Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
I thought about adding this to the thread about S&W 22 revolvers, but decided to start a new thread instead.
A few weeks ago somebody posted a thread about what was the next revolver we were going to buy. I replied ask me next week, because I didn't want to tip my hand yet. I had something in my sights, but it wasn't in my hands yet.
I came across this Model 17 at auction a few weeks ago. Never really had much desire for the 8 3/8" barreled one, but I took a shine to it just because it is different. This is a Model 17, no dash. 22 Long Rifle of course. Roy Jinks says it shipped in December of 1963. Condition is pretty close to as new in the box. Teeny bit of wear to the blue at the muzzle, a few tiny scratches, and a pretty visible turn ring. The chambers and bore look like they just left the factory yesterday and the grips are numbered to the gun. No box, just the gun.
Not exactly the most practical of guns with that 8 3/8" non-tapered barrel, it weighs a few ounces more than my 17-3, and of course it is barrel heavy. But the big oversized target stocks help make up for the weight. I don't have a catalog from 1963, but I do have one from 1961 and 1964. The list price for a Model 17 then was $81 for the 6" or 8 3/8" barrel.
I took it to the range along with my Model 17-3 from 1975, which I remember paying $125 for brand-spanky new. The 8 3/8" barrel really shines plinking at soup cans at the 25 yard berm from a rest. Too heavy for me to hit a soup can reliably off hand. In truth, I just ain't that good a shot, can't do it reliably with the 6" barrel off hand either. But it sure is fun to lay that front sight on a soup can from a rest at 75 feet. Fun to watch them jump.
I thought about adding this to the thread about S&W 22 revolvers, but decided to start a new thread instead.
A few weeks ago somebody posted a thread about what was the next revolver we were going to buy. I replied ask me next week, because I didn't want to tip my hand yet. I had something in my sights, but it wasn't in my hands yet.
I came across this Model 17 at auction a few weeks ago. Never really had much desire for the 8 3/8" barreled one, but I took a shine to it just because it is different. This is a Model 17, no dash. 22 Long Rifle of course. Roy Jinks says it shipped in December of 1963. Condition is pretty close to as new in the box. Teeny bit of wear to the blue at the muzzle, a few tiny scratches, and a pretty visible turn ring. The chambers and bore look like they just left the factory yesterday and the grips are numbered to the gun. No box, just the gun.
Not exactly the most practical of guns with that 8 3/8" non-tapered barrel, it weighs a few ounces more than my 17-3, and of course it is barrel heavy. But the big oversized target stocks help make up for the weight. I don't have a catalog from 1963, but I do have one from 1961 and 1964. The list price for a Model 17 then was $81 for the 6" or 8 3/8" barrel.
I took it to the range along with my Model 17-3 from 1975, which I remember paying $125 for brand-spanky new. The 8 3/8" barrel really shines plinking at soup cans at the 25 yard berm from a rest. Too heavy for me to hit a soup can reliably off hand. In truth, I just ain't that good a shot, can't do it reliably with the 6" barrel off hand either. But it sure is fun to lay that front sight on a soup can from a rest at 75 feet. Fun to watch them jump.
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