Firearm: Taurus 650 revolver (MSRP: $454.99)
For 2025, Taurus brought back an old favorite in its revolver line, the 650, an enclosed-hammer, double-action only .357 Magnum revolver with a five-shot cylinder. Originally launched in the early 2000s, Taurus discontinued the 650 in 2017, but has brought it back as interest in wheelguns increases. With approximately the same dimensions as the Smith & Wesson J-frame or Ruger LCR, this is a small revolver ideal for deep concealment, whether as a backup gun or as a primary when concealment is the main concern.
The 650 has a two-inch barrel, an overall length of 7.66 inches, height of 4.59 inches and a weight of 22.9 ounces unloaded. While it is slightly heavier than other small revolvers in this category, that extra heft makes it significantly easier to shoot compared to featherweight models meant to be carried far more than shot. Rubber grips with significant texturing add to the revolver’s appeal on the firing line, keeping it anchored in the hand without being unduly abrasive to the shooter’s hands.
Sights are, as they tend to be on small revolvers, minimalist: the front sight is a pinned black blade with serrations to reduce glare, while the rear sight is a simple trough carved into the top strap of the revolver. Should you wish to increase the visibility of the front sight, a simple and inexpensive way to accomplish this is through the use of a paint marker. It may need to be reapplied periodically, but for under $5 or so, you can add bright orange, yellow, green or whatever color to help the front sight stand out.
Rounding out the 650 are the shrouded ejector rod, which will require the assistance of gravity to remove spent cases, especially with .357 Mag., and the cylinder-release latch, which is pushed toward the muzzle to open the cylinder. One final note: If you shoot a lot of .38 Special, pay close attention to the ends of the cylinder, as fouling can occur here with the gap between the end of the round and the forcing cone. Extra scrubbing may be needed to clean this fully, which will make life easier if you shoot .357 Mag. as well.
Holster: Galco Hornet OWB leather holster (MSRP: $99)
While the enclosed hammer 650 would seem to be an excellent choice for pocket carry, not everyone’s pockets are up for a pound-and-a-half of revolver. One of the advantages of the snubnose revolver is its small footprint: even carried outside-the-waistband, it’s not difficult to conceal with a longer shirt or other cover garment. We’ve opted for Galco’s Hornet holster to carry the Taurus 650 in today’s kit.
Constructed of premium steerhide, the Hornet is designed with a tunnel belt loop and an additional side slot for stability. It can be carried strong-side, appendix or cross-draw style, uses precision molding for retention of the revolver and offers a slight forward cant to present the pistol for a faster drawstroke. Hornet holsters are available for both right- and left-handed shooters.
Accessory: CRKT Wong Nucleus pocketknife (MSRP: $120)
Rounding out today’s kit is the Columbia River Knife & Tool Wong Nucleus pocketknife. With a 3.2-inch, 12C27-steel Wharncliffe-profile blade, the Wong Nucleus has an open length of 7.4 inches and a closed length of 4.2 inches. The handle is stainless steel with a G10 overlay for extra purchase, while the blade is kept in the open position via a sturdy frame lock.
The Wong Nucleus can be opened either via a traditional thumbhole in the blade or a flipper projection on the back. CRKT’s proprietary IKBS ball-bearing system ensures the blade opens smoothly, without needing assisted opening, and can be easily opened and closed with one hand. A light weight of 3.1 ounces and a sturdy pocket clip make it easy to have with you all day long.
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