I'm kind of new....but did S&W offer the model 17-4 in a 5" barrel??

No, the Mod 17 was only offered in a 6" barrel (until the last few years when it was offered in a 4" barrel after they discontinued the Model 18). The 4" K22 was a Model 18, ( or early models were called the K22 Combat Masterpiece), and they had a ramp front sight instead of a Patridge front sight.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Barrel length is measured from the cylinder face ,
A common mistake is measuring from the front of the frame.

S&W also made the M-17 in a 8 3/8" barrel. I've never heard of one from the factory in 5".

Thanks guys, I was about to buy one advertised as 5". The guy said he knew what he was talking about. I thought that I may pickup something special, but apparently not. Thanks guys.

I have a 4" marked "Mod. 17-8".

If it's a true 5", either it's been cut or he would have to produce a letter verifying the 5".

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244