I must admit it...

[TTSH]

The Gun Parlor in Worcester has a used 17-3 that looks in good shape and they have it priced at $1200. You might make an offer of $1000 out the door and see what they say. No connections to the shop.
https://thegunparlor.com/product/used-smith-wesson-17-3-22-cal/

Looks pretty nice (I love how you can download a high-res photo off their website). But that high $$$ starting point against my limited means would tend to make it a serious long shot.

Funny story but I would have seen that gun in person last week (I was passing through right in the area) if only my new, super-duper Christmas present GPS would have been able to come up with an address. Sadly, it couldn't.

Man, was I peeved!

 

[Bob L]

Actually, I wish my 617 only had 6. My gun club has a rule that only allows 5 to be loaded at a time. Lining-up the cylinder with the one empty is much easier with 6 than 10. Part of that is due to the greater space between the 6 cylinder spaces. A .22 is not exactly a "home defense" gun.

Have you thought about putting 6 of the red snap caps in with the rim cutback so they don't eject. Then you only have 6 charge holes open.