Found a 17-3 quite a bit of neglect - a lot of rust? Buy it??

[.460V & XVR Magnum Man]

I my local pawnshop he has coming up for sale a 17-3 6" barrel. It has some rust issues. Speckling under the trigger guard and behind the hammer spur. On the backstrap and freckling on the barrel. It will be available for sale Monday. Is this still retaining some value, or should I pass it up. All my other older Smiths are 98% plus, this one is pretty bad, it looks like it was stored in a holster. I think he will be asking $400 or more for it. Need to know what you all think, play or pass??? Also it has some hokey grips (green laminate), no box or papers. Its serial number is K959XXX. I know sooner or later another one will come along but don't want to make a mistake here if these are hard to find. The inside of the barrel looked ok, but dirty.
Thanks,

 

[410bore]

PASS if its more than $400.

 

[H Richard]

At $400 it makes a really nice shooter.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I can handle lots of things, but speckling is an automatic no go on anything for me. I'd rather have a well worn gun with 80% bluing left than one with 100% bluing and speckling.

 

[jimmyjoe]

I think $400 is to much. Maybe $300 for a rusty shooter?

 

[sheriffoconee]

$400 sounds like more than i would pay...$300 and i would buy it, speckling and funky grips

 

[MakeMyNight]

IMHO, pass on it.

Model 17s are common revolvers, and quality specimens of circa 17-2, 17-3, and upward are fairly plentiful.
For 500-600 bucks, You should be able to procure one of those mentioned in near new condition.

Go to a few gun shows, because the show prices are generally better as compared to daily fare in shops and pawn brokers.

I paid $550 for a new in the box 17-2 just a few years ago, image shown below.

Of course, I fired it prior to the image.

 

[TAROMAN]

Without an image its hard to judge, but agree with the consensus that $400 is high for this. I might go $300-$325 at most, depending on condition.

 

[fyimo]

I guess it depends on where you live because around here a shooter grade 17-3 will run you $400 if it has tight lockup and works well mechanically. On the other hand for and extra $150 you can get a 98% Model 17-3 so it depends what level revolver you want.

I bought a 17-4 that is mint and maybe unfired for $650 with box, paperwork, and tool kit about two months ago.

 

[Sportsterguy]

I like them so much that I bought a second 17-3 for my shooter as my original is 98%. The second shooter model was also stored in a holster and has some bluing issues but they are both my most accurate S&W's. If the bore is bright and shiney, lock up nice and tight and the triggers good I don't think you'll be ripped off at that price. I'd still try to get him to lower the price down to 300.00 or 350.00. Paid 350.00 for mine locally and think I did well. I can live with the condition as I don't have to worry about scratching it up or otherwise damaging the finish if it shoots well and mine shoots great.


You're buying the most accurate S&W I've ever shot or owned. That 17 will make a great field revolver and easily capable of a head shot to a rabbit or other small game at 25 yards and longer if you do your part.

 

[steamloco76]

My 17-4 is more accurate than either of my 1950's K-22's. Check the bore, chambers and the mechanicals. Then, if all the important stuff is good to go, offer the shop $325 and top out at $375. You'll have a great shooter.

 

[.460V & XVR Magnum Man]

Thanks guys for all the feedback, it looked at it again and I will have to side with Cajunlawyer, bluing issues are one thing but un-buffable deep speckling and spots all over it is another. Even the hammerhad issues with spots. Sooooo, I guess I will look around more. You guys have given me some great ideas, and again thanks for all the replies! I will update you when I find another one. Just looking to get one to go with my 1939 K-22 Outsdoorsman.
Thanks again!

 

[62bowtie]

I can handle lots of things, but speckling is an automatic no go on anything for me. I'd rather have a well worn gun with 80% bluing left than one with 100% bluing and speckling.

I thought a 17 was a revolver??

 

[Smee78]

It is a revolver, I love my 18