According to the Taurus press release, their new polymer revolver is “a modern update on a classic design . . . built for those who want the best of old and new.” Or one of the hardest guns in the world to shoot accurately at anything other than bad breath distance. “Taurus’s new polymer hybrid frame makes the revolver lightweight and easy to carry.” I understand the need for concealability (even though the Polymer Protector has an exposed hammer ready to rip your jacket or pants to pieces and slow your draw to a crawl). I get the simplicity of a revolver. Thirty-eight is a lovely caliber, what with all sorts of modern rounds available for your dining and dancing pleasure. And anyone seeking the ne plus ultra in stopping power is well advised to shoot .357s. But as a primary defensive weapon, a small, plastic, snub-nosed revolver chambered in .357 makes a perfect second gun. Well, OK, maybe not perfect . . .
This 5-shot revolver is available in .38 Special +P or .357 Magnum ammunition models with blue or matte stainless finish. Additional features include a single action/double-action trigger, highly visible fiber optic front sight and ambidextrous thumb rest. The .38 Special + P model’s barrel measures 2.5 inches, with an overall length of 6.32 inches and weight of just 18.2 ounces. The .357 Magnum model’s barrel measures 2.5 inches, with an overall length of 6.32 inches and weight of just 18.2 ounces. Like all Taurus handguns the Protector Polymer comes standard with the unique onboard Taurus Security System® that allows users to securely lock the gun using an inconspicuous key-lock. MSRP $445 – $461.
Sold? Well before you plunk down the better part of five bills, find a lightweight rental .357 snubbie and fire off a round. If your hand isn’t stinging and the target has a hole where you aimed it, you’re good to go. Meanwhile, have you thought about .327 Federal?
I don’t want to steal Taurus thunder (much), but self-defense shooters looking for maximum stopping power with minimal recoil should check out a Ruger or Smith chambered in .327.
It’s a hell of a fast round that affords an extra charging hole (six or seven in the chamber) with no pain penalty whatsoever. Unless you include financial. While used guns in that .327 Federal are dirt cheap—enabling the move up to Ruger and Smith revolver quality—the rounds run around a buck a pop. Hence the inexpensive purchase price.
Alternatively, buy and carry the largest, heaviest gun you can. Just sayin’ . . .