Topgun
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http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=191389
I had thought a lot of folks would like this lil trailwalker.
I had thought a lot of folks would like this lil trailwalker.
Doesn't ANYBODY have a Smith 317?
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Mine hits pretty close to POA with .40 gr. I should also add that it is not as as accurate as any of my centerfire J-frames, though, and I only use mine for range practice (it's sole intended purpose when I bought it). It has been 100% reliable with several types of std velocity and high-velocity ammo, including Singers. They can be sensitive to grime according to some range reports/threads I've read, but I rarely put more than 100 rd thru mine at a time anyway.
I have one, a 3 incher with the hi-viz sights.
It's a good pistol, not a great one. I like it for plinking, but I hate the Hi-viz sights. But, I'm a bullseye shooter, and all I shoot are conventional sights, so the transition to the hi-viz is difficult.
As for getting a 317 or 617, it all depends on what you want to do with it. My 317 I bought as a plinker, and maybe for woods carry. For these roles, it's perfect. However, the 617 will shoot less than 3 inches at 50 yards, and is a totally different class of pistol. I'm thinking of getting one.
So for a featherweight .22, the 317 is great. For range or target work, the 617 is the one to get.
-John
It's a good pistol, not a great one. I like it for plinking, but I hate the Hi-viz sights. But, I'm a bullseye shooter, and all I shoot are conventional sights, so the transition to the hi-viz is difficult.
As for getting a 317 or 617, it all depends on what you want to do with it. My 317 I bought as a plinker, and maybe for woods carry. For these roles, it's perfect. However, the 617 will shoot less than 3 inches at 50 yards, and is a totally different class of pistol. I'm thinking of getting one.
So for a featherweight .22, the 317 is great. For range or target work, the 617 is the one to get.
-John
I also have the 3" version and I will echo what John C said almost exactly. I find the hiviz sights imprecise compared to a standard ramp front and white outline rear. I will add that I find the 317 difficult to hold steady due to the low weight. I much prefer the 6" full-lugged 617 for precise work. The 317 is much more packable, however, and is the one I'd choose for extended carry.
Had one
Had one. I bought it especially to teach several of my teenage grandaughters to shoot. I didn't much like the Hi-Viz sights but the real problem was that 2 of the charge holes were spitting powder for sure and maybe lead, badly. I sent it back to Smith. They recut the forcing cone and changed the rear sight blade to a square notch rather than a vee. The spitting was not improved at all so I returmed it again. The response this time was "it's within specifications". I didn't think teenage girls would learn much while their face was being stung so I traded it for a Taurus and some boot. For the price of the thing I really thought Smith would fix it. Oh well
KB
Had one. I bought it especially to teach several of my teenage grandaughters to shoot. I didn't much like the Hi-Viz sights but the real problem was that 2 of the charge holes were spitting powder for sure and maybe lead, badly. I sent it back to Smith. They recut the forcing cone and changed the rear sight blade to a square notch rather than a vee. The spitting was not improved at all so I returmed it again. The response this time was "it's within specifications". I didn't think teenage girls would learn much while their face was being stung so I traded it for a Taurus and some boot. For the price of the thing I really thought Smith would fix it. Oh well
KB
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I have a 317 and a 617. If I had to only keep one it would be the 617, it is one of my favorite guns. The DA trigger on the 317 is very stiff, I have thought about getting some different springs. I was not very accurate with the hi-viz sights so I got some CrimsonTrace Grips for it and that made a world of difference. In SA mode with the laser it is a handy little gun.
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