Model 17's!

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I'm getting awful powerful hankering for a Model 17! At least I think I am if they are as accurate as I've heard. I'm a long time squirrel hunter with open sighted 22 rifles and have had the urge to try em with a handgun. I've already got a Model 19 357 that I'm wanting to try for a deer with, and I'll pack when hunting in case of a Bear which are plentiful here. I've got a Taurus Model 96 that does well with just the right ammo, but I've had my eyes on a Model 17 a long time. Are the new ones as good as the old ones. Only very accurate is good for me!

What they selling for new nowadays?
 
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Don't know about the new ones but my K22 made in 1957 the last before the shift to the Model 17 is the most accurate handgun in my safe. I am 64 staring 65 in the face and I can still give coke cans a fit with my old eyes off the back deck of my house using the rail as a support. You'll have to ask somebody else about the new ones.

Reb
 
All Model 17's are not created equal but they are all great revolvers in their own regard,
Generally I look for them in as high condition and as original as possible, Second is generally for a collectable the older the better ,
for a shooter newer is fine but I kinda lose interest above the 17-7.
 
I bought two last year...a 8 3/8" 17-4 and a 4" 17-6. I do need to take some updated photos:

Model17-4_zps6fbdb8c9.jpg

Model17-6Box_zps452e287d.jpg
 
I've never seen a K-22 or model 17 that I could out shoot.

They are wonderful guns. You and your grand-kids will get a lot of fun out of one if you get it.
 
Been reading this thread with interest. Wouldn't mind if someone could answer a few questions on my 17.

I have a 17-8 with a 5 1/2" barrel (Actual measurement) so don't know whether that would classify it as a 5" or 6". Serial number CAZ5774. Don't recall seeing any other thread with that high a dash #. So a possible date of manuf. would be nice.

No one around here can say anything for sure about the following....... What is the cylinder made of. Some have guessed titanium plated steel, but it won't hold a magnet. Some think it's all titanium, and others think it might be titanium plated Aluminum. Any help on these two points would sure be appreciated.

Pete
 
I'd sure like to find one in good shape with the 8+" Barrel. I'd also like to get one New & in Box! Shame they aren't still making em. The longer sight radius would payoff in the woods! Gonna keep my eyes open for a while.
Weatherby, is that an H&R?
 
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Been reading this thread with interest. Wouldn't mind if someone could answer a few questions on my 17.

I have a 17-8 with a 5 1/2" barrel (Actual measurement) so don't know whether that would classify it as a 5" or 6". Serial number CAZ5774. Don't recall seeing any other thread with that high a dash #. So a possible date of manuf. would be nice.

No one around here can say anything for sure about the following....... What is the cylinder made of. Some have guessed titanium plated steel, but it won't hold a magnet. Some think it's all titanium, and others think it might be titanium plated Aluminum. Any help on these two points would sure be appreciated.

Pete

It is a 6". Did you measure from the muzzle to the face of the cylinder? Barrel lengths are nominal and may vary. The cylinder on your 17-8 is aluminum alloy.
 
Civil1977,

I measured the barrel from the muzzle to the face of the cylinder. So.... If the cylinder is Aluminum I suppose I have to be careful and not get to carried away with any kind of brass brush.

I think the reason I got it fairly cheap was after wiping it out I took it to the range. After the first cylinder full of shots the cases ejected kind of stiff. Used CCI standard vel. ammo.The 2nd cylinder full I had to tap the ejector rod in order to get the cases out. Took it home and gave it a good brushing out. That did the trick and have been doing a test to see how many shots I can put thru it before ejection gets stiff again.

Pete
 
Drawdown,

Personally I'd rather have gotten a 4" barrel. I think they balance better with a red dot scope. But, you've got to take what you can get, when you can get it.

Pete
 
....... if they are as accurate as I've heard. ........... but I've had my eyes on a Model 17 a long time. Are the new ones as good as the old ones.

What they selling for new nowadays?

Every S&W I have ever met is more accurate than I am however the model 17 is my favorite. In the group of casual shooters I shoot with everyone can pick up any of the model 17's we shoot with and shoot well - a 17 no dash, 17-2, and 17-4 all 6" barrels.

Instead of your eyes on a Model 17 you need to get your hands on one.

I imagine the new ones shoot as well as the older ones.

You can spend anywhere from $300 to $1000+ for a model 17 or pre-model 17 depending on condition, how it's configured, and whether it has a box/documents/tools. I would guesstimate that the going price for one in excellent condition just by itself is roughly in the $600+ range.

John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-Do-Well in training
 
I never really knew how to shoot a handgun until swapping for my 17-3 in 1982.

I've thought recently about adding another, or an M-18, but all things being equal, they seem to be commanding higher prices that other K-frame target Models (except maybe the .32s). That's just my thumb-in-the-wind analysis.

Dollar-wise, I'd say they're starting about $650 for anything in decent condition.

I'm sure someone will chime in with "I paid <super-low price here>", but that's going to be an exception.

I've owner other .22 LR pistols that were more accurate, including a TC Contender and an original Hi-Standard Supermatic Citation, but none that I shot better. OK, again, maybe the TC, but I never really considered it a handgun since it was for shooting NRA "Not Hunter Pistol Silouhette" You mounted them with a rifle scope and held it like a rifle without a butt. I guess I could have taken it squirrel hunting.

If I were to hunt squirrels nowadays, I'd use a pellet-gun in the backyard. Hmmm???
 
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You'll are getting me in Trouble with the wife! Drool all in the floor!

Truth spoken. I need to get my hands on one!!
 
You'll are getting me in Trouble with the wife! Drool all in the floor!

Truth spoken. I need to get my hands on one!!

I bought mine just about $700 each...taxes pushed that up a bit since it was from a LGS. Good luck!
 
I'd sure like to find one in good shape with the 8+" Barrel. I'd also like to get one New & in Box! Shame they aren't still making em. The longer sight radius would payoff in the woods! Gonna keep my eyes open for a while.
Weatherby, is that an H&R?


where you at in ky i can hook you up very nice 17-4 8",3t with box and papers

this 8" pistol shoots 1 hole groups off pistol rest,

the old hard chromed k22 above it in the photo has been killing squirrels for over 45 years with me at the controlls, during deer season last fall i had squirrels jumping all over my pop up blind beneath a walnut tree so after the season i go back in and got me a mess of squirrels.can you say squirrel and dumplings :)
 
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ky wonder, I'm down in the southeast corner, harlan county. Where you at?
I'm spent out right at the present buying the model 19 and $150 of ammo for it, and vacation coming up. But if the offer still stands in a month or so I'd likely come right to you. Looks like a fine pistol!
 
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