Taurus 608, thoughts?

I owned a really nice 608 for several years. That sucker was wicked accurate. Size wise it's the same a Smith N-frame, but the frame is thicker which makes the gun heavier than a comparable N-frame. I never holstered mine so I can't really give you an answer as to holster fit. The 608 is so heavy that even the heaviest 357 loads are tame in it.

I've had my 6" 608 for ten years, thousands of .357 mag rounds.
Great range gun, never any problems.
Uncle Mikes #3 shoulder holster works out best for me.

If you don't mind the price, there's some very nice 8-shot six-shooters from S&W. I have one of the lightweight versions, the TRR8, which has been nothing if not fantastic. Recoil is no issue on a frame/grip as large as an N-frame, aluminum frame not withstanding. The problem many have with them is simply that they are too large to hold, and concealing them is difficult. In the case of the TRR8, holsters are scarce, though there are several options that work (Bianchi X15).

TCB

I'd rather have the 357 too but it is, like you said, a personal preference. I know a lot of people love Taurus and a lot of people hate Taurus. They have a good price point and a lot of, well, interesting concepts. I've bought one Taurus and it's currently in Florida for repair. So far so good with their customer service though (life time warranty too). I looked real hard at the 608 as a woods gun. I loved the idea of 8 rounds of 357 and with its price point it was very tempting but seeing as I am in grizz country I went with a 44 mag instead. I still may some day pick up a 608 but I think my GP100 will hold my 357 hunger for a bit.

Despite the issues Ive had with my Taurus, a friend of mine has had a Taurus 357 (not the 608 though) for over 20 years and he trusts it with his life as a woods gun. I say give it a try. If you're not stuck on having to have 8 shots you may also want to give the Ruger GP100 a look. I love mine.

I got one in SS & 6" barrel. I've shot Buffalo Bore out of it and a couple of other full house 357 loads. Two words. . . . .What recoil? When shooting 38 Special target loads out of it, it's like shooting a 22LR. I am being serious here.

I bought it from a LGS; the thing was a custom job that was stock & torn down and rebuilt with some parts polished off and replaced. All I can say is that it is one of the smoothest triggers I've ever felt. The only down side is that the porting makes for a brighter than average flash in dim conditions. It's a great gun but not for CCW.

I have the M66 Taurus, actually two of 'em. The new ones are 7 shooters, mine are 6 shooters. It's a medium frame gun, MUCH handier to carry than the 608 and I do NOT find full power .357 that hard to handle in a medium frame gun. My 3" runs 35 ounces or so.

I carry my 3" 66 sometimes and if Texas approves open carry this legislative season, I'll carry it a lot more OWB under a T shirt knowing I won't go to jail if it "flashes". Taurus no longer makes the 66 in a 3", but the 4" ain't but several ounces heavier and carried OWB open carry, ain't hard to tote.

I like the 3" barrel length in the caliber, but medium frame guns are hard to find in 3" now days and Smiths, if you do find one, ain't affordable. Taurus offers the 5 shot .357s in 3", but not the 7 shot 66s. If I were to buy a 5 shooter, it'd be another SP101. I loved the one I had for a while, but would prefer the 3" version.

Oh, btw, my 66s are superbly accurate, too, as is my little 85SSUL. I've yet to meet the Taurus revolver that didn't show outstanding accuracy. It is what endures me to them, along with a reasonable price.

Taurus 66s, blued 3" and nickel 4"....



3" in OWB Hume JIT Slide...