Taurus Model 85 Protector Polymer

by
posted on June 24, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
taurus_fs.jpg

We’re all used to seeing semi-auto pistols made partly of polymer, but the use of advanced plastics in a revolver frame is a relatively new idea. Taurus is one company that blends the high-tech with the traditional in its Protector Polymer.

The Protector Polymer is based on the small-frame Taurus Model 85 revolver, and you’ll notice some similarities between the two. For example, the Protector Polymer, like the Model 85, has a five-round cylinder and is rated to handle .38 Spl. +P ammunition. Other likenesses include a barrel that is a bit less than 2 inches long, an exposed hammer that operates in conjunction with a transfer bar and a frame-mounted firing pin, and a round-butt frame.

But rather than using steel or aluminum for the frame like the Model 85, the Protector Polymer relies on—you guessed it—polymer. This isn't your father's revolver. Learn more about the Protector Polymer in the video below, hosted by Shooting Illustrated's Adam Heggenstaller.

Technical Specifications:

Action Type: Double Action
Caliber:
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2½"
Weight:
18.2 oz
Sights:
Red Fiber-Optic Front
Finish:
Blued/Polymer
Grips:
Ribber
MSRP: $349

Multimedia:

Latest

ARTV Making SW Bodyguard 20 1
ARTV Making SW Bodyguard 20 1

Making the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

After more than 10 years, Smith & Wesson discontinued production of its original M&P Bodyguard .380 and began plans for a second-generation model. But the path to the Bodyguard 2.0 wasn't a linear process.

NRA-ILA: Election Results Put Second Amendment Rights Under Immediate Threat

NRA-ILA Executive Director John Commerford issued a statement following the 2026 midterm election results.

Short & Fresh: The Derya TM22 Fresh & RANX Mag Fed

Derya Arms now offers two radical versions of several of its traditional firearms with the new TM22 Fresh and RANX Mag Fed pistols.

An Ode to the "Wondernine" Era

There’s no action like DA/SA.

Henry Repeating Arms Donates 50 Rifles for 3-Year-Old Fighting Leukemia

Henry's latest Guns for Great Causes effort benefits the family of Zach Bryant, a 3-year-old from Indiana battling B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.