Talk to me about the S&W Model 317

[Gone Hiking]

Seems like it would be a fantastic companion for small game hunting (as well as the range). The only negative I seem to read (besides cost) is the V-notch rear sight, but I assume you could swap it out for a conventional rectangular cutout like on the Model 63.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-317

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The aluminum cylinder can start to bind once it heats up and the finish isnt very durable, but for a "beater" trail gun its fine- except for the ridiculous price.

Id rather find a cosmetically challenged H&R 949 or Hi Standard Sentinel for $300 for a trail gun, myself.

 

[Gone Hiking]

I didn't know about the cylinder issue. Thanks. I actually have a 904, but the S&W 317 is much lighter, shorter, and seems like it would be perfect in a vest pocket.

 

[trackskippy]

I had one for a short while. Traded into it and pretty quickly traded out of it.

The sights flat out suck. A "V" notch rear with a FO front. The top of the front sight is rounded instead of flat, and the sight picture with the rear is confusing and never seemed to work. Do you put the "dot" in the V? Or try and get that round top to line up across the top of it and lose most of the dot into the V?

The finish started coming off pretty much as soon as I started cleaning it. My Airweights have had the same issue, but not to the extent this gun was peeling. I clean every time I shoot, and I really didnt shoot it a lot. Might have had three or four bricks through it in total.

I never had any cylinder binding, but I did have regular misfires with the gun. Much more so than my old 63.

Over the years, Ive always had pretty good luck with most things S&W. This one was a disappointment.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Charter Arms makes a similar gun called the Pathfinder. Any small caliber (smaller than .32 or .38) would fill that role, as would a rimfire autoloader.

 

[paul105]

I have a 3" adjustable sighted version, also have the fixed sight, 1 7/8" bbl version. Have other steel .22s I use for range use, so can't really comment on longevity/durability butt 22s aren't particularly hard on guns.

I periodically take both out for shooting sessions but mostly use as pocket guns at various times. Have carried the 3" with CB cabs when bow hunting to chase off pesky squirrels. The 1 7/8" gun was my carry piece when I had my hip replaced (could only wear shorts with elastic waist band and the little 317 didn't pull my pants down).

These are extremely light weight and will be quite a bit harder to shoot than their steel counter parts - but boy are they fun and will reinforce trigger control and follow through.

Have had both for 10+ years IIRC - never had a problem with them.

Here's a picture of the 1 7/8" gun along side my 360 PD.



Paul

 

[Pat Riot]

I have a model 63. It had a red fiber optic front sight that I hated. I tried a couple of different sights and settled on a green fiber optic sight that has a square top. I also tried a V notch rear and did not like it at all. Unfortunately I installed the V blade on the stock rear sight unit so I bought a new one and replaced it.

Rear sight assembly:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1004441585?pid=315528

Front sight:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2343739317?pid=739317

 

[Riomouse911]

I have a Model 34 and a Model 317.

The 317 is very lightweight, so if you’re looking for a gun for tight spaces or where weight is a premium it’s a decent choice.

Swap out the V notch rear, that just doesn’t work very well.

I put on a Hogue grip as the factory one did nothing for me. The Hogue is a better fit for me, YMMV.

Yes they’re pricy, but my 34-1 also cost a fair bit and it’s a bit nicer, so I’m loathe to ding it up knocking about with it. The 317 fits the fishing box gun role just fine .

Stay safe.

 

[Pat Riot]

I will also second the Hogue Monogrip. The stock factory grip was too small for me.

 

[ms6852]

I like the looks of it but would prefer it as a 22 magnum with 8 rounds unlike the 48 that it is only a 6 round but a sweet looking gun. It is high priced for for a couple of dollars more I would by the 617.

 

[jonnyc]

Had mine for a bit over 2 years now. At least 2000 round of various types through it and it's one of my favorite pistols. Currently resides in my Get-Home-Bag, so it's always in the truck ready for range days.

 

[cfullgraf]

I like my M317 and keep it for critter gun around our horse farm.

It never gets shot very much, a box or so at a plinking session so it has never heated up and bound up the cylinder.

Yes the v-notch rear sight is a bit funky but it is managable with the fiber optic front. I would not want a solid metal blade at the front with the v-notch rear.

I put a set of the Pachmayr rosewood/rubber grips on it, forget what Pachmayr calls them. They help with gripping the liight weight revolver and steadying the shot.

I’ve had no issues with the finish.

 

[Pat Riot]

I had heard that S&W will install a stainless cylinder in a 317, but I have no idea what that costs. I was actually planning on going that route when I came across a model 63 and bought that instead. I am pretty sure the 317 and 63 use the same cylinder size / dimensions.

 

[bassjam]

I love j-frames but the .22lr ones have never really spoken to me, their high cost probable has a lot to do with it. If I was going to get a small framed .22lr it would be the LCRx 3". Better price and handsome in a utilitarian way.

 

[jonnyc]

I got mine brand new for $300. Sat in the case for 2 years 'til the boss accepted my offer. Everyone was happy...especially me!

 

[.455_Hunter]

I have the pre-lock snub. It floats in your pocket. Good gun for situations where weight is problematic, but you still want to be armed.

 

[bannockburn]

Another fan of the Hogue MonoGrip on a small S&W J frame Kit Gun:

 

[GEM]

Had a 317 LS ,early on. Hated the trigger, needed the money, sold it.

 

[LEP]

Realize that this is a question about the 317... but I have a current model 63 which is very similar but stainless. The gun is very accurate and inexpensive to shoot. The only peculiar thing about it is when I do a rapid fire of all 8 cartridges in the cylinder, I need to wait for about 5 seconds or so before I can eject the spent cartridges in the cylinder. It's like it gets hot and tight after 8 cartridges are quickly fired.

 

[ROK'N THUNDER]

I have a model 317. I send it back to Springfield Massachusetts. To get repaired. I send a gun before. I got it back and it's no problem anymo. My 317 is spitting lead.

 

[paul105]

................

 

[ClemY]

I had heard that S&W will install a stainless cylinder in a 317, but I have no idea what that costs. I was actually planning on going that route when I came across a model 63 and bought that instead. I am pretty sure the 317 and 63 use the same cylinder size / dimensions.

I had a bit of trouble with mine. I sent it back to the factory and they fitted the stainless cylinder to cure the issue. It picked up a couple of oz. in weight, which I feel is a good thing. Of course, the first thing I did was replace the sights with a serrated ramp front and a square notch rear. Much better for me that way.

 

[kellmark]

I had an early S&W 317. LS. When I bought it I really liked it. 8 rounds, very lightweight.

But it was awful when I got around to shooting it. The double action trigger was very heavy and difficult, especially for a very light weight revolver. I couldn’t even cock the tiny hammer for single action more than a few times. The spur was extremely tiny to get a hold of with my thumb.

I held on to it for a long time and finally traded it a couple of years ago. Unless they have improved them, I would not recommend it. I do know that rimfires have to have heavier springs and triggers, etc. but this was way beyond my comfort level.

I do love revolvers but no more of that one.