Smith & Wesson Model 17

About the Smith & Wesson Model 17

The Smith & Wesson Model 17, known as the K-22 Masterpiece, is a six-shot double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle, built on Smith & Wesson's medium-size K-frame. First produced in 1947 as the K-22 Target Masterpiece and redesignated the Model 17 in 1957 when S&W adopted numerical model designations, it is widely regarded as one of the finest .22 LR target revolvers ever manufactured. Weighing 1,151 grams (40.6 ounces) unloaded with a 152mm (6-inch) barrel and 286mm (11.25-inch) overall length, the Model 17 features a carbon steel frame and cylinder with a bright blued finish. The revolver is equipped with a pinned Patridge-style front sight and a fully adjustable micrometer-click rear sight, providing a generous 203mm (8-inch) sight radius ideal for precision target work. The double-action trigger pull is approximately 12 pounds (53 N) while the single-action pull is a crisp 3-4 pounds (13-18 N). The barrel features 6-groove right-hand rifling with a 1:18.75-inch (476mm) twist rate. Standard features include a target hammer, target trigger, checkered walnut service grips with square butt, and a swing-out cylinder with classic-style thumbpiece. The Model 17 was reintroduced in 2009 as part of the Smith & Wesson Classic revolver line with modern enhancements.

The K-22 Masterpiece defined the .22 target revolver category for half a century. Generations of competitive shooters cut their teeth on the Model 17's superb single-action trigger and adjustable sights, and many professional shooters credit the K-22 with developing the marksmanship fundamentals that carried them to national championships. The revolver's reputation for accuracy is so strong that well-maintained vintage examples command premium prices among collectors.

Smith & Wesson Model 17 specifications

The K-22 Masterpiece lineage traces back to 1931, when S&W first produced the K-22 Outdoorsman based on the military and police K-frame. The improved K-22 Masterpiece arrived in 1947 with refined target sights and trigger work, establishing the template that would become the Model 17. The revolver has been produced with barrel lengths of 4, 6, and 8-3/8 inches, with the 6-inch being the most common and popular for bullseye competition. The Model 17 was a staple of NRA-sanctioned bullseye pistol competition for decades, valued for its superb single-action trigger, excellent sights, and minimal felt recoil. When S&W reintroduced it in 2009 as the Model 17 Masterpiece Classic, it retained the traditional pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers that many collectors prize. The Model 48, chambered in .22 WMR, is the magnum counterpart built on the same K-frame. The Model 617, introduced in 1990, is the stainless steel successor with a 10-shot cylinder. Current MSRP is approximately $1,169.