Old timers first time .22 Revolver (thinking model 17 classic)

[peterV]

Greetings Gentlemen,
I've grown up with rifles my whole life but have never had a handgun. My fishing friend ( a state trooper) has been asking me to join him shooting at a local range. So I'm thinking about getting a .22 revolver to open up a new world of shooting. I like the price of .22 ammo so I think I will be very happy with a .22LR. Also I'd like to have a pistol of nice quality so I can hold onto it (I'm at the stage in my life that its OK to have a nice thing). So I'm asking for your opinion for what would make for a very nice shooting revolver.
I've been thinking about the S&W model 17 classic, but I've also been reading a lot about the earlier K17's that might be a little nicer. and I've also hearing about the 617.

Also I was thinking 6" ...but would you recommend a 6" or 4"?

So if money wasn't a factor what would you buy for a top notch smoothly performing revolver.

 

[jinx]

K 22, model 17. Mine has the 6 inch barrel. I love it. I do not care for the newer internal lock. If you can find a model 18{this is the 4 inch barrel}, you will be happy with either 4 or 6 inch barrel. Anybody that shoots a .22 has to have a K 22, it is only right.

 

[Iggy]

What Jinx said.

You can probably find a very nice Model 17 or 18 for far less than the price of a new classic and have a better gun.

They are harder to find, but worth the effort.

 

[Dave T]

The trouble with the new "Classic" line is that...well, it isn't all that classic. Like Iggy said, you can find an original for less money and it will indeed be a "classic".

Dave
PS: Go with the 6" barrel for range fun and a steadier hold.

 

[Old cop]

I lucked onto a Model 18, the 4" version, a few months ago and it is my favorite range gun. I've shot the M&P .22 (new plastic semiauto) but it does not compare to these classics. You should be able to find one given a little patience, but half the fun is the search. Good hunting.

 

[Iggy]

I've got 4 6 inch K-22s ranging from 1939 to 1973. I picked up a 1961 vintage model 18 recently. The 1939 Outdoorsman is a favorite, but that model 18 is growin' on me.

 

[peterV]

Gentlemen thank you.
I come from the bamboo fly rod world so I agree...part of the fun is the search. There is nothing like an original and good workmanship transcends time.

What version of the 17 do you recommend? 17-1,-2,-3,or -4? I've seen a couple -3's on the gunbroker site but I've only just started looking and trying to learn the subtleties for each.

and thankypu for the recommendation about the 18.. I'll be doing the same to learn about that model.

 

[Green Frog]

peterV,

Welcome to the S&W Forum from one old timer to another. I would advise taking the time to shoot a few different models to see which you like, advice from the fine folks here notwithstanding. Since you mention fishing, you may even find that a little J-frame kit gun (4" with adjustable sights for instance) might suit your purposes, and it will be a fun gun to shoot as well as sweet to carry. At various times, they have been available in blue, nickel or stainless, your choice. There was also a blue 6" variant of this available, but that would defeat the reason for going to the smaller frame size.

If you are interested in the K-frames, they have also been produced in blue and stainless (and rarely nickel.) Barrel lengths run from 2" (rare) through 4, 6, and 8 3/8". A downside of the stainless guns is that for some reason S&W marketeers thought they should all have heavy underlugs on the barrels, which in the 6 and 8 3/8" versions get a little weighty.

For casual carry shooting targets of opportunity, I would suggest a 4" barrel of whichever frame and finish you choose, but if you are more serious, the longer 6" barrel makes it easier for old eyes to focus on the front sight. I've never found a good reason for an 8 3/8" barrel on a 22 revolver, but that's just me.

Now go back and read my second sentence in the first paragraph and you'll see why I said what I said! Again, welcome to the Forum and you will be sure to have a good time trying and choosing the S&W you will buy!

Regards,
Froggie

PS Having read your later posting, I'll mention that I found a 1948 vintage K-22 (by definition a six inch barrel) that, it I only got to keep one 22 revolver would probably be my first choice. If you are a bamboo fly rod kind of guy, and are willing to look for it, I think that's where you will end up too, or maybe a Model 35 (six inch J-frame) would be nice for you. JMHO, YMMV!

 

[m657]

The very most accurate revolver I have is a 17-4 with 8 3/8" barrel.....a friend had it for 30 years and his smith put a most excellent tune up into the trigger for both SA & DA use.

I don't particularly like to carry it around in the field, and it doesn't work well for me in such as Steel Challenge matches. The balance is perfect for me for accuracy.

Recently I traded for another Smith revolver: a 4" 10 shot 617. It is rapidly becoming a favorite for Steel Challenge, and ICORE if the local club did 22LR matches. I love the compact nature of it on the belt.

I haven't had it long enough to establish actual bulls-eye style accuracy, but it is easily accurate enough so far.

You can not go wrong with any Smith 22 revolver IMHO.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[smitholdtimer]

.22 LR Revolver

If you are looking to own a nice accurate shooter and have a good investment please steer clear of the classic series. Look for the older versions of the same revolver and get much better value for your money. The internal lock is not something that should be included on any firearm. Was a political requirement instead of a functional addition.

 

[Waveform]

I would echo the advice of others and suggest a K-22 Masterpiece pre-Model 17. I have two now and they are, well, nothing short of spectacular. One is a mint example from 1957 that I picked up for for around the same money as a new "Classic" would cost. The second was a pawn shop find that is seriously challenged in the cosmetic department but mechanically sound and a good shooter. That one was $200. These are terrific target revolvers with 6" barrels and adjustable sights. And they fit the style of a bamboo fly rod kind of guy.

Wave

 

[Wee Hooker]

I've had several of all mentioned over the years. Here is my 2 cents. If range work/target shooting is your goal, go with the 6". It will be more gratifying. The 617's were nice but heavy for their size. The 6" 617 is especially nose heavy IMHO. If you go 617, get the 4". My choice for a quality 22 revolver would be for a Mod 17 or pre 17. I still keep one of each even after the heard of 617s, 34s and 63s has moved on.

p.s. Once took 2nd place in a rimfire match with my trusty old S&W pre-17 outdoorsman. That was a sweet victory ;-)

p.s. While not a S&W , or revolver, my next recommendation would be for a Ruger MK II/III target pistol. Nothing comes close in the sub $500 rimfire pistol world.

 

[Florida Guy]

You cannot go wrong with a model 17 or 18.
I had a 6" model 17-2 that I bought because I couldn't find a 4" version.
Then I had the good luck to find a 18-3 which I much prefer.
Try to narrow down your choices by deciding on barrel length.

This was my model 17-2 that I have sold

I now have this model 18-3 shown with incorrect target grips

I prefer an older gun to a new "classic", but remember, the new one carries a lifetime warranty.

 

[Lefever]

I have 2 617's. A 6" that I bought first and later added a scope to. Next bought a 4" to holster carry and shoot open sights. They are both current production with locks. I'm very happy with them and don't consider the lock an issue. While the lock is a justifiable issue to a collector of nice old Smiths it has no effect on the functioning of a shooter. You will surely enjoy which ever direction you go.

 

[Abbynormal]

My opinion is thus:
1 Mdl 17 (-2, -3 or -4) 6" first choice, 8-3/8" second choice
2. Mdl 18 )don't worry about target trigger/hammers in either #1 or #2
3. Mdl 617 4"
4. Classic models (to me nothing but a knock off of the real thing!)

 

[silentflyer]

Dito on the K22/Model 17's hard to go wrong...

 

[A10]

Welcome to the Forum Peter, you made a very good decision by coming here and asking the experts for their advice. I am no expert but I do recommend sticking with a 6" revolver for your first, as it will help you with developing proper sight picture and double action shooting (better balance, longer sight radius, etc.). IMO, the older the revolver the better, but that is just me (maybe one or two others here!). Truth be told though, you won't go wrong with any of the Smiths mentioned here. One thing, keep her clean! Cylinders can become a bit sticky if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. Regardless of which one you settle on, do some searches here for the particular gun and you will get a wealth of information!

 

[fyimo]

I would go with a Model 17 or 18 if you want a really nice 22LR revolver as they are great shooters. I have nothing against the 617 as I own a 4 inch and a 6 inch no dash version.
Model 17 6 inch

Model 18 4 inch

617 no dash

 

[chud333]

As others have stated, go with the real classics.
The model 17 or 18 is my first choice because i prefer
blued guns. But the 617 is also well thought of.
I have 3 pre-17's (K-22's) and they all are tack drivers
if i do my part. All are from 1947-1948 and 2 of these
are the one-liners.

Chuck

 

[Mickey D]

Beware, Once you start shooting handguns you will want more handguns and bigger calibers.

Enjoy!