing and market expansion

Manufacturing & Global Presence

Production Facilities

Manufacturing Philosophy

Taurus operates on a “maximum value, minimum cost” manufacturing model that differs significantly from premium manufacturers:

Cost Control Strategies:

• High-volume production runs to achieve economies of scale
• Vertical integration of key components (barrels, frames, cylinders)
• Streamlined quality control processes focused on functionality over aesthetics
• Strategic use of investment casting and CNC machining
• Optimized supply chain management from Brazil

Quality Approach:

• Functional reliability prioritized over cosmetic perfection
• Rigorous testing of core safety and performance features
• Acceptable tolerance ranges wider than premium brands but within safety specifications
• Continuous improvement based on field feedback and warranty claims

Market Position & Competitive Strategy

Industry Standing

Taurus occupies a unique position in the global firearms market:

Global Market Share:

• #3 worldwide in revolver production volume
• #1 in Brazil for domestic firearm sales
• Top 5 in U.S. for revolver imports
• Leading brand in several South American markets

Competitive Advantages

Price Leadership

• Typically 30-50% less expensive than comparable Smith & Wesson models
• 20-40% below Ruger pricing for similar features
• Excellent price-to-performance ratio in entry and mid-level segments

Innovation Focused

• First to market with optics-ready revolvers (TORO series)
• Pioneered the .410/.45 LC revolver concept with the Judge
• Aggressive adoption of modern manufacturing techniques
• Rapid product development cycles compared to traditional manufacturers

Market Accessibility

• Wide distribution through major retailers and gun stores
• Strong warranty program with responsive customer service
• Parts availability generally good for current production models
• User-friendly designs that appeal to new shooters

Product Line Philosophy

Design Principles

Taurus revolvers are engineered around several core principles that differentiate them from competitors:

Practical Functionality

• Features that serve real-world purposes rather than marketing appeal
• Robust construction suitable for regular use and carry
• Simplified maintenance requirements for average shooters
• Logical control placement and intuitive operation

Value Engineering

• Cost-effective materials that meet performance requirements without premium pricing
• Standardized components across model lines to reduce manufacturing complexity
• Proven mechanisms rather than experimental designs
• Modular construction allowing for easy service and repair

User-Centric Innovation

• Addressing market gaps other manufacturers ignore (like optics-ready revolvers)
• Listening to feedback from law enforcement, security professionals, and civilian users
• Practical improvements to traditional revolver designs
• Accessibility features for shooters with different physical requirements

Brand Reputation & Market Perception

Industry Recognition

Professional Acceptance:

• Used by security companies and law enforcement agencies in multiple countries
• Specified by various military and police contracts
• Endorsed by shooting sports professionals and trainers
• Featured in major firearms publications and testing programs

Consumer Perception Factors:

Why Taurus Matters in Today’s Market

For New Shooters: Taurus provides an accessible entry point into revolver ownership without requiring a significant financial commitment. Their revolvers offer genuine reliability and performance at prices that don’t create barriers to ownership.

For Experienced Shooters: The brand offers innovative features often unavailable elsewhere (like the TORO optics-ready system) and serves specialized roles where premium pricing isn’t justified by the intended use.

For Professional Users: Security professionals, farmers, and others who need reliable tools rather than collector pieces find Taurus revolvers offer excellent value for regular use applications.

What Makes Taurus Different

Unique Market Positioning

Unlike premium manufacturers who focus on prestige and collectibility, or budget manufacturers who prioritize absolute lowest cost, Taurus occupies the “practical performance” segment:

• Better than basic budget revolvers in materials and construction
• More affordable than premium brands while retaining essential quality
• More innovative than traditional manufacturers in addressing modern needs
• More accessible than boutique manufacturers for average shooters

This positioning has allowed Taurus to build a loyal customer base that values function over form and appreciates practical innovation over traditional prestige.

1. Taurus 66

Taurus has a reputation for producing reliable, affordable revolvers, and the Taurus 66B6 6″ .357 Magnum brings a formidable punch to the Taurus catalog, giving you a self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting option that’s doing its best S&W 686 impression.

The 66B6 isn’t small, but that added length helps wring as much out of the .357 Magnum cartridge as possible, giving you an edge on long-range accuracy. That length doesn’t significantly impair the revolver’s balance and the 38 oz dry weight means recoil is negligible.

The grips give you a solidly positive feel, which also helps with control. And the double-action trigger is decent but heavy (my trigger gauge stopped at 10 lbs but I wager it’s closer to 12-13 lbs), while the single-action pull knocks effort down to about 5.5 lbs, for a much snappier (if still a touch heavy) response.

If the 66 is anything, it’s consistent. It goes bang with any ammunition type, and the seven-round capacity gives you a leg up on traditional six-shot revolvers.

The Taurus 66 is a great entry-level revolver that makes getting into the wheel gun game more wallet-friendly than its higher priced, bigger brand equivalents.

2. Taurus 605

Taurus’s 605 is a stainless steel, 5-shot revolver chambered in .357 Magnum that’s geared toward concealed carry, with 2 and 3-inch barrel options available.

In what would likely be a great trail gun, the 605 pairs a fantastic grip with a 20.00 oz dry weight, which really helps tame recoil from both .38 and .357 rounds.

The 605’s double/single action trigger is smooth and consistent, and the return spring feels a lot like a Smith & Wesson — it really pops the trigger out just as fast as you can move your finger. The double action is similar to the 66 in terms of pull, roughly in the 13 lbs with a 5-6 lb single action pull.

The cylinder locks up nicely, there’s some slight movement absent the trigger pull, but once you bring trigger tension the cylinder stays put.

3. Taurus 627 Tracker

Taurus’s Tracker is an interesting firearm for a number of reasons and would work well for hunting or target use. A medium frame revolver available in both stainless, matte, and matte black oxide, it’s chambered in everything from .17 HMR to .44 Mag, the Tracker gives you a ton of options to find the right fit.

The 627 Tracker showcases an intriguing set of features, including a ported barrel designed to tame spicy .357 Magnum loads. The ports are definitely effective — I’ve seen people hit full-size steel at 70 and 80 yards with a 627 — but it also makes the gun louder and can produce a decent muzzle flash, which is less than ideal for dark or self-defense situations.

Taurus’s Ribber Grip, which does away with finger grooves in favor of a more universal hand fit, is also a nice touch that fills the hand nicely. The barrel also features 6 vents on the upper rib, that allow you to mount a scope for hunting or target use.

The pinned front sight also uses a bright, easy-to-see orange insert in the ramp, which makes target or hunting use much more approachable.

The trigger is also surprisingly nice, being wide and smooth with a polished feel. The double action pull, stop me if you’ve heard this one before, is about 13 lbs, in-line with other Taurus revolvers. Single action was a more approachable 5-6 lbs.

4. Taurus 608

The Taurus 608 is an eight-shot (get it?) medium-frame revolver that packs a lot of the features from other Taurus wheel guns into a higher-capacity product.

In addition to the additional round, the 608 has the hi-vis front sight and ported barrel from the Tracker, as well as and adjustable rear sight, a really nice over-molded Hogue grip, and that big, wide trigger, making it really easy to shoot and incredibly accurate.

It’s a competition-style, 8-round revolver that has the same snappy single action as the Tracker and comes in at about half the price of similar products from other brands.

The 608, though, has a few gotchas.

The first is that it’s tough to find speed loaders for the 608, although 5 Star Firearms has one. The gun is also front-heavy relative to the S&W 686 and doesn’t have quite the reliability the higher-end revolver offers.

4. Taurus Judge Executive Grade

Originally dubbed the very logical “4410” despite the gun firing .45 Long Colt and .410 shells, the Judge came to be when Bob Morrison, then Executive Vice President of Taurus learned that judges in Miami high-crime areas were purchasing the 4410 for personal defense.

He eventually persuaded Taurus leadership to call the gun “The Judge” to reflect the profession of those early adopters.

The Executive Grade Judge has a really nice, hand-polished satin finish, which gives it a luxurious look, and they kept the barrel at 3 inches to help with concealment, although it’s also 36 ounces dry, which is a healthy shank of steel to pin to one’s hip.

The Executive Grade Judge is also the only version of the pistol with wooden grips, that both look fantastic and feel solid in hand.

While it’s a big gun, it also has a very smooth 10 lb. double-action trigger pull with a crisp break, with an almost shockingly light single-action trigger pull that comes in at just over 3 lbs.

You get the standard 5 rounds of either caliber and rather than a fiber optic or blacked-out front sight, the gun includes a brass insert front sight which just oozes class.

Yes, it’s about 50% above the normal Judge price, with a street price of about $800, but few guns make you feel as much like Dirty Harry (and it also includes a Pelican Vault case).

Check out our full hands-on review of the Taurus Judge Executive Grade for more.

5. Taurus Defender 856 TORO

An idea straight out of the book of “Why hasn’t this been done already?”, Taurus beat everyone to the punch with their optics-ready centerfire carry T.O.R.O. revolver.

The small-framed 6-shot .38 Special Model 856 T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option) is milled at the factory to accept Holosun K/Shield RMSc footprint red dots.

The Defender 856 includes Taurus’ target-style double action trigger and is rated for +P 38 Special loads, and the factory rubberized grip gives you a comfortable texture and reasonable grip for such a small handgun.

The fixed rear sight is paired with a pinned front sight, so if you ultimately decide a red dot on your revolver isn’t for you (yes, it’s an odd pairing) you can replace the front sight with a fiber optic or whatever you prefer and run a decent little carry wheel gun. In my humble opinion, however, the optic is what really makes the 856 TORO special.

Yes, the red dot is mounted much higher on a revolver than a semi-auto, which can complicate zeroing and make finding the dot challenging, but since the dot doesn’t move (like it does on a semi-auto’s reciprocating slide) follow-up shots are easy, and your red dot should last much longer.

Want to know more? We have a full review of the Taurus Defender 856 TORO.

Revolvers are fantastic for a number of reasons, for one you’re not dropping brass all over the place, and for the past several decades Taurus has made a major name for itself in the revolver market.

Affordability

First and foremost, when compared to other manufacturers, Taurus presents an incredible value in their revolvers. As fewer law enforcement agencies and people more generally carry revolvers, they’ve generally gone up in price as collector’s pieces.

On the other hand, Taurus has made a considerable effort to keep revolvers alive and well in concealed carry, defense, and hunting by keeping them a lot more affordable than others in the market.

Reliability

Second, Taurus revolvers tend to be reliable. This is true of most revolvers, but some folks worry that inferior parts are being used at this price range.

In our experience, however, Taurus revolvers are more than reliable enough to serve well on the range or in concealed carry settings. This is an excellent attribute in a revolver, as one of the main reasons people still choose revolvers generally is their reliability even in adverse situations, which makes Taurus revolvers an excellent choice for concealed carry or security work.

Understanding which Taurus revolver serves your specific needs starts with matching the right tool to the job. Unlike many manufacturers who design revolvers for general use, Taurus has developed distinct categories built for specific applications.

This purpose-driven approach means choosing the right model is a little more challenging than other brands and can significantly impact your experience.

Concealed Carry Revolvers

Primary Goal: Maximum concealability while maintaining stopping power and reliability

Concealed carry revolvers represent Taurus’s most popular category, designed for everyday carry by civilians and off-duty professionals. These models prioritize compactness and smooth operation over raw power or target accuracy.

Key Design Features

Size Optimization:

• Barrel lengths: 2-3 inches for optimal concealment – when looking at concealed carry, I like to consider barrel lengths of under four inches to conceal the firearm easily
• Overall length: Under 7.5 inches for comfortable carry
• Weight range: 18-28 ounces to balance concealability with recoil management
• Cylinder capacity: 5-6 rounds depending on caliber

Carry-Specific Features:

• Spurless or bobbed hammers to prevent snagging on clothing
• Rounded edges throughout the design to eliminate printing
• Low-profile sights that won’t catch on holsters or clothing
• Smooth trigger guards for easy holster draw

Recommended Models & Applications

Pros and Cons

Advantages for CCW:

• Reliability: No magazine springs or feeding issues to worry about
• Simplicity: Point and shoot operation under stress
• Power: .38 Special +P and .357 Magnum provide excellent stopping power
• Discretion: No ejected brass to leave evidence or distract
• All-weather reliability: Functions in adverse conditions where semi-autos might fail

Considerations:

• Limited capacity: 5-6 rounds vs. 10+ in comparable semi-autos
• Slower reloads: Speed strips or speed loaders required
• Recoil: Can be snappy in lightweight models with powerful cartridges
• Trigger pull: Generally heavier than striker-fired pistols

Standard/Service Revolvers

Primary Goal: Balanced performance for duty use, home defense, and general shooting

Standard revolvers occupy the sweet spot between concealed carry compactness and specialized performance. These models serve law enforcement, security professionals, and civilians who want a versatile revolver for multiple applications.

Design Philosophy

Balanced Approach:

• Medium frame construction for durability without excessive bulk
• 4-6 inch barrels optimizing velocity and accuracy
• Adjustable or high-visibility sights for precision shooting
• Comfortable grips for extended shooting sessions

Durability Features:

• Robust lockwork designed for thousands of rounds
• Corrosion-resistant finishes for professional environments
• User-serviceable components for field maintenance
• Standardized parts for easy repair and replacement

Model Categories

Traditional Service Models:

• 66 Series: .357 Magnum, 4-6 inch barrels, adjustable sights
• 82 Series: .38 Special, economy-oriented duty guns
• Model 94: .22 LR training and small game applications

Modern Enhanced Models:

• 692 Series: Multi-caliber capability (.38/.357 with 9mm cylinder option)
• 942 Series: .22 LR with modern ergonomics and sights

Hunting & Field Revolvers

Primary Goal: Maximum accuracy and power for taking game at extended ranges

Hunting revolvers represent Taurus’s most specialized category, designed for outdoorsmen who need reliable firearms in harsh conditions. These models prioritize power delivery, accuracy, and durability over concealability or quick handling.

Specialized Features

Power Optimization:

• Longer barrels (4-8.375 inches) for maximum velocity and accuracy – on the other hand, I prefer as much barrel as possible when it comes to open carrying or hunting. All things being equal, the longer the barrel, the more muzzle velocity and thus accuracy you will get
• Heavy-duty construction to handle magnum cartridges
• Ported barrel options to reduce muzzle flip and perceived recoil
• Scope mounting capabilities for precision shooting

Field-Ready Design:

• Weather-resistant finishes including stainless steel and specialized coatings
• Robust sights that maintain zero under field conditions
• Comfortable grips for extended hunting sessions
• Easy field maintenance for backcountry reliability

Model Lineup & Applications

Tracker Series: A Versatile Hunter

Raging Bull Series: Maximum Power

• .454 Casull capability for dangerous game
• Heavy-duty construction for sustained magnum use
• Compensated models available for recoil reduction
• Professional-grade accuracy for serious hunters

Hunting Applications

Small Game & Varmints:

• .17 HMR and .22 LR models for precise, humane kills
• Long barrels for maximum accuracy at extended ranges
• Minimal meat damage with appropriate cartridge selection
• Quiet operation compared to rifles in some jurisdictions

Medium Game (Deer, Hogs):

• .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum provide excellent stopping power
• Ported barrels allow for faster follow-up shots – which I very much appreciate when we’re trying to make accurate follow-up shots on moving targets, especially at the extended ranges sometimes necessitated by hunting
• Manageable recoil compared to rifles of similar power
• Versatile loading options from mild to full-power

Large/Dangerous Game:

• .44 Magnum and .454 Casull for serious stopping power
• Heavy bullets for deep penetration
• Backup weapon for rifle hunters in dangerous game areas
• Close-range capability where rifles are impractical

Specialty Models (.410/.45 LC)

Primary Goal: Unique versatility for specific applications where conventional revolvers fall short

The Judge series represents Taurus’s most innovative and controversial contribution to the revolver market. These models fire both .410 shotgun shells and .45 Long Colt cartridges, creating a unique capability set that defies traditional categorization.

Design Innovation

Dual-Caliber Capability:

• Chamber dimensions accommodate both .410 2.5″ shells and .45 LC cartridges
• Cylinder length extended to handle shotgun shell length
• Bore diameter optimized for both projectile types
• Rifling design provides acceptable accuracy with both cartridge types

Unique Features:

• Judge series includes multiple barrel lengths and finishes
• Raging Judge offers .454 Casull capability in addition to .410/.45 LC
• Public Defender provides compact version for easier carry
• Executive Grade features premium materials and finish

Practical Applications

Pest Control & Varmint Management:

Specialized Uses:

• Snake guns for hikers, hunters, and outdoor workers
• Barn guns for farm and ranch pest control
• Trail guns where versatility matters more than optimization
• Recreational shooting for unique shooting experiences

Performance Reality Check

What the Judge Does Well:

• Versatility unmatched by any other handgun
• Effective pest control within appropriate ranges
• Psychological impact of multiple projectiles
• Fun factor for recreational shooting

Limitations to Understand:

• Limited effective range compared to dedicated firearms
• Pattern inconsistency due to short barrel length
• Overpenetration concerns with buckshot loads in populated areas
• Not optimal for primary self-defense in most scenarios

Selection Guide by Primary Use

Matching Purpose to Model

For New Revolver Owners:

• Start with .38 Special in a 4-inch barrel for learning fundamentals
• Consider the 856 or 66 series for versatility and moderate recoil
• Avoid magnums initially until comfortable with revolver operation

For Experienced Shooters:

• Match power to purpose – don’t over-gun for the application
• Consider specialized features like porting or optics mounting
• Factor in ammunition costs for regular practice

For Professional Use:

• Prioritize reliability over features or appearance
• Choose proven models with established track records
• Consider backup/spare gun compatibility

Since revolvers look and function similarly, getting a closer look at the specific features you want can help you make an informed choice as to the models you’d like to consider.

Caliber

The first feature that I always consider when purchasing a firearm is caliber. For example, 17HMR is an excellent hunting and target cartridge, but I wouldn’t necessarily use it for self-defense.

Similarly, .44 Magnum might be a little bit much for squirrel hunting. The caliber, in our minds, determines the utility and use of the firearm.

Barrel Length

From there, I look at barrel length. When looking at concealed carry, I like to consider barrel lengths of under four inches to conceal the firearm easily.

On the other hand, I prefer as much barrel as possible when it comes to open carrying or hunting. All things being equal, the longer the barrel, the more muzzle velocity and thus accuracy you will get.

However, with concealed carry, muzzle velocity has to be weighed against the fact that I want to conceal my firearm from others, so some compromises are generally necessary for that kind of application.

Trigger & Action

The type of trigger also makes a big difference in revolvers. Those with exposed hammers tend to be double-action/single-action triggers. In simple terms, if you want a longer trigger pull, all you have to do is remove the safety and fire.

If you cock the hammer, on the other hand, you’ll get a much shorter trigger pull which is better for more accurate shots. Some models do not have an exposed hammer spur but, since they’re a revolver, they do have a hammer that is simply smaller.

On these models, the inability to cock the hammer manually makes them, in effect, double action only triggers.

Under $350 If you were to ask 10 folks at the range to describe Taurus revolvers in a word, the majority would probably say some variation of “affordable” (with one or two jaded shooters using a term like “cheap”.) For about the $350 mark, you can get a basic concealed carry Taurus revolver that will work well and reliably for years.

This is the entry point for many folks who want to get into revolver ownership without breaking the bank. You’ll typically find fixed sights and standard finishes at this price point, but since revolvers are so simple — often just a front blade sight and non-adjustable rear sight — there isn’t much maintenance involved to keep one of these affordable wheel guns running reliably for years, if not decades, to come.

$350-500 Here’s where Taurus really hits their stride with the sweet spot pricing that made them famous. This range gets you into the meat of their lineup — solid mid-range revolvers with some nice features that elevate them above basic models.

You’ll start seeing things like better trigger work, improved grips, and some models with adjustable sights. This is perfect territory for folks who want a reliable firearm for concealed carry or home defense without going through a ton of expense in the process, but still want something that feels a cut above entry-level.

$500-700 Moving into the upper-middle tier, you’re looking at Taurus revolvers with genuine premium features. The hunting revolvers, in particular, start showing up in this range with offerings that would cost significantly more from other manufacturers.

Here you’ll find features likely not available on the lower end of the spectrum — things like adjustable rear sights, ported barrels, fiber optic front sights, optics-ready mounting systems, and longer ejector rod shrouds. The TORO series with their factory red dot mounting falls into this category, representing genuine innovation at a reasonable price point.

$700+ At the top end, you’re getting into Taurus’s premium territory with models like the Executive Grade Judge and specialized hunting revolvers. However, when people are looking for these specialized revolvers, they’re still considerably more affordable than comparable options from other manufacturers.

This is where you’ll find hand-polished finishes, premium materials like exotic wood grips, enhanced triggers, and comprehensive accessory packages. Even at this price point, Taurus maintains their value proposition philosophy.

Overall, Taurus’ revolver pricing structure makes them a superb choice for people who want good value for money across every budget level, and the quality of their revolvers is more than high enough for the vast majority of shooters out there.

As much as I would love to range test every one of these Taurus revolvers there are times when certain products or categories are a real challenge — be it availability, cost, or simply a lack of resources — we can get stymied going hands-on with all the potential candidates.

Rather than present a never-ending list of all the Taurus revolvers on the planet, we selected those which we felt best represent the price points laid out above — giving you a solid representational list to serve as a jumping-off point for your own research (you are going to do you own research, right?)

To avoid disappointment or steering you in the wrong direction, we bolster our own experience with conversations with experts, comb through reviews on retailer sites & sales data, review industry publications, other blogs, and otherwise surface the best information available.

We aim for all thriller, no filler, as they say.