5" BBl 17-3

[Mule88]

Working on checking out a S&W 17-3 with original 5" Bbl all I can find is that the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition says its rare. Ive only seen pics of them never in person. I suppose to be able to check it out on Saturday. There is no box the gun is reported at 97-98% but the hammer and trigger have been jeweled. Any input would be appreciated on approx value. Thanx in advance will post pics when I get them.

Serial # 16K6673

 

[rburg]

I have no clue why you want it. That's an honest statement and one you should probably answer before buying. Since its "rare", the seller probably wants a premium over normal lengths. Never pay it unless you're absolutely certain it was original factory work. Buy the gun, not the story.

When looking at a non-standard length barrel, you need to really look at the work. Start with the barrel crown. Then move to the sight and its attachment to the rib. Follow up with the centering of the roll mark. If the premium exceeds $50 over standard, I'd want a factory letter.

On the other hand, if you're just buying it to shoot it a bunch, and the price is within the range of 4" and 6" guns, there is little reason to be picky as I've suggested. I know people who insist that 5" is the ideal compromise between shooting and carrying. It shoots better than a 4" but isn't as burdensome as a 6" gun. Your choice and your money.

 

[Mule88]

Im only interested in it if its original, I already told them upon me inspecting the gun. As mentioned, check front crown , front sight installation roll marks,a figure hasn't been talked about yet, just wanting to know if anyone had any info on value if it is original.

 

[long colt frazier]

Dick has it covered,could not have said it better.
Mark

 

[BAM-BAM]

Don't forget to post pictures if you get it!!!!!!


The Jeweled hammer and trigger.........would lead me to be very cautious/ suspicious of the 5" barrel.......being factory.

 

[Mule88]

Doc44 i figure you would have info on an original 5" 17. Again im ONLY interested if it comes back original. Thanx again

 

[linde]

Im only interested in it if its original . . . just wanting to know if anyone had any info on value if it is original.

I don't know how many factory 5" bbl K-22s were made but I'm only aware of a very few . . . like less than five . . . and none of those were for sale or had sold so there would be very little (if any) market price available.

Having searched for several years, I gave up trying to find a factory original and had Hamilton Bowen make one for me.

A quality job is hard to tell from factory original. Short of a factory letter confirming originality I would assume any 5" K-22 was modified.

Russ

 

[H Richard]

I will just add, make sure he is measuring correctly, from the cylinder to muzzle, not from frame to muzzle. Some don't know the right way. I see auctions with 5" and 5 1/2" S&W's listed all the time, and it is usually the incorrect measurement of the barrel.

 

[DWalt]

I saw a 5" M17 sometime early this year, but don't remember the dash number. It looked OK, wasn't priced excessively, but I remember being dubious as to whether or not the barrel length was original. Anyway, I passed it by as I didn't think I knew enough to take a chance. I also would be suspicious in light of the jeweled hammer and trigger, seems as though a previous owner might have been in a "Customizing" mindframe. I would certainly check to see if all SNs matched. Priced as a shooter, it wouldn't bother me.

 

[murphydog]

As mentioned above, if it is mechanically sound and they are selling it at no or a slight premium over a 4 or 6" K-22, there is little risk involved. For a substantial premium I would request a history letter and negotiate a refund (part or full) if it doesn't letter as a factory 5". Or just pass...

 

[murphydog]

Regarding a value...an original one is seen so rarely (as Russ noted), plus there are plenty of K-22 fans who might want to add one to their collection, so I would not be surprised if one were to sell at $2000 or more with a history letter. You can always have the hammer and trigger refinished or replaced.

 

[Mule88]

pics and serial no. added

 

[murphydog]

Well, it appears 5" long...but without closeup photos of the crown and sight base, all I can say is that it has the appearance of a factory barrel.

About how much is the seller asking (or did you buy it)?

 

[DWFAN]

Anyone notice how worn the ejector rod is.? and the crown looks a bit rounder than a factory crown would. I think we're looking at a shortened M17 barrel and a reblue. Of course my opinion isn't worth the paper it's written on.

DW

 

[Mule88]

I haven't even talked price till I find out if its the real deal or not. As mentioned in other remarks I still may be interested if its a cut bbl but not at an inflated price. Talking to the person about getting it lettered

 

[pharman]

"Bunch?"

Working on checking out a S&W 17-3 with original 5" Bbl all I can find is that the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition says its rare. Ive only seen pics of them never in person. I suppose to be able to check it out on Saturday. There is no box the gun is reported at 97-98% but the hammer and trigger have been jeweled. Any input would be appreciated on approx value. Thanx in advance will post pics when I get them.

Serial # 16K6673

Hey Mule...are you by chance going to check it out Saturday at the "Bunch?" If so, there will probably be plenty of "experts" there to confirm or deny it's authenticity...Hope this helps...Roger