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.