Model 17

[clayshooter]

I have the chance to purchase a Model 17 .22 6" barrel revolver, serial #K378216 for $599.. Unfortunately I forgot to notice if the revolver was a (3) or (4) screw sideplate. It did have the target hammer. I cannot verify year of production--can anyone offer any assistance? Also, does the price see fair--gun is in excellant condition with only a faint turn ring. Since I cannot identify "pinned barrels"--could this be a pinned barrel gun? Thanks in advance for you input.

 

[long colt frazier]

If you want a 17 and it is as nice as you describe. Buy it;-)

 

[murphydog]

By the serial number, it was shipped in 1959, so it should be a 3-screw sideplate and a 4-screw frame with a pinned barrel. Agree with Mark, a good buy as described.

 

[clayshooter]

Some additional updates: the gun also has diamond grips, but not target. Serial No and Model are stamped in the yoke. Also, adjustable rear sights. PS-Is there a reason the last (2) or (3) digits of the serial No are left off when quoting.

 

[clayshooter]

The model no DEFINITELY has no dash suffix. Just stamped Model 17.

 

[fyimo]

They are a great revolver and if you like it you should buy it at that price.

 

[Larry from Bend]

If it helps any, I bought number 3781xx used in 1971, and it's been one of my best purchases. It is, of course, a 17 no dash, 4 screw with a pinned barrel -- also shipped in 1959. Mine has diamond magnas also, but no target hammer. $599 would be about what a vendor at a gun show would be asking for an example like yours in my area of the Country. It's no bargain -- but you may not see another one for a long time -- if ever. I'm betting that if you buy it -- even at that price -- you won't regret it.

 

[lowhog]

any smith in the hand is better than one in the bush.your money will grow faster with the model 17 than in the bank.buy it.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Run dont walk and buy that puppy!

 

[au2183]

I would buy it in a heartbeat if it's a 95% gun.

 

[clayshooter]

Did S&W ever ship the 17 with a trigger shoe or is it after market?

 

[Buford57]

Only the naive answer "no" to the question "did S&W EVER..." but I'd bet the next round at Starbucks that your trigger shoe is aftermarket.

An S&W factory target trigger pretty well fills the width of the guard, so if the original owner had wanted a wider than standard trigger, that's what the factory would have installed.

(Now watch some smart-alec ask whether S&W ever manufactured the Colt Python)

 

[perpster]

Some additional updates: the gun also has diamond grips, but not target. Serial No and Model are stamped in the yoke. Also, adjustable rear sights. PS-Is there a reason the last (2) or (3) digits of the serial No are left off when quoting.

As usual, I'm a couple of months and a couple of dollars short, but to answer your question about the last 2 or 3 digits of the serial number being left off, it's to protect the privacy/identity of the owner in case someone tries to research firearms registrations. The last digits are usually just the sequential number of the gun "off the line" so to speak; the other numbers are sufficient to estimate date of manufacture (and thereby compare it to known production and engineering changes listed in the Standard Catalog of S&W by Supica and Nahas).