Thoughts on a Modern S&W model 17

Mark_Mark

Mark_Mark

Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2021
Messages
17,946
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...
that 10 shot looks good!
 
Mark_Mark said:
that 10 shot looks good!
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

ontarget
New to me S&W K22 Combat Masterpiece.
Replies
5
Views
433
Tallball
Tallball
Master Blaster
  • Locked
Smith & Wesson model 14 best years or versions
2
Replies
27
Views
4K
whatnickname
whatnickname
Mark_Mark
Recommend for the Smoothies Modern Double Action! (Not Korth - too expensive)
2 3 4 5
Replies
118
Views
4K
stonebuster
stonebuster
v8stang289
S&W model 17
2
Replies
37
Views
2K
NIGHTLORD40K
NIGHTLORD40K
E
  • Locked
Colt trooper or S&W 17
2
Replies
45
Views
2K
Paul7
Paul7
Back
Top