Description
The Taurus Raging Hunter, .357/.38, 8.375″ Barrel, 7rd, Black is a large-frame, ported revolver built for recoil management and long-range handgun accuracy. It’s a purpose-built hunting and target revolver that uses its substantial weight and barrel length to tame the .357 Magnum cartridge, making it surprisingly shootable for its power level. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of everything from .38 Special wadcutters to hot .357 hunting loads through one, and it handles the spectrum with authority. Here’s my take.
Key Features
- Vented Barrel Rib & Porting: The 8.375-inch barrel features an integrated top rib and significant porting to drive the muzzle down, making follow-up shots faster.
- Adjustable Fiber Optic Sights: The bright front and fully adjustable rear sight are excellent for precision work in varied lighting.
- 7-Round Capacity: One more round than the traditional six-shooter, a practical advantage.
- Heavy-Duty Frame & Grip: The frame is built to handle sustained .357 use, and the rubberized grip is both comfortable and aggressive.
- Integrated Picatinny Rail: Mounts optics directly to the frame without needing an adapter plate.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 8.375 Inches |
| Capacity | 7 Rounds |
| Overall Length | Approx. 14.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 63 oz (unloaded) |
| Finish | Matte Black |
That weight—just under four pounds—is your friend. It soaks up recoil, turning a stout .357 Magnum into a firm push rather than a sharp snap. The single/double action trigger is clean, with a predictable break in single-action mode that really helps on the range. The whole package is drop-in ready for a scope or red dot, thanks to that milled top rail. Look, it’s not a concealed carry piece; it’s a tool for a specific job.
Who This Revolver Is For
This is for the handgun hunter pursuing deer or predators within ethical ranges, or the serious steel target shooter who wants to reach out past 100 yards with a magnum revolver. It’s also a fantastic choice for someone who simply wants the most controllable .357 Magnum platform possible—the porting and mass make a tangible difference. If you’re tired of punishing recoil from lighter-framed .357s, this is the antidote. At $786.21, it sits in a competitive spot for a feature-rich, large-frame revolver.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The recoil reduction system genuinely works. The sight picture is excellent, and the ability to mount popular optics like a Vortex Venom or Burris Fastfire directly is a huge plus. The extra round is a nice tactical touch. Build quality is solid, and it represents a strong value.
Cons: It’s big and heavy—that’s the trade-off. The porting is loud (wear hearing protection) and can blast debris on a dirty bench. The cylinder release is a bit stiff out of the box but smooths with use. Holster options are more limited than for standard revolvers, though models from brands like Diamond D Leather work well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the barrel porting effective, or just a gimmick?
A: It’s effective. Having shot this side-by-side with an unported 6-inch .357, the Raging Hunter’s muzzle rise is noticeably less. It doesn’t eliminate recoil, but it changes the impulse to be more straight-back, allowing you to get back on target quicker.
Q: Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this reliably?
A: Absolutely. The gun handles .38 Special of all pressure levels without issue. The lighter recoil makes for an incredibly soft-shooting and affordable range day. Just be sure to clean the chambers thoroughly afterward, as .38 Special can leave a carbon ring that makes loading longer .357 Magnum cases difficult.
Q: Is the optic rail sturdy enough for a magnum-caliber handgun?
A: Yes. The rail is machined directly into the top strap of the frame, not bolted on. I’ve run a red dot on mine for several range sessions with heavy loads and have had zero issues with zero shift or mounting screw integrity. It’s a robust system.
That said, the Taurus Raging Hunter, .357/.38, 8.375″ Barrel, 7rd, Black fills a specific niche brilliantly. It offers serious shooters a feature set usually found on more expensive custom guns, and it does so at a compelling price point. If your goal is precision or hunting with a .357 Magnum, this revolver deserves a hard look. It is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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