I like revolvers, and my current use is target shooting at indoor range. Right now I only have a CHEAP Heritage Single Action 6 shot revolver..

I understand the Model 17 / K22 is a VERY! accurate little .22 revolver.

I've seen a couple K22's at a local gun show . .both were in the $700's range.

Gunbroker.com has 'em in the $700's and UP!

I see GrabaGun online has a BRAND New Model 17 for $769, no credit card fee.


I can't afford to play the " collector " game.. ie. get a vintage 50's model K22 and be paying $1k... or more..

so: is there a difference between the 17-x models you see on gunbroker.. versus just getting a brand new one for about the same price, with warranty, and I'd be the first owner ( ie. I know I take care of my guns )

I just want : a S&W revolver.. to shoot !

I personally don't really care about the "lock" unless it truly affects performance in some way..

I assume if I pay $775 for a new one.. since they seem to hold their value so well.. I'd get most of that back down the road if I didn't bond with it ....

opinions???

thanks! Mark

I would buy the new 22, except in my case, I would prefer the J frame M63. I have had both, and like the smaller one best, but that is just preference. A 22LR in a K frame is about the least likely of all S&W revolvers to unintentionally lock up in recoil. Don't be concerned about the hole. I only traded my 22's in because I wanted to take up reloading. A 3 inch M60 loaded with 125 gr plated bullets over a load of Trail Boss is as close to a 22 as I have now.

Best,
Rick

Every now and then you will see one in the $500-$600 dollar range. Don't forget Model 17's started in 1957.

__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065

You can’t go wrong buying new. I wouldn’t think twice about buying a new one if I somehow lost my model 17.

thanks for replies!

Riverrat38, the other S&W I'm really jonesin' for . .is the model 63 5" inch barrel w/ 8 round cylinder.. but those are also in the $750 range..

for that: I figured I put the model 17 into contention.. and : sounds like a brand new one for $775 shipped, FFL is tough to beat.

My brother has a pal who says: he is the original owner of a K22.. ( don't know how old, but pretty old I think) . .that has had light use, and is likely in pristine condition - and apparently he wants to sell it, along with a K38 he purchased at the same time - I think they're both 6" barrels. I said to pass along - I'm VERY interested, as: I was also considering stepping up to a larger caliber than .22 - like a .38. I can't see shooting .357 except for the occasional novelty of firing off a cannon.. so I don't need the model 28.

So when I googled and find BRAND NEW Model 17's for $769 - at least I'm prepared when I find out how much he wants for either or both guns.

as noted: if he charges a premium because his is an old/vintage K22, -- is there a good reason to GRAB his. because they're "collector" value.. ( let's say he says $800 ) .. . if he wants $1k, again: probably is a very good find of a vintage gun ... but I can't really afford an extra $250 over a new one.. - unless it's something that is going to go crazy in coming years due to collector value.

I'll know more once I hear how much he wants.

for that matter: How much is the K38 worth,.. .as I might have an opportunity to buy both ..

Thanks

Get the K frame model 17 as it has a much better trigger then a J frame and will make you happier when you hit what you shoot at. S&W will never give up the lock as general buyers don’t really care...

I realize that as I post my opinion, there aren't many posts yet. Even still, I am SHOCKED that all so far think that new is a good idea.

Goodness gracious, HECK NO. I also understand that we have forum rules against relentlessly bagging on newer production S&W and guns that have the internal lock. But experience has shown me (for damn sure certain) that all else being equal, pre-lock S&W revolvers are better, much much better, than ones with the lock and for sure, current (shoddy) production from S&W right now.

Spend $700 on a used, pre-lock 17 and you'll love it forever. These guns are absolutely not scarce and were produced in high volume, and this is why you can find a fantastic used one for under a thousand. If they were in short supply, these would be $1200-$1600 guns.

I'd be horrified if one of my buddies ran out and spent $769 on a currently made S&W K-22. I'd lose my lunch.

Oh, to be clear -- it is absolutely NOT ABOUT THE LOCK. The lock isn't what makes the new guns lesser in quality. S&W and their current business model makes them lesser in quality... the lock is simply a very quick & easy way to spot them immediately.

Hey Ken,

I'm definitely preferring the Model 17.. there was a nice M63 on gunbroker.. that I didn't bid on.. because: I know I'd prefer the 17.

I excited to learn of this < used > K22.. but I'm kind of afraid to hear what he wants for it. .cause: it'll be a vintage, clean firearm, with a "matching" < per se > K38.. he'll probably want a premium for it/them..

I got a beautiful Model 17-2 for sale on this forum for $665. Light
wear, tight lock up. After market grips but compared to the new
stuff like comparing apples to oranges in my opinion. Can't loose...
three day inspection.

There is no comparison between the old 17 and the newer models. I have
a 17 I've had since 60s. My main go to 22 pistol, untold thousands of rds
through it and no problems. It has holster wear but is still in nice shape.
This 17 turned a lot of guys into believers in the K22. They are accurate
easier for most people to shoot and well made. I have 34s and have had
63s, nice guns but not in same class as 17. I just got 617-6 on a trade.
gun shoots well but I don't like stainless guns.

There are some S&W guns that exist in a very neat place for some of us:

Let's take
Model 10
Model 14
Model 15
Model 17
Model 28-2
Model 686
Model 39-2
Model 59
Model 5906
Model 3913
Model 915

What do I think every one of these has in common? It's that S&W absolutely got it "right" with these models. They were never designed or marketed with the intention to be elite, top-tier or marvelously finished, they were never to be a rich man's gun, they were designed specifically to work hard and fill a designated role and do it well. They had value in mind.

Because of this, -wow- they sold well! And as people (and organizations) kept buying, S&W kept producing them. It is no stretch to say that the market has seen a glut of each of these.

To be have a serious "collectible value", any of these models must be in absolute top condition and/or needs to have a very rare factory original feature that isn't typical to find.

Add all that up and what you get is an amazing model that is a joy to own and even more joy to shoot -BUT- doesn't have to be "collectible" and expensive.

Model 17's are fantastic and common, not rare. Find one and buy it, shoot it, own it, love it. (then get one of every other one on that list! )

Tnx Geronimo Jim re: the $665 reference for a good quality used..
and DRM50 & Sevens: are there quantifiable specifics as to why you think there is no comparison between an Old K22/17, and more recent production ? just tighter production specs ? heavier / better < ? > metal ?

"Quantifiable specifics", I suppose we'd have to outline specific diameters for the debate. My position isn't as simple as "I'm an old guy and dadgummit, they don't make 'em like they used to!" That is an emotional argument, not an educated one. Fact is that S&W manufacturing has definitely imoroved over many decades, but consider the entire picture!

Back then, revolvers were assembled by craftsmen from parts. Sometimes they would try a few different parts to get a fit and feel, sometimes they would slightly shape or alter a part to make it, or make it fit better. These days, manufacturing is better and the parts are all far closer to "fit" without trial and error and with no alteration or fitment. Especially with MIM parts, manufacturing of small bits has come a long way. (And it is worth noting that high quality MIM is damn good, regardless of the reputation and feelings that some folks have about MIM and make no mistake, S&W is an industry leader in MIM, and their MIM is maybe the best MIM in firearms.)

But the skilled craftsmen are gone and the QC left with them, it seems. QC has been outsourced to the buyer. YOU get to check and see if the new revolver is high quality because nobody in Springfield did.

The biggest difference I find is always always always in the double action trigger feel, weight, smoothness. I urge you to visit a gun show and find table holders who will allow you to DA dry fire some K/L frame pre-lock S&W revolvers and then go to any big mega-outdoors store that sells handguns and dry fire some brand new S&W K/L frames.

That will only show you DA trigger feel and smoothness, you won't get to really know the new production hit or miss quality until you roll the dice and buy some of them. There are PLENTY of horror stories here in this forum, it isn't a made up phenomenon.

Sometimes you need to see and feel them both side by side to understand.
Geronimo’s 17-2 looks like a sweet gun. Nice blue finish, tapered barrel, nice smooth action from use, etc. I know which I’d choose.

for While the older 17's are great, for a shooter there is nothing wrong with the new one. As you say you are not into collecting.

A short while back I was deciding on either a new classic model 17 or a 617. Both are beautiful revolvers. It was back and forth for a while.

I ended up with the 617. It just fit what I wanted at the time. But man that new 17 was nice. There is nothing currently made that compares to it. It is still near the top of my wish list.

So if a new one is what you decide you want, go for it.You can still keep looking for that older one.You can't have too many.

And that $769 price is pretty good. When I was looking at local gun shop they were around $900.

There seems to be wide agreement within this community that S&W started off with the philosophy they would be successful if they built the best possible product for the price. That is one of only two philosophies extant among the world's manufacturers.

If I am to heed those who fuss and fume about S&W's more recent offerings (ostensibly excluding those of the Performance Center), then at some point in time they altered their philosophy to we will be successful if we build our product at the lowest possible cost. I'll leave it to others to determine that point in time---opinions vary. The revolvers in my collection of target guns come from the late 1870's to the mid 1950's---with a few exceptions.

And that is likely all that needs to be noted on the topic.

Ralph Tremaine

Go Old School and enjoy! Try to beat em' down on price! Remember, a used gun in good condition saves you the ammo money to break it in and wear in the innards into a smooth trigger pull!

Keep an eye on the types of revolvers that you want and you will find a deal. But you need to be Jonny on the spot and be the first to contact the seller. I had been wanting a shooter pre 17 when an Outdoorsman came up for sale locally for $425. It has honest wear but no pitting, unfortunately my wife has claimed it. I also have 2 5” 63-4’s and my father has one also. I payed $600 for my lnib and $300 for my shooter locally. My father purchased his -4 about 4 months ago from the same seller that I bought my safequeen from for $550. The 5” 63 is my favorite but I carry it while in the woods. Point being keep an eye out for one you want and be ready to jump as soon as you see it. Good luck in your search, that’s half the fun!!!

ok .. thank you — getting it that older production was more “craftsman” versus modern efficient economics..

I wont consider new to be junk.. but will jump at this used gun if its close to the $750 ish range, as im pretty sure this fellow treated it well.. 1 owner.. all papers, box etc

plus- im assuming the K38 is similar.. old model in good shape would be one to grab.. and could maybe help the “deal” to buy both

any estimates on K38 value ? ... ill post more details when available ( year, etc)

tnx!

Like my post#12, Model 14's are like 17's...fantastic and not huge in "collector value" because they made so many. If both are nice, both show no signs of abuse and lock-up, timing, barrels all good... with no original boxes but both have original wood stocks, pay $1,500 for the pair and you are doing very well.

thanks Sevens!!

Hey listen if you want the older guns then by all means buy them. But don’t get suckered into paying a collectors premium for a gun just because it’s not current production. 1500 for the pair? No way. If you’re paying more than $500 for the model 14 you’re paying way too much. You can buy an older model 19 or 66 chambered in 357 Magnum for $700ish, so why on earth would you pay that for the .38 special model 14? I’m not bashing the 14 I’d buy it all day at $400 to $450 if it was in nice shape.

As for the 17, you’re on the right track if you can find one for under 700 IMO.

If there is a possibility of looking over a new version and an older version at the same time at a local gun shop I'd recommend it. Even if you have to go one place for one and another etc...

IMHO I'll throw my hat into the "old" ring. The fit and finish is excellent and the actions are just so sweet. As Abby says, they're probably already broken in for you.

And FWIW I'd spend just as much money on a .22 as any big boy caliber for the simple fact that I will shoot it 10-1 simply because it's so cheap and, well, fun.

thank you everyone for your advice

updates:

purportedly the guns are essentially as new, only 30 - 40 rounds fired through each

and - someone has already “advised” him they are worth a lot, ie. ask for $2k for the pair

He is a good guy, very good friends with my brother, ( who is my ‘connection’ to this deal ) ... he’ll do more homework re: value then im sure he’ll err to the lower end of what he feels theyre worth... Id love the opportunity to nab a basically LNIB old model 17... but dont want to get caught up in valuation based on ‘collector’ status

and I sure dont want to pay too much for a K38.. as the 17 is my jones ....

WKYP on how this shakes out

If his are dead mint with gorgeous boxes, he will sell when he finds his buyer and all will be happy. Meanwhile... I didn't realize that Geronimo Jim was offering his 17-2... I think you may want to check that out.

One point I didn't notice being mentioned as I skimmed through this thread; There have been many instances reported in the newer examples of ALL S&Ws having barrels that are "clocked." If you are going to purchase a new(er) "post pinned barrel" variant, make sure the front sight is at 12 o'clock and not canted off to the right or left when viewed through the rear sight blade.

Most of the aficionados here seem to admire the fit and finish of older S&Ws when compared to current production. How much you notice or care about this difference is something you have to decide for yourself. Personally my K-22 and K-38 are both 1948 vintage and show some slight signs of their age, but I wouldn't trade them even up for a new pair of current production, warrantee or no warrantee. JMHO, YMMV!

Froggie

Hey Greenfrog, ive also seen/read reference to this problem on new 617s where the barrel was canted

and I just had to return a new Ruger 10/22 under warranty for the same problem ...

I consider myself a "shooting collector". Thus, I prefer to buy used.
Periodically, for insurance purposes, I check GunBroker completed auctions to get a "true market value" of my collection. I just did that again 2 weeks ago.

I believe you could find a low dash 17 in the $600-650 range, or a low dash 14 in the $500-600 range.