Has anyone purchased a "NEW" model 17 Masterpiece?

[aarondhgraham]

I just found out I'll not have to pay nearly as much property tax as I did last year,,,
That means I'll have a lot more cash available to buy my November birthday present.

I've been looking at used/vintage 17's for a while now,,,
The older ones in nice shape are going for more than a new one.

I have several older S&W's so I do appreciate their quality,,,
But I've never been able to handle a new one from their "Classic" line.

My main question is,,,
Does it have that danged lock hole in the side?

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Aarond

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[Master Blaster]

Looks like it has the Hole:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms...17-masterpiece

The classics are still nice guns though.

[Eazyeach]

Yes they have the hole. I have the 586 classic and while it is a nice gun it isn't nearly as nice as the early guns. Not only does it have the lock but the bluing is not as bright as older guns. Solid? Sure is. Pretty? Yes, but it could be prettier.

[aarondhgraham]

Thanks gentlemen.

I hit that link with a different browser,,,
As soon as I did I was able to use the 360 view.

Yep, it looks like the hole is there.

Not a deal breaker,,,
But an undesirable feature none the less.

Aarond

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[CajunBass]

I wouldn't worry about the lock on a target 22. Well, I wouldn't worry about the lock, period, but even less so on a target 22.

But around here, it seems the market has softened for vintage K-22's. I've bought two recently, one a near pristine, four screw from 1958 that was tagged at $650.00, the other a pretty well finish worn, 1948 five screw that was tagged just under $400.00.

I don't know what a "new" one actually goes for. I see the msrp is about a grand.

[aarondhgraham]

I've not seen a decent 17 near me in over a year,,,
And the gunbroker guns that look decent are still rather pricey.

I was just thinking that if I have to pay over $700.00 for a used one,,,
A brand new one might not be too bad an option.

But I'm still deciding,,,
I may chuck the idea and stick with a new single-six instead.

Thanks for replying gentlemen.

Aarond

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[Sevens]

A vintage Model 17 is a fantastic deal. Yet another revolver so nearly perfect that Smith & Wesson made a huge load of them, which makes them an exceptionally great buy on the used market. Like a Model 10 or a Model 28, the sheer volume of them keeps the price reasonable and you end up with a legendary machine for low money.

Of all the revolvers that Smith & Wesson currently makes (or has recently made), I find perhaps the least possible sense in a "classic" Model 17. There are just way, way too many fantastic used ones to even consider a new production one.

Say what you will, but I would absolutely pay MORE for a used 17 no-dash through 17-6 then I ever would than a new one. And it's not any kind of a close race.

[FITASC]

Bought my 17-3 at a flea market for $350; much better deal than a new one with a Hillary hole

[Model12Win]

With the modern safety and performance enhancements like the internal lock, MIM parts and two piece barrels, the new Model 17's are far more desirable than the older non-improved versions.

Buy one.

[DPris]

That HAS to be a joke.
Denis

[Driftwood Johnson]

With the modern safety and performance enhancements like the internal lock, MIM parts and two piece barrels, the new Model 17's are far more desirable than the older non-improved versions.

WHAT???

Maybe he's kidding and just wants to keep more for himself.

I wouldn't dream of buying one of the new 'Classic' Model 17s. I still have my Model 17-3 that I bought brand new in 1975. That is it on the far left in this photo. All the others are older K-22s that I have picked up over the last few years. Every one of them, with the exception of the one 2nd from the right cost less than the MSRP of $989 for the new 'Classic' Model 17. And everyone of them is a better gun. In fact the one in the center, made in 1932, is the best shooter in the bunch. Because it has some wear to the blue I picked it up for $500.

[aarondhgraham]

I wish I were seeing those deals here in Okie-Land,,,
But like I wrote earlier, I'm not seeing them in local pawn shops or gun shows.

Well, let me be a bit more clear about that,,,
I am seeing them but for prices more like 700 to 900 bucks.

That's what gave me the idea to consider buying a new "Classic".

Aarond

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[CajunBass]

Arron, I don't know about the classic 17, I don't think I've even seen one, but I did have a Classic Model 27 not too long ago. I didn't see a thing wrong with that gun. The blue was different from the old ones. The topstrap checkering was different. But the fit, the finish, everything about it really was top notch. Now, I got it used, so I actually paid less for it than I would have an older Model 27.

Yes, I sold it, but only to fund something else I wanted. Didn't have any trouble selling it either.

[Stephanie B]

I bought a used 17-3 for $620 last year. It's a near-constant rider in my range bag; probably shot close to 2,000 rounds with it.


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[Driftwood Johnson]

Like I said before, even at $700 you are getting a better gun than a brand new one for $989.

[rep1954]

Like I said before, even at $700 you are getting a better gun than a brand new one for $989.

I've never seen one in a gun shop at $989.00 but I have seen the Classic 17's for just over $700.00. Cabela's or Gander Mountain might ask that but who pays their price? I almost bought one but ended up walking out the door with one of two Model 14-8's which have been awesome weapons. I'm more of a shooter than a collector and these to guns are as accurate as any center fire I have shot with much faster lock time than my older S&W's.

[22-rimfire]

If it were me, I would just keep the cash available and keep looking for a slightly used Model 17 or an 18. They pop up.

[FITASC]

I wish I were seeing those deals here in Okie-Land,,,
But like I wrote earlier, I'm not seeing them in local pawn shops or gun shows.

Expand your borders to the entire internet; the selection is greater

[Eazyeach]

The finish on the classics does seem more blackish than blue. I wish they would release a model 19 classic though. I want a 4" 19 in the worst way but they are going for big $$ on GB and I can't find any local.

[Master Blaster]

Actually there is nothing wrong with a 4" barreled Stainless model 617 with a 10 shot cylinder if you are thinking of a new gun and those can be had for 667.00 at Buds Gun shop. One advantage is that you can add a red dot scope to it easily as it is drilled and tapped.

[lunger]

I did not buy one,but it was close. It was down to the 17 classic and the 617. It was back an forth for a while.

I also have not been able to find a vintage one. As said the bluing is not as nice and it does have the lock. That isn't a deal breaker for me. It did feel great in the hand and is still a quality revolver. Just because you prefer vintage ones doesn't mean you couldn't own a new one also.

In the end I came home with a 617 but I think I would have been happy with either one. I continue to look for an older one.

[jrhilde]

Aarond, --- so what did you decide to do ? I realize the thread is a little old, but just wanted to say I just bought a new "Classic" model 48, $832 or so from Bud's about a month ago and it seems to be every bit as choice as the model 17 I had years ago---I have a decent amount of magnum ammo, so got this one first---I'll pick up a 17 in another few months ---- been looking at the used ones and they are very pricey--- Bud's has the 17 right now for $777.00 ---

I'd grab that before it jumps back up to the $853 or whatever --- virtually the same gun and mine is a beauty---very nice finish and very well fitted---I've already installed a spring kit and it now has a 3 pound trigger, not too concerned about the double action pull due to I always shoot them single action ---oh, and it's deadly accurate --- I don't think you would be dissapointed --John

[jrhilde]

Oh, ignore the lock hole, on a dark finished K-frame, you barely notice it ---

[Don P]

I've not seen a decent 17 near me in over a year,,,
And the gunbroker guns that look decent are still rather pricey.

I was just thinking that if I have to pay over $700.00 for a used one,,,
A brand new one might not be too bad an option.

One here at at a local shop went for $650 and looked well used. I have one and will not let it go for under $900. No box no papers and is at 95-98%. That same shop offered me $350 because I had green nail polish on the front sight and just a small amount of wear at the left from
bit of wear at the tip of the muzzle

[aarondhgraham]

Aarond, --- so what did you decide to do ?

I've decided to wait a short while before I buy anything.

The Wanenmacher gun show in Tulsa is this weekend,,,
I'll be going there with just over $800 cash,,,
Perhaps I'll find one of the vintage guns.

Aarond

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