My Pre-Lock 317 AirLite Snubby 22lr. Why?

[HarrishMasher]

I know how I came to own this little almost Lite as Air shooter, but I still don't know why I own it. Pretty much every gun in my current collection serves an actual purpose. I either train with them, carry them, or shoot them fairly regularly at the shooting range. I do none of those things with my 317 22lr snubby. I have owned this gun for four years and have brought it to the range 5 times. I have never trained with it or carried it.

I bought the gun because I felt the deal was too good and I couldn't turn it down. I became friendly with a local gun store owner and he knew I like S&W revolvers. When he would buy one used or take one in on trade he would text me a picture and a price. The text came in with a $400 price tag and I drove the ¼ mile from my office to his shop to check it out.

When I got there he told me about two hours ago a women in her 80's, along with her aide, came into the shop with the 317 in the photo. It was in a little carry case with a 50 round box of CCI Stingers that had 42 rounds left in it. She bought it sometime in the 90s with the box of Stingers at a local shop/shooting range. She shot one cylinder (8 rounds), went home with it in the little range bag she bought that same day, put it in her closet and left it there untouched for 17 years or so. So I bought it.

I was having a .22lr day today and took it to the range with me. I had some of my 22lr semi-auto target pistols with me that I was running suppressed. So I only had American Eagle 45gr 22lr Suppressor Ammo with me. The 317 is honestly not very pleasant to shoot. The DA trigger is about 14 pounds. I only shoot my revolvers DA, so the excellent SA trigger is of no use to me. The sights are essentially useless. They are actually dead on, but they are so tiny, and the light grey color makes them almost impossible for someone who needs reading glasses to acquire. I can barely see them. Despite all that I can actually shoot this flyweight pretty well.

For my last group I pushed the target out to 10 yards and fired this 8 round group offhand DA only:

Someone please help me figure out an excuse to keep this little shooter. I am having a very hard time coming up with a justification for owning it.

I did make one modification to the gun. I took off the original Uncle Mike's Boot Grips that came on the gun and replaced them with a newer set of S&W factory Boot Grips. If I recall correctly, these grips are a little lighter than the Uncle Mike's.

 

[EricR]

Can't come up with a reason, for you at least. On the other hand, the only handgun for my wife, her EDC, is a 22 snubby. Her's is actually a 22 magnum. After many trials and tribulations we discovered that the only foolproof handgun that she could fearlessly shoot was a 22 revolver. So, that's the kind of handgun for her.

 

[silversnake]

Those little .22s are fun! What other reason do you need? I don't know why the trigger is so heavy on yours, 14 lbs seems like a lot even for a J-Frame. Do you shoot any other J-Frames? If so did you do anything to improve the sights on them?

If you ever get injured and can't handle a larger caliber, or you can't wear a belt and need to carry something lighter, a little gun like that might come in handy. If you home carry that might be the perfect size/weight until you can get to a bigger gun.

Of course if you don't see any reason to keep it I'm sure you can get much more than what you paid for it

 

[Old cop]

I own the same model and really like it. A bit of hi glow orange paint on the front sight helps the sight picture. My youngest daughter owns her own business so I let her "borrow" the 317 to keep in her shop so it serves a purpose.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have owned a S&W 317 since they were introduced. $250.00 plus tax when Jumbo Sports went out of business here. This gun accompanied me on every BSA outing I was fortunate enough to attend when my son was a Scout. I bought it to tote.

The Walther TPH was an exercise in futility. If you look at it, you will notice larger sights were installed in an attempt to be able to hit with it. I eventually parted with it.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Those little .22s are fun! What other reason do you need? I don't know why the trigger is so heavy on yours, 14 lbs seems like a lot even for a J-Frame. Do you shoot any other J-Frames? If so did you do anything to improve the sights on them?

If you ever get injured and can't handle a larger caliber, or you can't wear a belt and need to carry something lighter, a little gun like that might come in handy. If you home carry that might be the perfect size/weight until you can get to a bigger gun.

Of course if you don't see any reason to keep it I'm sure you can get much more than what you paid for it

The triggers on most 22lr revolvers, especially S&Ws, are unusually heavy because they must guarantee ignition on a rimfire cartridge. In fact, one should never do a trigger job on a 22lr revolver because you will wind up with many light strikes.

I own 7 other J Frames in 32mag, 38, and 357. They all have had triggers work. I installed Apex kits in all of them and shaved off about 4 lbs. They are great. I would love to do the trigger on this gun, but it should not be messed with.

 

[HarrishMasher]

OP Here.

The whole reason I took the 317 out to the range today was because I took this 22lr target pistol to the range on Saturday and decided I need to pay some attention to my 22s!

It was my Ruger MKII with the 1.5 pound trigger. Well it is not fair to call it a Ruger MKII, The only factory Ruger part remaining is the Mainspring!

Over a decade ago I bought a standard Ruger MKII pistol. I shot it a few times and it just lived in the safe. About 5 years ago, when I moved to an NFA friendly state, I got bit by the 22lr bug. In addition to buying and building a few 22lr rifles, I slowly started transforming my Ruger MKII.

The metamorphosis started with a Tactical Solutions Pac-Lite upper and AAC Prodigy Suppressor. I then started replacing the factory Ruger internals with Volquartsen parts. Once all the internals like the trigger, slide release and springs were Volquartsen, I just went ahead and bought a Volquartsen lower frame. Now all that remains of the original gun is the mainspring!

Shortly after replacing the lower, I moved on to a bunch of other projects, and my 22's have sat neglected in my safe. I grabbed my pistol formally known as my Ruger MKII this weekend on my trip to the range. I had somewhere else to be and only had 15 minutes left at the range. With my remaining time rapidly ticking away, I loaded up two MKII mags, switched on the Burris FastFire II and shot two groups offhand at 10 yards suppressed. That's all I had time for this trip.

I instantly remembered why I built this gun. It is awesome! I have owned a few hundred handguns over the last 30 years, and I can't think of a pistol that is more fun to shoot. It is so accurate, has such mild recoil (especially when suppressed), so quiet, 100% reliable, it is impossible not to love this gun. The two groups I shot inspired me to get back into my 22s. So today I grabbed the 317 to take to the range as well. As I said, I'm still trying to figure out what role it can play in my collection. I have a few dozen guns currently. The 317 is the one I shoot least. I may have to paint the front sight.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Can't come up with a reason, for you at least. On the other hand, the only handgun for my wife, her EDC, is a 22 snubby. Her's is actually a 22 magnum. After many trials and tribulations we discovered that the only foolproof handgun that she could fearlessly shoot was a 22 revolver. So, that's the kind of handgun for her.

Wow that is bold! A 22 mag out of a short barrel is louder than a 9mm out of a 4" barrel. It also has some pretty snappy recoil too out of light weight snubby.

 

[silversnake]

The triggers on most 22lr revolvers, especially S&Ws, are unusually heavy because they must guarantee ignition on a rimfire cartridge. In fact, one should never do a trigger job on a 22lr revolver because you will wind up with many light strikes.

I own 7 other J Frames in 32mag, 38, and 357. They all have had triggers work. I installed Apex kits in all of them and shaved off about 4 lbs. They are great. I would love to do the trigger on this gun, but it should not be messed with.

I have an Airweight .22 myself and while I don't have a trigger gauge it does not feel all that heavy to me. Mine is a much older gun than yours, though, a pre-Model 43 from the 1950s. It also has much bigger sights and a 3.5" barrel. I find it effortless to shoot in double action. Maybe the 3" barreled 317 with target sights would be better for you?

I've never had a trigger job done on a J-Frame but when I've had other revolvers modified I make sure to tell the gunsmith I do NOT want reduced power springs used. If I get a nice, smooth action and fast return the weight is not important to me.

 

[Kansasgunner]

I have the early no-lock 317s in both 2" and 3" barrels. Like you I don't shoot them often, but really like them when I do!

 

[cgt4570]

I had a standard 317 no lock and sold it for the same reasons. Now I'm looking for the same in a target version.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I have owned a S&W 317 since they were introduced. $250.00 plus tax when Jumbo Sports went out of business here. This gun accompanied me on every BSA outing I was fortunate enough to attend when my son was a Scout. I bought it to tote.

The Walther TPH was an exercise in futility. If you look at it, you will notice larger sights were installed in an attempt to be able to hit with it. I eventually parted with it.

I bought a couple of guns at steal prices when Jumbo Sports went out of business in Lafayette-an 11-87 and a 629-4 Mountain gun.I also have a317 no lock that I have a set of smooth magnas with a tyler that shave even more weight off if it. Have no reason whatsoever to own it other than it is neat. I also own a 317-1 pre lock kit gun which has a much better trigger . I have the original Dymondwood grips on it. I like is a lot.

 

[RichCapeCod]

I've had one for many years. I like the little beast. DA trigger is pretty tough and the gun, unlike the OP's, does NOT shoot to the point of aim, but it's a fun little revolver none the less.

The grips on the handgun are now stock wood J-frame grips with a T-Tyler adapter. Gun feels so light you almost expect it to float away!

Rich

 

[crsides]

i really hate to see people with S&W's that they do not know why they own them. PM me and I will get you your money back, and pay shipping. Win Win.

Charlie (who has 317's in 2" and 3" and can't decide which I like the best).

 

[jack the toad]

Although the 317 is not one of my favorite shooters, I have two LNIB 317-1's, 3" with adj. sights (target models ). Don't recall product codes but one has the dymond wood and the other has rubber grips. I'd like to have the OP's gun just to see how low you can go weight-wise.

 

[HarrishMasher]

i really hate to see people with S&W's that they do not know why they own them. PM me and I will get you your money back, and pay shipping. Win Win.

Charlie (who has 317's in 2" and 3" and can't decide which I like the best).

If it makes you feel better I currently have 18 S&W revolvers. The 317 is the only one I have not found to be very useful. I shoot all my other S&Ws fairly regularly. I even carry a few of them from time to time.

If I recall correctly when the 317 AirLite came out in the 90s it was marketed as a personal defense pistol for those who could not handle a larger caliber. Case in point, the previous owner was an elderly women. Fortunately, I am still young enough to handle a larger caliber and gun. My daily carry is usually a full-sized auto, or a 2.5" to 3" K/L Frame.

I think when I purchased it, I justified the purchase by telling myself I would use this as a trainer for my larger caliber J Frames. Given the trigger pull is twice that of my other J Frames, that didn't quite work out.

Though I have about a dozen 22s, the 317 is currently my only 22lr revolver. I guess it could come in handy with shotshells when I am hiking around and encounter a snake. But I would probably be better suited with a .38 shot shell. So I don't know. Still thinking of a use for it.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Although the 317 is not one of my favorite shooters, I have two LNIB 317-1's, 3" with adj. sights (target models ). Don't recall product codes but one has the dymond wood and the other has rubber grips. I'd like to have the OP's gun just to see how low you can go weight-wise.

I have a 342PD (38 Centennial style) with Eagle Secret Service grips that weigh 1 ounce. I think it comes in at 11 ounces total. Just about the same as the 317 (10.3 ounces). So you can go just as low in a larger caliber. If weight was the deciding factor I would take the 38 over the 22.

 

[629shooter]

Maybe it's only "use" is that it's a cool addition to your J-Frame collection.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[silversnake]

I think when I purchased it, I justified the purchase by telling myself I would use this as a trainer for my larger caliber J Frames. Given the trigger pull is twice that of my other J Frames, that didn't quite work out.

Though I have about a dozen 22s, the 317 is currently my only 22lr revolver. I guess it could come in handy with shotshells when I am hiking around and encounter a snake. But I would probably be better suited with a .38 shot shell. So I don't know. Still thinking of a use for it.

If your goal was to use it just as a trainer maybe a Model 63 would have been better. Even with a heavy trigger it would still be easier to hold on target since the gun weighs twice as much. Although from the way you describe it your trigger sounds unusually heavy even for a J-Frame. Maybe even a Ruger LCRx in .22 would be more to your liking.

To me the value of an Airlight .22 is something you can carry without even noticing its weight. In winter it might be useful as a alternate gun carried in an outer coat pocket if you can't get to your primary fast enough.

 

[Dave T]

I'll give you a reason/purpose for that little revolver. Think of it as your carry gun for when you don't want to or can't carry a gun. Take note of the fact that you group size with the 317 is about the same as with your fancy (no offense intended) target pistols. (smile)

Dave

 

[HarrishMasher]

I'll give you a reason/purpose for that little revolver. Think of it as your carry gun for when you don't want to or can't carry a gun. Take note of the fact that you group size with the 317 is about the same as with your fancy (no offense intended) target pistols. (smile)

Dave

I have a 342PD .38 that weighs 11 ounces. Less than an ounce heavier than the 317. I would choose the .38 for sure for that purpose.

Not busting your chops, I have thought through most of these scenarios and still come up empty.

 

[HarrishMasher]

If your goal was to use it just as a trainer maybe a Model 63 would have been better. Even with a heavy trigger it would still be easier to hold on target since the gun weighs twice as much. Although from the way you describe it your trigger sounds unusually heavy even for a J-Frame. Maybe even a Ruger LCRx in .22 would be more to your liking.

To me the value of an Airlight .22 is something you can carry without even noticing its weight. In winter it might be useful as a alternate gun carried in an outer coat pocket if you can't get to your primary fast enough.

I agree that may work for someone. But I live in South Florida and I can't remember the last time I wore a coat.

As mentioned above I have a 342PD .38 that weighs 11 ounces. Less than an ounce heavier than the 317. I would choose the .38 for sure for that purpose.

Not busting your chops, I have thought through most of these scenarios and still come up empty.

I guess it is no big deal. I will just keep it as a curiosity. And use it at the range a few times a year. I just really wish the trigger was lighter, it would really be a lot more useful. If I thought it would still be reliable, I would do a trigger job. But experience shows me otherwise.

 

[silversnake]

I agree that may work for someone. But I live in South Florida and I can't remember the last time I wore a coat.

As mentioned above I have a 342PD .38 that weighs 11 ounces. Less than an ounce heavier than the 317. I would choose the .38 for sure for that purpose.

Not busting your chops, I have thought through most of these scenarios and still come up empty.

I guess it is no big deal. I will just keep it as a curiosity. And use it at the range a few times a year. I just really wish the trigger was lighter, it would really be a lot more useful. If I thought it would still be reliable, I would do a trigger job. But experience shows me otherwise.

I understand that. Everyone is different in terms of what they'll carry and why. Most shooters today probably wouldn't understand carrying any revolver.

I wish you could try my pre-Model 43 and tell me what you think of the trigger, the reaction I get is often "they don't build them like that anymore." I have no way of knowing if it felt like this new or if it smoothed out over time. Occasionally it does take a second strike to get a primer to ignite but I take that as a given with any .22.

 

[typetwelve]

Some here may disagree with me...but I think of almost all small J-frames as belly guns. They're not fun to shoot, they're not real accurate with the awful sights they come with...they have a purpose, short range, don't aim. They are not fun range guns, not in the slightest.

If that is the case...then a .22LR makes even less sense.

I look at 22LR as only have two purposes...plinking, small game hunting. You're really not going to want to do either with that 317. Can it do those things? Sure. Will it be fun? Not really.

Fun is my Ruger SR22...fun + accurate is going to be a Ruger Mk series or Browning Buckmark.

 

[murphydog]

You have it and may find a "use" for it someday. It has a lanyard attachment on the butt (as shown in one of the above photos) and it would be a decent gun for carrying under a shirt with that.

Now that I think about it, I would have about 98% fewer guns if I had to answer the "why" question for each of them...

 

[typetwelve]

You have it and may find a "use" for it someday. It has a lanyard attachment on the butt (as shown in one of the above photos) and it would be a decent gun for carrying under a shirt with that.

Now that I think about it, I would have about 98% fewer guns if I had to answer the "why" question for each of them...

I try my best to have a "why" answer for each of my firearms. Sometimes the answer is function (like a shotgun...which I despise shooting, but it has a real role to play), or even for "fun".

I mentioned my Ruger SR22 before...it really is just a fun gun. It does serve a purspose of being a trainer for my 8 year old little girl but outside of that, it's not real useful.

I've sold off quite a few firearms over the years simply because I didn't have a use for them, it freed up funds for other purchases that I knew I would use more.

 

[ABPOS]

My 442's trigger was 13 pounds when I got it. I do test it with a fish scale though, so it's not a perfect science. But it is heavy. It has lightened up a little bit into the 12's as of now.

Mastering a 14 pound DA trigger would make you awesome on any gun. It will probably lighten up with shooting. But I typically don't think .22's are good trainers, but a DA .22.... Well that's just helping one master the DA trigger. And can actually shoot stuff, a lot cheaper than .38's in the process.

 

[eveled]

We

I have a 342PD (38 Centennial style) with Eagle Secret Service grips that weigh 1 ounce. I think it comes in at 11 ounces total. Just about the same as the 317 (10.3 ounces). So you can go just as low in a larger caliber. If weight was the deciding factor I would take the 38 over the 22.

My 317, and my 342 are noticably different. The 317 feels like it's floating the 342 is a tank in comparison.

I know what the OP is getting at, I got my 317 for a bargain, it was so gummed up with frog lube it would not function. I couldn't say no, but it doesn't get a lot of range time.

I keep it around, because I like it. That's enough for me.

Edit:: Just realized it is the ammo that is making the difference in the perceived weight. Empty they weigh almost the same loaded there is a big difference.

 

[HarrishMasher]

My 442's trigger was 13 pounds when I got it. I do test it with a fish scale though, so it's not a perfect science. But it is heavy. It has lightened up a little bit into the 12's as of now.

Mastering a 14 pound DA trigger would make you awesome on any gun. It will probably lighten up with shooting. But I typically don't think .22's are good trainers, but a DA .22.... Well that's just helping one master the DA trigger. And can actually shoot stuff, a lot cheaper than .38's in the process.

I totally agree that practice with a heavy DA revolver trigger makes anyone a better shooter. I know for a fact that I shoot as well as I do is because all of my self-imposed training shooting revolvers the last 6 or 7 years. And shooting them 100% DA only.

If the 317 actually had usable sights, I would agree it would make an excellent trainer. The harder the better as far as I'm concerned. Master a gun with a 14lb trigger and you are the master of many guns. But with the current sights that can't be changed, it is pretty much useless.

I would be much better served with an all steel 4" 22lr revolver. Maybe I should trade the 317 for one

 

[HarrishMasher]

My 317, and my 342 are noticably different. The 317 feels like it's floating the 342 is a tank in comparison.

I know what the OP is getting at, I got my 317 for a bargain, it was so gummed up with frog lube it would not function. I couldn't say no, but it doesn't get a lot of range time.

I keep it around, because I like it. That's enough for me.

It guess it is cool to have the lightest S&W revolver ever made. I'm pretty sure the 317 Snubby wears that distinction. It is fun to stick in someones hand and see their reaction. Heck it makes me smile everytime I grab it. It makes a nice conversation piece.