Can't decide between an old production M17, new-production Classics M17, or a 617. Looks like I'd pay about the same for a good specimen oldie as for either of the others, give or take $100. New ones come with warranties, of course. Triggers on the old ones seem to feel nicer, but that could just be an issue of break-in, or that I'm an old fart myself. The great gaping crater above the cylinder latch on the new ones isn't that much of an issue for me. I'm looking for a shooter, not a collector's piece, but don't want one that's too beat-up. And no, buying one of each is not an option at this time, so don't waste your internets.

What're your thoughts?

K22 3rd Model (Pre-17) for the win.

They are my favorite S&W revolvers. If I could afford a 2nd Model that might change.

A pre-17 has much greater collect ability than a new gun, and I think is a better gun.

I’m no expert but believe in this case the pre-17’s are better made. No MIM just forged parts (I believe) and when they gave them model numbers S&W eliminated the soft stage fit if memory serves.

A 17-1 with Target Grips and a bright Blue finish would be nice too!

Buy some history, not just a gun!

Emory

The older the better my friend. I am happy to pay more for the older version of the same gun. I have a Pre model 17 and a 17-3. Would not trade either one for a NIB specimen and mine are shooters.

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The American dream is alive

I would get a k22, Model 17-3 or -4 as long as the -4 has a pinned barrel because the change happened during the run of -4's. I say that because I own one of each and they are great shooters and if you look hard they can be bought for around $500 to $550. my 17-4 has a 8 3/8 inch barrel and is the most accurate of the three as it thinks it's a rifle.

I suppose I'm leaning toward an oldie, too. Few and far between around here, but there's a little shop up in PA not too far that seems to get a fair number of old Smith consignment guns. I'll put the word out to them. That's where I found my 19-4 and they had another 19, a nice 15, and a bunch of N Frames. All the N Frame fans would be salivating, but the grips and trigger reach are too much for me.