Model 17 History & Variations

[PaulWood]

I'm interested in acquiring an S&W .22 revolver, most likely a Model 17. However, I'm confused regarding the different variations, e.g. 17-6, K22, "dash" vs "no dash", etc. I searched for some kind of history of this model with no luck - perhaps I didn't use the right search term(s).

Could someone educate me on this model or point me in the direction of a source of information?

Thanks in advance.

 

[cgt4570]

The dashes (-1, -2, etc.) are simply minor engineering changes. Most of them wouldn't even be noticed by the average shooter, and you won't notice any difference in performance or function. Some changes were minor improvements, others were simply changes to make production faster or cheaper.
Prior to 1957, S&Ws didn't have model numbers, they had names. K22 Target Masterpiece was the factory name for the post-WW2 model that later became the Model 17. The first post-war K22s had a screw in the upper sideplate. It went away around 1956 (5-screw frame to 4-screw). Next, the screw in the front edge of the trigger guard went away around 1960 (4-screw frame to 3-screw).

Prior to WW2, there were two models produced. The first was the K22 Outdoorsman, from the early '30s to 1940. The K22 Masterpiece (aka K22-40) was only made from 1940 through the start of WW2.

This should be enough info to get you started. An investment in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition will give you much more specifics.

 

[PaulWood]

Chris,
Thanks so much for the info. It really helps.
Are there any significant differences to be considered among the 5, 4, or 3 screw models?

 

[cgt4570]

Chris,
Thanks so much for the info. It really helps.
Are there any significant differences to be considered among the 5, 4, or 3 screw models?

Generally speaking, the more screws, the higher the value (mostly because they are older). For a shooter, it doesn't make a lot of difference (although most people agree that the older the Smith, the more hand fitting and fine tuning was done, especially on target models). Collectors always like the 5-screw guns, but there are some low-production numbers in some of the the dashes. I'm into pre-model number guns so I couldn't tell you a whole lot about the later ones. If I recall, the K target guns with a -1 were the shortest in production.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Actually the 4 screw pre model marked K22's are the most valuable as they were only made for two years before the 4 screw became the model 17. Did I mention I have a 4 screw pre model 17

 

[fyimo]

While most of the engineering changes are minor not all are as in 1982 when they dropped the P&R features on S&W revolvers or on the 44 magnums when they significantly strengthened the revolver. That’s why buying the book will really be helpful if you think you will be acquiring more than just a few S&W revolvers.

 

[PaulWood]

Looks like The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition is at our local library. I'll check it out and get educated!

 

[PaulWood]

Thanks, cgt4570, for the suggestion regarding the S&W Catalog. I picked mine up a the library the other day. Lot's of great information. I can see why it would be difficult to provide info in a forum post to address the Model 17 (and Pre-Model 17).

I saw a K22 (5 screw), 1955 vintage on a gun auction forum. It's at $655 now, but will increase during the remainder of the auction. I'll keep an eye on it.

 

[ma deuce]

Thanks, cgt4570, for the suggestion regarding the S&W Catalog. I picked mine up a the library the other day. Lot's of great information. I can see why it would be difficult to provide info in a forum post to address the Model 17 (and Pre-Model 17).

I saw a K22 (5 screw), 1955 vintage on a gun auction forum. It's at $655 now, but will increase during the remainder of the auction. I'll keep an eye on it.

One thing you'll notice is that opinions as to value of a given gun here on this forum can vary widely. I think a lot of that has to do with region - it seems like guns, all guns, run higher here in the mid-Atlantic and NE than in some other parts of the country. But for what it's worth, post-war 5-screw K-22s in good condition seem to start around here in the upper $600s and go up from there to around $800. I'm basing this on what I've seen at area shows, especially the past two Nation's Gun Shows in Chantilly, VA, the biggest in the area. These guns, or even M-17s, are very, very rarely seen in shops around here. That's why when I did see a nice 4-screw K-22 in a Maryland shop, I grabbed it for $700 and counted myself lucky.

Others on this list, especially from further South and West, might tell you you'd be crazy to pay that much. But the best advice I've gotten here is from someone who told me "you never pay too much, just too soon". In other words, the way prices on these guns are going up, today's exorbitant price could be next year's bargain.