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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 08-20-2012, 07:28 PM
jsalas2 jsalas2 is offline
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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Default Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun

Hey, guys, I need some help. I have two guns that are available for purchase to me, and I don't know what to do. I have read the pros and cons of both and have come to the conclusion that they are both great guns with their own disadvantages and advantages. I was all set on getting the Model 317 3" kit gun because the Model 63 was higher priced , when a Model 63 3" kit gun became available for the same price as the 317. They both are in excellent condition with Hi-viz front sights and adjustable rear. I know that the all steel is better, but I'm also liking the lightweight of the 317. This is for you guys that tried or have either or both of these guns. The most votes wins, cant' really go wrong either way. Thanks for any help that you can me. Jesse.

PS: If this is my worst problem, I'm a lucky man
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  #2  
Old 08-20-2012, 07:49 PM
CWH44300 CWH44300 is offline
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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I'll vote, 317 kitgun
For me a small frame 22 is for packing, when I go to the range to make empty rim fire cases I grab 617's,17's and singlesix's
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  #3  
Old 08-20-2012, 07:55 PM
crofoot629 crofoot629 is offline
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Well, I don't have either.

But here is what I do have. A pre 34 kit gun because it appeals to me, and a 43C.

The 43C, like your 317 is only about 10 OZ.
It's in my pocket all the time.
I'd also consider a 2" 317 but have no use for the 3" guns as I think they are kind of ugly.

If you want a Kit Gun I think the 63 is the better choice.
If you want a pocket gun, the 2" 317 or 43C is the better choice.

Then there is always a pre 34 if you like blued steel and Walnut. The Pre War Kit Guns are out of my price range, but if I ever see a shooter grade with honest wear I may find the money.

Not really what you asked, but just my ramblings.

Emory
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  #4  
Old 08-20-2012, 07:59 PM
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gasaman gasaman is online now
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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I love my 317 3" no dash.
If you do end up choosing the 317 over the 63.
Please PM me the sellers info for the 63.
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  #5  
Old 08-20-2012, 08:18 PM
ColbyBruce ColbyBruce is offline
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I own a 317 snubbie, a 650, a 4" 63, and a pre-18. If I want to shoot .22's, I usually use a 622 or 2206 auto loader. The 317 is very light, difficult for me to shoot offhand. The 650 and 63 require oversize stocks for me to hit well with them, and I have never understood the love and affection for K22 revolvers. If I want to carry a gun that large and heavy, it needs to throw a huge bullet.
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  #6  
Old 08-20-2012, 08:55 PM
1973Glenfield25 1973Glenfield25 is offline
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I have a 317 snub and a 43c. They are great. I love them. But for me, the primary reason that they're great is that they're super lite and compact for pocket carry. And they're Smith and Wesson's so they work every time. They're both great for doing outdoor sports. Trail running, backpacking, snowshoeing, hiking, etc. Very accurate, but pretty hard to shoot accurately. For me at least. Surprising amount of recoil too in a sub 10oz gun with Interceptors or Velocitors.

For target shooting my single six just can't be beat. (I'm looking for a used k22 though.)
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Old 08-20-2012, 09:11 PM
Lou_NC Lou_NC is offline
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Default How are you going to use it?

Are you going to carry a lot and shoot a little (hiking, backpacking, etc) or are you going to carry a little and shoot a lot (mostly range work)?

If you're going to carry a lot, go for the light weight of the 317. If you're going to shoot it a lot, definitely go for the 63.

I own "several" S&W .22 revolvers, including a model 18, model 317 3" (adj. sights), and a 63 4".

When I go to the range to shoot/plink a LOT, I bring the model 18. A J-frame trigger will never compete with a K-frame trigger, IMHO. Plus, the weight and balance of the K-frame revolver just feels "right" in my hands.

When I go hiking and don't plan to shoot, but want a firearm on my hip, I carry the 317. (NC law restricts one to carrying .22LR on game lands outside of hunting seasons). The weight of a 317 "disappears" on a belt holster.

If I were planning to hike AND stop to shoot, I would take the 63. It's a much easier revolver to shoot accurately than the featherweight 317, and represents a reasonable compromise between weight and "shootability" for me.

Good luck,
Lou
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  #8  
Old 08-20-2012, 09:17 PM
jsalas2 jsalas2 is offline
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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Default jsalas

Quote:
Originally Posted by crofoot629 View Post
Well, I don't have either.

But here is what I do have. A pre 34 kit gun because it appeals to me, and a 43C.

The 43C, like your 317 is only about 10 OZ.
It's in my pocket all the time.
I'd also consider a 2" 317 but have no use for the 3" guns as I think they are kind of ugly.

If you want a Kit Gun I think the 63 is the better choice.
If you want a pocket gun, the 2" 317 or 43C is the better choice.

Then there is always a pre 34 if you like blued steel and Walnut. The Pre War Kit Guns are out of my price range, but if I ever see a shooter grade with honest wear I may find the money.

Not really what you asked, but just my ramblings.

Emory
I was also looking at the 43c, just wasn't sure about the double action only on it. What are your takes on it. Thanks
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  #9  
Old 08-20-2012, 09:20 PM
jsalas2 jsalas2 is offline
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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Default jsalas2

Quote:
Originally Posted by gasaman View Post
I love my 317 3" no dash.
If you do end up choosing the 317 over the 63.
Please PM me the sellers info for the 63.
I like your idea, own both. Just have to convince the wife why I need two, any ideas. Thanks.
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  #10  
Old 08-20-2012, 09:31 PM
jsalas2 jsalas2 is offline
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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Default jsalas2

This video is what cleared up the questions that I had on the accuracy of the 317 because of the light weight vs the 63 It just showed me what the gun is capable of, I know not what I'm capable of, yet.

MODEL 317 (22 CAL REVOLVER) - YouTube

to answer the other question, I am planning on shooting more than carrying.
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  #11  
Old 08-20-2012, 09:36 PM
c21yankee c21yankee is offline
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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Default 317

I love 22's ! all my life I carried when I was hiking, hunting, camping, walking down the road, 4 wheeling for poachers, coffee on the porch before anyone was up my 34, 18, 46 I enjoyed each one... it depended on my anticipated protection at the time. About 5 years ago on a whim bought a 317 air lite snub, put the nicest pair of old diamond checkered grips I had on it and I find it with me everywhere I go...in my pocket all the time. I have found my hand reaching for it many times, and happy as can be it is so light, concealable and still does what 22's do. I love it!
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  #12  
Old 08-20-2012, 09:57 PM
BruMatt BruMatt is offline
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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I am lucky enough to own both in 3". I bought the 63 for range use as an inexpensive alternative to my 60 and 642s. It is a fine shooting J frame. The 317 takes more work to be accurate. Rapid firing seems to heat up the aluminum which makes extraction more difficult and, in my opinion, affects accuracy. On the other hand, it is so light to carry it is a great casual pinker.

I wouldn't know which to give up but the 63 is more generally useful. Just my thoughts.
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  #13  
Old 08-21-2012, 06:08 AM
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Stainz Stainz is offline
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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I had trouble shooting a 317 accurately, the high DA pull effort being really noticed due to the lite weight of the revolver - it took concentrated effort to keep it's sights aligned on target. I bought a 3" 63 when they first became available, having then both my favorite 4" 617 and ho hum 5" 63. The 3" 63, regripped with some 60 Pro grips, has become my favorite since it's arrival - a constant range-bag occupant.

While I haven't reconsidered buying a 3" 317... I do think about a 351PD...

Stainz
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  #14  
Old 08-21-2012, 10:56 AM
jsalas2 jsalas2 is offline
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Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun Help Me Decide Model 317 kit gun or Model 63 kit gun  
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Default Decided- THE WINNER IS------

Hey, guys, thanks for all the advise. I going to go with the Model 63 kit gun. I will be shooting more than carrying and with all your advise, this is better suited for that. I want something that I'm going to be able to pass down to my kids and grandkids and I think that the all steel would be better for that. The price is also good enough that I could sell or trade it easily for the 317, if I am not happy with it. I don't think that I could trade even for the Model 63 the other way around. Thanks, again. Jesse.

Last edited by jsalas2; 08-21-2012 at 11:11 AM.
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