Le Protector
Système E. Turbiaux · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1882
Also known as: Turbiaux Le Protector, Le Protector Palm Pistol, Turbiaux Protector, Le Big, Turbiaux Disc Pistol
Overview
Le Protector is a French 19th-century palm-squeezer turret revolver designed by Jacques Edmond Turbiaux and patented in 1882. Chambered in 8mm Turbiaux, the cartridges are arranged like spokes in a wheel around a central rotating magazine, and the entire pistol is gripped in a closed fist with the short barrel protruding between two fingers. Squeezing a lever against the palm indexes the turret and fires a round through a double-action mechanism, giving a discreet, easily concealed defensive arm about the size of a pocket watch. The larger 8mm 'Le Big' model held seven rounds, while a smaller 6mm model held ten.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 330 g (11.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Barrel Length | 41 mm (1.61") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Only |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 150 m/s (492 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 56 J (41 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 3 m (3 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Rifled |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Nickel Plated |
Calibers
- 8mm Turbiaux · primary — also known as 8mm Protector, 8mm Le Protector, .32 Extra Short (Turbiaux)
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Turret Magazine
- Features: Palm Squeeze Actuation, Turret Revolving Magazine, Concealable Pocket Watch Form, No Sights, Spoke Arranged Chambers
Production
Production years: 1882-1910
Produced in France by Turbiaux, with far larger licensed production in the United States.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Jacques Edmond Turbiaux
Discontinued: 1910
Notes
The French Turbiaux original spawned the American licensed copies (Minneapolis Fire Arms Co. and Chicago Fire Arms Co.), which were rechambered in .32 Extra Short rimfire and marketed simply as 'The Protector'.
Background
The Protector's flat, pocket-watch silhouette made it a favourite discreet defensive arm of the 1880s and 1890s; carried in a waistcoat pocket, it could be palmed and fired without ever being drawn into plain view.