I stopped into my LGS tonight on my way home and "lucked into" one.... I think. It's a almost BNIB model 17-4 with the box, factory paper wrappers, ads (holster ad, S&W ammo ad, Warranty list) and an unopened cleaning kit with 4 tools. Inside the box is a stamp with the date on "April 15th, 1955".

There is a very, very fine turn line on the cylinder, the grips have all their finish with sharp checkering lines. The bluing is near perfect with no pitting or scratches.... all in all, it's really nice! It's serial #215KXXX. Can anyone help me with it's age?

The way I read the serial# I thought it would be a 5 screw, but it's only a 3 screw "K" frame. I certainly don't claim to be an expert, but this seemed to be a good find. I'll post some pics as soon as I can.

The Book shows 215Kxxx would have been shipped in 1982. It would be a 3-screw.

Thanks for your help!

Congratulations on the purchase and yes depending what you paid for it that was a great find. There just aren't that many out there any more in that kind of condition wiith all the goodies. I bought a similar 8 8/3/ inch 17-4 with all the goodies and in mint shape several years ago months ago for $500 and I felt darn lucky when I found it. I changed the picture and 6 inch revolver because I sold the one pictured here so I corrected the message to reflect the 8 3/8 17-4 I own. So I also updated the description as well.

Here's my 8 3/8 in17-4 and I added the combat grips

I paid $575 for it and I'm pleased as punch! I can't wait to shoot it!

Ed, you did very well with your Model 17! Last summer I got a 17-3 in 98% condition w/o any tools, box etc. for $600 plus the $50 FFL fee and I'm delighted with my purchase. Yesterday I had it on the range and astounded myself with it at 15 yards - much better than the Model 14 with an 8 & 3/8" barrel that I was pitting it against.

Like EVERYONE else who comments on the accuracy virtues of the model 17, I love shooting it. It starts and ends every range session - to give me confidence to start the session and for satisfaction at the conclusion. Have fun with it!

You won't find a 5 screw K Frame with a model number on it. The top side plate screw was discontinued in 1955, and the Model numbers were first stamped on them in 1957.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thanks for your information. I saw the pistol in the shop, and literally jumped on it. To find one virtually NIB where I live is almost impossible. I "hoped" it was a '50s era M17, but not "knowing" wasn't gonna stop me.

After discovering that it's "only" 30 years old, doesn't dull my enthusiasm. I'm still very happy with my new "Masterpiece". If the wind would drop below 30 mph, I'd take it out to the range and then I'm sure I'll love it even more!

Congrats on your new K serial Model 17-4 !

in 1977 the dash 4 variation saw the the gas ring move from the yoke to the cylinder ,
1982 S&W stopped the practice of pinning the barrel to the frame and recessing cylinders on magnum handguns ,
Apparently it did not warrant a dash number change as dash 4's are found both pinned and unpinned.

Sometime before the dash 5 revision in 1988 they also changed to a 3 letter serial prefix and moved the S&W trademark from the right sideplate to the left.

Wood Magna stocks also got noticebly large and blocky at their base in this era as well.

What a great find and a fantastic price! Congrats! My 17-3's will beat my 41 in the accuracy department. I have 2. One a shooter, rabbit, squirrel gun and the other in the box like yours unfired that I got a steal on last year for $425.00. Sure you will find that -4 is a shooter too.

For easy extraction of the cases after firing I recommend the following for an enjoyable experience from stuck cases that can drive ya nuts and is a common problem.

Thoroughly clean the cylinders with Hoppes #9. Make sure you scrub the cylinders REALLY well. I also remove the sideplate and clean the gunk out of it too. After that apply Militec-1 lube/conditioner to all of the holes in the cylinder and hit the bore and innards. Treat it IAW the instructions which means applying heat to the revolver via a hair dryer or oven. I apply it to the entire weapon and use the oven. After you're done with that apply another light coat to it, apply some Militec-1 grease to the innards, screw in the sideplate and you have a well lubed weapon that will feel like you did a trigger job on an already great trigger.

Like sealevel said I start out every session shooting the 17 and my 34 snub for good triigger control/sight alignment. I then move onto my larger bore revolvers.

Congrats again on that 17 and may it serve you well to pass on down the family as I plan on doing when I pass.

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V/R
Roger / SG

I followed some of your advise... I took the side plate off, man was I glad I did that! The old 17 must have been sitting a long while, the "lube" inside had congealed and turned into near glue...

I used some alcohol and cleaned it up inside and hit the "spots" with some Wilson Combat Ultimate. What a nice improvement! The wind blew 30 mph all day, but it's going to be nice tomorrow and I'll give it a run then.

I just got back from the range with my "new" model 17-4.... I just couldn't be happier! This "old" Smith and Wesson is amazingly accurate and just a pleasure to shoot. The action, after a good cleaning, is smooth and predictable, but as others have noted, the empties do tend to be tighter in the cylinder than I would like, so I'm gonna need to explore some ideas on improving that.... I'm worried about damaging the extractor rod as it takes a fair amount of force to remove the empties.

All in all, I couldn't be happier.... and to think I was considering a Ruger SP101?! For the same money.... no comparison!

Coming in to this thread and discussion two years late, but just acquired a 17-4 with pinned (8 3/8") barrel that's in 98% condition and with the smoothest action I've ever felt on any S&W rimfire wheelgun.

Got in on New Year's Eve--what a great way to finish up the year.

JD

I too "lucked into one" like "ED" and "JD". A couple of weeks ago. 1982 by the serial number, blued, 6" barrel, barely shot. It came with it's box, minus the manual and cleaning kit, but the registration card and some advertising stuff were still there. $499. I consider it a gift from a very generous universe.

I was at the range with it this afternoon. Bullseye Slow Fire target, 50 ft, single action, one handed, and I had all my shots in the rings. One 4, one 6, two 7s, two 8s. Only my second time shooting it. I am very very happy with my 17.
I just joined the bullseye team and use my Ruger MKII for that , but figured if I could do well with the 17, it would be good practice.

(Also had a Colt Mustang follow me home 'bout a week before I bought the 17. Another happy happenstance!)