Taurus introduced a polymer revolver in .38 Special at the 2010 SHOT Show. The “Polymer Protector” is a revolver with a polymer frame and blued steel cylinder and barrel insert. The new Taurus revolver only weighs 18.2 ounces and is rated for +P ammunition.
Streamlined for concealed carry, the hammer is shrouded, but can still be cocked for a single action shot. The grips are polymer, but are wood colored, and actually look good in person.
The front sight is a red fiber optic sight, and the rear is a notch. Â The barrel is 2.5″ long.
I was very impressed with the way this revolver felt in my hand. It was lightweight and pointed naturally for me. I would prefer a DA-only version, but I am still impressed by what Taurus was showing. I look forward to getting one of these onto the range.
Taurus Protector Specifications
- caliber: Â .38 Special +P
- barrel length: Â 2.5″
- weight: Â 18.2 ounces
- frame: Â polymer
- trigger: Â DA/SA
Update
The original Taurus Protector Polymer has been replaced with a new revolver that ups the ante to .357 Magnum. Â The new gun looks very similar to the original, but it is beefed up.
The new version of the Protector weighs a little more at 19.75 ounces. Â The barrel length is now 2″ long. Â The front sight maintains a fiber optic sight with a notch rear.
The gun keeps the partially shrouded hammer, which can still be cocked for single action shots. Â As I’ve said before, I prefer a DAO (double-action-only) trigger on small revolvers for self-defense, but this is not a bad way of handling things.
The original wood-look grips have been replaced by more aggressive rubber grips which should help a shooter hang onto the gun and cushion the recoil from the Magnum rounds. Â Of course, many people will prefer to shoot .38 Special from the gun instead of the full-bore Magnum loads.
Specifications for the New Taurus Protector
- Taurus model # 605PLYSS2
- caliber: Â .357 Magnum
- capacity: Â five rounds
- barrel length: Â 2″
- weight (unloaded): Â 19.75 ounces
- trigger: Â double-action/single-action
- MSRP: Â $475.00
24 replies on “Taurus Protector Polymer: a Polymer Revolver”
The next Polymer Protector model should be offered in the fabulous .327 Federal magnum. 6 rounds of said ammo would be as good as it gets for this CC gun. Higher velocity, with less recoil; what’s not to like? With that said, the .327 Fed Mag is harder to come by at a good price. I would mainly shoot cheaper and more common .32 sporting ammo and keep the .327 Feds for defensive ready purposes.
Hopefully the ammo situation will improve with more fire arm offerings. BTW, my buddy has the Ruger SP 101 in .327. A marriage made in heaven. Plenty of fire power, easy recoil. Fast follow up shots. Obviously, I’m a fan of this round.
Any word on a release date? This year? I’ve shot Ruger’s masterpiece, the LCR, and Taurus will have to do many things right to compete. Ruger has set the standard for double action trigger feel and performance. Hopefully, Taurus understands this. On paper, I like the set-up and look of the PP better, BUT if the trigger and overall feel is not up to the LCR, I’d pass in a hreartbeat, and go with the established, indusry standard. Looks mean absolutely nothing, when that situation, you hoped would never happen, happens, and you find yourself reaching for the weapon. Feel and performance mean everything.
zoktoberfest,
No idea on the release date. Hopefully soon.
I agree with you about the .327 Federal Magnum. I know a lot of folks say the .327 is an answer looking for a problem, but I think the cartridge has a lot of potential. The old .32 H&R Mag never excited me, but the .327 is really smoking.
-Richard
I have the Taurus Protector Poly. I have shot 357 shells out of it with no problem at all. I keep it loaded with 38s thpough because that is al I really need. But it is fun to blow things up with the 357 shells.
Immediately loved the feel of this little gun in my hand. Can’t wait to get to the shooting range with it.