Colt Diamondback vs S&W Model 17

[rimfired]

I recently acquired one of the rifles that's been on my wishlist for many years, the Browning BL-22. Now, I'm onto the next. I don't know how long it'll take but I'll get there. I've now been looking for a revolver, my criteria are: accurate, reliable, blued steel and wood grips. I've narrowed the list down to 2 contenders, the Colt Diamondback and the S&W Model 17.

So cost aside, which revolver is the best shooter of the bunch? Anyone have experience with either or both?

[chickenfried]

Just grab whichever one you can actually find

[Dutch Henry]

I've owned several S&W Model 17 Revolvers. In my opinion, you won't find a better .22 revolver.

[dfletcher]

I recently acquired one of the rifles that's been on my wishlist for many years, the Browning BL-22. Now, I'm onto the next. I don't know how long it'll take but I'll get there. I've now been looking for a revolver, my criteria are: accurate, reliable, blued steel and wood grips. I've narrowed the list down to 2 contenders, the Colt Diamondback and the S&W Model 17.

So cost aside, which revolver is the best shooter of the bunch? Anyone have experience with either or both?

I have 6" Diamondback and a 70's made Smith Model 17. The Smith has a better trigger pull and sight picture by virtue of the Patridge front sight vs the Diamondback's ramped front. The Diamondback is much more muzzle heavy, as would be expected with the lugged barrel. I prefer that feel to the Smith's. I like the Smith target grips over the Colt because I have larger hands, the Colt D framed gun is a slightly smaller than the K frame Smith. Lock up on the Colt is better than the Smith. Nothing wrong with the Smith, its 1 stage hand is just different than the Colt's 2 stage.

The Colt trigger is fairly narrow and sharply curved, the Smith's is wider and grooved but doesn't curve nearly as much, it's more open.

I shoot the Smith more accurately than the Colt. I think all in all it's better set up for target shooting, either one is fine for about 99% of the shooting anyone will do. Mostly a matter of personal preference.

[beerman]

The more accurate comparison would be the M17 VS a Colt Trooper, as a 22 diamond back will cost you north of $2k. As Dflecher said it would get down to trigger pull...hard to beat a S&W trigger.

[rimfired]

I've owned several S&W Model 17 Revolvers. In my opinion, you won't find a better .22 revolver.

I have 6" Diamondback and a 70's made Smith Model 17. The Smith has a better trigger pull and sight picture by virtue of the Patridge front sight vs the Diamondback's ramped front. The Diamondback is much more muzzle heavy, as would be expected with the lugged barrel. I prefer that feel to the Smith's. I like the Smith target grips over the Colt because I have larger hands, the Colt D framed gun is a slightly smaller than the K frame Smith. Lock up on the Colt is better than the Smith. Nothing wrong with the Smith, its 1 stage hand is just different than the Colt's 2 stage.

The Colt trigger is fairly narrow and sharply curved, the Smith's is wider and grooved but doesn't curve nearly as much, it's more open.

I shoot the Smith more accurately than the Colt. I think all in all it's better set up for target shooting, either one is fine for about 99% of the shooting anyone will do. Mostly a matter of personal preference.

Thanks for the honest opinions. My use would be mainly target and a bit of hunting here and there. Sounds like the Model 17 is just hard to beat.

[Barbarosa]

They are pretty equal guns shooting-wise, although I think the S&W has a better trigger. However, you can probably buy two nice Smiths for the price of a beater Diamondback.

[smithrjd]

I will add another, the Colt Officers Model Target, Special, and Match. Depends on the year they were made. The Diamond back with a snake name will cost you a bunch. The pre war Colt's are the same action but made by craftsmen. Also cheaper. The K22 and the model 17 ae indeed very nice revolvers and equal in quality (depending on year made) I have both, and the Pre War Colt OMT is the more accurate. The 1948 K22 has a better double action. Horses for courses.

[Bull Elk]

I don't know much about the Diamondback, but having owned 2 S&W 17's, I can't say that I've fired a more accurate .22 revolver.

[Waldo]

I've shot both...the Diamondback felt more solid when cocking the hammer for single action and for lockup feel than the 17. Both triggers were clean and crisp, with the edge maybe going to the Smith.

As nice as the Colt was, I was able to shoot consistently better groups with the Smith.

[rimfired]

I will add another, the Colt Officers Model Target, Special, and Match. Depends on the year they were made. The Diamond back with a snake name will cost you a bunch. The pre war Colt's are the same action but made by craftsmen. Also cheaper. The K22 and the model 17 ae indeed very nice revolvers and equal in quality (depending on year made) I have both, and the Pre War Colt OMT is the more accurate. The 1948 K22 has a better double action. Horses for courses.

Thank you for introducing more models I never knew existed. Those are some nice looking revolvers at the price of the Model 17s.

I don't know much about the Diamondback, but having owned 2 S&W 17's, I can't say that I've fired a more accurate .22 revolver.

I've shot both...the Diamondback felt more solid when cocking the hammer for single action and for lockup feel than the 17. Both triggers were clean and crisp, with the edge maybe going to the Smith.

As nice as the Colt was, I was able to shoot consistently better groups with the Smith.

Starting to sound like these Smiths are tack drivers.

[I Swan]

In my experiences and travels a 17 or pre 17 is much easier to find and cheaper than a Diamondback. I have 0 experience with owning or firing a 22 Diamondback but own the 17 and it's variants for many years and they are fine guns.

[Wordupmybrotha]

Yes, the vintage K22

[cudakidd]

Look for the 17 with the target trigger and hammer. I have a pristine one with the 8 inch barrel. It is the most accurate handgun I own bar none. I have Turned down big bucks for it...

[nikki#2]

the Model 17 is just hard to beat.

Yep... S&W named it the Masterpiece for good reason!

m17f.jpg