Model 317 question

[nutsforsmiths]

I found a used Model 317 Airlite and am wondering how others like them for shooting.

This one has the 3" barrel and adjustable sights. It came with the green Hi-Viz front sight.

A friend and I were able to shoot it and I had one hell of a time hitting at my point of aim at about 15 yards. I don't know if it was because I just wasn't used to the weight, or lack of weight.

Do other people like using these for target shooting? How well does the finish hold up on these. I have a bunch of 22 Revolvers already, but that weight is what attracted me to the gun in the first place. I would probably not use if for any kind of carry.

Thanks.

 

[Torakan]

I love mine. Keep in mind its not a target gun by any means. I have no problem hitting pop cans to 20 yrds and have made killing shots on two rabbits and a grouse with mine. Its my main hiking/camping firearm and works very well in that role for both. I find if I concentrate on putting the green dot low in the rear signt notch and centering the dot on the target I get consistent hits. At some point I may change out the sights to a regular black blade front and square notch rear. You will also find that putting on some RB to SB grips will also help a lot. Just remember that since this model is so light its not forgiving to poor breathing, hold, and trigger squeeze.

 

[BubbaBlades]

I shot the above target with my 3" M317 at a distance of 15 yards using an unsupported two-hand hold. There are seven (7) rounds throught the same hole. The finish on my gun has held up fine during two years of in-pocket carry. The fiber optic sights on my 317 work great, however, I put a laser on almost everything that I carry so that I don't need to use the "iron" gun sights under most conditions.
Mark

 

[CWH44300]

I love mine - 12ga hulls are in danger out to 20yds or so - scary accurate off the bench too - its fast becoming a favorite

 

[paochow]

I didn't do so well with the stock sights, specifically the rear v notch. I swapped it for a standard u notch and have been shooting tight groups since. I also added a lighter trigger rebound spring (11# I think) which helped the trigger pull a bunch.

 

[1973Glenfield25]

I have a snubby 317 and also use it as a sports gun. For trail running, backpacking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc. It is extremely light.

It has a very heavy trigger, but with practice, you can learn to shoot it remarkably accurately. I only shoot it double action.

Mine is a pre IL and I bought it used. The finish had some scratches but I don't think it's particularly prone to scratch easily.

It is what it is. I think it's great. I would prefer a 43c because of no hammer spur and snag free draws, and the DAO frame would keep the gun cleaner. And I heard they had better triggers.

 

[Tom C]

I didn't do so well with the stock sights, specifically the rear v notch. I swapped it for a standard u notch and have been shooting tight groups since. I also added a lighter trigger rebound spring (11# I think) which helped the trigger pull a bunch.

I had a similar problem with the original sights on mine. I also changed out the sights to a plain serrated ramp front and square notch rear. I also had a problem with an uneven barrel/cylinder gap that caused uneven gas blow by that eroded the face of the cylinder. After sending it back to the factory, they changed out the cylinder for a stainless one and changed out the barrel to cut it evenly. The gun picked up 3.8 oz. I think it helped me. It is still light enough to carry effortlessly, and heavy enough to shoot well. Working the trigger and changing springs helped a lot, too.