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

Daniel Defense H9
Daniel Defense H9

Review: Daniel Defense H9

Is the third time the charm? Daniel Defense has introduced a third version of the Hudson H9 pistol. Smaller, lighter and less radical, it could be “the one.”

Supreme Plus: Ranger Point Precision & Line49 Rifle Henry LASR Conversions

A new collaboration between modern lever-action specialists Ranger Point Precision and Line49 Rifle transforms Henry’s groundbreaking Lever Action Supreme Rifle.

The Armed Citizen® June 15, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

NRA Launches "ARC Across America" National Challenge

The National Rifle Association is inviting Americans, coast-to-coast, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States—and the freedom for which it stands—by exercising their rights by participating in the "ARC Across America" National Challenge.

New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon Prism Optics

Sightmark now offers two different prismatic optics for carbines and shotguns.

Q&A: Getting the Lead Out of Revolver Cylinders & Barrels

One American Rifleman reader wrote in, asking how to clean lead build-up out of his Colt revolver and also prevent lead from building up with his cast bullets.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.