I'm looking to consolidate the collection a bit. One of the guns I'm considering selling is a Ruger SP101 .22. If I do that, my SW 17-1 would become my all-purpose woods gun. Squirrels, rabbit, armadillo, pine cones, etc.

I know that functionality wise the 17 is perfect for the role. The "problem" is this specimen is in better than shooter condition, just shy of collectors grade. Would you consider turning something like that into a woods gun? Or, keep the SP to get beat up?

I'm looking to consolidate to simplify my shooting life, not because of a need for cash.

I would get some knockaround grips for the 17 wood rubber whatever and go for it.

I remember a post a while back were where the OP posted photos of his great looking blued model 34 that he carried for years while dirt biking/trail riding. He cleaned the gun regularly. It was a great example that with care a gun does not have to live in the safe to still look great.

Swap out those grips like fish creek advised and keep the gun clean and enjoy what it was made for.

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Tony

Not a lot of 17-1s around. I would reconsider and look for a 17-2 or later. You should be able to get a small premium in the exchange.

I have carried my pre-18 around the north Georgia mountains and found it to be rather heavy considering the lack of power a .22 has. I would not sell or trade that nice revolver you own, but I would carry something else.

Keep your 17-1, enjoy it and take care of it, and it will take care of you. I've had my 6" .357 Highway Patrolman since I bought it new at age 16 in 1966. The box and tools "went away" when I was in college, but I love the gun, and have used it steadily since I bought it. It looks like an 85% or so gun, but it does everything I want, and no one other than a S&W collector really cares if you have an almost NIB gun. Keep it and enjoy it; that's probably why you got it in the first place, and every time you carry it, handle it, and shoot it, you'll relive all the good reasons why you bought it in the first place.

Please,please,please don't carry that gun in the woods. Sell it to me and buy something more suitable along with a few thousand rounds of ammo.
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

Sorry Tom! I'm not looking to sell. Unless of course you just *need* to have a -1 and are looking to make a lopsided trade!

Thank you all for your thoughts, I think I'll be keeping the SP for the time being to fill this role.

I agree with your decision.

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Who are those guys?

I agree keep the Ruger and use that in the woods.

You answered your own question when you stated you do not need to sell the 17-1 you have. Carry it when you want and the Ruger on foul weather days. Do you have the original stock for the -1? Those in the pictures are from a later model as the -1 should have the diamond stocks. Nice gun and you can enjoy it whatever way you desire. Kyle