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Post by Encore64 on Jan 13, 2024 19:36:09 GMT -5
I don't know if this will be the last S&W Classic I buy or not. If not, its close. I'm still on the fence about the 29 Classic. I definitely can't even pretend to need another 44 Magnum.
But, I'm really more into rimfires than I used to be. After buying the 48 Classic, the 17 Classic was a logical next addition.
Barrel gap on this one is .0035". A .004" feeler gauge won't enter on any chamber.
Throats are a loose .223", but a .224" pin gauge won't fit. Bore is a tight .223" or loose .222", I can't measure it any closer.
Fit and finish are excellent. Lock up is rock solid.
While I find S&W Quality hit or miss, I was allowed to cherry pick my gun.
I changed grips and replaced the thumb latch with the one that covers the safety hole.
Hopefully Tim can post pictures soon...
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Post by bigbore5 on Jan 14, 2024 8:06:28 GMT -5
I'm really starting to want a classic 57. I don't own any 41mags, but have molds and dies from the contender barrel I traded for a 300 whisper.
You stated you cherry picked yours. Has the quality been off on the ones in the classic line you have seen in general?
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Post by Encore64 on Jan 14, 2024 8:13:01 GMT -5
Honestly all have been at least acceptable on the Classics. Some were just better than others.
I've seen a few that had the barrels torqued too far. That is a huge issue on the standard S&Ws I've seen.
Barrel gap on this one was half what it was on the others. Occasionally there's just a great example.
While I had to search for a great 17, I bought the first 48 I picked up.
QC is spotty with most production guns these days. It's a shame, but it's what we deal with these days.
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pleadthe2nd
.327 Meteor
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Posts: 881
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Post by pleadthe2nd on Jan 14, 2024 9:22:01 GMT -5
I'm really starting to want a classic 57. I don't own any 41mags, but have molds and dies from the contender barrel I traded for a 300 whisper. You stated you cherry picked yours. Has the quality been off on the ones in the classic line you have seen in general? I got my 57 classic in December, as far as quality goes, fit, and function were perfect, but I sent it back to Smith and Wesson for finish issues, Huey told me to really look it over, and thought I did, but found what looked like a knife cut running all the way down the side plate, and a few more scratches under the grip panel on the same side, Smith and Wesson has agreed to fix this, so expecting perfection when it returns |
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Post by tdbarton on Jan 14, 2024 10:31:46 GMT -5
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Post by Encore64 on Jan 14, 2024 10:49:28 GMT -5
Thanks Tim...
Grips are Altamont Bonded Ivory, Thumb Latch is Tromix...
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Post by Encore64 on Jan 14, 2024 11:40:12 GMT -5
I don't think any gun owner likes the S&W Safety. I've never heard one that did.
I actually like the Tromix Thumb Latch better than the original. I should say it fits my hand better.
That being said, there's many things in the modern gun universe that I don't care for...
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Post by Encore64 on Jan 14, 2024 13:02:40 GMT -5
Well, seems a post disappeared. Pity as it was worthwhile input. When we post on a Public Forum, we have to accept the critique we get.
Shot the gun and it was shooting way low. Standard issue with most new guns as the rear sight is tightened all the way down.
Once adjusted, accuracy was pretty good. As with most rimfires, gun shifts POI with ammo changes.
At 25 yards the gun shot 1.5-2.5", according to ammo used. This was all with the super cheap stuff. Generally groups are better with the better quality stuff.
My only complaint with this gun is a couple bungled up screw heads. I called S&W and they have replacement screws on the way.
Once it's like I want it, I'll go back to my bench with better ammo.
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Post by revolvercranker on Jan 14, 2024 13:07:47 GMT -5
I give up on a Model 17 so back in the 90's I bought a Model 617 with a six inch barrel. I have an early Ruger Mark I target bull barrel pistol and I had though no rimfire revolver was going to shoot along side of it. I was wrong. That 617 is utterly amazing. Then in 2020 I got a 22 magnum cylinder for it from S&W. It doesn't shoot quite as accurate as the 22 LR setup. Just recently I bought S&W's new semi auto 22 Magnum with the TEMPO barrel system. Again I'm blown away. I've never seen a 22 mag handgun shoot as accurate as this Smith. I put a Holosun sight on it and I just love the gun. I'm not a huge S&W semi auto pistol lover, but I can't find fault with this new 22 Mag.
While you fellows are looking for those classics how about the K 32? I always wanted one of those.
On 41 magnums I scored a Ruger Blackhawk 3 screw with a six inch barrel in dang near mint condition 3 years ago for little over $400. It's perfect except for two things. It had the hammer/transfer bar conversion it and with the help from the great guys on this forum I was able to get it back to the original hammer/trigger setup. Thanks Guys!! The second thing is it has a thread 6/48 hole in the top strap because it once had a Bushnell Phantom scope on it. Doesn't bother me a bit. Just put a screw plug in it and went on my way.
I did have a really nice Model 14 back in the late 70's. Turns out it was stolen from a local police department and a big mess ensued over that. That'll be a story for another time.
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Post by bigbore5 on Jan 14, 2024 14:54:38 GMT -5
A 14-3 in 32H&R would be an instant classic if they would just make it.
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Post by Encore64 on Jan 14, 2024 15:17:04 GMT -5
Actually did some responsible stuff around the house. Then back to the gun.
After a thorough cleaning, I gathered up some hunting type ammo and went back to the bench.
Federal Spitfire, CCI Stinger and Velocitors to be specific.
Earlier, I wasn't really impressed with the gun. When I get like that, I know to walk away.
This time testing went much better.
Groups all under 1.5", many hovering around 1" at 25 yards.
So, while the silly cheap ammo is lackluster, quality stuff is quite impressive.
You could feel a difference chambering the ammo. The cheap stuff dropped in, the quality stuff required a gentle push. My guess is bullet diameter is greater in the quality ammo.
Now, I'm happy...
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Post by Encore64 on Jan 14, 2024 16:19:29 GMT -5
Further Investigation:
Bullet Diameters:
CCI Powder Coated .2215"
CCI AR Ammo .222"
CCI Velocitor .2235"
CCI Stinger .2235"
CCI Mini Mag .224"
Federal Stingray .225"
Anything .2235"+ shot great...
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pleadthe2nd
.327 Meteor
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Posts: 881
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Post by pleadthe2nd on Jan 14, 2024 16:50:39 GMT -5
I'm going to have to look for the stingray stuff, I'd like to try those in my single sixes, are those plated bullets, might explain the larger diameter?
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Post by revolvercranker on Jan 14, 2024 16:56:44 GMT -5
Further Investigation: Bullet Diameters: CCI Powder Coated .2215" CCI AR Ammo .222" CCI Velocitor .2235" CCI Stinger .2235" CCI Mini Mag .224" Federal Stingray .225" Anything .2235"+ shot great... I made one of those 22 swagers to swage the bullets to the same diameter. You can also hollow point them. I have a very accurate 22 bolt rifle and tested the difference out. Impressive it really works. |
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Post by Encore64 on Jan 14, 2024 16:59:27 GMT -5
I'm going to have to look for the stingray stuff, I'd like to try those in my single sixes, are those plated bullets, might explain the larger diameter? All are copper plated except the powder coated. My FA97 has tight throats and an even tighter bore groove. It shoots the cheap stuff great. It's all about dimensions... |
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