Taurus 617 size/concealability?

[Aged In Oak]

I've been curious for a while now how small a Taurus 617 is... it's a 7 shot .357 magnum snub, but Taurus classifies it as a "compact" frame, which I suppose must be in between the small frame 5 shots and the medium frames like the 65 and 66. I've never seen one in person, but how does it compare to other smaller revolvers (S&W J frame, SP101, Charter Arms, etc.) in terms of bulk and concealability? Anyone actually carry one of these?

What'd be REALLY cool is if someone out there has one in their collection and could post some comparison pics. Yeah, I know all the size data is available online, but hey, bear with me, I'm a visual learner! Plus it NEVER hurts to have more wheelgun pics!

 

[researchdoc]

I believe it is like a smith K frame.. My friend has one and it is a little bit smaller than my 686 L frame. I cannot get my 686 in his holster and his 617 is a little loose in my holster (both holsters are same make and model).

 

[MrTuffPaws]

I have a 627 4" seven shot. It is built on the compact frame. I use a S&W 686 holster for it. It might be compact, but it isn't small.

 

[sarge48]

I have a 817 UL they're the same size as a K frame smith. The 817 UL is .38spl. I carry the 817 UL daily.

 

[eagle45]

I don't really have any pics that would show a good comparison. I do have a 617 that I have had for a few years though.

The 617 is very similar in size to the Taurus Model 85 in overall dimensions, but the frame is thicker. The biggest difference to be concerned about for carrying is the thickness of the cylinder itself. On the model 85 the cylinder is about 1.345" thick, on the 617 it is about 1.53". For comparison, the Ruger SP101 is about 1.35". The 85 and SP101 are 5 shots and the 617 is a seven, so the extra (about) .2" gets you 2 more rounds.

I never did like the 617 as much as my other snubbies, just doesn't fit my hand well. Fun to shoot though. There are also a lot fewer holsters available for it than other snubbies. It does conceal easy enough, but you have a little extra weight as well. Too big for me for pocket carry, works well enough IWB or in a belt holster.

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=259&category=Revolver

Follow this link to all the data on the 617.

 

[Syd]

I'm skinny, so the cylinder bulge is more of a problem for me than it would be for most. Here's a comparison to my Kahr CW9 (same size as the P9) - which may or may not be useful for ya.
My 617 is for sale if you're interested. But you could probably get a great deal locally on a used one. These seem to be kind of under the radar.