S&W Model 17 vs Colt Officer vs Single 6

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Seems like the recommendations are almost overwhelmingly for the 17!

I took a closer look. It’s a 17-2, and the finish isn’t perfect, definitely plenty of light scratches and a few little rust spots. They want $500. The Colt is $750 and has some scratches on the cylinder and a buggered screw. I’m thinking I’ll go for the S&W.

$500 is fine for a mechanically sound, cosmetically challenged example. Do it.

 

[ontarget]

$500 is fine for a mechanically sound, cosmetically challenged example. Do it.

I agree, can't go wrong with a M17 at that price.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I'd jump on the 1938 Officer's Model first.
Model 17 second.
Ruger (modern DA/SA 22 swing out cylinder) third.

 

[cfullgraf]

To start, my only experience with Colt revolvers is with new production Pythons and Anacondas so I can add nothing on Colt revolvers.

In 22RF, I have Model 17s with a 6" barrel and 8-3/8" barrel and a Model 18 with a 4" barrel.They are accurate and I like them, but I'm am S&W fan.

I also have a Ruger Single Six convertible. While I have a few Ruger Blackhawk centerfire guns, I'm not a big fan of them. But the 22RF Single Six is awesome. I enjoy shooting it, it is accurate although maybe not quite as accurate as the S&W's, and it provides some nostalgia to the wildwest period of our country.

So choose the platform you like, single action or DA/SA. Either will serve you well.

 

[Pat Riot]

Seems like the recommendations are almost overwhelmingly for the 17!

I took a closer look. It’s a 17-2, and the finish isn’t perfect, definitely plenty of light scratches and a few little rust spots. They want $500. The Colt is $750 and has some scratches on the cylinder and a buggered screw. I’m thinking I’ll go for the S&W.

Do you have photos of the 17?
Is it tight?
I would definitely consider the 17 for that amount if it’s tight, no cylinder end shake and no major barrel to cylinder gap.

 

[Jeff olson]

Definitely the officers model first. Especially if it's tight and nice shape. Put it away and save for a 17. A 17 is much easier to come by.

 

[P5 Guy]

My first handgun S&W 17 made in 1959 according to the SCSW.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

I would go for the Ruger. Good solid guns, I own several. My little single six is more accurate than I am. You won't know until you bench rest it. I've taken a few rabbits with mine at ranges from 20 yards to 70 ish yards and had no problems hitting what I aim at. I also have a Taurus Tracker convertable in .22. It was around the same price as a new Single Six at the time. It's turning out to be pretty accurate as well. That H&R has a kinda odd internal lock work and If it's doing light strikes it may be more trouble than it's worth to fix.

 

[CraigC]

I would not presume that the Colt or S&W would be more accurate than the Ruger Single Six. I know mine aren't, it's a wash.

 

[Mosin77]

Here’s some pics of the two… I think I might just try to pick both up! Don’t know how I’ll manage that financially, but, I can probably always get out what I paid for them if I decide I really don’t need both, down the road.

The S&W 17-2. She’s a “10 footer” for sure. Up close it looks like someone used a scotchbrite pad once upon a time. I haven’t had a chance to shoot this one yet. The store owner is a friend and said he’d hold both for me.







The Colt Officers Model. Has a slight turn line where the cylinder rubbed against that screw on the left side, I’m guessing it backed out at some point. Still gorgeous though.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Enabler alert...
Get 'em both!

 

[dickydalton]

Not having a Colt makes me choose my 1947 Pre-17. I don't want to fire the unfired NIB 1953 Masterpiece!

New 1953 Masterpiece

• dickydalton
• May 25, 2020

 

[CraigC]

Colt, hands down!

 

[tubeshooter]

It's a tough call. I still think the M17 is a great deal, scratches and all. But that Colt sure does look awesome!

The enabler in me says "Get both if you can". You can just keep the one you like best. But really and truly, you only need one...


Since it's a .22 with almost no sign of wear, I wouldn't worry much about replacement parts for the Colt. Unless you are planning to shoot it like you're helping it make up for lost time or something.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Most definitely not the original grips on the Smith. Those are Over Sized Target grips, similar to the ones on my Model 19-3 (see my earlier post). Those have the cut out for moon clips, newer than the grips on my Model 19-3 (which I bought brand-spanky new in 1975).

As I said, the rear sight on the Colt is drift adjustable in its dovetail for windage. Not screw adjustable as the Smith is. Check the front of the front sight to make sure the little adjustment screw has not gone missing, they can tend to do that. (see my earlier post for a photo of the adjustment screw of the front sight of the Colt).

Here is my Colt Officer's Model 22 Target. Pretty much pristine condition, as I said it left the factory in 1935. I paid $650 for it a few years ago.






Here is what the rear sight looks like from the top. You loosen the little screw, and drift it left or right as needed.






Certainly no slouch in the accuracy department, sorry I did not right down the distance, but it would have been pretty close, shooting from a rest.

 

[Gordon]

In this particular case that Colt pre war Officer's model for sure if you have to get just one! It looks perfect and is worth up to a $1000 . It will be accurate I am sure, You may need to scrub the bore and chambers first, of course. Don't dry fire it much at all ! I would use good clean standard velocity LR ammo , allthough some HV won't hurt is. The M17 is a great gun and easier to maintain , but that Colt is spectacular and a treasure !

 

[PapaG]

I'm about to embark on my own trip down this very lane except the Colt is a second model Sport Woodsman. K22, Single Six, and "Woodie".
Might throw in a couple other guns that have shown good potential. Right now my money is on K22. (1951 model)