Taurus 17 Tracker

Ever find yourself on a long walk back to the truck after a day in the field, wishing you had something more than a .22 LR for the occasional varmint or grouse, but didn’t want the bulk of a rifle? That’s the exact scenario where a revolver like the Taurus 17 Tracker starts to make a whole lot of sense.

Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in firearms for hunters and outdoorsmen. The Taurus 17 Tracker is a 7-shot, double-action revolver chambered in the flat-shooting .17 HMR rimfire cartridge. It bridges the gap between a plinking .22 and a centerfire handgun for small game. In stock and ready to ship today for $409.99 $356.52.

Why the Taurus 17 Tracker Revolver Belongs in Your Kit

Out here, a firearm needs to earn its keep. The Taurus Tracker 17 HMR isn’t a safe queen; it’s a working tool. The .17 HMR cartridge gives you remarkable accuracy and range for a rimfire, making it viable for prairie dogs, foxes, or even coyotes at responsible distances. As a revolver, it’s inherently reliable—no magazines to lose in the tall grass, no fussy semi-auto action to get gummed up with field grit. It’s the kind of gun you can toss in a pack or a tractor cab and know it’ll go bang when you need it, a trait that fits the concealed carry lifestyle of always being prepared.

Taurus 17 Tracker Specifications

How Does the Taurus Tracker 17 HMR Stack Up?

Let’s be practical. When you’re looking at a .17 HMR handgun, you generally have two paths: budget-friendly imports or higher-end custom options. The Taurus sits firmly in the middle, offering serious performance without a boutique price tag.

Feature	Taurus 17 Tracker	Heritage Rough Rider .17 HMR	Smith & Wesson Model 648 (Discontinued)
Material	Steel Frame & Barrel	Alloy Frame, Steel Barrel	Stainless Steel
Quality	Modern Manufacturing, Transfer Bar Safety	Single-Action, Basic Safety	Premium Fit & Finish
Compatibility	.17 HMR Only	Often .17 HMR/.22 LR Convertible	.17 HMR Only
Shipping	Same-Day from ND	Varies by Retailer	Used Market Only
Lifespan/Durability	Built for Field Use	Light Recreational Use	Heirloom-Grade
Price Point	$356.52 (Our Price)	~$250 – $300	~$800+ (Used)

Straight Talk: The Pros and Cons

After handling plenty of these, here’s my honest take.

Pros:

• ✅ Flat-Shooting & Accurate: The .17 HMR out of a 6.5″ barrel is a laser beam compared to .22 LR, with minimal drop out to 100 yards.
• ✅ 7-Round Capacity: One more round than many competitors, which matters when you’re trying to manage a prairie dog town.
• ✅ All-Steel Construction: Soaks up recoil (which is mild anyway) and feels substantial in the hand, not tinny.
• ✅ Double-Action Capability: You can fire quickly by just pulling the trigger, or cock the hammer for a lighter, more precise single-action shot.
• ✅ Vent Rib Barrel: Helps manage mirage on hot days and gives a classic, functional look.
• ✅ Budget-Conscious Performance: It delivers 90% of what a much more expensive revolver would do for small game and varmints.

Cons:

• ❌ Ammunition Cost & Sensitivity: .17 HMR ammo costs more than .22 LR and can be sensitive to moisture. You need to keep it dry. For a pure plinker, see our .22 Pistols.
• ❌ Not a Concealed Carry Piece: It’s a large-frame revolver. For everyday personal defense, this isn’t the tool. Look at our Concealed Carry section.
• ❌ Potential for Cylinder Gapping: Some early reviews of the Taurus Tracker 17 HMR mentioned issues with cylinder gap leading to gas cutting. Modern production has largely addressed this, but it’s something to inspect upon receipt.

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

Buy it if: You’re a hunter or landowner who wants a highly effective, packable tool for small varmints and predators. You appreciate the simplicity and reliability of a revolver for field use. You want the extended range of .17 HMR without investing in a specialty rifle. You’re looking for a fun, challenging pistol for long-range rimfire target shooting.

Skip it if: Your primary goal is cheap plinking—stick with a .22. You need a compact firearm for personal defense. You demand the absolute finest fit and finish and are willing to pay three times the price on the used market. If you’re after a versatile semi-auto, check out our Handguns for other options.

Common Questions About the Taurus Tracker 17 HMR

I’ve fielded a lot of calls about this revolver over the years. Let’s clear up the frequent ones.

See It In Action Before You Buy

Don’t just take my word for it. Head over to YouTube and see how this revolver performs on the range and in the field. It’ll give you a great sense of its size, report, and accuracy.

Ready to Add the Tracker to Your Arsenal?

If you’ve been looking for a do-anything rimfire handgun that’s as at home on a trapline as it is on a target range, the Taurus 17 Tracker is a solid, budget-conscious answer. We’ve got it ready to go.

Browse more: Glock Handguns | Full Shop