Model 17 Dilemma

[Baggy Wrinkle]

I am fortunate to have two Model 17-2 revolvers in very good condition. Both have sentimental value. My dilemma is that I have a hankering for a 4-inch barrel K-22. I have researched changing out a 6-inch barrel with a 4-inch barrel on one of the 17-2's. I even bought the barrel and have a quote from S&W to do the work. I just can't pull the trigger to do it. What to do??? Buying a model 18 to add to the collection is a possibility, but having two Model 17-2's seems redundant. I would appreciate any thoughts or advice. Thanks.

 

[RussellD]

buy an 18. Nothing wrong a pair of 17-2's.

 

[Iggy]

I've got two 14's and two 17's. I don't git cramps or the shakes or nuthin'. Buy an 18.

 

[PMRet]

Nothing redundant about having two of the same model, especially K-22's. Besides, you already said both guns have sentimental value. I'd keep the 17's and go find a model 18. And then a model 14, a model 16, a model 19, a...

 

[nrausa]

K-22

Or a M-41, and you'll have a spare barrel for your new M-18.

Stan

 

[Baggy Wrinkle]

I would like to add an additional element to the dilemma. The second 17-2 I acquired from my wife's grandfather's estate. It was one of two he kept for the grandkids to plink with. He was the kind of guy who if he wanted a 4-inch barrel he would have whacked off the extra two inches and had a new sight attached and then used the sucker. So, in that regard replacing the barrel would not be such a sacrilege. I also know that buying a Model 18 is the logical answer, but I have a hard time spending $500-$600 on a gun when my original 17-2 only cost $66 in the Fall of 1963. My age is showing through.

 

[sqhead]

i have five maybe six model 63's,no big deal,don't ruin a good 17,buy the 18 or 617 or the 17-5 4 in.,maybe a j-frame 22,you have alot of options.

 

[P&R Fan]

I'll agree with the previous wisdom. Get a M18. Great little revolver, and an excellent trainer to go with a 4" M15 or M19. You could certainly cut down the barrel on one of your M17s, but it wouldn't have the M18s ramp. Also, a future collector, after you've gone to your Reward, will get on here on the Forum and complain about the M17-2 he just bought cheap because somebody cut the barrel. Happens all the time.
Go ahead, get a .22 Combat Masterpiece. The name alone is cool enough to justify it.
Then you'll have THREE K-22s!
Can't beat that with a stick.
Jim

 

[Baggy Wrinkle]

All good points. Your wisdom is irrefutable. I have to stop trying to do everything on the cheap. Thanks. I knew this was the right venue for answering this weighty question. Now, what happens to the barrel I already bought as a replacement?

 

[arjay]

List it in the for sale forum.It'll be gone in no time.

 

[nrausa]

K-22

Baggy,
My first Smith was a new K-22 bought in Dec. '64 for $55, list was $115.50.

Try a M-63, 4" great little 22.

Stan

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

Get a model 18 and don't do anything to either of those 17's. These days having a nice model 17 in the safe is better than having money in the bank. Altering them would only destroy their value.
John