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OP
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I have a Mark ll, a Buckmark and a SP 101 in my current .22 LR handgun inventory and use them regularly for range-plinking. I have no interest in competition or serious target shooting, but delight in trying to put holes in pop cans at a 30-50yd range and scaring the hell out of the occasional gopher.
At damn near 73 years of age, I am thinking about getting something (NIB-only) that I’ll get a little time enjoying and then ultimately have a special piece to pass onto one of the grandkids. Normally, the stainless 6” 617 would be my default choice, but there something about being my age and passing on a Masterpiece to a grandkid that is resonating with me. Thoughts? CP.
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My model 17. It's a joy to shoot and ammo is reasonable if you bought back in the day. A 6 inch model 617 wouldn't be a bad choice either. Good luck with your search and decision.
Last edited by Sbrown; 01/01/20.
“Alive in JESUS!” NRA LIFE MEMBER
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Have both and love both, the Model 17 is probably more of a classic, while the 617 in stainless, and especially the 10-shot version, is more practical......You can't go wrong either way, how about both?
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Campfire Outfitter
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I would not waste my money on a "new" S&W....look for a MINT older one made between 1950 and 1970 if you want a really want something to pass down to the next generation...
GunBroker or AuctionArms are the places to look...
Bob
If you can not deal with reality, reality will deal with you....
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For an Heirloom, go with the model 17 or 18. Both are classic K-22's, and are wicked accurate.
I have a 10 shot 617 and its my favorite handgun to shoot, it's so much fun. But if someone walked up to me with a S&W Model 18 I would swap in a New York minute!!
Last edited by GunGeek; 01/01/20.
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The 617 has a full underlug, so quite a bit heavier than the 17 without the underlug. That being said, I prefer the older versions, pre-Model 17 the K-22 Masterpiece. Mine is from 1948, and was much less than the new models. They made millions of them so they are out there without looking very hard.
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I have a 4” 617, 10 shot. It’s a fantastic revolver.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Have had 2 617 10 shots, both were out of time after a couple thousand rounds.
Son of a liberal: " What did you do in the War On Terror, Daddy?"
Liberal father: " I fought the Americans, along with all the other liberals."
MOLON LABE
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I have a 10 shot 617 and its my favorite handgun to shoot, it's so much fun. But if someone walked up to me with a S&W Model 18 I would swap in a New York minute!! Just for you, Kevin. Bob
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OP
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Thanks for the comments, and at the moment I am learning towards 617. CP.
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The key part of your OP mentions passing down to grandkids. I think a blued steel revolver passed down from grandpa has a ton more nostalgic panache to it then the same revolver in stainless. If that means they have to take Gramps gun out from time to time and wipe it down with an oil cloth, GOOD! "When Gramps gave it to me he told me it I let it rust he would come back and haunt my azz."
"Put none but Americans on guard tonight." -George Washington
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Vintage Masterpiece, without question.
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This is my next “want” and “got to have” in the gun world. I’ve got all the rifles I’ll ever need or want for that matter. And I probably have all the handguns I will ever need, but an older K-22 is just an itch I’m gonna have to scratch!
If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.
Doug
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Campfire 'Bwana
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My model 17. It's a joy to shoot and ammo is reasonable if you bought back in the day. Looks just like mine. This is my next “want” and “got to have” in the gun world. I’ve got all the rifles I’ll ever need or want for that matter. And I probably have all the handguns I will ever need, but an older K-22 is just an itch I’m gonna have to scratch! I hear ya.. I looked for a long time and finally scratched that itch with the one above.
Slaves get what they need. Free men get what they want. Rehabilitation is way overrated. Orwell wasn't wrong. GOA member disappointed NRA member 24HCF SEARCH
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in my opinion a blued 17 or 18 from the 50's to the 80's would be a much better heirloom to pass down than a stainless modern revolver. i have passed 2 18's on to my boys, one a pre-18 and the other an 18-1. a properly cared for 18 is the sweetest 22 revolver ever made, in my opinion.
My diploma is a DD214
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Have had 2 617 10 shots, both were out of time after a couple thousand rounds. WTF??? That's bizarre. I have a good 50k through mine and it's pretty much as good as the day it left the factory...if not better.
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I have a 10 shot 617 and its my favorite handgun to shoot, it's so much fun. But if someone walked up to me with a S&W Model 18 I would swap in a New York minute!! Just for you, Kevin. Bob That's Gun Porn Bob !! The first .22 revolver I ever shot was a Model 18 and it's been love ever since. One of these days my friend.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I have a good 50k through mine Did you save your empties?
Son of a liberal: " What did you do in the War On Terror, Daddy?"
Liberal father: " I fought the Americans, along with all the other liberals."
MOLON LABE
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I have passed two M-18's on to my boys, one a pre-18 and the other an 18-1. a properly cared for 18 is the sweetest 22 revolver ever made, in my opinion. Have to agree, I've always had a M-18, my son will carry it after me. The kids would probably prefer the higher capacity 617, but for remembering you a vintage S&W revolver is the perfect choice. 41
We deal in lead, friend.
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I have one of the new 17s. Couldn't be happier with it. I've shot it side by side with old production 17s and other than the ugly hillary hole it leaves nothing on the table.
MAGA
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