TAURUS 608
Posted May 19, 2023
The Taurus 608 is a modern polymer-framed handgun design from Brazilian gunmaker Forjas Taurus. Manufactured in Brazil since 1997, the Taurus 608 is a stout 6-shot revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. Available in several variants including the snub nosed 608 Pro, the Taurus 608 is a dependable and competent choice for self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
When it comes to considering a revolver, the Taurus 608 certainly seems like a proficient choice. It is a medium-frame wheelgun constructed of steel and polymer, with a matte black finish, coupled with a fixed red ramp front sight and an adjustable white-outlined rear sight. The ergonomics on the gun are decent; as expected, the rubber Textured Overmold Grips provide a comfortable approachability. The trigger has a crisp break, and the double-action pull is smooth and manageable. The grips are short enough to allow for a full grip while still adding enough material for a semi-grippy feeling during recoil.
The Taurus 608 also features an internal hammer design, giving it a more streamlined appearance compared with exposed-hammer revolvers. With its shrouded hammer, it is less likely to catch on clothing or other objects while drawing it from concealment. The 608’s polished exterior finish and ribbed, textured cylinder make for smooth operation. Although the cylinder does not swing out, it can easily be unloaded by pressing the cylinder release and rotating the cylinder one click at a time.
Changing shots requires the reloading of all 6 rounds, but the gun is still user-friendly. The 606 features a transfer bar, meaning the revolver will not fire if accidentally dropped. The unloaded gun is also very light, making it easier to carry for long periods of time. The trigger has a solid trigger break and a very good reset on the single-action, providing a consistent, crisp let-off.
When shooting, the Taurus 608 proved to be quite accurate. At 25 yards, I was able to place 5 of my 6 rounds within a 3” circle. At 15 yards, I was able to easily keep all 6 rounds inside of a 6” circle. Having only tried it with .357 magnum rounds, I cannot speak to accuracy with other calibers. The gun also proved to be quite pleasant to shoot; the recoil was manageable with the heavier loads, and the muzzle blast was surprisingly tolerable for a revolver chambered in .357.
Durability-wise, the Taurus 608 held up well during my testing. All the parts worked without a hitch and nothing through during the 500 rounds that I put through the gun. The external finishes held up well, with the bluing proving to be quite durable. The internally machined parts are made of carbon steel and also seem to be pretty robust, particularly considering the gun’s low price.
Overall, the Taurus 608 is a reliable revolver at an affordable price. Several features, such as the rubber Textured Overmold Grips, the polished exterior finish, and internal hammer design, make for a smooth-operating revolver. The gun’s accuracy and recoil were both manageable, and the gun proved to be quite durable during my testing. The Taurus 608 Pro is a reasonably priced option when it comes to quality revolvers, and I can certainly recommend it to shooters in the market for an all-around revolver.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Low profile, lightweight design
• High-capacity 8-round cylinder with a faster rate of fire
• Easy to break down and maintain
• Features rubberized grips for improved ergonomics and helps with recoil management
• Easy to draw from a concealed carry holster
• Available in a variety of finishes and gunsmithing options
• Comes with an internal hammer block safety
Cons:
• Limited ammunition choice due to a slightly smaller inside diameter of the cylinder
• Can be difficult to grip with large hands due to small grip size
• Trigger pull can be stiff due to heavier hammer and mainspring
• Limited holsters available due to its smaller frame
Who Should Buy
People who should buy the TAURUS 608 revolver include people who are looking for a reliable and sturdy single action revolver for self defense or recreational shooting. This handle-heavy revolver is built with components that will ensure an excellent shooting experience, even in harsher environments.
People who shouldn't buy the TAURUS 608 revolver include people who are looking for a smaller or lighter pistol, or those who are looking for a double-action semi-automatic pistol. The TAURUS 608 is a single action revolver, which might not be the ideal firearm for all shooting scenarios. Lastly, people who are looking for a revolver with higher capacity should look elsewhere, as the TAURUS 608 only accepts six rounds in its cylinder.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Taurus 608 | .357 Magnum | 6 Cylinders |
| Ruger GP100 | .357 Magnum | 6 Cylinders |
| Smith & Wesson 686 | .357 Magnum | 6 Cylinders |
| Chiappa Rhino | .357 Magnum | 6 Cylinders |
| Sig Sauer PZ6120 | .357 Magnum | 20 Cylinders |
Features / Specs
• Double/ Single Action
• 6 shot capacity
• 8 d elounces
• Chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special
• Traditional steel construction
• Fixed front and rear sights
• Available in standard blued finish
• Textured rubber combat grip
Popular Accessories
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The most popular accessories for TAURUS 608 include: holster and flashlight, speedloader and magazine, laser sight, recoil reducing grip, extended barrel or ported barrel, extended magazine release, accessory rail/Picatinny rail, adjustable or custom trigger, adjustable sights, trigger job, and other customizations.
Accuracy
The TAURUS 608 is highly accurate due to its 6.5-inch barrel, adjustable rear sight, and Taurus‟ own Ribber Grip grip texture. The barrel on the TAURUS 608 contributes to its superior accuracy by keeping the sight line straight and steady. Additionally, the adjustable rear sight of the TAURUS 608 allows shooters to adjust their iron sights to match their individual shooting requirements and preferences. Finally, Taurus‟ Ribber Grip adds a layer of enhanced control over the revolver which helps to maintain the gun's accuracy even when heavy, magnum caliber rounds are fired.
