Tell me about the S&W 17-4

[e1911]

Thinking about getting one. I have a new production 617 already with 4 inch barrel. How does the 17-4 compare in terms of shootability? What price should I expect to pay?

[jack the toad]

Just curious, are you interested in anything other than a -4?
The reason I ask is because it seems there are a few -3's floating around.

[k22fan]

The shortest 17-4s were 6" so my guess is you want a longer barrel for target shooting. Excepting scarce lighter barrel 617s the huge difference is how muzzle heavy they feel. For me FL 6" K-22s have perfect weight and balance for target shooting but I prefer older 8 3/8" Model 17s for their longer sight radius.

The dash number of Model 17s was increased from 3 to 4 when S&W went back to installing gas rings in their cylinders. They only made them without a gas ring in the cylinder for about a year and a half ending during 1977. Since, unlike Model 19s, rimfire cylinder length was not reduced at the same time they stopped pinning barrels the Model 17's dash number was not increased in 1981 or 1982. Collectors value Model 17-4s with pinned barrels higher than Model 17-4s that do not have a barrel pin. The pin was non functional. They shoot the same. About 2 1/2 years ago I bought an unfired 6" Model 17-4 with no barrel pin for $700. It had its original Target stocks. I forget if that included tax. I thought that was high but I liked its early carry up and lock up and rationalized that I could make up for price by enjoying a season of Bullseye with it starting that night. It shoots great.

[PALADIN85020]

Any of the K-22 breed are great and accurate revolvers, probably the best .22 revolvers ever made. Here's my inventory of .22 LR examples - top to bottom a 17-4, a 17-3, and an 18-4. I probably shoot the 18 the most - it's a good stand-in for most K-38 4" revolvers, practice-wise.

John

[Old cop]

I had a Model 18 and the only problem was sticky extraction after a few rounds. It got so aggravating I sold it and bought an M&P .22 Compact.

[e1911]

Thanks all. What's the difference between the -3 and -4 with pinned barrel? Is one more desirable over the other? Also, what should I expect to pay for a pristine condition -4 6 inch with original box?


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[Peak53]

A pristine 17-4 is not easy to find in this neck of the woods, but would be on a LGS shelf at $800+. I can break clay pigeons at 100 yards off sandbags with mine (after a few rounds to get the Kentucky windage right). At closer ranges it is hard to miss the target. I eventually got tired of the tight extraction issue and reamed the chambers. No more issues. Love the gun. I have 3 other earlier K-22's, but the -4 is the most accurate.

[Qc Pistolero]

Originally Posted by PALADIN85020

Any of the K-22 breed are great and accurate revolvers, probably the best .22 revolvers ever made. Here's my inventory of .22 LR examples - top to bottom a 17-4, a 17-3, and an 18-4. I probably shoot the 18 the most - it's a good stand-in for most K-38 4" revolvers, practice-wise.

John

Ain't they lovely looking?
Qc

[iPac]

I just got home not too long ago from the range. Had my 17-4 out. Bought it from a forum member here a year of so ago. Has the semi-target hammer, regular serrated trigger, and serialized magnas. Was in great condition and supposedly came from the gorilla.

Despite the great condition, the polisher must have been sick that day because they failed miserably to get the machining lines out of the cylinder flutes. It did not leave good first impression of S&W on me after exclusively having Colts. The lines are so bad you can see them from a distance.

Anyway, my 17-4 is P&R still and a super accurate gun. I have Herretts custom target stocks on it now and use it to dispatch chipmunks in the yard with sub-sonic CCI cause I kind of live in town. Haven't experienced any of the problems associated with the K22s, so it has pleased me. I can live with those machine lines but golly I wish they would have got it right. Woulda been so much nicer.

[e1911]

So I found a pristine condition 17-4 with pinned barrel, original box, etc. and can get it for $725. How does that sound for a deal?

[model17]

This is my 17-4 with 3 T's

[storyman]

Wouldn't sell mine for 725!