Looking for Model 17 Opinions

ODB

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I have a few Colt revolvers, but I am unwilling to pay the price they are going for currently.

So, can I get a few opinions on the Model 17? I am partial to the -6 (full under lug, 6" barrel) but have seen a few threads where the -3 gets votes for the most sought after. I am not fond of the service grips, much prefer the target stocks. One more thing, I don't really want a model with the lock. :eek:

Mostly I shoot steel plates at 25 yds., but I like to know when I miss, it's my fault and not the gun. However, I like to shoot a new-to-me gun from the bench to make sure I can get the smallest groups possible.

I tried a search, but loathe the search function on these forums.
 
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All of the K-22 variants - Outdoorsman, Masterpiece, 17, and 617 will prove just how bad a shot you are :) They shoot where pointed. The real choices come down to stainless or blue (or nickel in some cases), pinned barrel or not, underlug or not, lock or not, newer or older. Six-inch barrel or 8 3/8." There is also the Model 18 in 4". My newest is a 17-4, scary accurate, and does not have the IL. Preferences and condition rule.
 
If you desire pre IL with a full underlug blue barrel the 17-7 is the last of the line or the 617 and 617-1 in SS.
The practice of fixing the barrel with a set pin ceased with the 17-4 but K22 cylinders continued being recessed unlike their Magnum brothers.

IMO there is no real accuracy difference between the different K-22 revisions , its more about barrel style, condition and price.

Typically older clean original K-22s bring higher sales prices,
The 17-2 was the end of the diamond grip era so usually a 17-3 can be found for a little less in like condition but they are pretty much the same mechanically .

K and L frame square butt grips will interchange so if it is about the grips you have no worries there.

I would say choose the highest condition gun with the barrel length weight and feel you desire ,
Here is a 17-6 (top) compared to a 17-3 (lower) both wearing age appropriate target grips.
 
I like them very much...they are scary accurate. Mine are of the 17-4 and 17-6 persuasion.
Model17-4R_zps572b1119.jpg

17-6_zpsee7b3d7b.jpg
 
You cannot go wrong with a model 17 or 18 Smith. The only Smith 22 revolvers that I avoid based on my own experience are the 10 shot versions. Getting the timing of the hand and full trigger movement with a K frame sized cylinder and 10 chambers is a nightmare. Stick with 6 shooters and you can't go wrong.
I will say that having owned Diamondbacks and Officers Model Match 22s I believe the Smith Models 17 and 18 to be superior in every respect and cheaper to boot. But that is just my opinion which you did ask for.
Chip King
 
You wont find anyone here that will bad mouth a model 17 or 18 - as far as "sought after" it is just a "collector thing" - they are all great in any variation.
 
The model with the underlug looks neat and might be an added attraction to a collector but not so much for a shooter.

I have a 1961 Colt OMM and a 1952 S&W K-22, as well as five rimfire Korths. The K-22 is a very accurate revolver that accompanied me during the days when my vision was 172%.

Ejecting spent cartridges after three or for cylinders fired from the K-22 is a mess but in single action this gun is a dream come true - on a budget.
 
The 6" full underlug model 17 is pretty muzzle heavy, if that is what you prefer...it may also explain the very high prices for 4" 17-6s :). Stocks are easily swapped but these came with the wood fingergroove Combat style.

When doing searches here, the Search Site/Google function always works best. Hope this is helpful.
 
Just hard to go wrong with a 17, 18, 617.

17_1_zpsafc18747.jpg


17_2_zpsa1149f96.jpg


18_2_zpsd3ddd75a.jpg


617_full_zps136419a7.jpg


You did ask about the 17 though. Given a choice, try a 17 6" without the weight of a full underlug. You may like the balance better. I prefer 6" without and 4" with.

I enjoy them all - new and old. The 'you know what' on my 617-6 doesn't bother me a bit. Shoots right up there with the rest of them.

Happy shopping and have fun!
 
Gentlemen, thanks for the information and the opinions, I appreciate it.

Excellent pics of some very nice looking S&Ws.

One reason I was leaning toward the full under lug is I have a nice example of a first year 586, thought they would look great together. I am a bit "old school" and prefer earlier vintages. I have been doing this a while and only own two new guns. One is one of those evil black rifles and the other is a XDs (.45 ACP).

One of my Colts is a OMM, from a rest I get wonderful groups. Love that one.

Andyd, I have seen some of your Korth pics on another forum, most excellent looking revolvers. Would love to own one of those.

Thanks again for your opinions.
 
The Model 17's are all great shooters as is the Model 18's and I also like the Model 617 in 4 inch but I find the 6 inch 617 to muzzle heavy.

Model 17-4 with 8 3/8 inch barrel


Model 18-4


Model 617 no dash with 4 inch barrel


Model k22 with 6 inch in barrel made in 1955
 
fyimo,

the K-22 has an Ace No.1 trigger shoe. That is period-appropriate for a 1955 gun:).
 
If you would consider a 6" without the full lug barrel, Jim Skeel, a Ponsness-Warren shotshell reloader distributor from Indiana has a pinned and recessed one with a Leupold scope for sale. Jim's telephone number is 812-240-3257.

Ed
 
There is no substitute for a Smith & Wesson K-22 in any of its incarnations. They are all great shooters which makes it a tough job for me to choose on the rare range day!

K-22 -Pre Model 17 from 1951
1951K22right_zpsb65ffdeb.jpg


17-3
Untitled.jpg


17-8 with original aluminum cylinder replaced by S&W with a stainless version. One of my all time favorite range guns!
17-8-SS-cyl-L.jpg


18-3 with target trigger, hammer and stocks.
SW-18-3-RT.jpg


17-3 with the 8 3/8ths inch tube.(sold this one a while back)
_17-4-targ-gr-rs.jpg
 
There's only ONE problem with my 17-4. It's more accurate than I am. :D
But I love it.
And am in lust with the 17-6. Which is my A#1 most wanted.
Like other posters have said, you can't go wrong with the 17's or 617's.
 
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