HAWKEYE10
Member
I have a model 17 and 18 and really like both of them.I think you will have fun with it. Don
put money on a 17 should I have?
- Thread starter 79ipa
- Start date
I have a model 17 and 18 and really like both of them.I think you will have fun with it. Don
From the description you have given of the gun, I'm bettin' it needs a really good cleaning.
.22's are dirty and will lead the barrel.
Clean it and then do some experimenting with different brands of ammo.
I'll further bet it will out shoot you.
Above all, enjoy your new pistol, that's a heck of a deal.
.22's are dirty and will lead the barrel.
Clean it and then do some experimenting with different brands of ammo.
I'll further bet it will out shoot you.
Above all, enjoy your new pistol, that's a heck of a deal.
I found a 1958 vintage Model 17 a couple of years ago. No box. Good finish, but barrel full of lead and other crud. Bad cylinder. I sent it to S&W and they put in a new cylinder. With the barrel crud cleaned out, it is now super accurate, but as much as I like it, I still shoot the stainless 617s more.
Attachments
I assume the broken panel split along the grain. You should be able to put it back together with carpenter's glue, maybe with a tiny spline or dutchman on the inner surface to reinforce it if you are so inclined.
I agree with Iggy that dirt is likely to be a contributing factor to unsatisfactory accuracy. A really deep down cleaning and deleading should help a lot.
One thing you might want to check on is whether the barrel is aligned TDC. If the barrel rib is out of registration with the rib on the frame, the gun's groups (regardless of how tight they are) will print a little left or right of the bullseye. That can be fixed with a couple of light taps with a nylon mallet on the side of the ejector locking lug under the barrel. I had to do that to a Pre-17 I picked up a few weeks ago.
I agree with Iggy that dirt is likely to be a contributing factor to unsatisfactory accuracy. A really deep down cleaning and deleading should help a lot.
One thing you might want to check on is whether the barrel is aligned TDC. If the barrel rib is out of registration with the rib on the frame, the gun's groups (regardless of how tight they are) will print a little left or right of the bullseye. That can be fixed with a couple of light taps with a nylon mallet on the side of the ejector locking lug under the barrel. I had to do that to a Pre-17 I picked up a few weeks ago.
Sportsterguy
Member
According to the book, your gun was made in '68 which would make it a 17-3. Open your cylinder, and look in the cutout on the frame. It should say 17-3 above the serial number.
I have a 17-3, and it is accurate!!!
The turn, line doesn't necessarily mean that it has been fired a lot. It could be that someone just cocked and let dowm the trigger a lot to help break in the action. I do that all the time with my centerfires, and dry fire them at people I don't like on TV.
I never dry fire my 17, because it's a rimfire, and S&W doesn't recommend it for them according to their web site. I know a lot of guys will tell you that it's OK with Smith's, but I won't be one of them. You risk damaging the firing pin, and the rear face of the cylinder.
They're not making the original 17's any more, and I would much prefer one over any conversion kit for your 1911. I have shot guns so equipped, and was not impressed. My 17 will shoot any of them under the table.
Most every single 17 I have ever handled had some side play (rotational), so I wouldn't worry too much unless it is excessive.
Excellent write up as usual Tim. My 17-3 is the most accurate S&W in the safe and it's fun and cheap to shoot. The only other handgun I own that comes close to it in the accuracy dept. is my H&K P7 PSP. It is scary accurate for a production semi that doesn't cost 2-3K.
sipowicz
Member
If you can't afford to buy it, just have a kid....
scope mount
Is there a way to mount a scope on this gun? I had it out today and managed to shoot a few 1.5 inch 21 yard groups with some winchester hollow points. I also tried some other bullets and they didn't do too good. I really think that sights are kinda lacking. They don't compare in any way to the white outline sights on my 586 which was still capable of shooting inch groups today.
Is there a way to mount a scope on this gun? I had it out today and managed to shoot a few 1.5 inch 21 yard groups with some winchester hollow points. I also tried some other bullets and they didn't do too good. I really think that sights are kinda lacking. They don't compare in any way to the white outline sights on my 586 which was still capable of shooting inch groups today.
Stainz
Member
If you haven't already purchased the 17, please consider the following:
A. You seem to have misgivings re it's being loose... perhaps, for a reason. Have it checked.
B. You were considering a 642 for personal protection. That signals me that you may not have a CCW now. If that is the case - and you can legally carry in your state - you need to correct that. Get the personal protection first. You won't be able to enjoy your 17 if you - or your family - are a victim. The 642 is small enough - in a Robert Mika pocket holster - that you can pocket carry it 24/7 - which you should these days. Either my 642 or 296 is in my pocket - at the grocers, mowing the yard, etc, and even in Church!
The 17/617 is the most fun you can have plinking - but not at the expense of the safety of you and yours - IMHO.
Stainz
A. You seem to have misgivings re it's being loose... perhaps, for a reason. Have it checked.
B. You were considering a 642 for personal protection. That signals me that you may not have a CCW now. If that is the case - and you can legally carry in your state - you need to correct that. Get the personal protection first. You won't be able to enjoy your 17 if you - or your family - are a victim. The 642 is small enough - in a Robert Mika pocket holster - that you can pocket carry it 24/7 - which you should these days. Either my 642 or 296 is in my pocket - at the grocers, mowing the yard, etc, and even in Church!
The 17/617 is the most fun you can have plinking - but not at the expense of the safety of you and yours - IMHO.
Stainz
b3337
Member
You may try whiteout on the front blade.As I've aged I find I need something on the front sight.I prefer standard velocity cci in my 17, it's more expensive than the bulk, but groups far better.The federal bulk seems to shoot best for me as far as bulk goes, winchester bulk next and remington bulk as a last resort.
Similar threads
- Locked
