smith & wesson grouping

mforster · April 10, 2013, 11:19 AM

Hi, I'm new to target shooting and my first gun was a .22lr Hammerli which I got on with ok,but (the point of the story) last week I bought and old S&W model 17 .22 for a tenth of the cost of the Hammerli, I shot at the range for the first time last night and couldn't believe how accurate it is, the second session was the best grouping ever! was this a fluke ? Hammerli for sale !

**Mike Irwin** · April 10, 2013, 11:43 AM

The Model 17 has always been highly regarded for its accuracy.

Have you ever shot your Hammerli from a mechanical rest to see what its accuracy potential is?

mforster · April 10, 2013, 12:26 PM

Good point Mike I haven't rest tested the Hammerli, that's next on the list.

Sevens · April 10, 2013, 01:54 PM

I'm a h-u-g-e fan of all the K-22's (well, pre-lock K-22's anyway) and my Model 17 is a dash-6 and from 1988 -- it was my first handgun, a Christmas present from my Mom. I just had it out last Saturday and we shot empty 12 gauge hulls at distances from 10 to 15 yards.

I love it with my full heart! However, all else being equal, the design of the Hammerli has more mechanical accuracy potential.

Of course, that's potential. In anyone's hands, all bets are off. And if a shining example of one were pitting up against a lousy example of the other, again, the result might be different.

But given the fact that the Hammerli has a fixed barrel and the chamber & barrel are one unit, that is theoretically going to best a revolver where there are six chambers (each different in a miniscule way) and those chambers are rotated and then locked in to place.

Tell us more about your Model 17!

MrBorland · April 10, 2013, 02:06 PM

With ammo it likes, your M17 itself is likely capable of 3/4" (or slightly better) groups at 25 yards. I'd expect a Hammerli to be at least that accurate. The shooter - and their interface with the gun - greatly affects the tale the target tells.

kahrguy · April 11, 2013, 02:19 PM

You have tried some quality match grade ammo in that hammerli to find what it prefers right??!! You might have a round your s&w likes and your hammerli hates. That alone can make a big difference in group size.

mforster · April 16, 2013, 07:41 AM

Thanks for yours replies hadn't considered the ammo. would make so much difference (new to this game) and will try your suggestions , the model 17 was made in 1980 but has much later rubber grips, i've managed to obtain original wooden S&W target grips (I know that might change my groupings !) . Will post pics. of both guns and report results of my next visit to range.

regards, Mike

April 10, 2013, 11:19 AM	#1
mforster Member Join Date: January 22, 2012 Location: Normandy,France Posts: 22	smith & wesson grouping Hi, I'm new to target shooting and my first gun was a .22lr Hammerli which I got on with ok,but (the point of the story) last week I bought and old S&W model 17 .22 for a tenth of the cost of the Hammerli, I shot at the range for the first time last night and couldn't believe how accurate it is, the second session was the best grouping ever! was this a fluke ? Hammerli for sale !

April 10, 2013, 11:43 AM	#2
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,381	The Model 17 has always been highly regarded for its accuracy. Have you ever shot your Hammerli from a mechanical rest to see what its accuracy potential is? __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 10, 2013, 01:54 PM	#4
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I'm a h-u-g-e fan of all the K-22's (well, pre-lock K-22's anyway) and my Model 17 is a dash-6 and from 1988 -- it was my first handgun, a Christmas present from my Mom. I just had it out last Saturday and we shot empty 12 gauge hulls at distances from 10 to 15 yards. I love it with my full heart! However, all else being equal, the design of the Hammerli has more mechanical accuracy potential. Of course, that's potential. In anyone's hands, all bets are off. And if a shining example of one were pitting up against a lousy example of the other, again, the result might be different. But given the fact that the Hammerli has a fixed barrel and the chamber & barrel are one unit, that is theoretically going to best a revolver where there are six chambers (each different in a miniscule way) and those chambers are rotated and then locked in to place. Tell us more about your Model 17! __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

April 16, 2013, 07:41 AM	#7
mforster Member Join Date: January 22, 2012 Location: Normandy,France Posts: 22	grouping Thanks for yours replies hadn't considered the ammo. would make so much difference (new to this game) and will try your suggestions , the model 17 was made in 1980 but has much later rubber grips, i've managed to obtain original wooden S&W target grips (I know that might change my groupings !) . Will post pics. of both guns and report results of my next visit to range. regards, Mike

April 10, 2013, 12:26 PM	#3
mforster Member Join Date: January 22, 2012 Location: Normandy,France Posts: 22	Good point Mike I haven't rest tested the Hammerli, that's next on the list.

April 10, 2013, 02:06 PM	#5
MrBorland Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,614	With ammo it likes, your M17 itself is likely capable of 3/4" (or slightly better) groups at 25 yards. I'd expect a Hammerli to be at least that accurate. The shooter - and their interface with the gun - greatly affects the tale the target tells.

April 11, 2013, 02:19 PM	#6
kahrguy Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2012 Posts: 561	You have tried some quality match grade ammo in that hammerli to find what it prefers right??!! You might have a round your s&w likes and your hammerli hates. That alone can make a big difference in group size.