Need a history lesson on the full lug Model 17. From reading what I can find I think they started during the 17- series and lasted through the 17-6 series.

Would love to know if this is correct, dates of mfg. and any thoughts regarding the full lug 17's.

I really like the looks of them. I realize they are a little muzzle heavy but I can deal with that.

Thanks in advance for the education.

twofish

I think the first ones were the 17-6 (which were made in standard and full underlug versions) and the limited edition 17-7, which were made for only a few years. It is a carbon steel 617, with the exception of the rare standard barreled versions.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

The K-22 Masterpiece became the Model 17 when S&W started designating model numbers in 1957. The full-lug barrel version was introduced as the 17-6 in 1990 (although some of the early 17-6's were manufactured without the full-lug) and the 10 shot version 17-8 took it's place in 1996.

Can't go wrong with a 17-6, would like to find a 4 inch.

Thanks, I really like the look of the full lug.

How long was it available in the 17? 17-6 through 17-? and what years?

fish

Since you like the looks of them............

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NRA Certified Instructor & RSO

The full lug 6 shot version was available from 1990 (17-6) thru 1996 (17-7). The full lug 10 shot version is still available today.

Full lug 10 shot available as the 617,not a 17.Six shot lugless 17s and 18s currently available.
I'm happy to say that I have a 1994 full lug 4 inch 17.

617's are still made today , although I dont think they are as nice as the older 17/617, 1990-95 or 96. Then they made 17-8 , 10 shot alloy cylinder, and 617's with alloy cylinder, they didnt go over well.
I think the 17 or blue steel models were discontinued then,1999/2000, except Heritage type from Lew Horton. The remaining stainless model 617's were made with stainless cylinders 6 or 10 shot, some frame changes and somewhere in there after 1999 or so with some MIM parts also.
My suggestion, IMO, would be to pay the money for a nice older 17-6/7 or a 617-1 or 2. They 6" models are fairly easy to find , you just have to pay for them. The 4" hard to find and generally cost more. Good luck Bob

Thank everyone, good information.

fish

Here is an early 4" Model 17-6 that is a sweet handling gun. I think the 6" full lug .22's are just too muzzle heavy with that tiny bore.

The Model 17-6 is a great gun. The full lug gives it a nice muzzle heavy balance. Just like with the original K-22, K-32 and K-38 Masterpieces, S&W made Modern Masterpieces in the three different calibers that all had the same balance and feel. Here's my set, Left to Right; 17-6 in .22, 16-4 in .32 and 14-5 in .38. The 16-4s are hard to find and expensive, but the 14-5 proved to be even harder to find.

Wow civil1977, those are some mighty fine lookin' examples.
I have never seen a model 16 in person. How does it shoot ?
Texan

The .32 caliber is a nice round and I particularly like shooting light wadcutter loads in it since they are very accurate and light on recoil. In the 16-4 you can shoot .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum and, in a pinch .32 ACP. Some 16-4 owners are having their cylinders reamed for the .327 Federal Magnum, so you can have the flexibility to shoot five different cartridges in one gun. I've heard the .327 is a hot round and a true magnum. For now I'm keeping mine stock.

If you do pick up a 17-6 and want a partner gun dont forget the L frame Model 586 in 357 Magnum.
Its a little bigger as you can see in the picture but has a very similar look and feel.




Also ,
The early 6 shot Model 617 is basicly a stainless copy of the 17-6.



PS, If you really want one bad and cant find one drop me a PM and I will tell you how you can have your own blue 4" full underlug K22.