Smith & wesson model 317 kit gun

Infobox Weapon
name= Smith & Wesson Model 317 Kit Gun
origin= United States of America
type=Revolver
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by=
wars=
weight empty= 11.9 oz
length=
part_length=

3”
crew=
cartridge=

.22 Long Rifle
action= Double-action
rate=
velocity=
range=
max_range=
feed= Eight round cylinder
sights= HI-VIZ Front, adjustable rear

The Smith & Wesson Model 317 Kit Gun is a surprisingly light, but versatile, eight-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It is manufactured by Smith and Wesson. It is perfect for a day hike or a few days camping. You can use it for plinking out in the woods or as an emergency back-up in case the unforeseen occurs. The great thing about this little revolver is that you can be carrying it and fifty rounds of ammunition and not even feel it.

Due to this light weight and small size, the Model 317 is quite easily concealed. With this in mind, an area of the butt of the gun is hollowed out. Here a transversal pin permits you to use a lanyard to wear the Model 317 hanging from inside of your clothes.

History

Campers, hikers, and fisherman are all the beneficiaries of the Smith & Wesson Model 317 Kit Gun. In days gone by their packs, pockets or tackle boxes were often weighed down by a steel revolver. Titanium and aluminum are now the preferred choice of those wanting light and easy “Kit Guns”

Between WWI and WWII the kit bags carried by hunters, hikers, campers, and fisherman frequently had a small pistol inside. These kit bags carried much of the necessary items one might need when on your own in the open country and forests. In 1935 the .357 Magnum was released by Smith & Wesson. It was said to be “The World’s Most Powerful Revolver.” After this came the more compact .22/32 Target I-frame revolvers. The .22/32 Kit Guns were named as such because they were intended to be carried in one of these hunters’, hikers’, campers’, or fisherman’s kit bags.

The I-frame .22/32 Kit Gun was produced until 1960. After that it was built on the J-frame; a somewhat larger frame. There was a Kit Gun Airweight (Model 43) and a Kit Gun chambered in .22 WMR (Model 51), as well as the standard Kit Gun (Model 34). All three were available with adjustable sights. The Model 34 continued to be manufactured until 1991; but Models 43 and 51 had there production stopped in 1974.

Due to the growing popularity of stainless steel revolvers, the Model 63.22/32 Kit Gun was released in 1977, the Model 651 .22 Magnum. in 1983, and the .32 Magnum Kit Gun in 1990.

Now the Kit Guns of old have been replaced by the Kit Guns of the 21st century; and even though some come in larger calibers they are even lighter. This, of course, is due to advances in titanium and aluminum construction. There is the Model 317 .22 LR AirLite Kit Gun, the Model 337 .38 Special AirLite Kit Gun, and a .44 Special Kit Gun, the Model 396 AirLite Mountain Lite Kit Gun.

All of them have titanium cylinders and aluminum alloy frames. While titanium is considerably lighter than steel, it is just as strong. The steel barrels are very thin and surrounded with a shroud of aluminum.

nub Barrel Variation

The Smith & Wesson Model 317 is the lighter, shorter version of the Model 317 Kit Gun. It is ideal for those interested in self-defense but is not experienced in shooting. It is extremely light at just 10.g oz (unloaded); and there is no real recoil. While .22 Long Rifle is not ideal for self-defense; the 8-shot capacity and relatively easy double action trigger pull helps out in this regard.

References

http://www.smith-wesson.comGuns Magazine, Oct, 2000http://www.gunblast.com

ee also

*.22 Long Rifle
*Smith and Wesson