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S & W Model 17 K-22 Foreign Proof and Import Marks

centershot

Silver $$ Contributor
I have been doing some research on this pistol. Would like to purchase one and, other than the price going up, many of them have these marks on them. How come so many have this and why were so many imported? I do not want one for a collection. Wanted one for my wife to shoot along with my K-38. Target options wold be a nice feature.
Any things you would suggest on this model? Is $1k a reasonable amount to pay?
 
I acquired my first one in 1970, new, for $87. Mine is truly a master piece of engineering and manufacturing. If taken care of properly, it's a lifetime and beyond investment. Mine has a 6" barrel with target hammer and trigger.

I'm still shooting mine today and it shoots as good as in did 51 years ago. In my opinion, it is the finest revolver ever made. I used mine in competition in the 70's and 80's for both NRA bulls eye and small bore hunter's pistol silhouette. I qualified as Distinguished Expert (285x300) in bulls eye and "AAA" (30-35x40) in hunter's pistol competition. I placed 1st (Hi Revolver) in the United States Revolver Association 1987 matches. I also did some extensive and small game hunting with it. Still shooting it today for informal target practice.

Never knew or heard of them being made overseas. Not sure of the quality of them today. Personally I wouldn't pay $1,000 for a pistol but if I had that kind of disposable income I can't think of another pistol I've rather have than the Model 17, hence my "call name" - K22 on this web site. ;) ;) ;)
 
Maybe look around a bit. I bought a 17-4 for $500 shipped a month ago. They are not made overseas. They usually were sold to foreign markets then need to be marked for importation. 1k is very expensive.
 
Maybe look around a bit. I bought a 17-4 for $500 shipped a month ago. They are not made overseas. They usually were sold to foreign markets then need to be marked for importation. 1k is very expensive.
Private or Gunbroker? Is it worth paying extra for target?
 
Any things you would suggest on this model? Is $1k a reasonable amount to pay?
What it costs you will mostly a function of what engineering change you want the 17-X, 3-4 or 5 screw, the way it shipped (TT TH TS grips etc), barrel length, if it has the original box and contents (including the screwdriver), the condition, and if you buy it above or below current market. Pretty wide range of values, and hard to know what your $1K was intended for.

This is a 17-3, and in my opinion about as nice as they come.
S&W 1.jpg
 
I bought mine on gunbroker. I would not spend extra for target trigger,sights,or grips. If you want a collector piece prepare to pay. If you want. Shooter just make sure it works well mechanically and it will last almost forever.

This one was a strange duck. Was made without sights. The current sight is only temporary until I can find/afford a smaller reflex sight.
 

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centershot, purchased my one only 22 rimfire revolver 40 plus years ago. I enjoy it as much as any gun I own. Regarding the price; due your research and make your decision. Today we find ourselves in another round of shortages. Keeping your pistol fed could be a problem for you and you may want to consider that before making your purchase. Love revolvers as I hate bending over to pick up my brass. At the end of the day it is your money and your choice. Good luck and when you choose to buy, I hope you get a long life time of enjoyment from it.
 
I wanted an original Model 17, K-22 with all the bells and whistles on it and found one:
Model 17-4
6" Blue
Target Hammer, Target Trigger, Target Stocks, White outlined target rear sight and red ramp front. All factory original and in the appropriate box. The Gun was NEW OLD STOCK and had only been proof fired, with not even a turn mark on the cylinder. Slight residue in three of the 6 chambers as would be expected of proof firing. Cleaned that out and all 6 cyliners as well as the bore are as bring and shinny as when it came from the factory.

It was a duplicate of one that I sold myself when I was a dealer and I think wholesale on it was about $110.00 at the time, but I would have to look it up.

I paid $1,795.00 for it plus $35.0o Shipping, but I had to have it.

Bob
 

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