Smith & Wesson model 17-3 newbie

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Okay, now you're just showing off,,,

Okay, now you're just showing off,,, ;)
But that's okay my friend,,,
I would as well. :D

So you just bought a Mint Model 34,,,
Then you score a very nice Model 17 Masterpiece,,,
Now all you need is a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece to go with them,,,
Then you would own what is possibly the three finest .22 revolvers ever made anywhere.

But beware what can happen next,,,
You might decide that you need the centerfire counterparts.

Imagine having a friend over and opening up a nice wooden case,,,
Inside the case is your extremely pretty model 17,,,
With a comparable Model 14 beside it.

Then you will decide that that mint model 34,,,
Needs a mint 3" model 36 as a companion piece.

Then you will see a model 18 Combat Masterpiece,,,
You will naturally have to purchase the gun,,,
Then a model 15 won't be far behind.

I think you made a great purchase in getting those two classic S&W revolvers,,,
I do however feel the need to break this bad news to you,,,
You've set-the-hook so to speak,,,
More S&W's will follow.

Congratulations on your acquisition,,,
I feel and share your new affliction my friend,,,
Now get thee to the range and let us know how it (they) shoot.

Aarond

.
 
Thanks Aarond, they are just really nice pieces...the old ones atleast. Nothing like a deep blue 22lr revolver...I would love to have the bigger brothers, but I am on a 22lr fix right now. Next on my wish list is a S&W 43 and 18 with boxes and papers. Here is the 34-1 and when the 17 comes in I will post those up too:)
SW34-1002_zps7acbb477.jpg SW34-1001_zps0abe44be.jpg SW34-1004_zps98afb367.jpg SW34-1005_zps184e0768.jpg SW34-1003_zpsa6250f02.jpg
 
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Mine is a square butt Model 34 snubbie,,,

Mine is a square butt Model 34 snubbie,,,
I like it a bit better than the round butt versions,,,
But yours would match my Model 36 so much better.

Meet Velma and Velda,,,

VelmaVeldaWood.jpg

The Model 34 is named Velda after Mike Hammers secretary,,,
The Model 36 is named Velma after my oh-so-beautiful older sister.

Aarond

.
 
You just stepped off onto the slippery slope.

Here is a matched pair of 17 and 14. Same size, same shape, same weight..
Kframes.gif
005.gif
Or if you're an old geezer then maybe a pair of pre war Outdoorsmans will catch your eye.
38/44 and .22 LR
We will wait for you at the bottom.:evil:
 
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The Models 14, 16, and 17 were engineered to balance and weigh equally. In the 1950's the bullseye shooters demanded revolvers which allowed them to compete in different calibers, but having the same balance, weight, and feel.

I have two Model 17's, and both are tack drivers. The second one has an 8 3/8" barrel, and is accurate more like a rifle might be. Both out-shoot me.

My 17's both like Wolf Match ammo, and I've tried everything from Winchester, to Remington, to Eley, to Federal, to CCI.

Play around with different brands. You'll find one that the revolver loves, and you'll develop a real love for the Model 17.
 
Can you Smith guys educate me on this gun. What do think about the one I got. I am slowly learning about S&W's and appreciate any positive input.
Click to expand...

Howdy

I always get a kick out of it when guys talk about guns from the 1970s and 1980s as being 'older'. Currently my oldest Smith was made in 1863, but that's another story.

I bought my Model 17-3 brand, spanky new in 1975 when I was just in my twenties. Yours looks to be pretty much identical. I still have the box, all the papers, and the tools that came with it are still in their plastic bag. You probably don't want to hear that it cost $125 back then, but those were 1975 dollars, not 2013 dollars.



Model_17-1.jpg



Frankly, its nice to have boxes and papers and stuff, but unless the gun is rare, they really don't add much to the value. Still, it is nice to have them.

You should be pleased with your Model 17, as pleased as I still am with mine. Feed it whatever you like, shorts, longs, or long rifles. Do be sure to clean the chambers fairly regularly, rimfire ammo is by nature dirty, and it does not take much to pit the chamber walls so that extraction is difficult. Wish somebody had told me that 38 years ago.
 
Hello Radagast

No one has suggested a Model 18 for OP? Shame!
Click to expand...

Au contraire mon ami,,,
Back in post two I mentioned both the model 18 and 15.

It's been my experience that most people rate the 17 over the 18,,,
I personally like 4" revolvers better than the 6" versions,,,
I hear all the arguments of sight radius and balance,,,
But still prefer the Combat Masterpiece above all.

What our friend saenzrich doesn't realize is,,,
He's just done the equivalent of putting a needle in his arm. ;)

I predict he'll soon regret trading that Model 34 snubbie.

Aarond

.
 
Mea Culpa, I didn't read your post correctly.
I do like my Model 18, it is a fun gun to shoot and great for complete newbies.
 
aarondhgraham said:
Au contraire mon ami,,,
Back in post two I mentioned both the model 18 and 15.

It's been my experience that most people rate the 17 over the 18,,,
I personally like 4" revolvers better than the 6" versions,,,
I hear all the arguments of sight radius and balance,,,
But still prefer the Combat Masterpiece above all.
Aarond
Click to expand...

I agree, i much prefer the mod 18 over the 17's, that's why i no longer have any 17's. Of course, i carry/shoot my guns, so that's why i want the shorter bbl., they are just so much more handy!

DM
 
I love the 6" barreled K framed .22's. I've got 3 of them, but I have to admit these 4 inchers ain't too shabby.

Model18-1.gif
Model 18 K-frame
Kitgun.gif
Model 34 J-frame
 
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Wow, those are excellent specimens! The rimfire K-frames are awesome revolvers and will only go up in value. Looks like they have been shot and enjoyed by previous owners and also properly cared for.
 
I have a `17-3 w/box and papers. About 5 years ago I stopped in a LGS that was going out of business and it was sitting on the counter. Th owner had just taken it in in trade. I asked how much he wanted for it. He said he only had $200.00 in it and would take $250.00. It went home with me and it's not leaving.
 
Thanks for all the input! You guys have some really nice Smiths...I'm really liking that 34 4" it would make a nice companion to its 2" brother I have.

Worst part is I came here for input not enabling and look what you guys have started!
 
saenzrich said:
Worst part is I came here for input not enabling and look what you guys have started!
Click to expand...

What is it you'd like input on, other than it looks to be a mighty fine gun?

The model 17 was the post-1957 version of the venerable K-22 Masterpiece. The -3 variant was introduced in 1967, and the serial # of yours indicates a birthdate of 1972.

Like any .22, it'll take some experimentation to find what ammo it likes best.

Enjoy!
 
The model 17 was the post-1957 version of the venerable K-22 Masterpiece. The -3 variant was introduced in 1967, and the serial # of yours indicates a birthdate of 1972.
Click to expand...

Thank you, MrBorland...could you find the date of the 18 I have coming...78k2535 18-4...I would appreciate it.
 
1980 for your Model 18. The Standard Catalog of S&W I mentioned above is the reference for serial ranges and just about everything else.
 
Nice guns! I have had both a K22 and K38 Masterpiece for many years. I am sure you will enjoy shooting your M17.

IMG_0973-XL.jpg
IMG_0456-XL.jpg
 
You guys aren't going to mention to saenzrich anything at all about him looking for a K-32 Masterpiece perhaps to sorta "round out" his K frame collection there? ;) :D

Really nice group of Smiths you got going there saenz... I was kidding about the K32 (but keep your eyeballs peeled just in case you walk into one someday somewhere and have a lot of cash in your pocket at that moment)
 
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