I NEED an M17 or 617 or something

[John_M52]

After looking at an M48 Classic (new) at the LGS I decided that what I really need is an M17. So I went down the rabbit hole (thanks forum). Then I started to learn... 6 shot, 10 shot, 17, 617, barrel length etc, etc.

What currently has my interest would be a 17 with case hardened hammer and trigger, no lock and an 8 3/8 bbl to go with my M14-1. Are there more or less desirable dash numbers with these features? # of rounds doesn't really matter as I only load 5 at the range anyway.

Thanks in advance for spending my money.

 

[chief38]

Personally I like the traditional 6 shot M17, M18, M63, etc. Never cared for a 10 shot Revolver. Since we are talking 22.RF, no need for a high capacity cylinder - right? The vintage M17's and 18's are the best 22's (IMHO of course) Smith ever built! It is my opinion that the new production variations on those models are not in the same ball park - but some may disagree. I also think that the modern 617's are way too bulky and heavy for A 22 RF revolver - but agin, that's just my opinion. Either way, there are plenty of used vintage models still around and no shortage of new ones should you decide to go that route.

The good new is that you have choices......

 

[KalamazooKid]

I've repeated this many times (sorry), but the 6" K-22's are the single finest/funnest revolver ever made. Go get you some!

 

[ken158]

After looking at an M48 Classic (new) at the LGS I decided that what I really need is an M17. So I went down the rabbit hole (thanks forum). Then I started to learn... 6 shot, 10 shot, 17, 617, barrel length etc, etc.

What currently has my interest would be a 17 with case hardened hammer and trigger, no lock and an 8 3/8 bbl to go with my M14-1. Are there more or less desirable dash numbers with these features? # of rounds doesn't really matter as I only load 5 at the range anyway.

Thanks in advance for spending my money.

I am thinking of listing a 17-4. It is an 8 3/8 TT, T/H. It wont be cheap but it is excellent, PM if any interest.

 

[Babysitr]

IMHO, find a lightly used M17, spend the money and never look back!

 

[sandog]

I too am on the lookout for a lighter medium frame .22
In my youth I had a M-17 and so did my brother. We never seemed to miss much with them but eyes were better then.

I have a 63-3 4 inch now, but that light J frame is harder to shoot well unsupported, great carry .22 but not the best for range. And the J frame triggers aren't as nice as the larger frames.

I agree about the 617's, wonderfully accurate but heavy, I can do without that full lug.
A M48 or M17 .22 is in my future.

 

[CH4]

I love my Smith rimfires! I just picked up this 617-1, fits in nicely with my 17-6s and 648.

 

[glenncal1]

For the model 17 you will need a dash 5 or older if you don't want a full lug barrel. You will probably see more dash 2,3,4's in long tube. You already know how nicely balanced the long tube K frames are with your 14. Good luck with the hunt.

 

[pantannojack]

I found a m18-3 by accident, paid market value right there. It is good for shooting aluminium cans full of warm water.

 

[brucev]

Today ... the Death Wish is strong!!! So, I will comment. S&W has without doubt produced the finest .22LR revolver ever conceived or manufactured. Everything else by everyone else is just everything else by everyone else. Of the .22 revolvers produced by S&W, the be all to end all is the Model 18!!! I have had and likely will again own another Model 17. There have been a number of them. I now own a much beloved Model 18. There have been a number of them. Everyone needs to get one ... Model 18 and of course the Model 17!!! Been shooting one or both since 1983. Cannot imagine what life would have been without them. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[65Whelen]

I watched the market for almost a year before I bought mine, a pre-17 5-screw. But I was looking for one made in 1952, my birth year. How much are you willing to pay will determine alot. There are some that are more collectable, I know the dash 1 is relatively rare and commands a premium. Also, the 8-3/8" barrels are rare, did not seen one during my search. Good luck.

Just a note, my pre-17 doesn't have the high gloss polish finish as compared to the later model 17s with dash numbers. When that changed I'm not sure but something to be aware of.

 

[John_M52]

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful replies. There's just something about the 8 3/8 that I like on the M14 so I assume it will feel the same on the M17. I do have custom Herrett grips, the one with the big thumb shelf where you trace your hand for them to make them, maybe that helps? The small stock grips look diminutive but I like the combat grips (I think that's what they are called). Guess I'll need more than one!

 

[John_M52]

I did see some comments about 17 vs 18 ...more to research!

 

[CH4]

Today ... the Death Wish is strong!!! So, I will comment. S&W has without doubt produced the finest .22LR revolver ever conceived or manufactured. Everything else by everyone else is just everything else by everyone else. Of the .22 revolvers produced by S&W, the be all to end all is the Model 18!!! I have had and likely will again own another Model 17. There have been a number of them. I now own a much beloved Model 18. There have been a number of them. Everyone needs to get one ... Model 18 and of course the Model 17!!! Been shooting one or both since 1983. Cannot imagine what life would have been without them. Sincerely. bruce.

I agree they are great rimfire revolvers, but have you ever owned a Colt Diamondback in .22LR? They're laser beams!

 

[KalamazooKid]

I did see some comments about 17 vs 18 ...more to research!

Oh, you absolutely need BOTH! (thank me later )

 

[John_M52]

I agree they are great rimfire revolvers, but have you ever owned a Colt Diamondback in .22LR? They're laser beams!

My father lectured me years ago that if you buy a revolver you buy a smith. I have strayed from his edict - maybe need to add a diamondback too!

 

[CH4]

My father lectured me years ago that if you buy a revolver you buy a smith. I have strayed from his edict - maybe need to add a diamondback too!

Diversity is good
You don’t want to be called a coltaphobe

 

[Llance]

Me thinks your father meant a gunsmith not a Smith and Wesson. He may be right if he was talking about some cheap off brand but I'm here to tell you, if you buy a S&W you can put the gunsmiths out of business with just a few short lessons in cleaning and maintaining.

I have a 17-? (it's not in front of me) for sale too. message to my account will get all the info you might need.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

A 17/617 NEEDS to be in every safe period.
18’s are very underrated and make great memories.

 

[LPD256]

I’ve grown up shooting 4 inch K-frames and have a Pre 18 birthday gun that I love. A couple weeks ago I stumbled into a 17-3 with an 8 3/8 inch barrel, target trigger and hammer. I replaced the non-matching number grips with a pair of smooth targets. This gun is so much fun to shoot.