I'm going to be looking at a revolver tomorrow. Really interested in buying it, but there's one oddity.

It is a K-22 Masterpiece Model 17-3 from 1970, 6" barrel. Complete with original box and paperwork. However, it is "mis-stamped" 18-3.

Is this something that will cause me grief should I decide to sell the gun again down the road? I have no intention of doing so, I'm selling my 617-5 to get this 17-3 instead, hoping for a keeper. But I don't want to get something I'll be stuck with in case I don't bond with it.

It's not cheap, either. $750, but it's really, really nice and local.

What do you guys think?


SandSpider

With so many models made on the same frames S&Ws having the incorrect model number stamped on them are actually fairly common. Some dealers will try to claim they are rare factory errors and try to charge a huge premium for such guns but most knowledgeable S&W folks don't pay much attention one way or the other to the mistake. Nothing more than a minor oddity that doesn't affect value much if at all.

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No life story has happy end.

I'd try to get the price down $100 or so. Depending on your location,$750 isn't CRAZY high even if it's not mis-stamped, as long as you're looking for one and it's as clean and complete as you say it is.

Sounds like a good deal to me, I bought a nice model 17-4 about a year and a half ago for $600 without box or original grips. The seller was asking $650 and I offered less. Most sellers have some room to negotiate and you can save a few bucks by making a reasonable offer and usually cover your transfer fees and treating yourself to a nice lunch.

Thanks everybody for your advice. I went ahead and bought the gun. It is gorgeous, nicest one I have now.

Haven't shot it yet, but will report back after I do. Pictures to come tomorrow in daylight.

I'm slowly replacing all my "new" revolvers with nice old ones. Was kind of sad to see my 617 go. Truth be told, it was a great shooting gun (it was an early 2000s model with the lock). But this one is gorgeous and has a great feel to it. I think I did the right thing. I'm not a collector, but I like old school quality and this has it for sure. Can't wait to see how it shoots...


SandSpider

Mismarked or overstamped frames do not add or reduce value IMO as long as they are mistamps and not barrel swaps.

A Model 17 can fit a Model 18 barrel but not visa versa because of the barrel and frame tapers.
If it is a barrel swapped frame it does reduce value IMO

Here is a comparison of a Model 17-5 (top) and a Model 18 for frame comparison.


Note that a 17-3 has a slightly narrower barrel rib but uses the same frame as the top gun.

Thanks for that picture. I'm learning...

This particular gun has the original box with matching serial number. It is marked 17-3 on the box, but 18-3 on the gun. So it's pretty clearly a mis-stamp.

Congrats and happy shooting!

Pictures as promised.

That 17 is almost new looking, but I'm having a hard time taking pictures that show how nice it actually is.

I met the seller outside a local gun show. After I bought the 17-3, I went inside the show and walked straight into a 19-3 in identical condition. Like it was meant to be, a perfect pair.

So there:











SandSpider

Congratulations as that is a beauty and I would have snapped it up at that price.

I think you will like the 17-3 not as muzzle heavy as a 617 IMHO.

Congratulations you are on a nice roll keep going
Regards
Paul

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

You are absolutely correct. Made a quick trip to the range during lunch break today and tried the model 17 out. I couldn't be happier. It is much more accurate than I am. And yes, it does balance better that the 617.

Only thing I don't like are the little bitty stock grips. I put a Hogue Monogrip on it to try and it worked much better for me.

Problem is, on every blue gun I've ever seen that had Monogrips on it for an extended period of time, you could see the outline of the grips on the blue. I guess moisture gets trapped under there, or it's just the grips rubbing against the frame. I don't want that to happen to this gun. Trying to think what I could do. Put oiled felt between the grips and frame maybe?


SandSpider

The rubber grips trap moisture and that little metal screw horseshoe thing rusts,
The 19 grips will swap onto the 17 if you bring a screwdriver to the range until you purchase a pair of factory targets,

BTW can you post a couple pictures showing the top of the 17 barrel and frame looking down and from the front back ?

Only thing I don't like are the little bitty stock grips.

That's a good thing now you get to shoe shop.

I'm always shoe shopping

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Paul
S&WCA #2726