Taurus 617
Taurus International · Pistol · In Production · 2001
Also known as: Model 617, Taurus Model 617, Taurus M617
Overview
The Taurus 617 is a compact, seven-shot, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum that also accepts .38 Special ammunition. Built on a medium-compact frame, the 617 distinguishes itself from the smaller five-shot Taurus 605 by offering two additional rounds in a slightly larger but still concealable package. The 2-inch barrel model weighs 28 ounces (794g) with an overall length of 6.625 inches (168mm) and a height of 5.3 inches (135mm). The stainless steel construction throughout the frame, cylinder, and barrel provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Fixed front and rear sights are designed for fast, instinctive point shooting at typical self-defense distances. The soft rubber grip helps manage the significant recoil of .357 Magnum loads from the short barrel. Safety features include a transfer bar mechanism and the Taurus Security System (TSS), an integral key-lock that allows the owner to disable the action. With 125-grain .357 Magnum loads from the 2-inch barrel, muzzle velocity is approximately 1,200 fps (366 m/s), producing around 686 joules of muzzle energy. The seven-shot capacity is a notable advantage over competing five- and six-shot snubnose revolvers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 794 g (28.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 885 g (31.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 168 mm (6.61") |
| Barrel Length | 51 mm (2.01") |
| Height | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 366 m/s (1201 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 686 J (506 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Matte Stainless |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
- .38 Special — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR, .38 Special +P
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Taurus Security System
- Features: Compact Frame, Seven Shot Cylinder, Fixed Sights, Rubber Grips, Recessed Ejection Rod, Dual Caliber Capability, Concealed Carry Optimized
Variants
- Taurus 617 Blued — Finish Variant
- Taurus 617 Stainless — Finish Variant
- Taurus 617 Ported — Enhanced
- Taurus 617 Concealed Hammer — Concealed Carry
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Concealed Carriers
- Brazilian Security Personnel · as Off-Duty/Backup Weapon
Production
Production years: 2001-present
Produced in blued and stainless finishes with optional ported barrel and concealed hammer variants
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Notes
The Taurus 617 occupies a unique niche as a seven-shot compact .357 Magnum revolver, offering two more rounds than the five-shot Taurus 605 and one more than most competing six-shot models. The additional capacity comes at the cost of slightly increased size and weight-the 617 weighs 28 ounces compared to the 605's 24 ounces. The rifling twist rate is 1:18.75 inches (476mm) right-hand twist, matching the 605 and optimized for 125-grain bullets. Some variants feature ported barrels to reduce muzzle flip, while the concealed hammer (DAO) variant eliminates the spur for snag-free drawing from concealment. The 617 was also offered in a blued carbon steel finish at a lower price point. Loaded weight estimate includes seven .357 Magnum cartridges at approximately 13g each. The muzzle velocity and energy figures represent 125-grain JHP .357 Magnum loads from the 2-inch barrel; significant velocity loss occurs compared to 4-inch or longer barrels. Many owners prefer .38 Special +P loads for practice and defensive carry due to substantially reduced recoil and muzzle blast in the compact frame.
Background
Taurus's revolver manufacturing expertise traces back to their acquisition of the Smith & Wesson factory in Brazil, giving them access to decades of refined revolver-building knowledge that continues to influence their designs today.