Model 17-3 seems to be part 17-2

[Krogen]

Hello everyone. This is my first post here. My weakness for S&Ws started in 1984 with a 586 and hasn't let up since.

I picked up a Model 17 recently that has me scratching my head. It's marked 17-3 on the frame. The top strap has two holes near the forcing cone. The one right over the forcing cone is used to fasten the sight. There's a second hole, threaded but unused, about 1/4" back from the forcing cone that is covered by the sight. The frame has the lazy &, but the barrel has the the later upright &.

At first I thought it might be a rebarrel, except the extra hole in the topstrap and the lazy & make me think they used a 17-2 vintage frame on a 17-3 gun. The barrel is pinned, the sn is 3K5xxx and I'm confused.

Does anyone know what I have? Is this an older frame put to use during later production?

Thanks to all for any information.

Krogen

 

[Ga Johnny]

Is this an older frame put to use during later production?

Probably so

 

[Ashlander]

When S&W made engineering changes they would use up old parts along the way -- so there are a lot of half and half guns out there. Only us fanatics would know the difference.

 

[snw19_357]

The one right over the forcing cone is used to fasten the sight.

Which one of these two does yours have?

K-frame -2 rear sight leaf screw, directly over the barrel/cylinder gap.

K-frame -3 rear sight leaf screw, right over the forcing cone.

I think it's pretty neat that moving the screw that tiny bit (the width of the screw) resulted in a 'dash number'.

There's a second hole, threaded but unused, about 1/4" back from the forcing cone that is covered by the sight.

Could someone have drilled and tapped the topstrap for a scope?

 

[Camster]

Which one of these two does yours have?

K-frame -2 rear sight leaf screw, directly over the barrel/cylinder gap.

K-frame -3 rear sight leaf screw, right over the forcing cone.

I think it's pretty neat that moving the screw that tiny bit (the width of the screw) resulted in a 'dash number'.


Could someone have drilled and tapped the topstrap for a scope?

Someone's dash 2 has a loose sight screw!

 

[minconrevo]

. . .


Could someone have drilled and tapped the topstrap for a scope?

Not likely for a scope, unless there are other signs to indicate a scope. This would be more unlikely, if the holes are threaded for the same tiny factory rear sight screw.

The S&W factory using up frames on hand is more likely.

 

[snw19_357]

Someone's dash 2 has a loose sight screw!

Yes, had to unscrew it a little for the hole to show up. The factory fit that thing so well, when snug, you can't tell there's a screw or hole there.

 

[Krogen]

Great photos. Thanks. Some further info:

The 17 in question has a hole directly over the forcing cone as shown in the -3 picture. This one is used to secure the sight leaf. The unused hole is further back than shown in the -2 picture. It isn't aligned with the gap. Both holes appear to be the same size. I don't see evidence of scope mounting like bigger holes or more holes near the rear of the top strap.