A model 17 for Michigan squirrels (updated with some targets)

[KalamazooKid]

This rig has been a couple years in the making. After using CZ 22 rifles for years, this is the year I’m going to use a revolver. I wanted a true shooter grade, 1960ish (give or take), model 17.

The M17 no dash arrived today and I had a “poop eatin” grin on my face as I cleaned, waxed, and then shot this gun. They tell me it’s probably a 1961 vintage - perfect (I’m 1956 vintage[emoji23]). It has just the perfect amount of aging, couple of dings and scrapes here and there along with a little honest holster wear - again, exactly what I’ve been looking for.

This is to be my squirrel gun! I so look forward to testing a bunch of my extensive inventory of ammo and working up the best option. I’m a rest only hunter so a lot of the time I’m resting the gun (or my hand) up against a tree so that’s how I practice. I’ll update with a range report soon. Here’s the rig ......

The target hammer and trigger have unbelievable case coloring .....

 

[Skwirl]

That's a beautiful old gun.
The skwirls are in for a surprise.

 

[Peak53]

My bet is on CCI Standard Velocity. Congratulations and good eatin'

 

[22hipower]

Sorry, I'm not seeing the "dings and scrapes." Maybe better pictures required; looks great to me. Terrific revolvers, enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[KalamazooKid]

Sorry, I'm not seeing the "dings and scrapes." Maybe better pictures required; looks great to me. Terrific revolvers, enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Oh they’re there, but admittedly are light. I almost, to a fault, have too many old revolvers that are “LNIB” and therefore shot very little. I’ll have no reservations about shooting this lady thousands and thousands of times. [emoji106]

 

[KalamazooKid]

My bet is on CCI Standard Velocity. Congratulations and good eatin'

Agree 100%. But hey, it’s a journey right?

 

[DocB]

Grew up hunting squirrels and everything else with a 22 revolver. When you're a kid and on foot, you don't have much use for a rifle or, even worse, a heavy shotgun.

 

[shouldazagged]

MAN, that makes me wish I could still hunt squirrels. It was always tied with doves as my favorite kind of hunting. Going after them with a revolver like that beauty...I can dream.

 

[saemetric]

Like the holster. What brand?

 

[KalamazooKid]

Like the holster. What brand?

Thanks, it's a Bianchi model 16L from the 70's or early 80's I believe.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

That's a dandy, Kid!

Have fun out there.

 

[Troystat]

Very nice, I have a 17-4 and the 17 series revolvers are really nice shooting guns. Thanks for showing us your "shooter grade" 17 and good luck with your squirrel hunt.

 

[Abbynormal]

I always had the best groups with Rem Blue box .22's and Win Match or Super X loads. The best I ever had was with the now discontinued Win
Silhouette heavy bullet loads. But I haven't seen any for over 15 years!

 

[KalamazooKid]

I always had the best groups with Rem Blue box .22's and Win Match or Super X loads. The best I ever had was with the now discontinued Win
Silhouette heavy bullet loads. But I haven't seen any for over 15 years!

I’m looking forward to shooting a bunch of the favorites tomorrow. The trigger on this thing is silky smooth.

When I picked it up at my FFL, they asked if I was interested in a trigger job on it. I said that if a 60 year old M17 needed a trigger job I’d be shocked. [emoji23] Needless to say, no work needed.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Got out this afternoon to shoot it some more. Too dang hot to stay out long so I just took some CCI Mini-Mags.

After a few cylinders to “warm up”, I put it on a rest at 12 yards and shot 3 more cylinders. All in a 1.5” group (3” targets).

Next I moved back to 25 yards and ran 3 more cylinders. While these spread out just a bit, I blame my 61 yr old eyes, definitely not the gun.

The target hammer and trigger are smooth as silk, without question the best of all of my revolvers.

I’ll continue to refine my skills with a lot more shooting with a variety of ammo. It’s a journey!

 

[H Richard]

Try some CCI Standard velocity and see what happens to the groups. All my 17's like it.

 

[model17]

My model 17's like CCI Standard Vel. Ammo!

 

[KalamazooKid]

My model 17's like CCI Standard Vel. Ammo!

Will be shootin some next session.

 

[bananaman]

I have a real nice 17-2. (1964) I personally would not waste it on "TREE RATS"! It is accurate enough though. Bob

 

[dave1918a2]

My old 1953 vintage K-22 really, really likes Remington Viper HV stuff. Usually around an inch at 25 yards.