S&W Model 17 owners

[coolhandluke]

I'm hoping to add a -5 or earlier Model 17 to the collection. Can't decide on whether to go with a 6" or 8 3/8" barrel. The gun won't be holstered or carried so the 8 3/8" barrel won't be an issue. Anyone own either or both barrel lengths? If so, what are your thoughts? I'm honestly leaning towards the 8 3/8" even though the values are a little more depressed on them. I don't currently have anything in that particular length and they were produced in much smaller numbers than the 4" and 6" guns.

The current plan is to likely sell or trade the A2 HBAR in the photos below for a vintage Model 17. I purchased the rifle 10 months ago and it still hasn't seen any use so it needs to find a new home. I'll likely end up taking the rifle to Tulsa and seeing what can be found at Wanenmacher next month.

 

[Shadowrider]

I think it's going to depend on what type of shooting you do with it. I have a 6" 10 shot version. For speed shooting you will want the 6" most likely because the long barrel (heavy) will slow your transitions. They 17/617's are a hoot in steel challenge.

 

[coolhandluke]

The gun will just be used for plinking and bullseye shooting. I already have a little 4" 617 with Alchin mount, Burris FF3 and Miculek grips that is set up for shooting steel.

I've honestly never even handled a 8 3/8" K frame so I wasn't sure if they may be more muzzle heavy than an 8 3/8" N frame...especially the -5 since they have a larger barrel profile (w/ shrouded ejector rod, not a full lug).

 

[Shadowrider]

I've never seen an 8 3/8" so I was thinking it would be full lug like mine and extremely front heavy. If it's not a full lug it may balance out pretty well.

 

[coolhandluke]

I've never seen an 8 3/8" so I was thinking it would be full lug like mine and extremely front heavy. If it's not a full lug it may balance out pretty well.

All 617 have full lugs like our 4" and 6" 10 shots. 17-6 and later guns will have the full lug. 17-5 and earlier have the shroud only, but there are a few examples of late -5 guns that also have a full lug. 17-5 guns will have a slightly heavier barrel profile than the -4 and prior models, but won't have pinned barrels.

17-4 8 3/8" with shroud:

17-6 8 3/8" with full lug:

 

[sedona]

A friend of mine owns a 17 just like the 17-4 in your picture on top.I shot 6 or 700 rounds through it one weekend.The 8&3/8 inch barrel is almost perfectly balanced.I haven't shot one with a full lug so I can't compare.

 

[coolhandluke]

A friend of mine owns a 17 just like the 17-4 in your picture on top.I shot 6 or 700 rounds through it one weekend.The 8&3/8 inch barrel is almost perfectly balanced.

Thank you...that's the exactly what I was hoping to hear.

 

[sumoj275]

I have th 6 inch and want no longer a barrel. I have shot the 8 inch .22 mag and it made more sense as the mag round needs a bit more barrel to do what it is supposed to. You ever want to shoot my 6 inch let me know and we can meet up some evening.

 

[ronny]

Only distantly related, I saw a S&W Bakaert .22 today. Very Interesting revolver. 6-shot, I-Frame, I think. Guy wanted $8-900 for it. This is not it, but pretty much just like it. Dates from around 1910.[Broken External Image]

 

[coolhandluke]

Thanks for the replies sumoj and Ronny.

I think the plans for swapping for a Model 17 have been placed on hold for the time being. My brother has shown interest in the rifle so I'll be horse trading for his Model 627 Pro. I've been wanting a .357 gun cut for moon clips for awhile so I just couldn't pass up the opportunity.