Smith 17-3 K22

[Brent]

Howdy all!

I’m curious to hear people’s impressions, if they have any, on their Model 17-3’s. I’m making moves to go after one in the near future. Definitely wanting a 6”. Point of the purchase is marksmanship practice. Accuracy is of upmost interest, and I’m not too keen on going the Semi route to be honest. I’d like to get into shooting the suit symbols on playing cards. Hear cards 6-10 get tricky. My interest is to further my proficiency across multiple platforms. This will allow me to shoot a heck of a lot more. I go once a week minimum already. Having a target .22 revolver would extend my times at the range, and allow for a lot more trigger presses than shooting my .45 colt or even 9mm. So that’s the story! If you guys have experience with the 17-3 K22’s or any variant, please do not hesitate to chime in!

Many thanks!

- Brent


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[Brent]

Threads need pics! Hopefully I’ll be taking my own in the future!


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[EarnestT]

i would love to have one myself!

 

[Brent]

i would love to have one myself!

I have a good friend whose nephew shoots in a bullseye club. When the time comes, I’m going to have him place out some feelers!


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[pre64hunter]

I have one with an 8-3/8" barrel, target hammer and trigger, Patridge front sight.
I bought it new around 1980, $265. I've had a good many and shot many 22 pistols/revolvers. I also had, sold, traded and still have a good many guns. There are 4 guns on my do not ever sell list and one is the S&W 17.
It's a rare gun that shoots dead on from 25 to 75 yards. I haven't adjusted the sights since it was new.
I have a S&W 617, 41 with both 5-1/2" and 7"barrels and Leupold scope, a Ruger old model Single Six, new model Single Six, there's a few Browning Buckmarks, Ruger Mark's, High Standards...but nope, not getting the 17.

 

[Brent]

I have one with an 8-3/8" barrel, target hammer and trigger, Patridge front sight.
I bought it new around 1980, $265. I've had a good many and shot many 22 pistols/revolvers. I also had, sold, traded and still have a good many guns. There are 4 guns on my do not ever sell list and one is the S&W 17.
It's a rare gun that shoots dead on from 25 to 75 yards. I haven't adjusted the sights since it was new.
I have a S&W 617, 41 with both 5-1/2" and 7"barrels and Leupold scope, a Ruger old model Single Six, new model Single Six, there's a few Browning Buckmarks, Ruger Mark's, High Standards...but nope, not getting the 17.

That echoes a lot of what I hear from others and read. Yeah. I’d love a nice 17-3 K22 to really work!


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[Magnumite]

I have a 1948 vintage 17 Masterpiece. These are excellent guns to learn to shoot with. Good weight for steady hold, not too heavy to hold. Good sight radius and balance with a 6" barrel...or 4" if so one wants that. Good single and double action triggers. The 17 is also a good handgun to compete with in suitable competitions. I used mine to practice fast double action shooting for pins along side the J frame 4" M63. I used the 17 in Hunter's Pistol Silhouette competition where I won a few times with it before the 4th of 4 possible gun divisions was just not in my game plan.

Take care of it. The only way you can damage it is through neglect and outright abuse...like using it as a hammer, slamming the cylinder shut, etc..

 

[John from MD]

I have owned 17's through 617's in 6 and 8 inch formats and they are very accurate guns. I used them for Bullseye back in the days that I shot Bullseye and the 17 made for that game. The 617 had a full lug and was heavy and not as accurate as the 17's that I have owned. I have never shot at card symbols but, if your eyes are up to it, the gun can do it.

 

[Clem]

My Model 17 is a 1958 vintage. When I got it, the barrel was severely leaded and after I cleaned out the lead, I found the cylinder alignment was pretty bad. I sent it to the factory. Rather than weld up and recut the locking notches, I opted for a new cylinder. It now shoots beautifully, and for me, has the best balance of any of the K frame .22’s.

 

[jmiller320]

I have one purchased back in the early 80s. Six inch barrel. It shoots better than I do. Only issue I ever had was some of the spent brass is hard to eject sometimes.

 

[Brent]

I have one purchased back in the early 80s. Six inch barrel. It shoots better than I do. Only issue I ever had was some of the spent brass is hard to eject sometimes.

I think that’s fairly common with the K22’s. Tight chambers seem to be common. Though frustrating, it’s a good thing for accuracy! Can always give them a healthy soak and clean of the sticking seems to be too much.


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[Bountied]

I have one in 95%+ condition with the original box and tools. My father gave it to me when I was into competing. It was part of a set he got, the other is in .38. His plan was to practice with the .22 and use the .38 for other things.

The only negative thing I have to say is that the forcing cone will get fouled up with lead close to 100 rounds. I was shooting CCI mini mags. I may try a better brand and see if it improves. Once you start to get keyholes it's time to clean the cone. The aluminum cleaning rod that came with it can usually get the chunks of lead to come out or I use a pick. It can get really fouled. Other than that it's very accurate, I love the wide target trigger and adjustable sights. I'd be tempted to sell it since I don't shoot it much, but I could never tell my father so I'll have to hold on to it.

 

[John from MD]

I have one in 95%+ condition with the original box and tools. My father gave it to me when I was into competing. It was part of a set he got, the other is in .38. His plan was to practice with the .22 and use the .38 for other things.

The only negative thing I have to say is that the forcing cone will get fouled up with lead close to 100 rounds. I was shooting CCI mini mags. I may try a better brand and see if it improves. Once you start to get keyholes it's time to clean the cone. The aluminum cleaning rod that came with it can usually get the chunks of lead to come out or I use a pick. It can get really fouled. Other than that it's very accurate, I love the wide target trigger and adjustable sights. I'd be tempted to sell it since I don't shoot it much, but I could never tell my father so I'll have to hold on to it.

Just about all the .22's get lead build up in the forcing cone, even if you cut it to 11 degrees. My theory is that some lead is melted and that spray gets in the forcing cone. Even when using CCI Mini Mags it will happen but to a lesser degree.

100 rounds seems a small amount for that much fouling though. It may be that your forcing cone needs to be polished some. You can buy a brass lap from Brownells that can be used on a cleaning rod that can clean it up and can be done at home. Brownells also sells lapping compound. I would use a pistol cleaning rod with a ring end so you can put pressure against the cone as you turn. Try 800 grit and see how that works for you.

 

[Bountied]

Just about all the .22's get lead build up in the forcing cone, even if you cut it to 11 degrees. My theory is that some lead is melted and that spray gets in the forcing cone. Even when using CCI Mini Mags it will happen but to a lesser degree.

100 rounds seems a small amount for that much fouling though. It may be that your forcing cone needs to be polished some. You can buy a brass lap from Brownells that can be used on a cleaning rod that can clean it up and can be done at home. Brownells also sells lapping compound. I would use a pistol cleaning rod with a ring end so you can put pressure against the cone as you turn. Try 800 grit and see how that works for you.

100 rounds was a guestimate. The first time I noticed it I have no idea how many rounds were through it, but I retrieved a good sized piece of lead from the cone. Probably about 5-8gr. Now I just keep an eye on it but I would recommend cleaning the cone before any attempt at competing. If you start to get keyholes the cone is the first place to look. As for empty cases sticking they will start to do that with carbon build up, a quick brush and the cases should come out more easily. I'll post some pics of it when I get a minute. It's in really great shape as my dad was the original owner and it hasn't been shot much.

 

[TLL]

My 1957 K22 6" in blue box. Laminated sales receipt from 1958, $51.37.

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[trickg]

I have a Model 18-2 - essentially the same revolver.

I'm not particularly taken with mine. It functions well enough, but at 25 feet about the best accuracy I've ever gotten out of it - at least with the cheapo Winchester 22 LR ammo I've used with it recently - is about 4" groups, so it's not what I would consider to be particularly accurate. To be fair I haven't tried any premium ammo in it, so I might be inclined to change my mind if I try different ammo and it works better.

 

[Bountied]

Here is mine, it appears that my dad acquired this from my maternal grandfather. Anyone know how to date these? the internet doesn't have a lot of info and I'm not spending the $75 to find out. It does have the target grips which is cool. Hardly any cylinder drag marks. The only blemishes are the rear sight screw and a small abrasion on the right side of the barrel near the muzzle. Also a little scuff on the the top rib serrations.

 

[Brent]

View attachment 418283 View attachment 418285 View attachment 418286
Here is mine, it appears that my dad acquired this from my maternal grandfather. Anyone know how to date these? the internet doesn't have a lot of info and I'm not spending the $75 to find out. It does have the target grips which is cool. Hardly any cylinder drag marks. The only blemishes are the rear sight screw and a small abrasion on the right side of the barrel near the muzzle. Also a little scuff on the the top rib serrations.

Man that thing is beautiful! A lot of revolvers of that era had the ole holster rub on the muzzle, nothing wrong with that! Numrich would be an excellent source for screws too! Great gun! Shoot it!!


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[Bountied]

Man that thing is beautiful! A lot of revolvers of that era had the ole holster rub on the muzzle, nothing wrong with that! Numrich would be an excellent source for screws too! Great gun! Shoot it!!


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I used to shoot it more when it was my only pistol, now I feel compelled to keep it as a safe queen. It appears that it may be a 1977 model. 12KXXXX ser no. I'll probably take it out a few more times but it's in such great shape I'd lose sleep over dinging it or dropping it. My Ruger SA makes up for the .22 revolver itch.

 

[Brent]

I used to shoot it more when it was my only pistol, now I feel compelled to keep it as a safe queen. It appears that it may be a 1977 model. 12KXXXX ser no. I'll probably take it out a few more times but it's in such great shape I'd lose sleep over dinging it or dropping it. My Ruger SA makes up for the .22 revolver itch.

Very nice! Enjoy those babies in fine health for years to come!


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