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.

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.

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?

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

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!!

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.

I have a 4” 617, 10 shot. It’s a fantastic revolver.

Have had 2 617 10 shots, both were out of time after a couple thousand rounds.

Just for you, Kevin.
Bob

Thanks for the comments, and at the moment I am learning towards 617. CP.

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."

Vintage Masterpiece, without question.

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!

Looks just like mine.








I hear ya.. I looked for a long time and finally scratched that itch with the one above.

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.

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.

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.

Did you save your empties?

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

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.

My first double action S&W .22 was a 6" M17 and I thought that a K frame was too heavy for just a .22 plinker. I bought a 4" M34 that is made on the J frame and I've never missed or regretted selling off that M17.

the new ones arent as pretty as the old ones and the actions dont have as much character (for lack of a better description). the modern manufacturing techniques (MIM parts, etc.) leave a lot to be desired compared to the romance of old school smiths.

however ... the new ones have excellent triggers and excellent accuracy. they may not have the panache, but they are highly functional.

Oh-the twisted trails gun guys roam. I believe I found something a little different than I outlined above that will better meet my objectives. I purchased a Smith and Wesson Model 14-4 Target Masterpiece, and I am really impressed how sweet this piece shoots and functions. It is truly a dandy... CP.

Saw a very nice old 6" 14-3 come through LGS yesterday. The guy is National Guard and was in AZ for a pistol competition. Saw it at a pawn shop and had it shipped back here. $720 shipped no box.


Pinned bbl, patridge front sight, wide serrated trigger, target trigger. Beautiful. No wear on the barrel crown at all. Blueing exccellent.

I've got a very nice pinned barrel model 17 from the early 70's. It's large for a .22 revolver, but it's small for a .22 carbine,...and it shoots like a .22 carbine.

Been in here before, but it's a favorite that I've been shooting for fun during the bullseye off-season. 17-3 with Pachmayrs. Bought this one new a long time ago. And yeah, I love Pachmayrs.
Bob