Found this Smith & Wesson M17-2

[HisDivineShadow]

I'm currently going to send in a permit for a Smith & Wesson 629 Classic, you need permits in Finland for every gun, anyway I stumbled on this S&W M17-2 for 290 euros (maybe 350-380 USD):





The store selling it claims good condition, circa 1500 shots through it. I've always wanted a S&W M17 and this one looks pretty good, it's one of the older models with the pinned barrel, probably made sometime in the 60s.

I am stongly considering tossing in another application form at the same time (do more than one form per time and the others are half price). Although it is on the other side of the country and I cannot personally inspect the gun. Though maybe someone I know will go there next week and check it out for me. It seems though that 1500 shots is nothing, 15000 shots would be nothing as well, it's a .22lr and those should be hard to wear out.

What do you guys think, fair price, look okay, etc?

 

[DJW]

I saw one just like it in San Antonio Texas last week for $500. Have always been fond of this model. Yours shows some wear but does not look abused. Too bad you can't lay hands on it but I would take the gamble, they are fine pieces.
Best, Dave

 

[Iggy]

That would be a very good price in the U.S.

They are wonderful guns and inexpensive to shoot.

If you can get it, I would encourage you to do so.

 

[Walkalong]

SWEET! Awesome find, and great price.

 

[Shear_stress]

Great gun, great deal. Looks exactly like one I handled at a gunstore in Turku last summer.

Edited to add:

Lots of neat stuff in that store. Quality handguns, rifles as well as milsurps: M39s, Finnish-capture SVT-40s, etc. Got to handle a Valmet Hunter .308 with a gigantic suppressor. Quite a display of Markku Vilppola knives as well.

 

[jad0110]

I can't speak for prices in Finland, but in the U.S. that would be a fantastic bargain. 1500 rounds is just broken in. Though I prefer to buy guns in person, If it were me, I'd take the chance on that fine beauty ... great find!

 

[easyrider604]

That 17-2 would sell for Canadian$500.00 over here. Your call, regarding price cos I have no clue what market values are in Finland.

From the looks of it, it's got honest wear from being carried more than shot. Some call it "character". Read the Jim March Sticky on Revolver Checkout, if you or the gentlemen inspecting it for you, are not sure how to inspect used revolvers.

1,500 rounds is not even broken in.

If the gun checks out mechanically per the Jim March sticky, i'd buy it.

 

[au2183]

That's an awesome deal! Nice looking diamond target grips too! Buy it before it gets away, you won't regret it. If anything, it will have you looking for more. That's what happened to me anyway.

 

[CajunBass]

I've got a 17-3 that is a joy to shoot. It shoots so well, even I can hit a target with it once in a while.

Congratulations. Great gun. Great price. You'll enjoy that one I'm sure.

 

[HisDivineShadow]

Don't own it yet, still waiting for my clubs chairman to sign those papers I need for the permits, damn paperwork... I asked the dealers if they could put it on hold until I get the permit but no answer from there either, so I ma playing the waiting game so far...

 

[HisDivineShadow]

Now I own it! Permits came yesterday for a .22 and .44mag revolver. Already had this one reserved so now it's only a matter of having it sent. Pictures as soon as I get it.

 

[CajunBass]

Congratulations once again.

 

[Eightball]

I am extremely jealous. Haven't been able to find ANY of them around here for less than ~$700 USD.

 

[Bill B.]

What do you guys think, fair price, look okay, etc?

Those S&W Diamond Target Grips will go for over $100.00 currently in US! More than fair price ........you did well!

 

[HisDivineShadow]

It's in pretty good shape too, I had someone I know who lives a few miles away from there go and check it out for me, he did a real good job.

He checked the timing, lockup, and cylinder gap. The cylinder had no play when moving backwards and forwards and only very slightly to the sides. The cylinder gap was around .0027", only downsides where the slightly marred screws (as the pictures shows) and a small spot of rust on the frame (reddish tint in pictures) and the general patina of the finish. However I kinda like the worn in patina, used but not abused. The bore was also clean looking.

I bought a Chapman tool set so avoid marring any more screws from brownells, I suppose I might get new screws if I am bothered by these too much. I am considering making it better for DA shoot

 

[HisDivineShadow]

Well, I promised pictures! Got it home today.







The crown looks fine


Didn't know they had hammers like these that far back:



The SA trigger is incredible, the DA trigger I suppose could be tuned a bit with this guide I got.

 

[Shear_stress]

Didn't know they had hammers like these that far back

Yup. S&W has used a frame-mounted firing pin in their rimfire revolvers since the early 20th century.

 

[OldCavSoldier]

You are one VERY LUCKY Finn, my friend!

As we once said in my part of Texas, those M17 triggers are as "smooth as Martha's butt."

CONGRATULATIONS!! A fine revolver for a super price!!! With proper care and maintenance, your great-great grandchildren will be enjoying shooting it!!

 

[Ky Larry]

Good gun at a good price. My 17-4 is my favorite .22 hand gun. Let us know how it shoots.

 

[Onmilo]

Buy it.
If there is anything wrong with it, it can be fixed.

 

[hq]

Interesting...

I was just about to get buyers remorse from the one I picked up almost by accident a few days ago. M17 no dash, virtually no wear anywhere, the bluing on the left side is slightly dull, probably because of sitting in someone's gun cabinet for quite a while. It might buff out without rebluing, I haven't had time to inspect it thoroughly yet. €220 from a gun shop in Finland. It seems that 17:s are fairly cheap around here, like many older, quality-brand guns.

I really wanted a Colt Diamondback but couldn't find a 6" and my non-renewable purchase license was about to expire so I went for it. Making an impulse purchase always leaves you with an uneasy feeling whether the price was right or not but now I feel a bit better.

 

[Iggy]

Congratulations, you made out like a bandit.

You have years of shooting enjoyment in front of you with that one.

 

[Batta]

I would pay that for sure

 

[CajunBass]

Congratulations (both of you). Those are great guns I assure you. Mine (a 17-3) is so good it makes even me look like I know how to shoot.

 

[bikemutt]

Great find! Congratulations.