The Taurus 817 Is Back

by
posted on August 2, 2025
** 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 817 01
Images courtesy of Taurus USA.

Compact revolvers offer a simple, safe and reliable option for concealed carry. Their drawback is capacity. Taurus has sought to address this capacity issue while still maintaining a compact size, with its 817 revolver, which is making a comeback in 2025.

Right side of the Taurus 817 revolver.
The Taurus 817 offers a seven-round capacity in a compact, concealed-carry revolver.

The 817 is a double-action design with a swing-out cylinder chambered for .38 Spl. +P. Its unique feature is that its cylinder holds seven rounds. With a 2” barrel, it has an overall length of 8” and a height of 4.78”. At 1.51”, its width is just under a quarter of an inch wider than most five-shot compact revolvers. It weighs 30.26 ozs. Having an exposed hammer spur, the 817 can be manually cocked to be fired in single action mode. The action is made safe with a transfer bar system.

Man holding the Taurus 817 revolver in an open hand.
Measuring 8" overall, the 817 is slightly wider than most five-shot revolvers.

Previously offered by Taurus in the early 2000s (in both an all-steel 617 and “Ultralite” 817 versions), the new 817 has significant upgrades, including all stainless steel construction and a matte natural finish. While the rear sight is a fixed groove in the frame’s top strap, the front sight is a removable blade that is compatible with Taurus’ 856 line of revolvers, meaning there are numerous aftermarket options, including night sights.

The rubber grips are the same pattern used by Taurus’ Judge and Tracker revolvers, again opening up numerous aftermarket options for customization, including laser-equipped options. Speedloaders currently available for other seven-shot Taurus revolvers, such as the 66, will work with the 817. 

Angled top view of the Taurus 817 revolver.
Included in the upgrades to the new 817 is a removable front sight that is compatible with the pattern used by Taurus’ 856 revolvers.

The Taurus 817 has an MSRP of $649. For more information, see the company’s website.

Latest

Charter Arms Double Dog Gotw Web
Charter Arms Double Dog Gotw Web

Gun Of The Week: Charter Arms Double Dog

For this Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with a convertible wheelgun from Charter Arms, and it’s one that goes from .357 Mag to 9 mm Luger quickly and easily. Welcome to the Double Dog.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 17, 2025

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

The Robbins & Lawrence Story: Pioneers Of Mass Production

The Robbins & Lawrence company of Windsor, Vt., was an early pioneer in the field of mass production, using machine tools and interchangeable parts to produce firearms for both the U.S. and British governments.

CMP Auctions Move To GunBroker.com

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has moved its popular auctions to GunBroker.com, an online firearm marketplace that launched in 1999, to further support the future of the shooting sports and firearm ownership.

I Have This Old Gun: The French Charleville Musket

One of the most important military arms ever made, the French Charleville musket saw use in the American Revolution and armed French troops throughout the Napoleonic Wars.

CVA Endura Series: The Modernized Muzzleloader Of 2025

CVA built on the success of its Paramount muzzleloader to create the Endura, a design that the company calls "the most advanced muzzleloader series CVA has ever built."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.