Taurus 817 .38 Special 2″ 7-Rd Revolver Matte Stainless
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taurus 817 is a compact, medium-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special with a seven-round cylinder and 2-inch barrel designed for everyday carry and personal protection. Built with corrosion-resistant stainless steel and a matte finish, it operates in double/single action with an exposed hammer and rubber grips. This revolver prioritizes mechanical reliability over tactical features, making it suitable for shooters who value simplicity and durability in a defensive firearm.
What is the Taurus 817 used for?
The Taurus 817 is designed primarily for concealed carry and close-range self-defense scenarios. With its 2-inch barrel and medium-frame design, it balances shootability with concealment, offering manageable recoil compared to smaller snub-nose revolvers. The seven-round capacity provides an advantage over typical five or six-shot revolvers in defensive situations.
How does the Taurus 817 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Taurus 817 serves an entirely different purpose than the Stevens 334 .308 Win rifle—this revolver is for personal defense at distances under 25 yards, while the rifle is designed for hunting and target shooting beyond 100 yards. The 817 weighs just 24 ounces and measures 6.75 inches in overall length, making it concealable, whereas the Stevens 334 weighs approximately 7 pounds and requires two hands for effective use. For home defense in tight spaces, the revolver is superior; for hunting medium game, the rifle is the clear choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus 817 weighs 24 ounces unloaded and measures 6.75 inches in overall length with a 2-inch barrel. The cylinder diameter is 1.45 inches, and the grip circumference measures 5.25 inches around for a secure hold. These dimensions make it suitable for inside-the-waistband carry or compact storage in vehicles or nightstands.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for competitive shooting or long-range precision work due to its short sight radius and fixed sights. Hunters needing more than 25-yard effective range should consider the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win instead. The double-action trigger pull of approximately 12 pounds also makes it challenging for novice shooters to master quickly.
What's in the box?
The Taurus 817 ships with one seven-round cylinder, the installed rubber grips, and a factory-supplied cable lock for secure storage. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a cleaning kit or additional accessories—this is a no-frills package focused on the essential firearm components only.
Is the Taurus 817 worth it at $522.99?
At $522.99, the Taurus 817 represents solid value for shooters needing a reliable stainless steel revolver with above-average capacity. The corrosion-resistant construction ensures longevity with minimal maintenance, and the seven-round cylinder provides a meaningful advantage over traditional six-shot designs. Compared to similar Smith & Wesson models costing $200-300 more, the 817 delivers 85% of the performance at 70% of the price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 7-round capacity - 2 more shots than traditional 5-shot snub noses
- 24-ounce weight - manageable for all-day carry without excess bulk
- Stainless steel construction - corrosion resistance in all climates
- 2-inch barrel length - balances concealment with shootability
Trade-offs
- 12-pound double-action trigger pull - requires significant practice to master
- Fixed sights only - no adjustment for windage or elevation without modification
- Matte finish shows holster wear quickly - expect visible marks after 30 days of carry
Key attributes
| upc | 725327943471 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 2-817029 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 2" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 9.8000 |
| model | 817 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Yes |
| shipping weight | 2.4 |
| sights | Removable Front Sight |
| sights type | FIXED |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with +P .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 817 is rated for .38 Special +P ammunition according to Taurus specifications. However, I recommend limiting +P use to defensive scenarios rather than regular range practice due to increased wear. Standard pressure ammunition will provide longer service life and more manageable recoil for training.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 2-inch revolvers?
- The Taurus 817 fits most holsters designed for medium-frame 2-inch revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 10. The frame width measures 1.45 inches at the cylinder, compatible with universal leather and kydex designs. For optimal retention, consider holsters specifically molded for Taurus medium-frame models.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock firearms after the mandatory 10-day waiting period and background check clearance. Expedited shipping options can reduce transit time to 2 business days for an additional $25 fee. All shipments require adult signature confirmation upon delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms purchases are generally final sale due to federal regulations, but we offer a 30-day warranty exchange for mechanical defects. The grip circumference measures 5.25 inches—I recommend handling similar medium-frame revolvers at a local range before purchasing if hand fit is a concern.
- Does this work with common speed loaders?
- The Taurus 817 accepts standard 7-round .38 Special speed loaders from manufacturers like HKS and Safariland. The cylinder spacing matches most aftermarket options designed for Taurus 7-shot revolvers. Test fitment with your preferred loader brand before relying on it for defensive use.