Model 17-3 build date?

[tominboise]

I was looking for a shooter grade K22 and picked up a nice Model 17-3 today. Serial number is 1K769XX. I was wondering the approximate date of construction? It came with box, papers and tools and is basically unfired (I am sure it's been fired, but it's hard to tell).

 

[JP@AK]

Made in 1971. An excellent .22 revolver. Enjoy it!

Note: 1K serial numbers in 1971 ran from 1K39501 to 1K99999.

 

[bananaman]

Congratulations! You will love shooting it! I bought a 17-2 (1964) in July. It is awesome. Never liked any .22 better. Bob

 

[Lobster Picnic]

That's a lot better than shooter grade, I think. But they are meant to shoot, so enjoy it.

 

[tominboise]

Yeah, I am going to buy another one with more wear on it to shoot frequently. When I saw this one at the transfer dealer I was happy at the condition. I will likely shoot it some but not thousands of rounds.

 

[JP@AK]

I will likely shoot it some but not thousands of rounds.

I don't know why not. Shooting it won't hurt it any. Carrying it in a holster will wear the finish, and dry firing will likely mess up the cylinder. But shooting it (even a few dozen boxes) isn't going to ruin it, provided you clean it regularly and take good care of it.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I have a 17-3 with thousands of rounds through it. It looks as good as the day I got it. Shooting it won't wear it out. You can mar it just as easily by fondling it!

 

[oneounceload]

If you want to dry fire, stop at your basic Lowe's or Home Depot and buy a box of the yellow #4 wall anchors - they fit the chambers nicely and provide a surface for the firing pin to strike.

I think I paid $4/box of 100

 

[mikemyers]

Made in 1971. An excellent .22 revolver. Enjoy it!

Note: 1K serial numbers in 1971 ran from 1K39501 to 1K99999.

The serial number for my Model 17-5 is AWV1816 (but that first "1" could be a "T").

What year was it built?

 

[JP@AK]

It isn't a T. The scheme is three letters and four digits.

AWV doesn't show up in the published list, but the AWx letters are in 1987-88.