I have been shopping around for a S&W model 17 .22. I own a nice old Outdoorsman with a 6" barrel , so I am familiar with the handling characteristics of that barrel length. What about the 8 3/8" barrel? I have seen a few for sale , and it seems like an interesting option , but I know nothing of the handling/shooting characteristics of that barrel length in a K frame. And , am I correct in thinking that the model 17 barrel is heavier than the tapered barrel of my early Outdoorsman?
Any comments on the comparative virtues of the longer 8 3/8" barrel vs the (more or less) standard 6" would be welcome.
Any comments on the comparative virtues of the longer 8 3/8" barrel vs the (more or less) standard 6" would be welcome.