Most accurate Model 17

[mossyoakpenn]

Hi there guys, Im looking to buy a model 17 and was wondering if there is a specific 17 dash model that was usually more accurate than the others? I cant stand an inaccurate 22, Im buying this to plink and hunt with so I need to be able to hit what Im aiming at. What do you guys think, from the old pre-17 to the newest pre-lock models? Thanks a lot guys!!!

 

[mossyoakpenn]

Hi there guys, Im looking to buy a model 17 and was wondering if there is a specific 17 dash model that was usually more accurate than the others? I cant stand an inaccurate 22, Im buying this to plink and hunt with so I need to be able to hit what Im aiming at. What do you guys think, from the old pre-17 to the newest pre-lock models? Thanks a lot guys!!!

 

[geoff40]

I don't have any personal experience with new K frame 22s. IMO if the gun is in good shape, without any issues, you really aren't going to go wrong with pretty much any of them. Pre WW2 up to NIB models. There are plenty of them around with half the bluing left on them that will still shoot like they are new. If you know a bit about checking out timing, end shake, and the other things to look at in a used revolver, you really can't go wrong by looking at any of them. Depends on what you want to spend on one too. The 17s from about the mid 60s to the mid 80s are probably the least expensive, and any of them should last beyond your life time, if fed and cared for well. The thing to watch out for is the fever many of them can give you. Symptoms start with a mental obsession with the K22 you have, and then somehow 1 turns in to 2, then 3, then 4......etc.

Welcome to the forum! let us know what you buy, we love photos and K22s of any sort.

 

[DGNY]

Really good advice from Geoff40. The idea is to get a mechanically excellent one, for the uses you outline. Cosmetics are expensive, though give great allure.

While it is from another forum, here is a link with useful notions for checking out a used revolver.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57816

My own best shooting of several 17s is from 1959 or so. YMMV.

Best,

Dyson

 

[H Richard]

The accuracy of .22 revolvers is dependent on the ammo it is fed. They can be finicky, and one may not like the ammo that another does like. When you find the revolver you want, buy several brands of ammo, and shoot groups from a bench-rest. You will find the ammo that groups best in your gun, then buy a case or more of that lot number.

 

[wheelgun610]

Originally posted by mossyoakpenn:
.... was wondering if there is a specific 17 dash model that was usually more accurate than the others?

The short answer is - No. Anyone that says, for example, that 'a' 17-2 is more accurate than 'a' 17-4, or a pre-17 is more accurate than any of the others is probably trying to sell you whichever model they happen to have for sale at that moment.

I haven't owned - or even fired one of every 'dash' or other variation of K-22/Model 17, but I can assure you that no one can (honestly) say that any certain variant of the K-22 family is more accurate than all the others. It just ain't that simple.

There are so many variables in accuracy, that to list even 10% of them would be more time consuming than most humans could endure. That said, I feel safe saying that any K-22 you find in good condition will be as accurate as you'll need - once you find the type/brand of ammo that particular gun prefers. Of course, you'll have to do your part too.

Mark

 

[44wheelman]

I have a 5 screw, 17-2 & 617...they all shoot as well as I can - which means they are the same.

I have had others that did not shoot as well, but they were not mechanically in as great condition as the ones I have now.