The Model 17 remains a decent revolver from a craftsmanship standpoint, but as a practical shooting gun it's simply too big and cumbersome for many people. I'd love one in a 6-inch barrel, but unless the K-frame could fire more than six rounds (which its size would certainly allow), I'd prefer a smaller frame.
I ditched mine years ago and got a 63. It wasn't as accurate from the hand, but was fine for resting against something. Still, it was a superbly made revolver, and that counts for something these days.
The Colt Trooper .22 was also a monster. Llama made some huge .22LR revolvers as well. None of these really did well. One magazine noted that the Trooper would fire .22 mag rounds, then added, "Who cares?" The writer's point was that large .22 revolvers just didn't have much practical value.
The 17 is beautiful, it's got a gorgeous blue you don't see much anymore and it's accurate. You can still bag rabbits and squirrels with it, but the Ruger autos have pretty much captured the .22LR pistol market and is far more practical.
I'd pay $425 for one, but not much more.
