I've been looking at 17s for a while. I wanted a nice condition shooter, pre-1975, with 3 Ts. Hadn't seen anything locally in over a year, and prices on the auction sites are all over the place, but usually in the stratosphere.

I walked into one of our LGS Thursday that had 3 handguns in their cases last time I was there a few months ago. I usually don't go to this shop, but the one I do was closed. Lo and behold a case full of guns, and many nice S&Ws! Turns out my timing was perfect, as they had just bought 65 guns from an estate.

I looked at a very nice 28-2 from the late 1970s, and then noticed the 17-2. Beautiful shape, near unfired condition. No 3 Ts, but born the same year as me (1967). My 'gun fund' has taken a serious beating the last couple of weeks (a pair of 38/44s), so I went home without it.

All through the night, I couldn't stop thinking about it, and knew if I let it get away I'd be kicking myself. So I was there waiting Friday morning when they opened the doors. Fortunately, it was still there.

I originally thought the grips were not original, but they are numbered to the gun. Must have been one of the first to ship without diamonds. It's in beautiful condtion, and I can't wait to shoot it.



With its slightly older brother, my 14-2 from 1965

Wow a couple of beauties.

Nice find, youngster!

There was a recent thread stating 1967 shipped revolvers had a mix of older (diamond) and newer style stocks. Range report!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Very nice find. They always bring a smile to your face weather shooting or admiring. S&W put some amazing quality into these guns.

I got to start hanging out in your neighborhood...

Nice!!

Now all you need is a 16-2 K-32.

The change order for dropping the diamond on that style stocks was issued on January 11, 1966. Yes, it took a while to use up inventory on hand, but a 1967 gun without the diamond on Magna stocks is no surprise.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

We had a very long drought here when it comes to nice S&Ws, but within the last two weeks one shop got ~20 pre-war guns from one estate, and this other shop probably got 10-12 nice 'modern' Smiths from another estate... 65 guns total from what the shop owner told me.

My biggest problem is the gun fund has taken a beating and I even owe the credit card a few bucks. Gonna take a month to recover! Still thinking about a couple I might put on layaway...

That sure is a beauty. Enjoy it in good health!

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Congratulations! 2 fine Smith examples to own.
I have a 17-2 from 1964. Also a 14-3. Never had a birth year gun. Bob

Got the 17 out to the range today. Only had time to run ~30 rounds through it, and all I shot today was Winchester bulk HV... not exactly target ammo.

Offhand, single action at 25 yards... didn't make any sight adjustments, just shot it as I got it.



I'm pretty rusty at offhand bullseye, and the wind was starting to push me around a little, so I'm sure the 17 has a lot more in it, if I can do my part. Still, happy to hold the black... mostly

Next trip, I'll try some CCI SV and see how it likes it.