Model 17-4 firing pin ??

[notsofast]

I’m thinking of getting a S&W K17 dash 4, it happens to be the less expensive of the dash models I have seen so far. A couple questions…is the -4 a less desirable K17 or is this model trouble prone in any way? Value in comparison to other K17’s? Vintage purists might pass on a -4 because of…? The pictures I’m looking at don’t show the hole in the hammer where the “anchor pin” for the firing pin would go, is this particular model using a frame held firing pin? Thanks

 

[StrawHat]

…The pictures I’m looking at don’t show the hole in the hammer where the “anchor pin” for the firing pin would go, is this particular model using a frame held firing pin? Thanks

All the rimfire models use a frame mounted firing pin since the first one. Except maybe the LadySmith on the M frame.

Kevin

 

[CajunBass]

Well, "the book" says the -4 moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder, and eleminated the pinned barrel. Later on they introduced a 4" barrel model to take the place of the Model 18. The -4 was made from 1977 to 1988 according to "the book."

I suppose the lack of a barrel pin would make it less desirable to some, at least from a "collectability" standpoint. As a shooter, it wouldn't matter. As said above, the firing pin for rimfires has pretty much alway been on the frame.

It's not something I would shy away from.

 

[RKmesa]

From my experience, some -4's have the barrel pin and some do not...

 

[JRB416]

As StrawHat mentioned, the K frame .22 rimfires use a different hammer than the centerfires. I have heard of sticky extraction with some model 17's but I personally have not experienced this with any I've shot. All things being equal (condition, rarity, etc) age usually makes a difference to collectors both in price and desirability. But a late 70's 17-4 is still a very nice revolver whether for shooting, collecting, or both. Two of my uncles both military (WWII) and one LEO had 17's. They were their favorite revolvers. These are truly classics from a 17-4 all the way back to a K22 Masterpiece or Outdoorsman. I would someday like to have an earlier one but for now I'm satisfied with this one. Target Hammer, Target Trigger, Target Stocks, original box, paperwork and tools. Yes it is pinned.

 

[JRB416]

notsofast, if you decide to get the 17-4, please let us know, share your opinion of it and maybe a pic or two. Thanks.

 

[notsofast]

notsofast, if you decide to get the 17-4, please let us know, share your opinion of it and maybe a pic or two. Thanks.

If it happens I’ll be glad to let the forum know what I think and provide some photos.