I'm thinking about an S&W 317 1 7/8"

[MEH]

I'm thinking about getting an S&W 317 with a 1/8" barrel. I have some questions about them...

How well will the aluminum cylinder hold up?

Would it be possible to use a model 63 stainless steel cylinder in a model 317?

Could I get a different type of hammer for it?

 

[James T Thomas]

PA Dutch:

"Get to know what good is!" As they say.

I like your selection, but cannot answer your inquiry with certainty.
Please don't make the mistake of thinking that your pistol is nothing more than for passive defense how ever.

I do know that the aluminum alloy used in handguns in general is sturdy and durable.

Why not try a search here?

Perhaps you could have a g.smith alter that trigger more to your liking.

 

[rcmodel]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=393116&highlight=S&W+317

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=396192&highlight=S&W+317

rcmodel

 

[GEM]

The Ladysmith model has a full hammer. Of course, then it's a Lady Smith and some posters are insecure enough that owning such makes them doubt themselves.

Also, these guns have pretty stiff triggers - see if you can try it before you buy.

The original snubby 63's were nicer but now pricey.

 

[Shear_stress]

The aluminum cylinder holds up better than you'd think. I'm not sure if the original M63 cylinder would fit a new 317--the original M63 held six shots and used the J rather than current "J-magnum" frame (which has a longer cylinder window). You might be able to have a new model M63 (also an eight-shot) cylinder fitted, but I am not sure it'd be worth your time.

The triggers on these guns are stiff, but a 13lb Wolff rebound spring will make a world of difference. The longer spur hammer from the 3" 317 might help a bit, but it would cost much more than a simple spring swap.

 

[MEH]

Do you guys think S&W will come out with a short barrel version of the new model 63?

 

[ctgmi]

The aluminum cylinder will hold up just fine, DA trigger is really stiff, the hammer rips my thumb up when using it in SA and the sights are horrible.
But I just love the damn thing!

 

[kellmark]

I second CGMI. I have had a 317 for a number of years. I like the looks and weight and capacity of it. I don't like the double action trigger which is heavy and the single action bites my thumb as well. (Didn't anybody at S and W test these things before putting them on the market? All they had to do was make the hammer a little wider and it wouldn't bite.) It would be a great gun to shoot if it wasn't for that.

I would suggest that you test shoot one and see if it is to your liking.

I still wouldn't sell mine, due to its weight, size and capacity. I would like to shoot it more, but it is just too much of a pain. They also seem to be a lot more money now than when I bought mine 6-7 years ago. But isn't everything?

 

[Mountie855]

As I've posted elsewhere in THR, my wife and I have 317's- mine a 3", hers the 1 7/8". The snub has had quite a few rounds thru it, mostly 22 LR hi-speed stuff. No signs of wear yet, other than the usual turn line on the cylinder.

We like them enough that I am about to pick up another 3", as long as it's pre-lock.

Carrying it on a walk in the woods you will almost forget it's there.

 

[Shrinkmd]

Any issues with cleaning it with Mpro7 or other cleaners? Supposedly the clear coat finish is delicate.

I know the question comes up from time to time, but any ideas on the potential service life of a 317? Could you put 50k through it or more, or is that type of use meant for a 617? It would be fun to practice with such a light revolver, but not if it wouldn't stand up.

Are the new ones coming out of the factory with better triggers, or are they all too stiff?

Also, ideas on using cheap HV ammo vs standard velocity?

 

[Meeteetse]

I've had my 317 (1 7/8") from the first year of production. The DA trigger was terrible and the hammer is too small. I decided to learn to shoot the thing "fast" in DA only and it works. After about 500-750 rnds through it (I've lost track) the trigger has smoothed considerably with little or no signs of wear. I can put 8 rnds into a fist sized group at 7-10 yds very quickly, but more importantly my wife is pretty good with it too.

This is not my choice for a first line defensive revolver, but it is better than a sharp stick and a dream to carry. I would like to have one in .22 mag or maybe .327. I will buy another (pre-lock) if I can find it.

 

[Onmilo]

The hammer for the 317 Kit Gun will fit the smaller 317 with no problems.
I have had my 317 since about 1995 and use M-Pro 7 cleaner and CLP with no harm to the finish.

I use a set of Ahrends Ebony boot grips on mine, no hammer bite.

The guns are stiff when new.
As stated, they smooth up considerably with use and the double and single action pulls are quite acceptable.

A word of warning, the hammers, triggers and some internals are made by the process of Metal Injection Molding.
These parts do not stand up well to excessive stoning so if you are thinking of polishing things up a bit to obtain a better pull go very gentle and remove material by the measurement of the micron.


I would like to see the new Model 63 five incher made in .22 Magnum.

 

[SaxonPig]

Wouldn't it be easier to say 2" instead of 1 & 7/8"? Would be a lot less typing.

I think S&W calls this a 2" barrel even though the measurement is nominal and many snubbies actually measure at 1 & 7/8".

 

[JFrame]

Any issues with cleaning it with Mpro7 or other cleaners? Supposedly the clear coat finish is delicate.

Experiences with the Clear Coat finish seem to differ with the users -- maybe variances depending on the lots that went out from S&W.

In my case, I shot maybe my first hundred rounds of standard ammo through the gun, cleaned it using Hoppe's #9 and cotton patches, and lo -- the front of the barrel, from the muzzle to about 1/4" down, starting peeling its Clear Coat. I sent it back to S&W to get it refinished, after getting an admonishment from the service rep not to use harsh abrasives... ( ).

Since then, I pretty much just do a dry cleaning with a rag...

 

[krs]

Wouldn't it be easier to say 2" instead of 1 & 7/8"? Would be a lot less typing.

give yourself a break by dropping the ampersand to "1 7/8" ".

There. All better now?

SKU: 160222
Model: 317
Caliber: .22LR
Capacity: 8 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Front Sight: Integral Front
Rear Sight: Fixed
Grip: Rubber Grips
Frame: Small - Chiefs Special Style
Finish: Clear Coat
Overall Length: 6 1/4"
Material: Alloy
Weight Empty: 10.5 oz.