Model 17 Masterpiece Trigger

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sjs

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Is there any reason to expect the Masterpiece trigger to be better than the 617 trigger?

Not speaking about any other differences between the two. I have had a 617 but have never seen a current 17 Masterpiece in the flesh. I understand 3 different 617's could all feel a little different, some variation is possible, but as a general rule is the Masterpiece trigger better?
 
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I believe you have answered your own question. (and I agree)

While each revolver has it's own "personality" in terms of how the action feels to the individual, I wouldn't think you could tell the difference between the newer or current production models.
 
Old production masterpieces have the best trigger that I have experienced. I have a 1959, 1965 and 1968. Any modern production does not come close by a mile. I have some guns ~1996 pre-lock and pre-MIM also excellent, even a little better than mid 1980s. I shoot my buddy's guns across the spectrum and they are all post 2000s and they are not in that league.
 
So, if I want to get that good trigger, what year should I use as a starting point for looking for an old 17?

Also, there are a couple of 17's in stock at guns.com and one is the 17-1 and one is the 17-4. I read the forum information on how to identify a particular gun with a serial number but the on line stores do not give a serial number. Is there a source for finding out what years the 17-1 was in production, and what years the 17-4?
 
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sjs - The post-war K-22 Masterpiece became the Model 17 in mid-1957 when model numbers replaced model names. The following dates are the starting year of the 17-dash models:
17-1 1959
17-2 1961
17-3 1967
17-4 1977 to 1988

Hope that helps your search.
Oh, and as far as info sources, the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson—often refered to as SCSW around here—is THE source.

Cheers,
 
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In the search for the perfect trigger you are far better off starting at the gunsmith's counter rather than the gun counter. It's more likely to yield better results faster and cheaper than searching for a new gun with what you're looking for.
 
I have a 2018 617-6 with what I thought is a perfect trigger. Then I bought a 1947 K22 Masterpiece from emptypockets last month. Single action - cock, touch, bang. I don't notice the movement, yet it's not "too light." Double action is as smooth as glass. No stacking, just pull, it cycles, and bang. They were different 70+ years ago.
 
My 17-3 trigger is every bit as good as any centerfire trigger I've tried. Often a rimfire revolver trigger is overly stiff to ensure reliable ignition. Maybe the wide, forged steel target trigger of the 17 has enough mass that it doesn't need a heavier spring.
 
My Masterpieces, K38, K32, 17-1, 48-4. all have excellent triggers. I have never fired a 617 but you cant go wrong with a blued K22.

FWIW: After I got my lettered 17-1 I was informed by the gurus on here that most if not all 17-1's shipped in 1962. Mine shipped in March.
 
MrG5122 said:
My Masterpieces, K38, K32, 17-1, 48-4. all have excellent triggers. I have never fired a 617 but you cant go wrong with a blued K22.

FWIW: After I got my lettered 17-1 I was informed by the gurus on here that most if not all 17-1's shipped in 1962. Mine shipped in March.
Click to expand...

Is your 17-1 trigger actually as good as your centerfires?
 
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