Is a model 617 a K22 Masterpiece?

[Oracle]

The model 17 is a K22 Masterpiece. Numerous articles, books including the Blue Book of Gun Values identify the model 617 as a K22 Masterpiece. The Smith & Wesson website however identifies the model 17 only as a K22 Masterpiece.

So... Is it or isn't it?

 

[RGNewell]

The 617 is the stainless version

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[Oracle]

That is what I believed, a friend pointed out the S&W website only lists the model 17 as a masterpiece. Aren't friends wonderful?

 

[BigBill]

The 17 is still offered today is it six shots too?

 

[Engine49guy]

The actual name for the 617 is:
K22, Stainless, Full lug.
There was a small run of non full lug 617's,
IIRC they were called "Ashland" 617's.
Basically were a SS version of the 17-5

 

[Oracle]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

The 17 six shot remains six shot, there are some available and are gun draught pricing.

I want the 617 full lug ten shot, but if it wasn't titled masterpiece I would buy a 17. There are even less 617's available. I will bide my time and a 617 will be coming my way.

Don

 

[mtgianni]

The name Masterpiece preceded model numbers. IMO, a Masterpiece refers to a non model numbered 22 K Frame.

 

[RGNewell]

The name Masterpiece preceded model numbers. IMO, a Masterpiece refers to a non model numbered 22 K Frame.

Not true. Masterpiece refers to the K frame 22, 32 & 38 with adjustable sights.

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[jcelect]

Not true. Masterpiece refers to the K frame 22, 32 & 38 with adjustable sights.

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Not totally true!
The term Masterpiece should be written as;
K22 Masterpiece, K32 Masterpiece, or K38 Masterpiece w/ 6" or 8 3/8" barrel lengths w/adjustable sights
As your box indicated the 4" barrel lengths were referred to as the Combat Masterpiece along with the model 19s
These terms were all used before the the use of model numbers brought out in 1957. Most guns today use the model number designation and some along with a term to denote a special configuration of a model!
jcelect

 

[nedlate]

Not true. Masterpiece refers to the K frame 22, 32 & 38 with adjustable sights.

This might be true but like the previous poster when I hear the word K22 Masterpiece I think of a pre-model gun. When a person lists a K22 for sale I automatically think pre-17 only to be disappointed when I open the thread and see a 17-3 or 17-4! (I think to myself-don't you know the difference!)
Ed

 

[Protocall_Design]

To me, a 617 is still a Masterpiece in terms of workmanship and enjoyment in using, even though technically it isn't called that.

 

[CWH44300]

All you need to do to answer this question is grab a few box’s of ammo and put one of these is your hand

 

[Mehutch]

So.... I have a real masterpiece 617-4 ten shot 6" barrel. How about that.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

Beautiful, just beautiful. Be thankful you have one, 6 shot, 10 shot, it matters not.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[MJK-MOD-547]

Let's not forget the K22's big brother. The Model 48 K22 Masterpiece MRF that can be turned into a .22 lr with the >22 cyclinder