S&W K17 Masterpiece
- Thread starter CockNBama
- Start date
HighValleyRanch
New member
I have a K17 from the mid 1980's and it is six shot and blue square butt K frame with 6 inch barrel.
I believe the current 617's are round butt K frames and stainless.
I believe the current 617's are round butt K frames and stainless.
Driftwood Johnson
New member
Howdy
The K-22 Outdoorsman (K-22 First Model) was introduced in 1931. It was a six shot, five screw revolver, built on the same medium sized K frame as the earlier M&P 38 caliber revolvers, hence the name. The K-22 Outdoorsman had the old 'two screw' adjustable rear sight, that was adjusted by loosening the screw on one side with a tiny screw driver and pushing the sight over with the other screw, then snugging the first screw up to the new position. This one was made in 1935. In this photo it is wearing an aftermarket trigger shoe and grip adapter.
In 1940 the K-22 Masterpiece (K-22 2nd Model) was introduced. The main difference between the two was the Masterpiece had the click adjustable Micrometer rear sight, and the short action hammer. The 2nd Model was only produced until 1941.
K-22 3rd Model production started after WWII in 1946. This model was similar to the 2nd Model, with the addition of a rib on the barrel.
In 1957 S&W changed over to the current model numbering system and the K-22 3rd Model became the Model 17. I bought this Model 17-3 brand, spanky new in 1975. Notice the different rear sight and non tapered barrel with rib. The Model 17 was produced until 1989 when a full lug barrel version was introduced. Model 17 production was discontinued in 1996 for a ten shot version. The ten round version was produced until 1999.
All Stainless S&W revolver model numbers begin with the number 6. The Model 617 is the Stainless version of the Model 17. It was introduce in 1989 and is still in production. Originally the Model 617 was a six shot revolver with a full lug barrel. In 1996 a ten shot version with an aluminum cylinder was introduced. In 1998 a ten shot Stainless cylinder was introduced.
This ten shot Model 617-6 shipped in July of 2003.
Yes, underneath the ugly rubber grip the frame has a round butt.
Currently the Smith and Wesson website lists a blued Model 17 in their classic revolver series. This model is similar to the old Model 17, but I believe it will have MIM parts inside.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766189_-1_757779_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
The K-22 Outdoorsman (K-22 First Model) was introduced in 1931. It was a six shot, five screw revolver, built on the same medium sized K frame as the earlier M&P 38 caliber revolvers, hence the name. The K-22 Outdoorsman had the old 'two screw' adjustable rear sight, that was adjusted by loosening the screw on one side with a tiny screw driver and pushing the sight over with the other screw, then snugging the first screw up to the new position. This one was made in 1935. In this photo it is wearing an aftermarket trigger shoe and grip adapter.
In 1940 the K-22 Masterpiece (K-22 2nd Model) was introduced. The main difference between the two was the Masterpiece had the click adjustable Micrometer rear sight, and the short action hammer. The 2nd Model was only produced until 1941.
K-22 3rd Model production started after WWII in 1946. This model was similar to the 2nd Model, with the addition of a rib on the barrel.
In 1957 S&W changed over to the current model numbering system and the K-22 3rd Model became the Model 17. I bought this Model 17-3 brand, spanky new in 1975. Notice the different rear sight and non tapered barrel with rib. The Model 17 was produced until 1989 when a full lug barrel version was introduced. Model 17 production was discontinued in 1996 for a ten shot version. The ten round version was produced until 1999.
All Stainless S&W revolver model numbers begin with the number 6. The Model 617 is the Stainless version of the Model 17. It was introduce in 1989 and is still in production. Originally the Model 617 was a six shot revolver with a full lug barrel. In 1996 a ten shot version with an aluminum cylinder was introduced. In 1998 a ten shot Stainless cylinder was introduced.
This ten shot Model 617-6 shipped in July of 2003.
Yes, underneath the ugly rubber grip the frame has a round butt.
Currently the Smith and Wesson website lists a blued Model 17 in their classic revolver series. This model is similar to the old Model 17, but I believe it will have MIM parts inside.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766189_-1_757779_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
22-rimfire
New member
I suspect this would likely be a special order item through your dealer.
Lets not forget the Model 18 which was the 4" version of the Model 17. Most M17's will have a 6" barrel. Some 4" versions were made during the transition to stainless (617). The 617 is available in either 4" or 6" barrel lengths.
The Model 17 is a true classic and one of the best DA 22 revolvers ever made. It is right up there with the Colt Diamondback and Officers Model Match/Target.
kilimanjaro
New member
As said above, if you see one, buy it !
Great balance, accuracy, and a beauty to shoot and enjoy.
Your great-great-great-great-great-grandkids will enjoy it just as much as you do today, presuming .22LR ammo has become available by then....
Great balance, accuracy, and a beauty to shoot and enjoy.
Your great-great-great-great-great-grandkids will enjoy it just as much as you do today, presuming .22LR ammo has become available by then....
22-rimfire
New member
Funny comment about the 22 availablity. You just never know.
As far as the future goes, an image of Star Trek's Lt. Sulu shooting a M17 or any revolver is pleasing.
As far as the future goes, an image of Star Trek's Lt. Sulu shooting a M17 or any revolver is pleasing.
The term "K17" is a misnomer. The series was originally called the K-22, K-32 and K-38. When S&W went to model numbers, the K-22 became the Model 17. Then they added an additional number on the front to indicate the material/finish so the Model 617 is made of stainless steel. But there is no "K17".
Jim
Jim
Barrel length 4V50
The model 18 was only available with a 4 inch barrel. The finish I believe was the same. Before 1957 the model 18 was named the K22 Combat Masterpiece (K22 Masterpiece for the model 17). It became the model 18 in 1957 and was produced until 1985. It was discontinued when the model 17 was produced with a 4 inch barrel in '85.
The model 17 and 18 are both must own S&Ws. Great fun to shoot. JA
The model 18 was only available with a 4 inch barrel. The finish I believe was the same. Before 1957 the model 18 was named the K22 Combat Masterpiece (K22 Masterpiece for the model 17). It became the model 18 in 1957 and was produced until 1985. It was discontinued when the model 17 was produced with a 4 inch barrel in '85.
The model 17 and 18 are both must own S&Ws. Great fun to shoot. JA
22-rimfire
New member
I have one of the blued 4" M17's with the full underlug similar to the 617's. It's a nice looking revolver. Also have a M18 (4" of course).
The M17 and M18 have the same finish and adjustable sights for the manufacturing period. Neither had fixed sights.
Model 17's and Model 18's are quality 22 revolvers.
The M17 and M18 have the same finish and adjustable sights for the manufacturing period. Neither had fixed sights.
Model 17's and Model 18's are quality 22 revolvers.
Driftwood Johnson
New member
Howdy Again
Here is my Model 17-3 that I bought in 1975 along with the box and all the goodies that came with it. Notice at this time the Model 17 came with Magna grips, not the oversized target grips that are in some of the photos. Yes, it still wears those grips, I like to keep my guns as original as possible.
This photo shows another pre-war K-22 Outdoorsman at the top, my Model 17-3 in the middle, and the Model 617-6 at the bottom. Notice the K-22 is wearing an incorrect set of Magna grips. It should be wearing Service Grips.
The next two photos highlight a couple of differences between a K-22 Outdoorsman and a Model 17.
The K-22 is wearing the correct Service Grips. The grip adapter and trigger shoe are aftermarket items that have since been removed. Notice the teeny, tiny screw in the rear sight. That is the arrangement where you loosened one screw, and used the other screw to push the sight over, then snugged up the first screw. And you needed a teeny, tiny screwdriver. Notice too that this gun is a Five Screw, the four screws that hold the side plate on are obvious. And last, notice the shape of the hammer. This is the old 'long throw' or 'long action' hammer that was on most pre-war Smiths.
The Model 17-3 has the modern Micrometer click rear sight that S&W introduced way back with the K-22 Masterpiece. Just one, nice, big screw. It pushes or pulls, and there is a tiny spring loaded ball detent so you can count the clicks. Modern Short Action hammer, Three Screws (one is hidden under the top of the grip, the other is off the photo to the right. No side plate screw up near the rear sight. And the original Magna grips.
Sorry, I just can't resist adding two more photos. This is the rear sight on the K-22 Outdoorsman with the incorrect Magna Grips. This view shows the teeny screw on the other side of the rear sight. And you can see the REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. stamp on the back of the hammer. And yes, the finish on this gun has a lot of wear.
And a Call front sight with a silver bead inlaid into the rear face of the sight.
Here is my Model 17-3 that I bought in 1975 along with the box and all the goodies that came with it. Notice at this time the Model 17 came with Magna grips, not the oversized target grips that are in some of the photos. Yes, it still wears those grips, I like to keep my guns as original as possible.
This photo shows another pre-war K-22 Outdoorsman at the top, my Model 17-3 in the middle, and the Model 617-6 at the bottom. Notice the K-22 is wearing an incorrect set of Magna grips. It should be wearing Service Grips.
The next two photos highlight a couple of differences between a K-22 Outdoorsman and a Model 17.
The K-22 is wearing the correct Service Grips. The grip adapter and trigger shoe are aftermarket items that have since been removed. Notice the teeny, tiny screw in the rear sight. That is the arrangement where you loosened one screw, and used the other screw to push the sight over, then snugged up the first screw. And you needed a teeny, tiny screwdriver. Notice too that this gun is a Five Screw, the four screws that hold the side plate on are obvious. And last, notice the shape of the hammer. This is the old 'long throw' or 'long action' hammer that was on most pre-war Smiths.
The Model 17-3 has the modern Micrometer click rear sight that S&W introduced way back with the K-22 Masterpiece. Just one, nice, big screw. It pushes or pulls, and there is a tiny spring loaded ball detent so you can count the clicks. Modern Short Action hammer, Three Screws (one is hidden under the top of the grip, the other is off the photo to the right. No side plate screw up near the rear sight. And the original Magna grips.
Sorry, I just can't resist adding two more photos. This is the rear sight on the K-22 Outdoorsman with the incorrect Magna Grips. This view shows the teeny screw on the other side of the rear sight. And you can see the REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. stamp on the back of the hammer. And yes, the finish on this gun has a lot of wear.
And a Call front sight with a silver bead inlaid into the rear face of the sight.
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