Model 17-3 K-22 Masterpiece

[murphydog]

In this time frame I have seen several K-22s stamped MOD 17-1 and shipped years later than 1962. My guess is these were a cleanup of leftover frames that got to the back of storage/bottom of the pile, and built into complete guns.

 

[cmansguns]

If you find reaming necessary

OP snagged a real nice K22 with that Model 17-3. As I have found with most all of my 1970's era S & W 22's (3 - Model 34-1 Kit Guns, 2 Model 17-3) they ALL had to be reamed to make them a pleasure to shoot. Before reaming I too tried "polishing" to absolutely no avail. The ladies in my family just didn't want to shoot them at all because of the force needed to extract spent rounds, and the thumb force needed to even chamber fresh rounds!

The Manson reamer, some old Tap-Magic, a vise with plastic jaw liners, and a tin foil small baking pan saved the day.

Curious thing though is that I never had to ream my 1931 Outdoorsman, any of my 1947, 1948 K22's, even an early 1952 never needed anything...the chambers accepted fired cases for dry fire practice and new rounds of any brand, but not so with the early to mid 1970's K22

 

[Empe]

I have a 17-3 as well that I purchased about 12 years ago in very nice condition ...no box.
It came with a Target trigger and Target hammer but no target grips...magna grips instead . I don't know if it shipped that way or if someone just swapped the grips out somewhere along the way .
In any event I didn't really care for the magna grips ...they were just too small for my hand and did not provide me with much of a grip on the gun.
I did some research and was able to find a very nice pair of period correct Target grips which I think look great on the gun.
I haven't shot it in a while . I've been spending more time with my semi autos but that may have to change shortly.
They are a classic and classy revolver and I think you will enjoy yours.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

It's very close to the one I have, an 8Kxxxxx serial number from mid-1975. Yours looks to be in very good condition. They are a real pleasure to shoot. Mine still looks great after thousands of rounds. I just clean it after each use and keep it in a soft case. They are very accurate; find some grips that fit your hand and you'll be surprised how well you can shoot this revolver.

 

[bdGreen]

My one and only S&W Model 17-3.

enjoy,

bdGreen

Tap on image to enlarge.

 

[mod57]

Nickle finish is somewhat uncommon for these is it not?

 

[bdGreen]

Nickle finish is somewhat uncommon for these is it not?

Yes, very uncommon for this model.
This one is one of 15 that were manufactured in 1975 with a nickel finish.
There may be as many as 18 to 20 but that has not been verified totally. But mine is on the list of 15 that were ordered with that finish.

bdGreen

 

[dsk]

I finally had a chance to shoot mine this afternoon. Functional reliability was perfect, and I didn't even have any sticky extraction. It seems accurate, but the sights were a bit off and as usual I forgot to bring a screwdriver. I had to use Kentucky windage on the swingers as a result.