Re: Not a Henry, But.......
Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 12:28 pm
Wonderful report, Jimmie. Thank-you.
I love small, lightweight snubbie revolvers and have been shooting just about everything on the market over the years, including that Smith 317. I find that shooting these small, light revolvers well is not easy and takes not just a lot of practice, but also different techniques than standard size revolvers. I find that a much firmer grip helps a lot, for instance. Otherwise the revolver bounces around in your hand when shot and that really takes a toll on consistency and hence, accuracy.
I also understand and love the simpler manual of arms that comes with shooting revolvers.
Over the years, I've owned almost all of the various J frame Smiths and, yeah, those gutter sights on the fixed sight models can be a real headache. If you can ever find one of the adjustable sight, steel 22 LR kit guns like the Model 34 or Model 63, you'll love one, but they get very pricey.
Another option in a small, very well built 22 LR kit gun is the Ruger Bearcat if you're into single actions. Same issue with the sights, though, unless you can find one of the adjustable sight versions that were a dealer exclusive. Now hard to find, though. The current all steel versions are a bit heavier than the 317, but the original alloy versions are about the same weight. Superbly built little jewel of a gun.
PS The snow flakes are back! Loving it.
I love small, lightweight snubbie revolvers and have been shooting just about everything on the market over the years, including that Smith 317. I find that shooting these small, light revolvers well is not easy and takes not just a lot of practice, but also different techniques than standard size revolvers. I find that a much firmer grip helps a lot, for instance. Otherwise the revolver bounces around in your hand when shot and that really takes a toll on consistency and hence, accuracy.
I also understand and love the simpler manual of arms that comes with shooting revolvers.
Over the years, I've owned almost all of the various J frame Smiths and, yeah, those gutter sights on the fixed sight models can be a real headache. If you can ever find one of the adjustable sight, steel 22 LR kit guns like the Model 34 or Model 63, you'll love one, but they get very pricey.
Another option in a small, very well built 22 LR kit gun is the Ruger Bearcat if you're into single actions. Same issue with the sights, though, unless you can find one of the adjustable sight versions that were a dealer exclusive. Now hard to find, though. The current all steel versions are a bit heavier than the 317, but the original alloy versions are about the same weight. Superbly built little jewel of a gun.
PS The snow flakes are back! Loving it.