New S&W 17-9

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jnichols2

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I already have two .22LR pistols (Walther P22 and Ruger Mark IV). But the head guy at my range has been saying I need a revolver, specifically a S&W 17.

I saw one yesterday that looked nice, but figured $862 is a lot for a .22 revolver. Today I thought, I'll be 70 in September, maybe the day will come when the .357 and .44 Mags get a bit much. :D

Anyway, I bought it today. I'll find out tomorrow at the range if it was a good way to spend $862. I also noticed the size is similar to a S&W 686, except mine is 4" and the 17 is 6".

The DA trigger pull is a little high, I understand all .22s are. However; the SA pull is really sweet. With a 6" barrel, I might get some 25 yard groups that make me feel good. :D

2017-07-20 16.47.18 (Medium).jpg

2017-07-20 16.47.50 (Medium).jpg
 
Congratulations

The 22 Target Masterpiece (aka Model 17) has always been a favorite of mine. I have several new and old. I can not imagine being without one.

Your Model 17 is built on a K-frame which is slightly smaller and lighter than the L-frame your 686 is built on

If after some break-in time you still feel that your D/A trigger pull is too heavy, any competent gunsmith can help with that

I hope that you enjoy your new revolver as much as I have enjoyed mine over the years.
 
colt saa,

Don't get me wrong. The DA trigger isn't "too heavy", just heavier than my 686. I have a Colt Model 1917 that is so heavy my Lyman gauge can't measure the pull. Guess the troops were tough in WW1. :)
 
I bought a 617 last year, and did some trigger work on it. Despite some folks dislike for MIM parts, I found they were very smooth and in no need of stoning. The frame on the other hand had the usual amount of machining marks and one large burr. Cleaning it up and putting in a lighter rebound spring and hammer spring resulted in an amazing difference. Total time involved was maybe 20 minutes and well worth it, in my not so humble opinion. :)
 
Well; I took the new S&W 17-9 out to the range today.

I managed to stay disciplined and serious for about 18 rounds. The accuracy I am able to achieve with this gun is amazing. Then, I started having a lot of fun, and discipline slipped a bit. I had a great time, but wasn't quite as accurate as when I started.

That happens to me everytime a new gun is a lot of fun to shoot. Next time out, I'll have it out of my system, and be able to get serious about practice again. I no longer have any concerns about the DA trigger pull. It's very smooth, and works just fine. I also have no concerns over the cost compared to other .22 handguns, it's worth every penny.


I'll paint the face of the front sight bright red before my next time out. That will make it easier on the eyes.
 
jnichols2 said:
I'll paint the face of the front sight bright red before my next time out. That will make it easier on the eyes.
Click to expand...

If you want to get serious on making it easier on the eyes, add a red dot. I started using them when my eyes started going south decades ago, and now, even with my sight being corrected with cataract implants, I still prefer the red dots hands down. :D
 
Tom,

I have red dots on four pistols and two rifles. But I'm not yet thinking about putting them on this one. I'll try the painted front sight first.
 
Agree about the red dot.Even though I have some on various guns. That would be like putting spinner hub caps on a classic Corvette .

I was torn between the 17 and the 617 a while ago. I went with the 617 but still need to have a 17 someday.
 
Congratulations on a beautiful wood and blue steel work of art. It's so refreshing to hear someone appreciate a new s&w instead of bitc___g about it.
 
I should be totally honest. All my other Smiths, and my Ruger Redhawk, have Hogue rubber. But, my Colt Model 1917 will keep it's smooth wood grips, and the M17 will keep it's wood grips.

Drill the top strap and mount a scope -- Outch !!
 
colt_saa said:
If you do decide on a red dot, modern Smith and Wesson revolvers are already drilled and tapped for a scope mount.

Just remove the rear sight and attach the mount
Click to expand...

That's good info, I would be a lot more willing to do that than drill the frame.

But, is the M17 considered "modern"?
 
No drilling required for the red dot:

i-Hj4RnwB-X4.jpg


Mount is available from a seller on this forum. :D
 
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