I NEED an M17 or 617 or something

[Sevens]

For the model 17 you will need a dash 5 or older if you don't want a full lug barrel. You will probably see more dash 2,3,4's in long tube. You already know how nicely balanced the long tube K frames are with your 14. Good luck with the hunt.

Close but not exactly — the first (maybe?) 40% of the 17-6 had the classic ribbed target barrel and Goncalo Alves Target stocks. The latter half, a bit more than half of the 17-6 was the full lug barrel and the Combat stocks.

My 17-6, six inch, is the classic style, it has a BBJ-serial prefix. It’s a 1988 production.

I cannot say if they made these in 8-3/8” but I will also agree (based on my 14-3 Long Tom) that it should balance beautifully and doesn’t feel gangly at all, unless maybe you were holstering it.

 

[model17]

M17

The vintage 17/18 revolvers can't be beat, esp. in these times with CF ammo costs off the charts!

 

[Baxter6551]

Model 17

I’ve been lucky enough over the last several years to help a couple of friends dispose of estates and I was able to purchase some special firearms. One friend was his Uncle from whose collection I acquired a model 18 and the other a model 17 from his Dads collection. Both with boxes. The 18 came with factory combat stocks and TT /TH. The 17 came with an original S&W holster. Great shooters.

 

[stansdds]

I did see some comments about 17 vs 18 ...more to research!

Model 17 vs 18 is analogous the Model 14 vs Model 15 differences.

The Model 17 has a Patridge front sight, barrel lengths of 6 (most common) or 8 3/8 inches. There are some that were ordered with 4 inch barrels, but these are scarce. The Model 17 was part of S&W's Target Masterpiece line.

The Model 18 has a Baughman ramp front sight and was offered in only a 4 inch tapered barrel. The Model 18 was part of S&W's Combat Masterpiece line.

 

[cmansguns]

Just get one!! Old..New.. or in between doesn't matter.

Like said....quit agonizing...just get one (before they are gone for good)

When it comes to .22's I have found that literally ALL made by S&W are craftsman made, quality handguns suitable by most all gunners for target, plinking, training...and just plain fun!

Pictured below: 22/32 HFT (September 1915); K22 Masterpiece (Aug 1947); K22 Masterpiece (Aug 1948); Model 17-3 (Apr 1973); Model 34-1 (Feb 1975). ALL of them dry fire for practice with #4 (Yellow) plastic wall anchors for cheap.

Not pictured are 2 Outdoorsman, that are gone to other collectors, one a 1931, the other a 1937. They were sweet too.

You just can't beat a S&W 22, and I have owned a Colt Officers Model Match. The Colt grip shape just wasn't as accurate in my hands as any of the Smiths.

Don't procrastinate any longer...they just don't stay for sale long these days and once you have one..you won't want to part with it either!

PS: Sometimes I tend to "enable" when on this site, others do the same I think

 

[SuperMan]

IMHO, find a lightly used M17, spend the money and never look back!

..what he said...

There are usually a few of the longer barreled guns on the auction sites...many of them have been shot very little... Find one you like and buy it...

If you can find one that dates to the early to late 1960s they have the finest finishes of any year... The 17-2 started in 1961... 17-3 is excellent also...

Bob

 

[GSP Fan]

You can't beat a Smith revolver. Mine are all 4 or 6 inch barreled and are accurate and fun to shoot. I found my birth year (1952) in a pre M18 to go along with my shooter M18. I've had the Colt Diamondback and sold it.
I have a "shooter" M17 6 inch I would consider selling and a M617 6 inch in the classified's. Among the newer production guns the 617 is a nice and very accurate revolver.

 

[glenncal1]

I agree they are great rimfire revolvers, but have you ever owned a Colt Diamondback in .22LR? They're laser beams!

Don't you Blaspheme in here!!

 

[BB57]

I’m not a fan of the 8 3/8” barrels - just a little too cartoonish in my subjective opinion and poorly balanced in my objective opinion.

But the 6” K-22 and Model 17 are just about perfect. I like both my 1949 vintage 3rd model K-22 and my 1980 vintage 3T Model 17-4 in equal amounts, largely because of their slight differences. Both are superb shooters and extremely nice looking and elegant revolvers.

 

[Rodan]

My M14/M17 (-2s) set are two of my favorites. Well, all my S&W are my favorites... just depends on which one I'm holding.

I prefer the 6" to the 8 3/8" personally, for bullseye, anyway. For just plain 'ol shootin' fun, the 4" K22s are hard to beat.

 

[Lou_NC]

.......There's just something about the 8 3/8 that I like on the M14 so I assume it will feel the same on the M17......

Keep in mind that a .22 barrel of given length will be heavier than a .357 bore, after all, smaller bore means more steel in the barrel, more weight. You may want to feel the balance before committing to a purchase. Just some food for thought, good luck!

Lou

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

S&W Models 17 and 18

I used a Model 17 and a Model 18 as training and practice revolvers during my LEO career. As a result, I've never been interested in the 10 shot models or with barrels longer than 6 inches. The S&W revolvers (44 and 45 Colt) that I have with the 8 3/4" barrels seem more awkward than useful.

Now, I just use the 17 and 18 for fun. Nothing kicks a tin can around like a good Model 17 or 18 and their barrel lengths holster well for tromps out in the woods or desert.

 

[stansdds]

I think the 8 3/8 inch barrel would be best for small game hunting or long range target shooting, but otherwise such a long barrel tends to be a bit cumbersome.

 

[Dfish1247]

My 617 6” shoots great, it’s a -6 though, so it’s ugly above the cylinder release. But, it’s a dream to shoot, and with the right ammo(RWS high velocity) nails golf balls at 75yds. 8 3/8 has to do better, yeah they’re cumbersome, but they hit.

 

[Jimmyjones]

I love rimfire revolvers, especially with current ammo prices.

I shoot my k-22 at every range session, mostly to finish off the bullseyes.

Last week I got a 617-1, took off the rear sight and put on a red dot, it is a hoot to shoot, sighting it in from the bench, I was making a ragged hole at 15 yards, too bad I don't shoot that good.

 

[sodacan]

You just can't go wrong with a model 17. I have a 6", 1966 17-2, but the one that sees a lot of range time is this 1939, K-22 Outdoorsman. If S&W made the Registered Magnum in 22lr, this would be it.

 

[Rodan]

As much as I love my 1st Model Outdoorsman K22, I prefer my post-war K22s for shooting.

 

[Bumpus13]

My 6” K-22 Masterpiece from 1948 is incredibly fun to shoot, but took a tiny bit of maintenance to get there for me.

Somewhere along the line “Bubba” got his hands on the strain screw and ground too much off of it trying to lighten the trigger pull … In the process, he made it unreliable in double action. Since a replacement for that is close to unobtainable today, placing a simple spent primer over the end of the screw was able to restore enough of its length for reliable ignition once again in double action.

Now, it’s one of my favorite S&W’s.

Pics before/after, and paired with my K-38 Masterpiece (1949)

 

[glenncal1]

Hey- chicks dig the Long Tube

 

[stansdds]

Hey- chicks dig the Long Tube

LOL!

It's not the length of the tube that is most impressive, but the precision with which you use it.