Mdl 17 acqusition.........

scooterfiend · #1 10-11-2021, 04:46 PM

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to see this beauty advertised for sale. Fortunate too because there was another individual who wanted it pretty bad and I had first chance to meet the asking price.
I originally didn't want to buy the red dot sight but the seller wouldn't separate the two.
After cleaning the revolver and a light lube job, it didn't need either, I took it to an indoor range and sighted it in. I don't think I'll separate the sight from the gun either. I've got a .22 LR rifle with a fairly nice scope on it and at 25 yds I was amazed that the revolver could shoot about the same size groups.
I'm sure glad I waited for just the right mdl 17, I've been looking for a while.
Standard velocity CCI shot the best out of it but the mini-mags only opened the group slightly. I shot 60 rounds through it, it just barely began having a bit of the sticky extraction thing I've read about.
I'm guessing that with a S/N of K3374XX it shipped in the 1957 to 1958 time frame. Would that be close?
It has the screw in front of the trigger guard.
I'm am really pleased with this purchase.
Oh yeah, the stocks number to the gun.

Truckman · #2 10-11-2021, 06:31 PM

That is a beauty, and I agree with the time frame for manufacture...

...Ben

JP@AK · #3 10-11-2021, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooterfiend

I'm guessing that with a S/N of K3374XX it shipped in the 1957 to 1958 time frame. Would that be close?

Yes, probably 1958, since no Model 17s shipped in 1957. Mod 17 #K327346 shipped in June, 1958, and Model 17 #K326533 shipped in November, 1958. The latter is the lowest serial numbered, model-marked, K-22 Masterpiece located so far.

Quote:

It has the screw in front of the trigger guard.

Yes. All Model 17s with no dash number had the fourth screw.

DGNY · #4 10-11-2021, 06:45 PM

Even with that extra sight on it, it looks beautiful. If you are happy, we all are happy with you!

I remember how delighted I was with my first (and only) pristine 1959 model 17 (in its box). And so many others have been and have become fans of such a .22. Nice choice!

SS336 · #5 10-11-2021, 07:02 PM

Looks like a very nice M17, in great shape. I would be happy too. I have a Burris Fast Fire on a 617, it’s a very accurate combination.
You have the rear sight so you can return it to it’s normal configuration at any time.

scooterfiend · #6 10-12-2021, 10:45 AM

Thanks JP@AK
"Yes, probably 1958, since no Model 17s shipped in 1957. Mod 17 #K327346 shipped in June, 1958, and Model 17 #K326533 shipped in November, 1958. The latter is the lowest serial numbered, model-marked, K-22 Masterpiece located so far."
I'm hijacking my own thread here but I have to wonder why "no mdl 17's shipped in 1957"?
Anyone know for sure why?

Jim Watson · #7 10-12-2021, 10:47 AM

Very nice, especially nice that the previous owner saved the rear sight when he scabbed on that electric device.

Wiregrassguy · #8 10-12-2021, 11:21 AM

Quote:

I'm hijacking my own thread here but I have to wonder why "no mdl 17's shipped in 1957"?
Anyone know for sure why?

I believe that statement is intended to say "Although S&W adopted the model marking system in 1957, no model marked K-22 Masterpiece revolvers shipped in 1957." I don't believe ANY model marked guns shipped in '57 regardless of caliber.

JP@AK · #9 10-12-2021, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy

I don't believe ANY model marked guns shipped in '57 regardless of caliber.

As far as we know, that is correct. Just because a management directive comes down from above, doesn't ever mean implementation by the floor supervisor happens immediately. There are too many factors that come into play. In the case of model numbering, it took months before implementation happened, and sooner on some models than others. In some cases, non-model-marked guns were still shipping in 1959, perhaps some even later.