317 Kit Gun

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ump45

New member
I am looking at the 317 Kit Gun, but I'm wondering why do they call it a "Kit Gun", what's the deal with that? To me, it just looks like a 317 with a 3" barrel.

Are the 317, 317LS, and 317 Kit Gun the only .22LR revolvers that smith&wesson makes?
 
Because small framed .22s with adjustable sights and a medium length barrel were seen as ideal to throw in your kit when going camping or fishing. Thus the name kit gun. They used to be all steel, to the best of my knowledge S&W haven't made a steel kit gun for a few years.
S&W also make the 617 series of .22 revolvers. These are medum frame revolvers with full length barrel underlugs.
The more knowledgable members of this forum should be able to go into a bit more depth.

Radagast
 
I asked my dad the same question about the name "kit gun" just a few months ago. Guns have been ONE my dads great passions since birth, an now at 76 years of age I'm sure they are his ONLY passion. He is a fountain of information, what a disappointment I must be to him with my lack of commitment in his hobby :(
He gave me the exact same story as Radagast told you, so it must be true!
 
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