This is the only .38.357 for me.
Posted on 03/03/2011 4:10:03 AM PST by marktwain
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’ . . .
As a gunsmith I will never understand how Taurus has become as successful as they are. Their products are inferior in every way. Parts are cheaply made and fitted. The steel is inferior and their service absolutely sucks. Has taken me up to TWO years to receive warranty parts on a brand new gun that came from the distributor screwed up. I know they’re cheaper, but how much is your life worth?
This is the only .38.357 for me.
Dunno. My 92 does with one lever what the Beretta does with two—and happily eats whatever I feed it.
As fer that “exposed hammer” on the snubbie—put your THUMB ON IT as you draw and get the single-action option to boot when you fire. As for accuracy in excess of “bad breath” range—You hafta like, PRACTICE. They are plenty good enough for coffee cans at ten yards, and that’s good enough for me.
LLS
Agreed. Ruger offers the same product but their pistols are stout. Of course they are heavier but that results in less felt recoil. I have an SP-101 and it stings when I shoot it. There’s no way I would go for something lighter in .357 mag.
I have a PT140, no failures, no jams, fires when I pull the trigger. I’m happy with it.
Never had aproblem with any Taurus product,
2 Raging Bulls- 44mag (2k plus rds) and 45 colt(250 rds).
1 Tracker- 44mag (Lost count)
2 24/7 9mm (thousands)
I am partial to Taurus and Ruger products for pistols.
Although they were all trajically lost due a boating accident and sitting on the bottom of an unknown lake.
http://dailygunpictures.blogspot.com/2009/11/chiappa-rhino-revolver.html
I’m glad for you on that. Seriously. However, I make a living fixing firearms and see the bigger picture: Some firearms are less dependable, on average, than others. Taurus is one of the less dependable firearms, in my experience. That’s all I’m saying.
And I have no problem putting holes in the black at 25 yards with it.
How do you feel about their “Judge” handgun? Seems impressive for home security and concealed carry - I mean a shotgun sized shell from a handgun at point blank range? That’ll stop the bad guy.
Great concept. Have sold and done custom work on numerous of them. Have seen two out of about 12 that I have seen or sold that had problems straight from the factory. Bad odds if you ask me.
I hate when that happens. Damn those unknown lakes!
as an amateur hammer monkey, i went round and round with the factory [and buying the last parts instead of shippin it back to em], and i believe i finally solved my ills with it, but additional insights are always welcomed...
As I recall, Troopers were the non-custom shop version of the Colt Python that got a lot of hand fitting (and cost big $$$). My Trooper may as well have come from the custom shop because it's that good, especially with the long barrel and long sight radius.
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