S&W Airlite

battle · #1 12-30-2015, 02:32 PM

I think this a model 317? I would ask the seller but so far now for 3 days no response.
From the condition what is the value?

Kernel Crittenden · #2 12-30-2015, 06:49 PM

The .22 LR is so popular, and made in smaller numbers, these little J-frames trade hands at kind of elevated prices, when compared to other similar J-frames - like the M642.

I'd say $400 to $525 with the lock. Plus $50 to $100 for no lock. $50 more for matching box.

battle · #3 12-30-2015, 07:16 PM

Surely those stocks aren't correct. What would be correct?

Kernel Crittenden · #4 12-30-2015, 07:31 PM

Probably Uncle Mike Boot grips, or the current S&W version of it. I considered the grips a wash, since you can buy a S&W grip for not much. Like $20 IINM. UM's are little harder, since they're no longer made, but you can find them second hand, sometimes, for not a lot. Less than $40.

CAJUNLAWYER · #5 12-30-2015, 07:49 PM

The Kernel's got it. I believe they originally came with the Dymondwood boot grips. Mine has the Uncle Mike's boot grips which BTW have the same profile as the magna/tyler set up. I prefer the magna/tyler set up as it is a bit lighter and not as sticky as the rubber. I have this set up on my 337 and 638-2 as well as my 317

battle · #6 12-31-2015, 12:30 PM

What type of box would this gun come in? We're there different types of finish? I have done searches and my pic seems to show a bronze tint. While the other are more an alloy or stainless finish.

b_san · #7 12-31-2015, 01:10 PM

They came in a standard small size blue box and one finish type, silver frosted finish that can come off fairly easily unfortunately with certain chemicals and wear, the tint is most likely due to the lighting in the picture and the background. I'd throw those grips in the pic in the garbage and put some Uncle Mikes 3 finger rubbers on there but as mentioned above they came with either Uncle Mikes style boot grips or the Dymondwood boots. No box, pre-lock with those ugly, useless grips I wouldnt pay more than $400 in excellent condition, box won't add much as these aren't really collectible guns.

battle · #8 12-31-2015, 01:33 PM

He is asking $275 but can't meet until the weekend, maybe. Is that a blue plastic box. I'm not worried about adding value, just want correct box for storage. And yes I plan to throw the grips in the garbage.

b_san · #9 12-31-2015, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by battle

He is asking $275 but can't meet until the weekend, maybe. Is that a blue plastic box. I'm not worried about adding value, just want correct box for storage. And yes I plan to throw the grips in the garbage.

Good price, I'd buy it. Box should be like this one...

murphydog · #10 12-31-2015, 01:45 PM

That is a very good price. You need a left side photo to tell if it has the internal lock but the frame contour and laser markings make me think it is a pre-lock 317.

I'd put the stocks in the "just-in-case" box, you never know what might show up in the future that needs those fake plastic stags

.

HarrishMasher · #11 12-31-2015, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by battle

He is asking $275 but can't meet until the weekend, maybe. Is that a blue plastic box. I'm not worried about adding value, just want correct box for storage. And yes I plan to throw the grips in the garbage.

That's a great price, you need to snap that up ASAP. I thought I scored when I picked a 317 up for $440 from a little old lady who shot one cylinder of Stingers through it and put it in a draw and didn't touch it for 10 years. Basically brand new and no lock.

battle · #12 12-31-2015, 01:50 PM

I was ready to meet yesterday with $275 cash in hand.

CAJUNLAWYER · #13 12-31-2015, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by battle

He is asking $275 but can't meet until the weekend, maybe. Is that a blue plastic box. I'm not worried about adding value, just want correct box for storage. And yes I plan to throw the grips in the garbage.

I'd buy it in a heartbeat for that price-box or no box....and I already have one!

kaaskop49 · #14 12-31-2015, 03:26 PM

I know I'm raining on everybody's parade, but could there be a reason for such a low price? Is there a broken firing pin or a frame crack under the forcing cone? Does it extract with difficulty? Have the chambers of the aluminum cylinder been damaged by excessive dry snapping? Is the seller trying to dump it because of some such problem? Can you, or do you have someone who can examine the piece carefully before you find yourself buying a pig in a poke? Wish you well and Happy New Year!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

WisconsinKen · #15 12-31-2015, 03:31 PM

Even with an IL and no box and those grips (all worse case), I'd grab it for that price in a heart beat. In fact, tell me his name, where you are meeting him and please me 5 minutes late

Hope you get this one.

BTW, I am sure if you put those grips up for sale, someone would jump at the chance to own them...

I'd pick them up simply to put on a gun for my wife to make her try and keep a smile on her face when she openen the box.

Kernel Crittenden · #16 01-01-2016, 03:07 PM

It was made during the era of S&W's Lifetime Service Policy. If it's broken and fixable, they can fix it. Often with free shipping and no charge to the second owner.

There was a Lady Smith version of this gun. Those might of had some kind of composite Diamondwood grips. The LS version would be nice, since it's suppose to have a reduced-weight trigger pull. Double action on Smith's stock rimfire J-frames can be "Herculean".

625 Shooter · #17 01-01-2016, 10:30 PM

I think my M317 (no dash) is a fairly early specimen. Serno CCK4xxx Cannot remember when I bought it; probably 1998 or 99 or so.

In original press releases, I recall S&W indicated and pictured a pinned front sight and those pretty wooden grips. I was a bit disappointed that mine did not have a pinned front sight. I can live with the rubber boot style grips.

Like virtually all, it needed trigger work. And it is fun to shoot.

I wish I knew how many rounds I've fired through it, but its hard to estimate. It did get to the point where I needed a wooden block to whack the ejector rod a bit to eject fired cases. Anyone else had that problem? A trip to S&W fixed that; good as new again. S&W didn't say what caused that, but it appeared to be returned with a new cylinder.

Rudyski · #18 01-05-2016, 04:12 PM

Looking for some info on my recently bought (no dash) 317, serial #CBY9xxx.
Does anyone know anything about these grips? I tried emailing S&W to see if they're OEM, but they must be swamped. Thanks.
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Hapworth · #19 01-05-2016, 05:16 PM

A seller that doesn't reply for days to interest in his ad? Can meet on the weekend...maybe? Is asking an unusually low price?

Caveat emptor...

Kernel Crittenden · #20 01-05-2016, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudyski

.... 317, serial #CBY9xxx....

April 1997, give or take.

S&W called those DymondWood grips. I think they could be original. I know many of the Lady Smith versions shipped with a grip like that. Sometimes the retailer will put different grips on a gun when they set them out in the store -- to generate interest, or justify a price differential. In cases like that, not even S&W would know what it "sold" with

Rudyski · #21 01-05-2016, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden

April 1997, give or take.

S&W called those DymondWood grips. I think they could be original. I know many of the Lady Smith versions shipped with a grip like that. Sometimes the retailer will put different grips on a gun when they set them out in the store -- to generate interest, or justify a price differential. In cases like that, not even S&W would know what it "sold" with

Thanks Kernel, appreciate the info.