S&W Airlite 22lr (model 317) - Any good?

[donking]

Was at the gun store today and saw one. Seemed real nice and fit well. Wondering what folks have to say about it? Good or Bad? Is it worth the high price? Why does it cost so much?

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765497_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

What is the difference between it and the 63 as far as durability/life of barrel/cylender? The 317 weighs much less than the 63, does that mean it won't last as long?

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766307_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

TIA,

[someR1]

S&W makes good guns, however, I would not pay $700+ dollars for a 22 revolver.

You need to decide what this gun will be used for. If you are planning on using it for home defense, you will want a much larger round. If this is your first gun and you just want to learn how to shoot, then a 22 will be fine.

ruger makes a nice gun too: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/70100

[donking]

I have other .22s and looking to round-out my collection with a revolver. Surprised by how expensive they are, can get a .357 for the same cost or less. Not a fan of the cowboy single action wheel guns, I like the swing-out cylinder and double action of the modern revolvers.

Are there other options to look at for a light weight .22lr revolver?

[the_t0ny]

Have you checked out the Taurus 94 and 990. Both are 22lr and 22mag and go for around 400. The only thing keeping me away from them is the mixed reviews on them.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

I personally didn't like it when I tried it. The one I shot had a stock trigger, the gun was so light that the heavy stock trigger pull made it very difficult to keep the sights on target.

I liked the full size 617 much better.

[dctex99]

Personally my next revolver is going to be a S&W 22Lr,,,namely a 617, which is like a 686 357 but has a 10 round cyl for 22lr. I will get stainless, 6' barrel and shoot up a ton of 22lr I have not used for awhile, and still have a stout S&W Revolver; on GOG they are 658, on Buds 670...msrp $829.

[wellfedirishman]

I have a 317 Airlite 22LR. It is actually a great little gun. I picked it up used for about $400, and at that price it was a good buy.

The trigger pull is quite heavy when new, but after about 1000 rounds (easy with 22LR) it becomes much much better.

It is accurate for its size. At 25 yards (yes, yards) I can put all shots in an 8" pie plate. Not bad for a 2" barrel, 13 oz gun.

I painted the front sight with nail polish to make it easier to see, that helps a lot.

It makes a great 'pocket carry' type pistol for snakes if you are hiking etc., where legal. It also has a lanyard loop. If someone was fly fishing and wanted a light little gun to put on a neck lanyard, this would be ideal.



If you want a 'target' 22 revolver, get a 617 4" or 6" 10-shot model. It costs about the same, but is a much heavier gun (steadier to shoot) and has a better trigger out of the box.

Here are a couple of 617s with red-dots mounted (work great!):

[donking]

I personally didn't like it when I tried it. The one I shot had a stock trigger, the gun was so light that the heavy stock trigger pull made it very difficult to keep the sights on target.

I liked the full size 617 much better.

That is a good idea and I'll plan to try it out first as either one is expensive. I've seen both for rent so it should not be a problem.

The 617 is just so big that it seems a waste for what I'm thinking should be a "little .22" revolver.

[psango]

Would make a great trail gun and plinker! I'd buy one.

[donking]

Have you checked out the Taurus 94 and 990. Both are 22lr and 22mag and go for around 400. The only thing keeping me away from them is the mixed reviews on them.

Haven't seen the Taurus. Don't know much about them as a manufacturer, do they make good stuff? What is the warranty like?

[donking]

Would make a great trail gun and plinker! I'd buy one.

Which one?

[psango]

317

Which one?

S&W 317 3" Kit Gun. I have an Ruger SP101 4" .22 LR great gun but a little too heavy for an old man to carry all day. For target use I went for the 17-9 classic 6", should have bought the 617 I think it's better made.

SP101 22 LR 4"


S&W 17-9 classic 22 LR 6"

[the_t0ny]

Haven't seen the Taurus. Don't know much about them as a manufacturer, do they make good stuff? What is the warranty like?

Well from what I've heard, their guns are a hit or miss. Some people love them, and then there are people that had to send it back to have sOme work done on it before it was satisfactory for them. They have a lifetime warranty amd I hear they're really good with it and they back up their products. But like I said earlier, the main thing holding me back is the fact that there have been soo many accounts of poor triggers and trigger related issues that required them to be sent back to Taurus before they were satisfactory. Oh and the grip doesn't look too comfortable too, but that can be easily changed out.

[redcliff]

I have a 317-3 with 3" barrel, adjustable rear/fiber optic front and I think its a great fishermans revolver too.

It's one of two S&W's with locks that I own, the other being a 386sc "Mountain Lite" 357magnum. Both are incredibly lightweight.