Getting a Model 17. New or old?

[Super Dave]

The older ones are prettier but for shooting I prefer the newer ones. The top strap comes drilled for optics and 10 rounds is more trigger time with an Ansac speed loader. Add a narrower Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight, hogue rubber grips and a trigger job and you will have an awesome shooter. Plus, the stainless is nice on a user.
Either way you will have the perfect starter S&W.

 

[weatherby]

Most things have already been mentioned.

The starters are do you want a 4 or 6 inch gun.
Do you want a full underlug gun.
The nib or lnib consider most 22's will last several lifetimes.

My favorite as I shoot better with a 6" and non full underlug

 

[Swissfan]

I have a 17-2 on layaway, $689 OTD. Came from an estate and looks like it has shot very little. I have seen very few for sale locally and let this one sit in the case at the dealer for a few days before putting the down payment on it. I can't wait to bring it home and put some rounds through it. Really wanted it this past weekend squirrel hunting, maybe next trip.

 

[1937]

Most things have already been mentioned.

The starters are do you want a 4 or 6 inch gun.
Do you want a full underlug gun.
The nib or lnib consider most 22's will last several lifetimes.

My favorite as I shoot better with a 6" and non full underlug

1. 6 or 8
2. No
3. At least 95%+.

Today my plan is 8 3/8" 17, then maybe later a 6" 617.

 

[1937]

Are Cabela's offerings inspected or tested differently than independent sellers? I hope you get a good one, let me know how the transaction goes.

 

[1937]

If we could have them we wouldn't get to lust over them. Fear not, there seems to be no shortage of available 17's. Looks like the greatest challenge is accepting the current prices.

 

[1937]

What year would a 17-6 have been produced?

 

[Swissfan]

Model 17

Finally got around to taking some pics. Serial number puts it at '64-'65. Grips are numbers matching.

 

[1937]

On 01/20/2017 with your guidance I purchased my 1st S&W revolver. A new unfired 8 3/8" 17-6 in original box w/paperwork, tools, etc. Serial number is BBUXXXX. Would like to know date of manufacture, so far unsuccessful finding a chart for this type of number.

I didn't like the original target grips, switched to Herrett's Shooting Stars which were better but not quite right. These Altamont Ropers seem about perfect. The only change I intend to make is refinishing the grips in dark matte walnut.

Cost a lot of money, but regret index is at a solid 0%.

Thanks for all of your valuable advice.

 

[colt_saa]

On 01/20/2017 with your guidance I purchased my 1st S&W revolver. A new unfired 8 3/8" 17-6 in original box w/paperwork, tools, etc. Serial number is BBUXXXX. Would like to know date of manufacture, so far unsuccessful finding a chart for this type of number.

Does the original Box have a computer printed end label on it?

If so, the date of manufacture is in code under the heading SPEC ORD

Let us know what that 4 digit number is and we should be able to turn that into a date of manufacturer for you

If you want to know when the revolver shipped, that would require a historical letter

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Congrats on buying a real classic. I think that you'll be glad that you spent the extra bucks for it, and like many above, I prefer the older models like yours.

I've had Model 17s and 18s since the mid-70s and I can't think of a better way to launch .22 Rim Fire ammo. They are just plain FUN.

 

[1937]

There's a computer generated sticker with a UPC code running its entire length applied over the label on the box. This covers the SPEC ORD area.

Isn't there a chart for this series? Found one for my 28-2 right away.

 

[1937]

...I've had Model 17s and 18s since the mid-70s and I can't think of a better way to launch .22 Rim Fire ammo. They are just plain FUN.

It certainly is. This was my favorite until I shot a box of 38 full wadcutters from the 4" 28-2 probably because it's better balanced. After @ 70 rounds through the 17 it gets a little nose heavy.

Looks like I need an N Frame .22.....

 

[Florida Cracker]

1947 Pre-17

I have a 1947 Pre-17 that I regularly shoot in a revolver plate match. It is far from pristine, but wouldn't trade it for a brand new one!

 

[dickydalton]

I'm saying 1988-89. BBT is in 1988 and BBY is in 1989 in the S$W 4th edition.

 

[NavyVet24]

I think you will love it. I bought my 8 3/8" 17-4 unfired in box 2 years ago for $727 private party. One of my best buys ever.

 

[Lasvegasron]

The old ones are 6 shot and I have several with the 8" + barrel . I do have the 4" 6" and 8 3/8" stainless that are all 10 shot. They make a speed loader and a block to fill it with. All 17 and 617 shoot well you cant go wrong with any of them.

 

[reccpd101]

Model 18s are often in rough condition compared to 17s. My department had several. When we had a new handgun shooter who couldn't seem to
get breath, eye, & hand coordinated. We put them on the range with one of the 18s and a lot of 22LR. Practice makes perfect but it is likely to wear on the gun.

 

[Rlsalinas]

Older guns are cool

Get the old gun. I have three. A model 17 no dash a k-22 masterpiece in the gold box and a pre 17 no vent rib. It is great holding these pistols.

 

[bph9]

Seriously why would anyone spend all that money on a new gun that had MIM cast parts in it.

\ Plus the added prestige of pinned and recessed is not there either.

Correct me if I am wrong but I hear the new guns have burned in rifling (edm) machine.

Correct me if I am wrong but I hear the new guns have two piece barrels.

Correct me If I am wrong but I hear the new guns have the frame drilled for a trigger lock.