I've been looking for a good j-frame .22 and have "on again/off again" been considering a 317. I found a nice used 3 inch 317 with HiVis sights. It looks to be at least 98%, but there is a small flaw in the casting of the cylinder. Nothing serious just a small "pit" but I wonder if the gun has been entirely refinished with this flaw being covered in the process. Any comments?

Tom

I've been looking for a good j-frame .22 and have "on again/off again" been considering a 317. I found a nice used 3 inch 317 with HiVis sights. It looks to be at least 98%, but there is a small flaw in the casting of the cylinder. Nothing serious just a small "pit" but I wonder if the gun has been entirely refinished with this flaw being covered in the process. Any comments?

Tom

how much is the gun and how bad is the flaw? Do you want it for a shooter?

Are 317 cylinders cast?

It will be a carry gun as I work on my acreage. But I like "nice" carry guns. I'm most concerned that it has been refinished and that there might be problems with it. It's at a large sporting goods store. The tag price is $525 -- not a bargain.

Tom

That price might be a little high. I just got a used 2 inch model like new in box for $425, cheap here in CA.

A 317 used for carry will get scobbed up pretty quickly. The factory finish is a kind of fragile varnish-like product. I think a refinished gun might well have advantages for carry.

If it isn't refinished and there is a casting flaw in the aluminum cylinder, S&W might replace the cylinder under warranty. That said, I don't think I'd get too excited about the $525.00 price tag, either.

Brand new 317's can be found around here for about $550..I can't see spending $525 for something questionable.

bluedsteel

The "fragile" finish has been what has always "cooled my jets" for a Model 317. I may just wait for the Model 63 to show up with a shorter barrel length. But then there is always that nice little stainless Ruger Bearcat....

Tom

I checked on the price again. It was $425 with the box. Now if only the finish were not so "fragile". The gun barely has a ring on the cylinder. Should I go for it? My Ruger Mark II bull barrel is getting a bit heavy on the hip. The 317 would be carried daily -- probably in Uncle Mike's holster If I can find one for a J frame with a 3 inch barrel.

Tom

For $425 its not a bad price, and if ever the cylinder fails just return it to S&W to be fixed for free. With 22 ammo, it is unlikely to ever have a problem.

I just got one for my wife and she loves it, its a very fun (and surprisingly accurate) little shooter.