I'm looking into either a Taurus or a Smith and Wesson .17 HMR revolver and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with either brand?

I'm looking into either a Taurus or a Smith and Wesson .17 HMR revolver and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with either brand?

I've owned and shot both for a bunch of years. The quality, fit and finish of Smith and Wesson is excellent. I've had Smiths in 44 mag, 41 mag, 357, and 22 lr. I recommend them highly.

I've also owned several Taurus revolver and have a nice Tracker in 41 mag and their companion companies Rossi's in 22 cal.

The Taurus's are a functional revolver and mine is accurate and very nicely finished on the outside. On the inside is where you can tell a bunch of difference.

If you pull the sideplate off both guns you will find the Taurus much roughly finished than the Smith. To me this equates into quality. I have to say that the quality of this finish does not seem to make a bit of difference in the function of either of these guns though.

One thing you need to keep in mind is Taurus seems to have the best warrentee. I read more complaints about the Taurus, but have never experienced any problems with the several I owned or have owned.

Taurus seems to have the best prices and from my experience both Smith and Taurus have functioned well. In my point of view the decision would come down to which specific gun I liked the best giving that money was not an object. If your wallet constrained the Taurus would seem to have the edge. Don't overlook the fine Ruger revolvers either.

I've owned both Taurus and S&W rimfires and, as Bob has said, the big difference is on the inside. The Taurus guns are well-built and attractively finished, and for the price a heckuva deal. But do not expect as smooth an action or as good a trigger pull as you will generally find on an S&W. If cost is no factor, I'd go with the Smith every time. However, as cost is often a major factor, I'll say you wouldn't go wrong with the Taurus -- just be prepared to invest a bit more "sweat equity" in polishing and generally refining the action.

Does anyone know if S&W makes a .17HMR revolver? I found an article on one, but they don't list it on thier website. Just curious because that is the way I think I'm going to go. Here is the website with the article, anyone know anything about this pistol??

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/sw_17647/

There is no current listing on the web-site for any .17 HMR revolvers. Contacted S&W customer service today and was informed that the Model 647 written up in the Shooting Times article cited was discontinued in October 2004 for lack of sales. (FWIW, it took longer to write this response than to call and get the answer from S&W)

Never even thought about calling them, huh. Thanks for the information. I guess I'll go Taurus!!

Never even thought about calling them, huh. Thanks for the information. I guess I'll go Taurus!!
Or, you could go to .22 LR, get the S&W Model 617, and own what is, arguably, the finest rimfire wheelgun made today, anywhere.

And it's made in the United States.

eljay