17-6, 6" replacement cost?

[Paul_GL]

After a long time packed away, I pulled out my first hand un purchase, a 6" 17-6.

I was taking my nephew to the range for his first experience with a firearm. Well, long story short, he (and his Dad) fell in love with the .22.

I also had a 9mm auto for them to try, and my 686 6", but they kept coming back to the 17. I cant say blame them, using it myself, I'm now embarassed that it'd been so long unused.

Anyways, I figured I go find a used one for him as a XMAS gift and was fairly shell-shocked at the cost to buy one?!?! There was only one listed on gunbroker, so maybe it was a fluke.

But maybe not? Was this revolver made in small supply so as to make it hard to find? Is there a newer, better model that I might find cheaper? Sorry for the dumb question, I'm not really a collector, just an (apparently undereducated) owner!

 

[ken158]

North of $500 unless you find a real deal somewhere. If you are looking for a Christmas gift then time is not on your side. Pony up and hit all the local shops and maybe a gun show if you can find one this weekend.

 

[H Richard]

A nice one I think you would be hard pressed to find for less than $600. I sold one nearly a year ago for $575 and it was grabbed up quickly. I find they are too heavy for me, and prefer the standard barrel 17-2, -3, -4 or better yet a pre-17 K22. All of them in nice condition will be running %500 to $700 and I saw one on one of the markets recently for $1200!

Another alternative is a J Frame, Mod. 63 or 34.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[civil1977]

The high cost of ammo has driven many shooters to rimfire since its cheaper to shoot than centerfire. That, in turn, has caused the demand for rimfire guns to go up and so has their value.

 

[islandguy]

$500 would be considered a very good deal here in Canada for a Model 17-6 (or any Model 17) in VG+ condition. I paid $599 Cdn for my 17-6 (Exc) in Feb of this year and didn't feel ripped off.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I sold mine last summer for $550 ( right here) as I recall.
They are pretty hard to find. You might broaden your scope to include a 617 , 17 or 18. You'll still pay $400+ but will have a better chance of finding one quick and within budget.

 

[Paul_GL]

Yikes. Well that settles it- he wont be getting *my* nearly mint in the box 17!

 

[donaldw870]

Those price estimates are right on. I think the best deals on used S&W revolvers now (and always) are model 10s (pre-model 10s, etc.), but starting your nephew on a 22 is definitely the best choice. How about giving him a brick or two of ammo and 10 gift certificates for shooting lessons and range time with you?

 

[glenncal1]

Here is a full lug 17-8:

Revolvers For Sale - Smith & Wesson S&W 17-8 10-SHOT 22LR CALIBER - Auction: 10032839 (Ends 12/19/2010, 20:01:01 PST)

 

[Shooting4life]

I paid 640 for mine in like new condition here in California. Another one sold oncalguns for same amount but with a 4 inch barrel in less than 10 minutes. I was unfortunately 6 minutes too slow or I would have swooped that up right quick.

 

[RdrBill]

All.
Slightly different gun.
617-1 6 inch 10 shot aluminum cylinder. Nice condition. $399 local store.
Bill@Yuma

 

[Wee Hooker]

All.
Slightly different gun.
617-1 6 inch 10 shot aluminum cylinder. Nice condition. $399 local store.
Bill@Yuma

That's a good price. The alloy cylinders tend to drag the price down a bit.