Thoughts on a Modern S&W model 17

Mark_Mark

Mark_Mark

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Jan 9, 2021
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What do you guys think of a modern model 17 (with belly button safety) as a shooter.

I only have one .22 revolver, a Colt Officer Target. I’m shooting the snot out of it and want to give it a little break before it breaks.

Was looking at the K22 Masterpiece, but for some reason pre-1997’s are EXPENSIVE.

any recommendations for a modern .22 revolver. I mostly shoot double action.
 
Targa said:
Wow, you’re not kidding, they are expensive! I think that I would probably get on Gunbroker and see if I could win a bid on one. As for your question about a new model 17 with the safety, I wouldn’t let that bother me if it was what I wanted.
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I watch a quick Brownell video on the K22 M17 and it’s very interesting that S& W when from hundreds month to Thousands a month in the early days. and the K22

My tactical Cool shop has a M17 - dash who cares, I’ll take some photos later today
 
If I was going to buy a new one, I'd just go for the 10 shot 617. If I was going to buy a blue one, I'd wait until I found a decent price on an older one. The older ones can still be found for much cheaper than the new ones but it might take a bit to find one. I found a really nice older pre-war K-22 last year for $600.

FWIW I wouldn't be too afraid of breaking a Colt Officer Model in .22. Colt also has their new King Cobra in .22 if looking for something "modern".
 
reddog81 said:
If I was going to buy a new one, I'd just go for the 10 shot 617. If I was going to buy a blue one, I'd wait until I found a decent price on an older one
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I tend to agree. I have one of each. My 10-shot 4" 617 is likely my most-shot gun, and my most versatile. Accuracy-wise, it's the equal of my vintage 6" K-22. The K-22, though, is a classic.
 
MrBorland said:
I tend to agree. I have one of each. My 10-shot 4" 617 is likely my most-shot gun, and my most versatile. Accuracy-wise, it's the equal of my vintage 6" K-22. The K-22, though, is a classic.
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that 10 shot looks good!
 
Mark_Mark said:
that 10 shot looks good!
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Pick up the 617 and handle it. The 6” is ridiculously heavy. The 4” is a tad lighter but better balanced.

If you want a 17 and there is one in the store compare it to the feel of both 617 models. I think you will buy the 17.

Screw that noise on the lock. It has been around for 25 years. I doubt it’s going anywhere. I have yet to have a problem with them. If I can run 158 grain .357 Magnum, LOTS of it, through a 23oz J-frame model 60 Pro and not actuate the lock I doubt a model 17 at 39 or so ounces will.
The same can be said of my 327 Night Guard and my 25-15. No troubles with the lock.
 
Pat Riot said:
Screw that noise on the lock. It has been around for 25 years. I doubt it’s going anywhere. I have yet to have a problem with them. If I can run 158 grain .357 Magnum, LOTS of it, through a 23oz J-frame model 60 Pro and not actuate the lock I doubt a model 17 at 39 or so ounces will.
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Not to mention it's not hard to just take it out if one is so inclined
 
Pat Riot said:
Pick up the 617 and handle it. The 6” is ridiculously heavy. The 4” is a tad lighter but better balanced.

If you want a 17 and there is one in the store compare it to the feel of both 617 models. I think you will buy the 17.

Screw that noise on the lock. It has been around for 25 years. I doubt it’s going anywhere. I have yet to have a problem with them. If I can run 158 grain .357 Magnum, LOTS of it, through a 23oz J-frame model 60 Pro and not actuate the lock I doubt a model 17 at 39 or so ounces will.
The same can be said of my 327 Night Guard and my 25-15. No troubles with the lock.
Click to expand...
I’m going to eventually go modern Smith. My 1st and only post lock Smith is a .460 and it’s hasn’t activated the lock yet
 
I have a 4” 617 with the lock and a vintage 17. The 617 can’t hold a candle to the 17 as far as fit and finish but it is a very good shooter. It did go to the smith for a trigger job because it wasn’t anywhere near as good as the old 17. As for the lock, I have never had a problem with the 617 but I had a 629 lockup twice. I no longer own that one.
 
Mark_Mark said:
Why couldn’t they put it somewhere else, like the butt stock
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Taurus put them IN the hammer, which was rather clever.

My issue isn't just with the lock itself. On the K, J, and L-frames the actual profile of the frame is different and looks....wrong. Additionally, the lock-era guns use MIM internals and 2-peice barrels, none of which makes me a fan.

All that said, they shoot fine. The most recent 617s I've seen were actually very nicely finished with smooth triggers.
 
NIGHTLORD40K said:
Taurus put them IN the hammer, which was rather clever.

My issue isn't just with the lock itself. On the K, J, and L-frames the actual profile of the frame is different and looks....wrong. Additionally, the lock-era guns use MIM internals and 2-peice barrels, none of which makes me a fan.

All that said, they shoot fine. The most recent 617s I've seen were actually very nicely finished with smooth triggers.
Click to expand...

NO 2 piece barrels on the 617's and some other centerfires as well...........Check it .......Not all locvk guns have 2 pc barrels.
 
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