Taurus 817 stainless 7 shot compact .38

[Safety First]

My dealer is ordering one for me and I wanted opinions from anyone who has, or still has one of these revolvers. The gun is for my wife who is recoil sensative and knows nothing about guns. It is to serve two purposes. one- A night stand gun and 2- car gun . It is not for carry but at 21 oz could still be carried fairly easily if she chooses. So, what are the opinions by those who know the gun? My dealer whom I have purchased several guns told me no problem if I decide not take it when I inspect it should I change my mind. He feels he should have no problem with selling it. Price is $350.00 plus tax...

 

[popbang]

HAve one that is my wife's carry gun. It is worth what you are paying for it, and that is it. The trigger is gritty. Recoil isn't bad. DA is horrible. My wife practices at seven yards and can keep all on a sheet of paper. It is fairly light for the size. We bought it for my wife she doesn't shoot much, but it works. I hate it as I like single action revolvers anyway.

 

[Big Matt]

I have an 817 ultralite (blued, titanium) that I bought new probably 10 years ago or so. I basically agree with popbang's comments but have some additional ones. I mainly shoot it single action with what I consider excellent results for a snubby. Say 7 shots in 6-8" at 25 yards, all day long. A friend can do this at 50 yards with this gun so I think it's quite accurate. Double action trigger is a bit coarse but seems to be smoothing up with use. I want to say that I have only approx 250 rounds through this gun though.

Occasionally the cylinder will free-wheel if I don't close it with enough authority, but this only happens rarely. I think that there is a weak spring in the cylinder stop/pawl/whatever it's called that allows this to happen.

All in all I'm pleased with the gun and would recommend it. I used to carry it a lot, liked the 7 shot capacity, but recently bought a S&W 36 that is smaller that I've been carrying. I used a cheapo Uncle Mike's belt holster for small frame revolvers that fit the 817 fine.