I had a Taurus ultralite 85 38 special and thought it was a wounderful little revolver for the money. For what ever reason I traded it for something? I just started a new job where I travel alot and was looking for another one for my "car gun". I noticed on the taurus web page that they are making them in 17HMR, 17M2, and 22mag, what is the use for these snub nose revolvers other than 8 rounds of fast remfire over 5 rounds of slow 38, what is the advantage? Reduced recoil for women? Has the 17HMR been tested as a self defence round?

i think that the smaller calibers are designed for female shooters. i can't think of any other logical reason to have a snub in smaller calibers like that.

i don't think, or haven't heard or anyone testing the 17hmr as a self defense round. i would say that would be a pretty sad round.

Kit guns? At least the ones with adjustable sights. Even in just varmint plinking and target shooting you're probably better off with the .38, other than cost.

I'd guess they're for making noise, maybe for rabbits and squirrels. I'd think for defense the .22 mag would be the best, but no where near comparable to the .38 sp.

I have a stainless 85 in .38 sp, and it kicks a fair bith with +P 158g LSWCHP rounds. The .22 mag would probably be easier to practise with.

I will eventually buy a .22 revolver to take along when elk hunting. With CB rounds it will take rabbits and such without making a terrible racket.