Colt Diamondback .22 vs. S&W Model 17

[Bill B.]

Just looking for some comments regarding this face-off. I'd love to hear opinions as to which you think is better, and why. I have a Model 17-9, and am contemplating a NIB Diamondback .22LR.

I don't really think one is "Better" than the other but you can come close to buying 2 S&W M17's for what one NIB 6" .22 Diamondback will go for now. I would love to own the Colt but doubt that it will shoot with the S&W. I have never owned one but given the added weight I would wager that a Colt Trooper in .22LR will come closer to out shooting a S&W M17 than the lighter Diamondback.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

With the lug, the Diamondback just might be heavier than the K-22 six inch...........

 

[Guillermo]

in no way should this be construed as a put down on the Smith, because it is a great gun.

The diamondback is a pleasure that is virtually unsurpassed and sadly all too rare.

I would keep them both but if I HAD to sell one, I would get rid of the Smith.

The only reason to keep the Smith is if you like the trigger pull better. The Colt design has a little "stacking" before release. If you do not like that, turn the DB into 2 or 3 other guns.

 

[22-rimfire]

I much prefer the 4" Diamondback in 22LR over the 6" version. They just seem to balance better. The Model 17 is a great revolver as well. I also prefer the 4" version of the S&W Model 617 due to balance. If you shoot the Diamondback, I would suggest you take off the factory stocks (Colt version of grip) and install something that you like. The Colt stocks are fairly valuable by themselves in the re-sale market, so I would keep them until you sell the gun in the future.

I agree with Guillermo, they are a pleasure to shoot.

 

[vanfunk]

Thanks again All:

I am pretty sure I am going to get the Diamondback. My S&W 17-9 is currently back at the factory, so that they can fix the mysterious peening of the cylinder stop notches. I wasn't thrilled with the quality of the bluing either, so hopefully it'll come back repaired and looking better than it did right out of the box. If I acquire the Diamondback, as I suspect I will, I'll likely do a "face-off" at home and see which one will be staying with me.

Thanks again!

vanfunk

 

[cash2006]

Had a 6 in DB and concur with earlier posters that it was barrel heavy and I couldn't shoot it worth a dam. Love the smith and the old high standard sport king.