New S&W Model 17-4

[Graybeard]

I called Richard, my local FFL guy, this afternoon around 3:00 to see if my S&W Model 17 came in the mail. He said the mail didn't run until around 4:00 to check back then. Said he'd be open until 7:00 today and 6:00 tomorrow I think he said. So I called back after 4:00 and it came in. So I headed that way.

When I finally laid eyes on the Model 17 for the first time it was everything they said it was. I don't think it has ever been fired but there was no box with it. I can't imagine a collector holding it all these years in pristine condition and no box. No ring or even faint turn marks, no evidence looking at the cylinder it has ever had a cartridge in it. No wear, no blemishes, just absolutely new condition.

I checked the trigger and it is nice, not nice like the Model 14 but standard S&W nice. SA pull is 3.5 pounds and DA pull is too heavy to measure with my trigger gage. That means over 8 pounds but then standard S&W DA pull is around 10 pounds or so. This is one super nice absolutely brand new 40 year old revolver. I sure hope it shoots like the Model 14 does.

While there I got to looking around to see what else I might need. Looked over all the handguns and there was one S&W that looked interesting but it was a Model 34 which is a J frame 22LR, looked to be maybe a 4" or 5" barrel. So I began looking at rifles. I found a TC I think a Venture in .30-06 listed at $450. Reviews say they shoot really well. So I asked Richard for an out the door price. He said $450 meaning he ate the tax which is 10%. So it came home with me. Once I get it scoped, sighted in and some ammo loaded up for it I will take it to Matt and rescue my Remington 700 .280 Remington.

Matt has had my Model 700 CDL Stainless fluted barrel 280 on loan every since he headed west looking to improve his lot in life. I don't even recall how long ago that was but several years. Now he can have this one on loan and I can rescue my CDL  limited edition .280 Remington. I stopped by his house this afternoon on the way home cuz the sun was so low it was blinding me and with an already bum left eye I needed to get off the road. He told me I best not sell the .280 as he expects it to return to him one day.

I'll get some images of the new S&W Model 17 and it and the twin Model 14 side by side to post when I can. Shooting report when I get that done too.

[oldandslow]

Sounds like you had a nice day. Looking forward to the report.

[30calflash]

 Nice acquisition, hope it shoots to your satisfaction.

 Most folks seem to pass on the S&W's since there are Pythons, Dan Wessons and other noted for their accuracy. But they are missing out on not having owned a Smith K frame target revolver, IMHO. If needed a little smoothing on the SA pull and a grip change should make it a fine range companion when you want to sow things down a little.

 Yes a range report would be good, w some pics.

[Graybeard]

I haven't been able to make it out to my range even tho it's in my back yard. Too many other things have interfered. I have Pachmayr Presentation grips on order for it. That is my personal preference for S&W revolvers.

I also haven't gotten photos yet. I hope to do that soon also and hopefully better photos than I got of the Model 14 I just recently also bought. I'll try to get them on the range with better lighting.

[oldandslow]

I know what you mean about other things. I spent most of today running around and drove almost a hundred mile in my rough riding jeep wranger and basically accomplished nothing. The latest front blew in right after noon from the west and I'm hiding in the house now.

I like the Pachmayer grips and have a st on mt SSA clone. It's much easier to grip and the trigger guard no longer beats up my middle finger. They are great grips in my book.

[30calflash]

 I had presentations on several when it was about the only choice available, early 80's? Anyhow after Hogue, Herretts, et al I found that the presentation model was available in a small size that I've now installed on a couple 4" barreled K frames. Makes a world of difference even if you have larger mitts like I do.

 Pach Grippers are my go to on N frames usually.

[Graybeard]

I finally got around to shooting the new Model 17 today. I took it out this morning to my back yard range. I started on paper at about 10 yards. The first group was tight but high. I adjusted the rear sight all the way down and moved the target to 25 yards.

It's still a little high but a 6 o'clock hold results in hits even on my smaller swingers when I do my part.

This afternoon my Pachmayr grips came in and they are now on it.