Anyone have a M 317 Lightweight 22LR?

[Rule3]

Also known as a Kit Gun. I just picked up the 3" version with fiber optic front sight. This thing is as light as a feather.

Product: Model 317 Revolver - HIVIZ®

I took it to the range today and I am a little disappointed in the accuracy of this gun. For the money I expected a little better. I realize it is not going to be a M 617(which I have) but was expecting at least 3-4" groups at 10 yards. I barely could obtain that. I tried different ammo but seemed to get very inconsistent groupings. I was sighting it in using a front pistol rest to eliminate "me" from the groupings.

Anyone else have similar results, good, better worse??

Thanks

 

[hiram2005]

I had one like yours and sold it. However I bought the 2 inch fixed sight model back when they first came out.It is pretty inconsistent in the accuracy department also, but it is great to carry. You never know you have it with you.

 

[dogdoc]

I had one and never could get it shoot well. I sold it and found an all steel model 63 which is much better. I think it is too light to hold a good sight picture at the moment you squeeze the trigger which pulls the gun off target every so slightly.

 

[jpwhel]

Handled the snub version at a gun show and did not like the weight. Too light.
Would like to have handled the 3 inch version to see how it felt.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Nope...Don't have one

 

[DRB]

I have one and my wife has one both 2 inchers. Not super accurate just to light to hold on target well. The wife loves hers shoots it a lot. It will hit a head sized target at 20 feet everytime so plenty accurate for self defense. They are super light you can carry them in your pocket all day and not even know it is there. I like them but would not try to shoot at anything real small.

 

[45/70 marlin]

I had one of the 2 inch guns.Mine was the most inaccurate revolver that I have ever shot.Bought a pair a 2 inch model 34 revolvers later on.The 34 is very accurate and IMO a better built revolver.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have the snubbie version, pre-lock of course. It is not going to win you Gold at the Olympics, but it is capable of saving your life. Mine shoots standard velocity ammo the best. I can keep all eight shots on a head size target at ten yards off hand. It will group tighter if fired off a bench using sandbags for support. Some owners swap out the springs. I carried my gun on BSA hikes/outings and did not want an easy trigger pull, in case a Scout got ahold of it somehow.

$250.00 plus tax OTD when Jumbo Sports closed their Atlanta stores years ago.

 

[owenwd54]

I love my 317 3"

I love mine and it shoots fine . I t takes a while to used to shooting it.
I can hit dime size targets at 7 yards with it. At frist the trigger pull is real heavy but after a lot of practice it gets better.
Dont give up on the little 317 you will love it.

 

[cowboy117]

I bought a 317 2";great revolver! I use it for training for 37-2[38 Special].Shoots MOM[minute of man]

 

[Dave from Pa]

I also have a 2" 317 pre lock.Nice revolver ,my accuracy is fair. With HV stingers or other performance rounds it growls like a bear.

 

[ladder13]

Have the 2 inch version

 

[nhdude]

I have one that I bought as a "trainer" for my 642. Haven't shot either enough to claim even basic proficiency yet. Thought the 317 would be reasonably similar to the 642 but enable me to put a lot more rounds downrange without the expense of 38 ammo. So far I'm finding I'm much more accurate with the 317 so I guess it's the recoil of the 642 that is messing me up. I'm pretty much a newbie but find the accuracy of the 317 pretty decent. I'm far better with my Ruger Speed Six 2 3/4" though... that's almost a 3lb gun though and not great for summer carry.

 

[BSkerj]

I enjoy shooting mine. It is reasonably accurate at 10 yrds., about what I expected. My wife though has more or less taken it over. She has become very proficient with it and it gives her piece of mind when she is out taking her walks.
Seemed to me the more I shot it the more accurate I became.

 

[mfoley]

3 Inch 317 .22 that works well

OCD1,

I have a 317-3 that I got to work well.

When I first purchased it I could not hold elevation with it because of the Hi-Vis sight.

The front Hi-Vis sight has a top and a bottom that both have to be lined up properly to hold elevation.

With Smith and Wesson Customer Service help I looked up what front sights could replace the Hi-Vis one and I found that the front sight for a Model 60 will fit the 317.

I purchased a rear sight assembly, a front sight and pin for the Model 60 and had a gunsmith friend of mine install them for me.

Once I had the traditional sight picture I could make head shots on jack rabbits at 50 yards.

The 317 being very light must be practiced with regularly to maintain this type of accuracy.

I also had a J Frame trigger job done by the same gunsmith on the revolver to make the trigger pull smoother.

PS: The gunsmith was the main armorer for the US Boarder Patrol Pistol Team.

If you have any more questions please let me know.


I

 

[MountainSmith]

Mfoley,
I would love to see a photo of your sight set up.

 

[N_itis]

I have a 2" M317. I agree with the comments about accuracy limitations.

I keep mine loaded with shotshells and carry it while working outside in case I run into a snake that I cannot readily walk away from. It is great for that purpose. For anything else, I opt for a more substantial gun.

 

[Loco Weed]

I had one and had a lot of problems with accuracy. The front sight was a hi-viz green. The little housing around the hi-viz insert had a lot of flashing on it that threw the sight picture off. I could never get it trimmed up well enough. It was also green and I'm red/green color blind so it was pretty much gray to me. The rear sight was nothing more than a deep V which contributed nothing to accuracy. I sold it.

 

[lanceman193]

I have a 317-1 in a 2 inch adjustable sight version,somewhat rare,I understand.I only fired it once,and was quite surprised at how accurate it was.I'm not a very good shot,but 8 rounds of 22 in a 10 oz (guessing ??) was quite fun and easier to shoot than most of my other 2 inch revolvers.I am told that some of the triggers from the factory in these rimfires are terrible.Mine is not bad.I'm definitely gonna keep it.

 

[mod34]

Laceman,
Could you please post a picture of your 2" 317 with adjustable sites? Been looking for one of these for.......well, forever and have never even seen one (regardless of price). I'd love to see a picture or two. Thanks for at least confirming that I wasn't looking for the Loch Ness monster