Found a S&W 17-3 6" at a pawn shop today.

[tazman]

I happened across a S&W 17-3 with a 6 inch barrel at a pawn shop today. The shop owner said it was on consignment for the owner.
It had been left in a case/sock/who knows what until recently for nearly the life of the gun. Shot very little(no noticeable cylinder ring) but rust pitting on the frame, barrel, and cylinder. Not enough to harm function, but enough so that no one would buy it for a collectible.
The bore and chambers are pristine. The action works perfectly and locks up nicely.
I got it for just under $400. I pick it up on Monday and will take it to the range immediately after.

[Markopolo]

Can’t wait to see it Taz

[tazman]

One side of it is much nicer than the other.

[ShooterAZ]

Congrats, I'd love to see the pics too. Sometimes the pitting will clean up some with some very judicious work with 0000 steel wool. I inherited a really nice Winchester 62A that was stored in a closet of a house in Phoenix that was cooled with a swamp cooler for decades. It got a little bit pitted on the exterior, but cleaned up pretty well. I keep it well oiled now, and it's not getting any worse.

[Markopolo]

Many times it adds character... and in many situations, I am more inclined to take a “well worn” gun out more often then a pristine one.. once you get over the first nick or dent, it gets real easy... this gun is just “pre-dented”

[Murphy]

I don't see how fella could go wrong on that deal.

Even if you got it at $400 out the door. I can't think of any current revolvers offered in .22 LR at the price even new that will match it.

Murphy

[tazman]

Many times it adds character... and in many situations, I am more inclined to take a “well worn” gun out more often then a pristine one.. once you get over the first nick or dent, it gets real easy... this gun is just “pre-dented”

Exactly my thoughts as well.

[uscra112]

Just look at what sellers on Gunbroker are asking (and sometimes getting) and your grin will get even wider.

The pitting just makes it a "sleeper" in the grand hot-rod tradition. Pull that "ugly" gun out of a burlap bag at the range and make jaws drop by shooting groups that even some rifles can't match.

[WALLNUTT]

I use fine bronze wool for cleaning off light rust. It's less harsh on the remaining finish.

[stubshaft]

Good score!

[georgerkahn]

Congrats! I had a stainless version -- the Smith & Wesson Model 617 6”Barrel, with Full Lug, TT/TH -- and it was the smoothest double action revolver I'd ever seen or had! In a buddy's Ransom Rest, at 50 feet it would group Using CCI Green Tag no larger than a U S quarter! Folks at range would comment it being "almost as nice as a 17!". I do hope yours is one they were alluding to ! A fine revolver, indeed!
geo

[osteodoc08]

Nice find. Definitely need a range report soon.

[Earl Brasse]

Stainless steel "pot scrubber" & oil of choice will cut off rust "fuzz" & leave the bluing.
Sounds like you found a great shooter.

[dverna]

I agree you made a good deal. Nice to have a gun you can use over something that remains a safe queen. I have over a dozen safe queens and they are useless. Need to sell them...well most of them...LOL

[tazman]

I picked it up today and took it to the range for a workout. It shoots very well as expected.
Here are some pics.

The target on the left was shot with Federal auto match and is 24 rounds at 15 yards. The target on the right was shot with Federal target and is 12 rounds at 15 yards.
These are of the revolver itself.

The manufacture date, according to the serial number is 1970

[mattw]

What a deal, not as ugly and my old Winchester 30/30 and it shoots lights out. Can't beat the old Smiths. I would definitely make room in the safe for her and shoot her enough to feel loved.

[tazman]

The left side(2nd pic) is the rough side. The damage isn't really clear until you blow the picture up more than what the site will show you. It certainly doesn't effect the accuracy though.
If you save the picture to your hard drive and blow it up, the damage becomes more apparent.

[mattw]

I did and I see it... should post a pic of the right side of my old 30/30... Would love to find a filler that I could cold blue to make it look just a little better.

[onelight]

sweet gun , you did good.

[Hardcast416taylor]

I picked up a 2nd hand 17 - 3 a few years back that showed little to no wear. It shot W/W high speeds very accurately, however the wood grips were a tad small for my bear paw sized hands. I put a set of Pachmyer gripper rubber grips on it and now this pistol is `scarey accurate`!Robert