New S&W Model 17 Classic / with range report

[psango]

This is my new Model 17 Classic just picked it up today. I removed the lock and installed a plug (made by Bullseye Smith on the S&W forum). The plug is blue, the flash makes it look lighter than it is. Mostly just wanted to learn how to do it.

Durring the install I knocked the hand loose and the torsion spring with it. What a pain to get the hand spring re-installed. These are not put together like those I worked on before. Fortunately someone posted some good pix of the spring install on another forum. Well it's all back together now and off to the range tomorrow. PS: MIM parts suck!

[dfletcher]

This is my new Model 17 Classic just picked it up today. I removed the lock and installed a plug (mad by Bullseye Smith on the S&W forum). The plug is blue, the flash makes it look lighter than it is. Mostly just wanted to learn how to do it.

Durring the install I knocked the hand loose and the torsion spring with it. What a pain to get the hand spring re-installed. These are not put together like those I worked on before. Fortunately someone posted some good pix of the spring install on another forum. Well it's all back together now and off to the range tomorrow. PS: MIM parts suck!

I did the same thing with a 657 a few years back - except I deliberately removed the hand as part of my smoothing up procedure, heard that little "poing!" as it went flying. I was so happy I actually found the damn thing, but it took me about 3 hours more to figure out how that damn spring went in to the trigger. I used every variation based on the old version, finally figured out "oh, this long end goes way down here". Ingeneous design I must say. At first glance I must say the internals on the new guns are very different than what I'm used to.

[psango]

Catch flying parts

I did the same thing with a 657 a few years back - except I deliberately removed the hand as part of my smoothing up procedure, heard that little "poing!" as it went flying. I was so happy I actually found the damn thing,....

I keep the most common springs, screws, pins, and plungers on hand for my guns, most are inexpensive. Also, when Im removing or installing parts that are under tension (or I'm under tension), I put the piece I'm working on in a large plastic bag. That way flying parts are retained in the bag. It is also handy to have a younger wife with good vision to find missing parts, this has been a great stress reducer for me.

[t001]

These are still round-butt frames like most of the recent Smiths, correct?

[psango]

Square Butt

These are still round-butt frames like most of the recent Smiths, correct?

The classics models revert to the traditional square butt for the 4 and 6 in. models. I was surprised to be able to use my square but grips of which I have many. It's pictured with Hogue's but I finally settled on a pair of Pachymar's I had on hand.

[psango]

Range Report

Took it to the range last night, no red dot just the iron sights. It shot well switching between single and double action I was able to shoot a hens egg size group at 10 yards and an apple size group at 15. Which is good for and old guy with tri-focals and the shakes, (sorry no pix left the Iphone in the car).