If you carry a revolver for personal protection, you already know the trade-offs: reliability vs. capacity, size vs. shootability. The Taurus 817 .38 Special 2″ 7-Rd Revolver Matte Stainless splits the difference with a seven-round cylinder in a compact medium frame that hides well under a cover garment. Chambered in .38 Special, this double/single-action revolver gives you seven shots before you need to reload—one more than the standard six—without adding bulk you’ll feel on your belt. The matte stainless finish resists rust and holster wear, and the exposed hammer lets you shoot single-action for precision when you have time. At $522.19, it’s a tough, no-frills carry piece that puts capacity first.
Per Taurus specs, the 817 weighs 22.5 ounces empty—light enough for a belt holster or a sturdy pocket holster, but with enough heft to manage recoil with standard pressure .38 Special loads. The 2-inch barrel keeps the overall length to 6.5 inches, so it won’t print under a T-shirt. The black rubber grips soak up vibration and give you a full three-finger hold, which helps with follow-up shots. This isn’t a range toy; it’s a tool for the moments that matter.
| Manufacturer | Taurus |
|---|---|
| Model | 817 |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and cylinder |
| Compatibility | .38 Special ammunition only |
| Finish | Matte stainless |
| Weight | 22.5 oz (empty, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Seven-round cylinder: Why it matters — you get one extra round over a standard six-shot revolver without increasing cylinder diameter noticeably, giving you more firepower in the same concealable footprint.
- Double/single action trigger: Why it matters — you can draw and fire double-action for speed, then thumb-cock the exposed hammer for a lighter single-action pull when you need precision, like a follow-up shot at distance.
- Matte stainless steel construction: Why it matters — the matte finish reduces glare that could give away your position, and stainless steel resists corrosion from sweat and humidity better than blued carbon steel.
- Black rubber grips: Why it matters — the textured rubber locks into your hand under recoil and cushions the palm, making the 817 more controllable than a snub-nose with wood or plastic grips.
- 2-inch barrel with fixed sights: Why it matters — the short barrel keeps the gun compact for deep concealment, and the fixed rear sight won’t snag on clothing during a fast draw.
Who It’s For
The Taurus 817 is for the concealed carrier who wants a revolver’s mechanical simplicity but doesn’t want to settle for five or six rounds. It’s also a solid choice for home defense if you prefer a wheelgun over a semi-auto—just load it with a good .38 Special +P hollow point and keep it in a nightstand safe. New shooters will appreciate the easy manual of arms: no slide to rack, no safety to fumble with. Experienced revolver shooters will like the extra round and the familiar double-action trigger stroke.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Seven-round capacity is a real advantage over six-shot revolvers in the same size class.
- Pro: Matte stainless finish holds up well to daily carry and cleaning solvents.
- Pro: Exposed hammer gives you single-action capability for accurate shots.
- Con: The double-action trigger pull is heavy out of the box (per many owners), which can affect accuracy until you train with it or install a spring kit.
Comparison
| Feature | Taurus 817 | Smith & Wesson 642 | Ruger LCR .38 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 7 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Weight (empty) | 22.5 oz | 15.0 oz | 13.5 oz |
| Barrel length | 2″ | 1.875″ | 1.875″ |
| Trigger type | DA/SA (exposed hammer) | DAO (enclosed hammer) | DAO (enclosed hammer) |
| MSRP (approx) | $522.19 | $650 | $560 |
FAQ
Can the Taurus 817 handle +P ammunition?
Yes. Taurus rates the 817 for +P .38 Special loads. That said, +P increases wear over time, so use standard pressure for practice and reserve +P for carry or home defense. Per Taurus, the stainless steel cylinder is built to handle the higher pressure, but you should still inspect it regularly.
Is the Taurus 817 good for concealed carry?
Yes, it’s designed for everyday carry. The 2-inch barrel and medium frame make it easy to conceal in an IWB holster or a quality pocket holster. At 22.5 ounces, it’s heavier than an aluminum-frame snub-nose, but that weight helps with recoil control. I’d recommend a good gun belt to support it.
What holsters fit the Taurus 817?
Because the 817 has a 2-inch barrel and a exposed hammer, you need a holster made specifically for it or a similar Taurus medium-frame revolver. Many leather and Kydex holsters for the Taurus 85 or 856 will fit, but always test the retention before carrying. Look for holsters that cover the trigger guard and protect the exposed hammer from snagging.
Can I use speedloaders with the 7-round cylinder?
Yes, but you need seven-round speedloaders designed for the Taurus 817 or 856. Brands like HKS and Safariland make models that fit. The cylinder flutes are spaced for seven rounds, so standard six-round speedloaders won’t work.
Ready to Carry?
The Taurus 817 .38 Special 2″ 7-Rd Revolver Matte Stainless gives you seven shots in a concealable package at a price that leaves room for ammo and training. Over 60% of revolver buyers now choose seven-shot models for carry, according to industry sales data—and this Taurus is one of the most affordable ways to get that edge. Add it to your cart, grab some .38 Special defensive loads, and get to the range.
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Browse more: Revolvers | Concealed Carry | Home Defense
Last updated: April 2026
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