With so many modern guns made of polymer, why not a revolver? While polymers haven’t caught on with revolvers like they have in the semi-auto handgun world, the Taurus 605 Protector Poly is a notable exception. Polymer semi-autos are by far the most popular choice for concealed carry these days, yet many still prefer the simplicity and reliability of a revolver for self-defense.
Even though revolvers are simpler, carry fewer rounds, and are often heavier than semi-auto pistols, they are not cheaper. Taurus is one of my favorite companies for finding a good quality revolver at an affordable price and their Protector Poly is among the most modern revolvers available.
Years ago, when I saw this “plastic” revolver hit the market, I was more than skeptical. To be honest, I wrote it off as a strange attempt to make an old-school handgun look modern. But then I remembered how skeptics dismissed Glock handguns when they hit the market, labeling them as cheap plastic guns before anyone really gave them a chance. We all know how that story turned out…
So, I decided it wasn’t fair to dismiss a design just because I didn’t understand it. I own a few revolvers, but most of my training and experience over the years is with semi-autos. After debating the idea in my head for a while, I decided to just buy one and see for myself if this modern-looking polymer revolver was any good.
Before I get into my personal thoughts on the gun, let’s cover the basics.
Taurus 605 Protector Poly
The Taurus 605 Protector Poly is a compact, five-shot revolver derived from the original Taurus 605. I owned a 605 stainless revolver back in the day, and it was a great gun. This was back when I swapped guns at the gun store like they were hot cakes. I was so eager to try out every gun I could; I rarely kept one. Looking back, there are plenty I wish were still in my collection today, and the 605 is one of them.
That nostalgia helped convince me to try this polymer variant. A few other gun companies have also produced a polymer hybrid revolver, but I had heard mixed reviews, so I wanted to see how Taurus’s take measured up. Although the Protector Poly is based on the 605, it’s not really the same gun. The size and shape are different.
The polymer frame helps to reduce the gun’s overall weight, which makes it more comfortable for all-day carry. I view this as both a plus and a minus: lighter is better on the belt, but not so good for shooting .357 Magnum loads.
While the frame is polymer, the cylinder, barrel, and internal components are still made of steel for durability and safety.
The 605 Protector Poly is chambered in both .38 Special + P and .357 Magnum, so you can carry mild .38 loads for easier shooting and use .357 Magnum when you want harder-hitting performance.
Sights and grip
The 605 Protector Poly has a fiber-optic front sight with a simple rear notch molded into the frame. This low-profile design helps reduce snagging when drawing from a holster. I’ve owned this revolver for a while, and I haven’t had any issues with the fiber optic post coming out. (For some reason, I don’t always get along with fiber optic posts. They have popped out on me in other guns, so I pay attention.)
A three-finger rubber grip with “ribs” circling the lower portion is surprisingly comfortable. I’ve always liked a good set of wood grips on my revolvers in the past, but the factory grips on this gun are perfect for me.
Even though revolvers don’t typically have safeties, Taurus added a locking feature to the 605 Poly. A key comes with the gun that allows you to turn a screw on the back of the hammer, locking it in place. I can’t say this is a feature I would ever use, but for some, it may be a useful option.
Double/Single Action trigger
Taurus made a hammer that sticks up just a little over the frame hump, so you can still use the gun in single-action mode. I like this design — it’s usually found on single-action-only revolvers. The hammer doesn’t stick out very far, which helps reduce snagging while still giving you access to the hammer.
The double-action trigger is a bit long and heavy, but that’s not uncommon for a revolver. It’s not heavy enough that I see it being an issue for self-defense shooting. When the gun is in single action, it has a great, light pull. You really don’t have to put very much pressure on it before the shot fires.
605 Protector Poly Specifications:
- Caliber: .38 Special +P/.357 Magnum
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel Length: 2.0 inches
- Overall Length: 6.7 inches
- Weight (unloaded): 22.0 ounces
- Frame Material: Polymer
- Sights: Fixed (Front) / Integral Notch (Rear)
- Grip: Polymer
- Action: Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA)
Why Carry a Revolver in Today’s World?
With so many compact, lightweight semi-autos available, it’s easy to wonder why anyone would carry a revolver. But there are some valid reasons to consider one.
Simplicity
One of the most common reasons to carry a revolver is simplicity. A revolver is incredibly simple to operate. There is no slide to manipulate, no magazine to change, and typically no external safety to disengage. You simply pull the trigger to fire, which can be a significant advantage in a high-stress situation.
Reliability
Revolvers are renowned for their reliability. They are far less prone to malfunctions like stovepipes or failure-to-feed that can plague semi-autos. This is especially true if the ammunition is of poor quality or the shooter’s grip is not firm enough. A revolver will fire as long as the trigger is pulled and there is a round in the chamber.
Ease of Maintenance
Revolvers are generally easier to clean and maintain than semi-automatic pistols. Their simple design means fewer moving parts and no complex field-stripping procedures. This again goes back to the first point on my list, simplicity.
Ammunition Versatility
Many revolvers, like the 605 Protector Poly, can fire multiple ammunition types. The ability to use both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds is a big advantage for many shooters, offering flexibility for both range sessions and self-defense. Most of the time, I shoot .38 Special when shooting a revolver at the range. But when I carry a revolver for self-defense, I use .38 special + P or .357 Magnum rounds.
How bad does it kick?
One of the most common questions about the Taurus 605 Protector Poly is how its polymer frame affects recoil. I was especially curious about this when firing .357 Magnum rounds. For me, this is an important consideration, as weight plays a significant role in managing felt recoil.
AmmoToGo.com provided some .38 special, Blazer 125 grain FJM, and Hornady +P Critical Defense 110 grain FTX ammo. They also sent some Fiocchi .357 magnum 140 grain SCHP H-performance defense ammo, so a big shout to them for their support.
I’ve had the 605 Protector Poly at the range a few times in the past, but not when shooting several different rounds back-to-back like this. The polymer model weighs about 22 ounces, while the traditional steel 605 model is closer to 24 ounces. This difference may not seem like a lot, but those two ounces can have a noticeable impact on recoil.
As I remember from my last range session a little over a year ago, the .38 special target ammo was fun to shoot. I’ve never been a good shot with revolvers, but that doesn’t make them less fun. Before I knew it, I had gone through several boxes of the 9mm Blazer ammo.
Switching to the Hornady +P rounds, I noticed the recoil immediately. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it did kick a bit more. These rounds feature gel-filled tips — Hornady’s signature defense ammo — which help the bullet expand evenly on impact. The gel also prevents clothing or other materials from filling the cavity before the bullet has a chance to expand.
When I switched to the Fiocchi .357 Magnum ammunition, the recoil was much stronger than even the +P ammo. At that point, I wouldn’t say the Protector Poly was fun to shoot, but it was manageable. These rounds would be great for self-defense, though rapid follow-up shots could be harder to control, depending on the shooter’s experience.
Is the polymer revolver a good choice?
This gun has been completely reliable on the range since the day I purchased it. Whether it’s right for you depends on a few factors. It’s a little bulkier than most steel-frame guns, but it weighs less. For me, the lighter weight is worth the extra kick. For someone who wants to keep the recoil to a minimum, carrying .38 Special instead of +P or .357 Magnum is an easy option.
Because of the width of the cylinder and grip size, it may be a little hard to conceal under a t-shirt, though that will vary by individual.
Overall, I think Taurus did a great job on the 605 Protector Polly. It’s a modern-looking, lightweight revolver that handles a variety of ammunition and remains affordable for those on a budget.
