The Smith & Wesson Model 17 Masterpiece is a DA/SA revolver chambered in .22 LR with a 6" barrel, 6-round cylinder, and a carbon steel frame with blued finish. Overall length is 11.3" and weight is 39.9 oz. Sights are a pinned Patridge front with a micro-adjustable rear, and grips are Altamont hardwood. 
 

Key Specifications: 

• Brand: Smith & Wesson 
• Model: 17 Masterpiece 
• Caliber: .22 LR 
• Action: Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 6 inches 
• Overall Length: 11.3 inches 
• Weight: 2.5 lbs (39.9 oz) 
• Sights: Pinned Patridge front sight with micro-adjustable rear sight 
• Grip Material: Wood (Altamont Hardwood) 
• Frame Material: Carbon Steel with blued finish 
   

Detailed Features 

The 6" barrel and adjustable rear sight make this a natural choice for precision target work. The DA/SA mechanism gives shooters the option to fire double-action for a consistent pull or cock the hammer for single-action precision -- useful for both new shooters learning the basics and experienced shooters doing accuracy work. The carbon steel frame with blued finish is traditional in construction and appearance. At 39.9 oz it's on the heavier side for a .22 LR revolver, which actually aids stability during target shooting and reduces felt recoil further. 
 

Usage 

The Model 17 was designed for target shooting and carries that heritage forward. It's also used for small game hunting, informal competition, and as a collector's piece. .22 LR ammunition keeps practice costs low, which makes it useful for high-volume training sessions.

The Smith & Wesson Model 17 with 6" barrel draws consistently favorable discussion across owner communities.

Accuracy is the most common theme -- the combination of the 6" barrel, adjustable sights, and the .22 LR cartridge makes this a natural precision tool. Owners who use it for target shooting report tight groups and predictable performance. The smooth trigger action in both DA and SA modes comes up repeatedly as a positive, with most describing it as refined and enjoyable to shoot.

Build quality and craftsmanship are widely praised. The carbon steel construction and blued finish are seen as evidence of care in manufacturing, and the gun's feel in hand reflects that.

.22 LR as a caliber gets credit for making the Model 17 an affordable choice for practice -- the cost per round is low enough to support extended range sessions. The revolver's design also has appeal for collectors due to its historical connection to competitive shooting.

Versatility outside of target work comes up occasionally, with owners using it for small game and informal competitions.

The Model 17 is well-regarded as both a practical firearm and a piece with historical significance, and most discussions reflect genuine ownership satisfaction.