Description

Looking for a revolver that combines the flat-shooting precision of a rifle cartridge with the reliability of a wheelgun? The Taurus 17 Tracker delivers exactly that, offering a unique and highly effective platform for varmint control and target shooting.

Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms for families and responsible shooters. The Taurus 17 Tracker is a seven-shot, double-action revolver chambered in the hyper-accurate .17 HMR cartridge. Its 6.5-inch barrel maximizes the round’s velocity for exceptional long-range performance on small game. This model is in stock and ready to ship today for $409.99.

Why the Taurus 17 Tracker Revolver Stands Out

In my years of building custom guns and teaching families to shoot, I’ve seen a lot of rimfire revolvers. Most are .22 LR, which is great for learning. The Taurus Tracker 17 HMR is different. It takes the concept of a plinking revolver and turns it into a serious tool for hunters and precision-minded shooters. The .17 HMR round is a laser beam—it shoots flat, hits hard for its size, and is incredibly accurate. Pairing it with the simple, robust mechanics of a Taurus revolver gives you a package that’s both fun on the range and deadly effective in the field against pests like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and raccoons.

From an armorer’s perspective, the build is solid. The full-length underlug on the 6.5-inch barrel adds weight up front to steady your aim, a feature I appreciate from my competitive shooting days. The seven-shot capacity is one more than many standard .22 revolvers, giving you that extra round before reloading. It’s a thinking person’s rimfire, designed for those who value shot placement and ballistic performance over just making noise.

Taurus 17 Tracker Specifications

How It Stacks Up: Taurus Tracker 17 HMR vs. The Competition

Feature	Taurus Tracker 17 HMR	Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR (Budget)	Smith & Wesson 617 .22 LR (Premium)
Material	Steel frame & barrel	Alloy frame, steel barrel	Stainless steel throughout
Quality	Robust, hunting-grade construction	Basic, functional for plinking	Exceptional fit & finish, match-grade
Compatibility	.17 HMR only (high-performance)	.22 LR only (standard velocity)	.22 LR only (standard velocity)
Shipping	Same-day from TX	Varies by retailer	Often backordered
Lifespan/Durability	Built for sustained field use	Good for casual use	Heirloom-quality durability
Price	$409.99	~$150-$200	~$900+

The table shows where the Taurus 17 Tracker fits. It’s not the cheapest plinker, nor is it a premium target revolver. It occupies a unique middle ground: a purpose-built firearm for hunters who need the ballistic advantage of the .17 HMR without the cost of a custom single-shot pistol. You’re paying for the performance of the cartridge and a platform built to handle it.

Pros and Cons of the Taurus Tracker 17

What I like about it:

• ✅ Superior Ballistics: The .17 HMR out of a 6.5-inch barrel is in its element. You get rifle-like flat trajectory and energy, making 100-yard shots on varmints very feasible.
• ✅ Seven-Shot Capacity: One more round than typical six-shot .22 revolvers. In a hunting scenario, that extra shot can matter.
• ✅ Solid Steel Construction: This isn’t a lightweight kit gun. The heft manages recoil (which is mild) and aids in steady offhand shooting.
• ✅ Excellent Trigger for the Class: The double-action pull is smooth, and the single-action break is crisp. It’s a good trigger right out of the box.
• ✅ Scope-Ready: The top strap is drilled and tapped for a Taurus Tracker 17 HMR scope mount. Adding a red dot or a low-power pistol scope turns this into a mini-sniper system.

Points to consider:

• ❌ Ammunition Cost & Sensitivity: .17 HMR ammo costs more than .22 LR and can be more sensitive to moisture. It’s a performance round, not bulk plinking fodder. For high-volume training, check out our .22 LR revolvers.
• ❌ Not a Beginner’s First Gun: The report is sharper than a .22, and the ammo expense discourages “spray and pray” learning. I recommend this after mastering fundamentals on a .22.
• ❌ Potential for Cylinder Gapping: Like any revolver, proper timing and cylinder gap are critical. While rare, issues with flame cutting or timing (sometimes discussed online as Taurus Tracker 17 HMR problems) can occur. Ours are inspected before shipping.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Taurus 17 Tracker

Buy it if: You’re a small-game hunter wanting a revolver’s simplicity with rifle-like performance. You’re a precision rimfire enthusiast bored with .22 LR. You need a reliable, hard-hitting tool for farm or ranch pest control. You want a revolver that’s optics-ready for enhanced accuracy.

Skip it if: You’re looking for your first firearm or a cheap plinker for the kids. Your primary goal is firing hundreds of rounds per session on a tight budget. You want a concealed carry weapon (it’s large and the caliber is niche for defense). For those needs, see our .22 LR Revolvers or Compact Pistols.

Addressing Common Questions & Concerns

Q: I’ve read about extraction issues or cylinder lock-up. Is this a common Taurus Tracker 17 HMR problem?

A: In my experience, most extraction stiffness in new revolvers is due to tight manufacturing tolerances and settles in after a cleaning and a few firing cycles. True timing or lock-up issues are not the norm with recent production models. As with any mechanical device, inspect it upon receipt. Our team in San Antonio checks function before shipping, and we stand behind the sale.

Q: Is the blued finish durable for field use?

A: The blued finish is classic and looks great, but it will show holster wear and fingerprints more than a stainless finish. For a pure hunting tool, this is cosmetic. Keep it lightly oiled to prevent rust, especially in South Texas humidity. If you want ultimate corrosion resistance for a similar role, consider a stainless steel .357 Magnum revolver you can shoot with .38 Specials.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the Taurus 17 Tracker sounds like the specialized tool you need, add it to your cart. For more options, Browse more: Revolvers | Full Shop