On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a deep dive into a compact wheelgun that’s built to balance power, concealability and rugged reliability. This is the stainless‑steel Taurus 650—Taurus’s reintroduced small‑frame, five‑shot revolver chambered in .357 Magnum.
The 650 represents the return of a highly requested model. Shooters asked for a compact revolver with a shrouded hammer, snag‑free lines and the proven punch of the .357 Magnum cartridge—and Taurus delivered. Designed around a fully‑shrouded internal hammer, the 650 is a true Double‑Action‑Only revolver, giving you a smooth, consistent trigger pulls with every shot.
At its core, this little revolver is built from stainless steel—frame, cylinder and barrel—all finished in an attractive and durable finish that shrugs off daily carry, sweat, weather and field abuse. That all‑steel construction isn’t just about durability; it’s also about shootability, too. So, when topped off with heavy-for-caliber defensive loads in .357 Magnum, that added weight from the stainless construction very much helps come together to tame recoil.
One of the biggest advantages of the Taurus 650 is ammunition flexibility. While it’s chambered for .357 Magnum, it also accepts .38 Special and .38 Special +P. This means you can train with lighter‑recoiling .38s, carry +P loads for defense, or step up to magnums when you need that extra bit of power. For a revolver this compact, that versatility is a major strength.
Out on the range, our testers had a great time running Taurus’s latest iteration of the 650. And while the DAO system paired with full‑power magnum loads demands proper technique, Taurus’s updated monogrip design adds real value. The raised texturing along the backstrap not only helps tame recoil, but also combines with side panels, contours and undulations to lock the revolver securely into the hand, which made extended shooting sessions more comfortable and controlled.
It’s important to note, too, the sighting system is simple and practical and will get you on target quickly: a fixed rear channel along the top strap pairs with a removable serrated blade front sight. That ramped serrations help cut glare when shooting in bright light, and the fact that the front sight is removable means you can swap it out if you prefer a different profile or color option.
One of the hallmark features of the 650—and part of what fans demanded in its return—is the fully shrouded internal hammer. Not only does this create a smoother profile for concealed carry, but it also avoids catching on fabric, holsters or gear. The design even allows the revolver to be fired from within a pocket or close quarters without the hammer snagging or fouling.
The 650’s compact footprint, rounded frame profile and carry-friendly dimensions make it easy to tote, while still offering the durability and performance of a traditional steel‑frame revolver. Its compatibility with common five‑shot speedloaders and holsters also means it fits right into most shooters’ existing carry setups.
Despite its size, this little gun delivers the dependable, straightforward operation snub‑nose shooters appreciate. The DAO trigger is consistent and built for real‑world use—especially in high‑stress situations where reliability matters above all else.
In short, the Taurus 650 Stainless Steel brings back everything people loved about the original: simple operation, sturdy construction, concealed‑carry practicality and the stopping power of .357 Magnum—all wrapped into a compact, easy‑to‑carry package designed for everyday life.
Whether you’re heading into the backcountry, looking for a dependable personal‑protection revolver or simply appreciate a well‑built snub‑nose wheelgun, the Taurus 650 brings trustworthy performance in a compact and snag-free stainless-steel package.
For more information, visit taurususa.com. And if you’re anything like us and love to shoot, hunt and enjoy the great outdoors, join NRA today at the link in the upper left, your community needs you.
