Shells Sticking in Model 17

MK11 · June 1, 2009, 09:57 AM

I purchased a used Model 17 a few years ago that's in nice shape and shoots great but the fired shells really stick in the chambers. It requires a slow, very hard press on the extractor rod and I'm nervous about damaging it. Happens regardless of the type of .22 lr.

This may be a basic question but what's causing this and what's the solution? Is there a special way to clean the chambers of the cylinder?

FlyFish · June 1, 2009, 10:29 AM

Model 17s (K-22s) are notorious for having tight chambers that can make extraction difficult. Some have reported that having the chambers polished, either by a gunsmith or by returning the gun to S&W, solves the problem. Others say that you might have less trouble with a different brand of ammo. Either way, you're not alone.

kraigwy · June 1, 2009, 10:33 AM

Check the cylender real good. You may have burrs caused by someone dry firing, the firing pin without the softening effect of the rim of the case.

Its a simple fix, just run a 22 RF reamer in the cylender to cut out the burrs.

Also some chambers of the Model 17 & 18s are a little tight. My Model 18 is, and the lube on 22s gum them up. Some brands arnt as bad as others, switch brands may help. I keep my cylenders lightly oiled which helps a lot.

MrBorland · June 1, 2009, 10:36 AM

Yes, the chambers are tight. That makes them especially sensitive to crud & other nasties. I clean my chambers fairly regularly, and that seems to help quite a bit.

steveno · June 1, 2009, 05:08 PM

the best luck I have had with my M-17 is Winchester powerpoints and even then I use a bore swab every 50 rounds or so. CCI Velociters usually work ok. all other ammo is a waste of time

KyJim · June 1, 2009, 06:56 PM

My Model 17 and it's predecessor, the K-22, both have tight chambers. I find a short, sharp rap helps.

My 17-3:

My K-22:

lagavulin62 · June 1, 2009, 07:02 PM

I had a similar problem with my 617 the first 100 rounds or so. I clean and oil after every range trip and after 700 rounds I rarely have the problem now.

June 1, 2009, 09:57 AM	#1
MK11 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2001 Posts: 577	Shells Sticking in Model 17 I purchased a used Model 17 a few years ago that's in nice shape and shoots great but the fired shells really stick in the chambers. It requires a slow, very hard press on the extractor rod and I'm nervous about damaging it. Happens regardless of the type of .22 lr. This may be a basic question but what's causing this and what's the solution? Is there a special way to clean the chambers of the cylinder?

June 1, 2009, 10:33 AM	#3
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Check the cylender real good. You may have burrs caused by someone dry firing, the firing pin without the softening effect of the rim of the case. Its a simple fix, just run a 22 RF reamer in the cylender to cut out the burrs. Also some chambers of the Model 17 & 18s are a little tight. My Model 18 is, and the lube on 22s gum them up. Some brands arnt as bad as others, switch brands may help. I keep my cylenders lightly oiled which helps a lot. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

June 1, 2009, 10:29 AM	#2
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,723	Model 17s (K-22s) are notorious for having tight chambers that can make extraction difficult. Some have reported that having the chambers polished, either by a gunsmith or by returning the gun to S&W, solves the problem. Others say that you might have less trouble with a different brand of ammo. Either way, you're not alone.

June 1, 2009, 10:36 AM	#4
MrBorland Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,614	Yes, the chambers are tight. That makes them especially sensitive to crud & other nasties. I clean my chambers fairly regularly, and that seems to help quite a bit.

June 1, 2009, 05:08 PM	#5
steveno Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Minden , Nebraska Posts: 1,407	the best luck I have had with my M-17 is Winchester powerpoints and even then I use a bore swab every 50 rounds or so. CCI Velociters usually work ok. all other ammo is a waste of time

June 1, 2009, 06:56 PM	#6
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	My Model 17 and it's predecessor, the K-22, both have tight chambers. I find a short, sharp rap helps. My 17-3: My K-22:

June 1, 2009, 07:02 PM	#7
lagavulin62 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2008 Location: Montgomery, Texas Posts: 222	I had a similar problem with my 617 the first 100 rounds or so. I clean and oil after every range trip and after 700 rounds I rarely have the problem now.