Thoughts on a Modern S&W model 17

[Mark_Mark]

Yes, not all, but enough.

do you own any modern S&W?

 

[Mark_Mark]

Reason I ask if anybody owns a modern S&W revolver is:

Yes: And had bad quality issues
No (me): because every says it not good quality

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

do you own any modern S&W?

I've had guns with the lock, but not any more. Last one was a 3" M60 that went back to S&W for a loose crane. It was still unacceptable when it came back, so away it went.

To be fair, that was approximately 2000-ish when their quality was at an all-time low. The newest guns look and feel better.

 

[Tallball]

I got a NiB 642 just a couple of years ago. It works fine, NP. It's my most-carried CC piece lately.

A few of my Smith revolvers have locks. The rest don't. They all go bang, so IDC.

I spent several months haunting Gunbroker every day until I found this one for around $500 OTD. Worn finish and incorrect grips are your friends.

Well worth the time and effort. It's my most accurate revolver.

Smith And Wesson K22

• Tallball
• Jul 30, 2018

 

[CajunBass]

I didn't know they even make a Model 17 anymore. I don't think I've ever seen one, and at the MSRP I can see why. I'm not going to say I wouldn't buy one, but as many old ones as there are running around I doubt it.

I did buy a K-22, from 1952 not too long ago, My notes just say it was "tagged" at $700.00 so I probably paid about $ 650;00 or so. I like the old more matte finish of the 50's guns for some reason, and the fact that I'm a 52 model myself didn't hurt it at all. Oh, I love the diamond Magna stocks too. I really think I like the older guns, because they're the guns I wanted when I was younger.

I've never seen any reason to have a 22 revolver that held more than six rounds. Oh? You can shoot longer without reloading? Yea, but it takes longer to reload, and I just shoot up my ammo faster. I'll stick to six. You young fellows can have the ten shooters.

I've got several of the "new" guns, with locks and such. I've owned more too, over the years. A tempest in a teapot IMHO. I almost always buy used guns, so I'm checking them out anyway, but I would with a new one also. Never had a problem with the lock or anything else on a gun. Only had to send one back for repair or adjustment and that was a Ruger (You know..built like a tank Ruger) Service-Six back in the 80's. Got it back in a week or so, and never had another problem with it.

Oh, a tip for you Mark (and anyone else). If in the course of your travels, you ever run up on a Taurus 96, and it's in decent shape, I'd take a look at it. The Taurus 96 is Taurus' version of the Model 17. A K-frame size, six shot, 22 revolver with a 6" barrel. Apparently they didn't make a lot of them, but I've owned two over the years and they'll hang right with a Model 17 on the firing line. Not a bad looking gun either. No idea what one should go for now, but I paid about half what a Model 17 would have cost back in the day.

I doubt you'll wear out that Officers Model Target. I had a Colt Official Police in 22 LR a few years back. That the thing was the cats meow. You think a K-frame 22 is overbuilt? The Colt frame is a little bigger. I sold it to a Colt collector. It was special to him. Just another gun to me.

Dan Wesson made another great 22, but man those things are HEAVY. They shoot like a laser though.

 

[SIGP210]

What do you guys think of a modern model 17 (with belly button safety) as a shooter.

I only have one .22 revolver, a Colt Officer Target. I’m shooting the snot out of it and want to give it a little break before it breaks.

Was looking at the K22 Masterpiece, but for some reason pre-1997’s are EXPENSIVE.

any recommendations for a modern .22 revolver. I mostly shoot double action.

This thread has me wanting to drop into the LGS and check out the 617. My 8 3:8” M17-3 is a wee bit wispy and some muzzle heavy feel would be a plus. But if there is no trigger over travel stop, I would lose any interest in shooting paper with it. The Karl Nill anatomical grips from Deutschland would be interchangeable however.

 

[P5 Guy]

"MIM internals and 2-peice barrels"

Dan Wesson used two-piece barrels; they seem to be acceptable.
MIM has advanced in quality over its development history.
MIM is like the cast -v- forged debate.
Both MIM and casting have been proven good to go. Remember when folks shunned aluminum framed pistols but preferred them to the plastic fantastic? Hammer -v- striker?

Yes, nostalgia isn't what it used to be, how much would it cost to make the all steel forging S&W 639 today?

 

[NeroM]

Any recommendations for a modern .22 revolver. I mostly shoot double action.

I know this isn't exactly what OP asked about - for a 22 RF revolver, suggest a Ruger Single Six ?

 

[Mark_Mark]

I know this isn't exactly what OP asked about - for a 22 RF revolver, suggest a Ruger Single Six ?

I do love a single action!!! very much so

But I’m looking for a precise DA revolver for training in DA trigger control, it really helps in between shooting

 

[TheFrontRange]

I was able to grab a ‘48-vintage K22 not too long ago, wanting it both for nostalgia reasons and to serve as both a fun and precise plinker and to aid me as these days most of what I shoot are double-action revolvers. As such, it gets shot quite a lot. It came with the correct (s/n’d) Magna stocks, but I also found a set of period-correct Target stocks that I prefer on it.

That said, if I was on the market for a fresh .22LR revolver, something in 4- or 6-inch trim even with a 10-round cylinder would be intriguing to me.

A small group-shot here of the K22 with its centerfire partners, a “pre-27” and a 27-2. At the range I’ll usually warm-up with 30 or so rounds via the K22, 50 or so via one centerfire, then back to the K22, then the other centerfire, etc. etc., wash, rinse, repeat, you get the drill haha. Usually doing 2- and 3-shot “drills” at 7 to 10 yards from either low-ready with the K22 or from concealment with the bigger-bore guns.

 

[CraigC]

They just don't appeal to me. It's not just the lock but also the lettering, the finish work, the MIM parts, everything. I'd rather spring for a used Korth than spend $1000 on a new S&W.

And stainless steel no longer appeals to me at all. Few years ago I sold a custom Ruger for that very reason. I don't need my guns to be dishwasher safe and it's highly unlikely I'll ever buy another stainless revolver.

 

[MrBorland]

But I’m looking for a precise DA revolver for training in DA trigger control, it really helps in between shooting

Good arguments have been presented for a vintage K-22, and since I have one (Cunningham-tuned, no less), I can't disagree. For the price, I'd echo the others who recommend a nice vintage one instead of a new one.

I will say, though, for my purposes, my 4" 10-shot 617 is more versatile, and not as "pretty", so it gets used much more...and harder. In addition to target work, I used it as my IDPA "understudy" to my 686, so it's been quickly in and out of a kydex holster many times, and shot in rapid-fire DA mode for many thousands of rounds. Speaking of rapid DA, I've also used it in Rimfire Steel matches as well. And if I wanted, I could carry it easier than my K-22 for small game (and not worry about holster wear or a scratch).

If you want a new 617 (or any revolver), be sure to thoroughly check it out before buying it, though.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Good arguments have been presented for a vintage K-22, and since I have one (Cunningham-tuned, no less), I can't disagree. For the price, I'd echo the others who recommend a nice vintage one instead of a new one.

I will say, though, for my purposes, my 4" 10-shot 617 is more versatile, and not as "pretty", so it gets used much more...and harder. In addition to target work, I used it as my IDPA "understudy" to my 686, so it's been quickly in and out of a kydex holster many times, and shot in rapid-fire DA mode for many thousands of rounds. Speaking of rapid DA, I've also used it in Rimfire Steel matches as well. And if I wanted, I could carry it easier than my K-22 for small game (and not worry about holster wear or a scratch).

If you want a new 617 (or any revolver), be sure to thoroughly check it out before buying it, though.

Oooh Yeah… now you talking! Rimfire Steel challenge! I shoot a few matches; and gearing and training for this upcoming spring shooting. Can’t wait

what speed loader you using?

 

[Mark_Mark]

I was able to grab a ‘48-vintage K22 not too long ago, wanting it both for nostalgia reasons and to serve as both a fun and precise plinker and to aid me as these days most of what I shoot are double-action revolvers. As such, it gets shot quite a lot. It came with the correct (s/n’d) Magna stocks, but I also found a set of period-correct Target stocks that I prefer on it.

That said, if I was on the market for a fresh .22LR revolver, something in 4- or 6-inch trim even with a 10-round cylinder would be intriguing to me.

A small group-shot here of the K22 with its centerfire partners, a “pre-27” and a 27-2. At the range I’ll usually warm-up with 30 or so rounds via the K22, 50 or so via one centerfire, then back to the K22, then the other centerfire, etc. etc., wash, rinse, repeat, you get the drill haha. Usually doing 2- and 3-shot “drills” at 7 to 10 yards from either low-ready with the K22 or from concealment with the bigger-bore guns.

View attachment 1198129

A nice .22 palette cleanser between meals is a GREAT idea. And I love doing that too

 

[Mark_Mark]

They just don't appeal to me. It's not just the lock but also the lettering, the finish work, the MIM parts, everything. I'd rather spring for a used Korth than spend $1000 on a new S&W.

And stainless steel no longer appeals to me at all. Few years ago I sold a custom Ruger for that very reason. I don't need my guns to be dishwasher safe and it's highly unlikely I'll ever buy another stainless revolver.

You know what…

New Korth says pretentious (unless you can really rock it) Like a GT3 car that never seen the track

Used Classic Korth says Let’s Rock & Roll! like a 240 HP Honda S2000 - Driver skill needed

Classic Smith says I don’t care what you think!!!

Love the Classics

 

[MrBorland]

what speed loader you using?

I never used (or bought) a speed loader for my 617 - never needed to and never saw the draw. At Rimfire Steel matches, I just took ammo to the line and reloaded as needed. With 10 rounds of .22LR, I'm not all that convinced a speed loader is all that speedy anyway. Reloads were part of my 686 repertoire, but when using my 617 as an understudy, I worked on other stuff - draw, transitions, moving drill, weak hand, etc.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I never used (or bought) a speed loader for my 617 - never needed to and never saw the draw. At Rimfire Steel matches, I just took ammo to the line and reloaded as needed. With 10 rounds of .22LR, I'm not all that convinced a speed loader is all that speedy anyway. Reloads were part of my 686 repertoire, but when using my 617 as an understudy, I worked on other stuff - draw, transitions, moving drill, weak hand, etc.

your loading the rounds with not devices! NICE

 

[MrBorland]

New Korth says pretentious (unless you can really rock it) Like a GT3 car that never seen the track

Used Classic Korth says Let’s Rock & Roll! like a 240 HP Honda S2000 - Driver skill needed

Classic Smith says I don’t care what you think!!!

Meh...Korth, Manurhin, or FA. New or old. I'd love (of each). And I don't (or wouldn't) care what others think no matter what I'm shooting. My mantra is "just buy what you like, and shoot the batsnot out of it".

 

[MrBorland]

your loading the rounds with not devices! NICE

Just to be clear - at least when I shot those Rimfire Steel matches, there were no reloads on the clock. There were timed strings of less than 10 rounds, and you reloaded (off the clock) between strings.

 

[CraigC]

Meh...Korth, Manurhin, or FA. New or old. I'd love (of each). And I don't (or wouldn't) care what others think no matter what I'm shooting. My mantra is "just buy what you like, and shoot the batsnot out of it".

Amen to that!

 

[Mark_Mark]

Here is the 17-7. Smooth trigger! Very Nice $799 no wiggles. Beautiful Bluing

what you guys think

Tried the 10shot 617 6” and it felt like SNOT … bad example of one I guess

 

[Pat Riot]

Here is the 17-7. Smooth trigger! Very Nice $799 no wiggles. Beautiful Bluing

MSRP is $1169. $800? I don’t know. Is there any chance you could shoot it before buying it?


You asked about speed loaders for the 617. I bought a Speed-Beez set up for my model 63 and I like it.

SPEED BEEZ Speedloader Case - Bundle | Smith & Wesson 617

SPEED BEEZ Speedloader and Case - Bundle | Smith & Wesson 617 combines the incredible Speed Beez loader, and Speed Beez case! Check out the savings!

www.speedbeez.com

 

[Mark_Mark]

MSRP is $1169. $800? I don’t know. Is there any chance you could shoot it before buying it?


You asked about speed loaders for the 617. I bought a Soeed-Beez set up for my model 63 and I like it.

View attachment 1198201

SPEED BEEZ Speedloader Case - Bundle | Smith & Wesson 617

SPEED BEEZ Speedloader and Case - Bundle | Smith & Wesson 617 combines the incredible Speed Beez loader, and Speed Beez case! Check out the savings!

www.speedbeez.com

Probably won’t let me shoot it. It’s considment gun.

I did check every inch in it, it felt tight and right. I know it will shot good. Just got that feeling.

BTW: the Colt New Frontier SOLD, so no more stressing about it! Out of sight, out of mind

Also the 617 6” 10shot new was New $850 there. Lots of good deals

 

[vanfunk]

Personally I am not surprised the 617 wasn’t a good’un. I really want one but I haven’t been able to find a single one (out of 10?12?) that has been put together well and has at least an ok trigger. My LGS has a 17 “classic” like that and I haven’t tried it yet; I may have to do that next, or just give up and find an old one on Gunsmoker (probably a better idea).

 

[Pat Riot]

Also the 617 6” 10shot new was New $850 there. Lots of good deals

$850? That’s $125 less than MSRP. That is $979. All of the ones I have seen are $950-$1000.
It would not interest me due to the 46oz weight. A 4” might be tempting if I wanted another .22 revolver.


Glad that Colt sold. Temptation is such an evil mistress.

By the way, you asked about modern S&Ws with the lock. I have bought 4 of them. Still have 3. Never had an issue with the 3 I have. Of course I haven’t done anything at all with the internals except spray them out to clean and lube. The one I had an issue with was a 60 Pro series. Barrel kept loosening. It’s gone now.