Model 17 8 3/8" Barrel

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

I came across this on auction a few weeks ago. Never really had much desire for the 8 3/8" barreled one, but I took a shine to it just because it is different. This is a Model 17, no dash. Roy says it shipped in December of 1963. Condition is pretty close to as new in the box. Teeny bit of wear to the blue at the muzzle, a few tiny scratches, and a pretty visible turn ring. The chambers and bore look like they just left the factory yesterday and the grips are numbered to the gun. No box, just the gun.







Not exactly the most practical of guns with that 8 3/8" non-tapered barrel, it weighs a few more ounces than my 17-3, and of course it is barrel heavy. But the big oversized target stocks help make up for the weight. I don't have a catalog from 1963, but I do have one from 1961 and 1964. The list price for a Model 17 then was $81 for the 6" or 8 3/8" barrel.

I took it to the range along with my Model 17-3 from 1975, which I remember paying $125 for brand-spanky new. The 8 3/8" barrel really shines plinking at soup cans at the 50 foot berm from a rest. Too heavy for me to hit a soup can reliably off hand. In truth, I just ain't that good a shot, can't do it reliably with the 6" barrel either.

[sturtyboy]

Good looking with the target grips.

Yes, a long tube anything is a little more than shorter barrels to hold. But the fun received for that long range shot to me, is worth it.

We have a good time with short and long barrels for that long range, friendly competition, at the end of a shoot.

Here's my long tube Model 48, 4 screw, 1960, set up about the same as your 17. I has added target features. .500 hammer, trigger, and stocks.
M48.jpg

[CajunBass]

I've cared for the 8 3/8" barrels, shoot, I don't really care for 6" ones to tell you the truth, but that's a nice looking gun Driftwood. I really like those grips.

[crsides]

I had one for awhile and really loved to step out of the house and do some plinking. Not great to carry around in the woods. Sold it, and started looking for another after it was gone.

Charlie

[weatherby]

I'd have taken a shine to that one also.
I'm taking it that is a 4 screw gun ?
Not very common.....and worth a premium IMHO.
You said the stocks are numbered also.
Can you post a picture of that ?.......probably even less common

[Lobster Picnic]

I have the Model 14 with 8-3/8" barrel, and I guess it's a little lighter than your Model 17 ND because of the larger holes in my barrel and cylinder.

As for dealing with the muzzle weight, try modifying your grasp by sliding a spare finger under the trigger guard to take a little weight off the trigger hand.

[Driftwood Johnson]

Yes, it is a Four Screw.

Here is a photo of the SN stamped on one of the stocks. I have taken the liberty of covering over the last two digits. The numbers match the SN, except the SN has a K prefix, no K on the stamping on the stock.

[Driftwood Johnson]

As for dealing with the muzzle weight, try modifying your grasp by sliding a spare finger under the trigger guard to take a little weight off the trigger hand.

What spare finger? You mean shoot it with two hands? Perish the thought.

[white cloud]

Originally Posted by sturtyboy

Good looking with the target grips.

Yes, a long tube anything is a little more than shorter barrels to hold. But the fun received for that long range shot to me, is worth it.

We have a good time with short and long barrels for that long range, friendly competition, at the end of a shoot.

Here's my long tube Model 48, 4 screw, 1960, set up about the same as your 17. I has added target features. .500 hammer, trigger, and stocks.
Attachment 315163

That is very nice.