Does Anyone Have A S&W Model 17-8?

[Phydeaux642]

This model is given it's own little section in the S&W Standard catalog. It is the 10-shot, 6" bbl version with a "blue" not "blued" finish.

I'm assuming the gun is a good shooter with no issues due to the 10-shot variant. And, how does that finish hold up? I found one today at a LGS in the box for $399 and am thinking about picking it up.

I've been keeping my eyes open for an older model 17, but the prices are getting crazy.

 

[finfanatic]

I saw a used Model 17 with at least an 8" barrel the other day for $650.

I was going to look at it closer, but I was too busy checking out a Model 25 for $500.

After I was halfway home I realized I had forgotten to check out the Model 17.

But $650 is sorta pricey for a .22 IMO.

 

[Shade00]

I believe the 17-8 had what S&W calls a 'blue glass bead' finish. Although I cannot tell you how much more durable it is than regular ol' blue, glass bead finishes in general do not seem to show the normal fine scratches that other finishes do.

Although I have not fired one and cannot attest to its strengths or weaknesses, the 17-8 seems to be a great combination - 10-shot .22 on a pre-lock S&W body. I can tell you for a fact that I would not hesitate to buy one in box for $399. I would probably buy one without the box for $399. If you decide that you don't want it, be kind enough to pass on the LGS's contact information - I would certainly be interested.

Older Model 17s and 18s are skyrocketing - I passed on a like new 5-screw pre-Model 18 at $650 recently - I may have to make an offer if it's still around at the next round of the gun show...

 

[geologist]

What are 6" SW 17's selling for in the US? In Canada, a 17 in VG to Exc condition would sell privately for $300-$400CAN.

 

[Shade00]

What's the exchange rate? A VG to EXC Model 17 would sell for $400-500, and they've been going on the higher side of that - of course, there are still plenty of local and pawn shop deals, but you have to be in the right place at the right time. Also, 5-screw and other desireables are generally getting a substantial premium.

 

[geologist]

1 $CAN = 0.95 $US

At what model did the 5 screw design phase out. I have a 17-3, is it a 5 screw design? Does it have a pinned barrel?

I'm abroad right now so I can't examine my 17-3.

I bought my VG 17-3 in 2005 for about $300 CAN.

 

[Master Blaster]

glass bead finishes in general do not seem to show the normal fine scratches that other finishes do.

I have three S&W revolvers with the glass bead finish on them, they show scratches and turn rings etc very plainly. The problem is that you can't just polish a scratch out with flitz like you can on a shiney finish. Scratches show up as shiney spots, and the gun neeeds to be rebeaded to get rid of them. The advantage is that the finish isnt shiney and reflective. Not sure how it holds up in blue compared to a regular blue finish. It may well be slightly more durable in blue. $399 LNIB is a deal and I would buy the gun.
JMHO YMMV

 

[22-rimfire]

I don't see many M17's for under $450-$500 US these days in as-new condition.

 

[Old Fuff]

The problem with 10-shot/.22 revolvers (in general, not the S&W Model 17-8 in particular) is that the ratchet teeth in the cylinder are more shallow and close together, and the timing of the cylinder stop and hand must be perfect because the notches in the cylinder are closer to each other. For this reason I have stuck to the 6-shot kind, and switched to an autoloader when I wanted more shots between loadings.

But it may take a lot of wear for problems to show up, and there isn't any reason the 17-8 shouldn't be a good shooter, and there is no question that it will have a collector's value in the future, if not now. At the quoted price I might be tempted, but then it might spend its life as a safe queen.

Given a choice, I prefer the old high-polish blue over a matt one, but S&W isn't offering that option very often, and when they do you really have to pay for it.

 

[John Fugate]

I have a NIB 17-8 10 shot thats has the Blue matted type finish you are asking about. Go to my website and type in 17 smith on the search bar. I have one in SS that I shoot, I like the 10 round cylinder.
fugatefirearms.com

 

[Phydeaux642]

Well, I went and put some money down on the gun today. I would rather have a 4" revolver, but I think I can get used to the 6" pretty quickly.

 

[John Fugate]

You will love the gun, any decent K22 is worth 500.00 bucks. Its the best bang for the buck. John

 

[kle]

I have a S&W 17-8 6" and I love it! It's my 'backup' gun for my 617-6 6" 10-shot for my local Bullseye competition (currently my primary while my 617-6 is back at S&W for timing-issues). Mine came with a target hammer and target trigger, as well as a gold-bead front-sight, all fitted by S&W for one of its previous owners.

It weighs about the same as a 4" 617 because the cylinder is alloy (which is why S&W went with a glass-bead blue finish--to match the black anodizing of the alloy cylinder), but the weight is slightly more-forward towards the muzzle.

I appreciate the 10-shot cylinder, too--allows for easier counting when shooting bricks of 550 at the range. I was bummed, though, for the longest time because no one made a 10-shot speedloader for it, but then I found the DS-10-SPEED loader (and its accompanying loading-block) and I've been a happy camper ever since!

I'm certain you'll enjoy yours!