Would you expect the new model 17-9 to have the same build quality as the original masterpiece?
Living in California it is almost impossible to acquire a pristine older model.
The new ones being on the approved list are available.

Thanks,

Frank

The new ones are going to have that stupid lock on them. The finish also won't be as nice. Being in CA, are you allowed to import one in? Gunbroker usually has some nice, older 17's listed.

I would always expect the original to be better quality. There is a possibility that a "lemon" could have made it thru quality control, but it was rare. I prefer the "no-lock" model too. The grips on a 17-9 don't compare to the originals.

Of course this is only my opinion, and if the 17-9 is all you can find, I would get it.

__________________
Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom

I bought a Model 17 no dash awhile back that is approximately from 1960. They also had one of the brand new Model 17-9's. Side by side no comparison. The old one is much nicer in my opinion. I thought the grips on the new gun looked absolutely horrible. They could be changed? If all you can get is the new model then get one but if you have time to look try to find and original. Good luck. Brian

If you can't buy a older one in California I would buy the new one and remove the lock and fill the hole with the plug sold by a S&W forum member. Or if the Model 617 is available in California I would buy one of them and do the same thing with the lock. It is my understanding and I could be wrong but I don't think he can buy a revolver not on the approved list on GB and have it shipped in.

I'm not in favor of any "lock" models but a new Model 17 with lock removed is way, way better than no Model 17 at all. I can't do without my Model 17-4.

I have a 17-3 and a 17-6 . The 17-3 is a lot better looking in the finish department . I also have the 617 ,648 , and two 629's with locks and never had a problem with them and they shoot just as accurately as the no locks . As far as looks there just isn't any comparison when it comes to the older ones .

There is no doubt in my mind that the early Model K22's & Model 17's had a better bluing and fit and finish but if you aren't allowed to own one in your state or can't find on for sale because of your states laws I'd go with one with the lock and do what I said above.
17-4 with 8 3/8 inch barrel

17-1 with 6 inch barrel

Only from a private party within the state.

I do have a 617 on order. A lot of people on the internet are complaining about problems with the new 10 shot 617 guns.
I will likley take my chances with the 617. The 17-9 is an option for me since it is on the list. If I thought the 17-9 was more reliable I would go for that instead. Ten shots or six would make no difference.

Thanks

There was a period when they made 10 shot revolvers with aluminum cylinders and they had problems with those but since they dropped the aluminum cylinders the 617 have been a pretty solid performer.

As long as it's C&R eligible you can buy them off of Gunbroker and have them shipped in. So any pre-17's are all eligible, and no dash 17s would be OK as well if I'm not mistaken.

I have a 17-9 I purchased used...certainly not a collectors item but it's a fine shooter.

I have a new 617 and I have had NO problems with it. It is a tack driver. Find the ammo it likes and you will be happy. After break in, the SA trigger pull is almost as good as my Model 41.