Difference between a Model 17 -2,-3,-4

[ebrem]

Hello

I am new to revolvers , so I would like to ask for some advice.
I have a chance to buy a Model 17. I also have choices of a -2,-3, and-4.
Each are equal in condition 96%-97%. All have the target trigger and target hammer.
1. Is one model varient better than the other?
2. What is the better choice knowing that they are equal in condition.

I am not using this to collect, I plan to shoot it.

Thank you in advance for your response.

 

[diamonback68]

The dashes are engineering changes. "Better" is subjective.

-2 the 4th screw was eliminated from the front of the trigger guard.
-3 relocated the rear sight leaf screw.
-4 moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder.

From a collectors standpoint the -2 and the -3 would be somewhat more desireable. From a shooters standpoint the -4 would be more desirable because of the gas ring move.
Hope that helps some.

 

[Art Doc]

One word: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

 

[EdF702]

Buy them all!

 

[Sealevel]

Wow - great choices! After you take pick of the litter please pass on your source to those less fortunate.

 

[ebrem]

Difference between a Model 17 -2,-3,-4 (-5 added)

hello

One more question.
I alos have an opportunity to pick a -5 Would this varient be BEST for shooting compared to the -2,-3.
The condition of the -5 is 95%.

Again thank you all for your responses.

 

[texagun]

Good information. I've got a 17-3 and was wondering what the
advantage would be for moving the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder in a .22 revolver?

 

[diamonback68]

Good information. I've got a 17-3 and was wondering what the
advantage would be for moving the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder in a .22 revolver?

As you know .22LR ammo is noted for being dirty, but the change was done on all models and calibers.

The purpose of the gas ring is just what it says. It was to divert gases, unburnt powder, lead shavings and junk away from the cylinder and collar so as not to cause the cylinder to bind up. With it on the yoke this debris still got around it somewhat and into the cylinder and caused binding problems, so the -4 moved it to the cylinder to do a better job. That may be oversimplifying it somewhat, but it'll have to do.

 

[texagun]

Thanks Dick. I've always wondered about that particular change when they upgraded the various models.

 

[steamloco76]

If condition and price are about equal, and you want to shoot it a good deal, go with the -4. The gas ring move really does help reduce cylinder bind compared to the older K-22's. The -5 started in 1988 and offers no real shooting advantage as the updates were the "radius stud package and new yoke retention system'' -both done to ease production fitting.

As others have mentioned-pick yours then let the forum members know where the others are.

 

[snowman]

The dashes are engineering changes. "Better" is subjective.

-4 moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder.

Hi, Dick. SCSW is clear on this, but my -3 has the gas ring on the cylinder. Would this be one of those examples in which an earlier, unsold frame was salvaged and then-current parts were used to complete the gun?

Andy

 

[diamonback68]

Hi, Dick. SCSW is clear on this, but my -3 has the gas ring on the cylinder. Would this be one of those examples in which an earlier, unsold frame was salvaged and then-current parts were used to complete the gun?

Andy

Andy it's hard to tell. It could also be a transition gun, which most likely the case. It's not very likely that a newer yoke and cylinder was replaced after it left the factory 'cause that's not an easy thing to fit. Probably a late -3 transition gun.

 

[chris66]

Thanksdiamonback68

 

[CKPOMEH]

As you know .22LR ammo is noted for being dirty, but the change was done on all models and calibers.

The purpose of the gas ring is just what it says. It was to divert gases, unburnt powder, lead shavings and junk away from the cylinder and collar so as not to cause the cylinder to bind up. With it on the yoke this debris still got around it somewhat and into the cylinder and caused binding problems, so the -4 moved it to the cylinder to do a better job. That may be oversimplifying it somewhat, but it'll have to do.

I can attest to that. I have a 17-3 in 95%+ condition and it takes only about 80-100 rounds or so before the cylinder starts to rotate very hard due to the residue build up. The tolerances of those older 17s is so tight that they just require constant cleaning...

In stark contrast - I run about 1,000 rounds on my 617-5 before I need to clean it up. I assume it is due to the gas ring relocation in the newer ones.

 

[CKPOMEH]

Difference between a Model 17 -2,-3,-4 (-5 added)

hello

One more question.
I alos have an opportunity to pick a -5 Would this varient be BEST for shooting compared to the -2,-3.
The condition of the -5 is 95%.

Again thank you all for your responses.

I would probably go for the 17-4. I have a 17-3 and it does build up residue very quickly - I can run only two 50 round boxes through it before it starts to stick and rotate very hard (especially in DA). Make sure you run Standard Velocity in those, and not HV. If you want to shoot the cheaper 'run of the mill 22 high or hyper velocity 500 round bricks', you should consider a 617 - those are stronger and can take any 22 LR ammo.

Also, I would encourage you to consider a 4" model - either a model 18 or a 4" 617. I find the 4" more pleasant to shoot in DA, and definitely less barrel heavy. Bear in mind those 22 LR K frames are actually heavier than the 38 SPL counterparts due to the smaller bores, so they tend to feel heavy after 20-30 mins of plinking with extended arms.

 

[WILDPIG]

ZOMBIE THREAD!!!

WILDPIG

 

[bananaman]

This thread needs some pics! My 17-2 from 1964. Picked it up used and boy is it accurate! Bob

 

[-BTM-]

ZOMBIE THREAD!!!

WILDPIG

I’m just here to say the difference is 1

 

[richrd]

I would check triggers. If one gun had a good trigger job, that's the one I'd buy.