

Did this improve the performance of the gun? No. I have no intimate knowledge of how the removal and deletion of that fifth screw came about, but I envision it went something like this.Īn accountant asks an engineer "what can we do to lower production costs?" and the engineer comes up with the idea of making the side plate "Tongue and Groove." Wallah! (excuse my French), the side plate will stay on without a screw. This 1957 gun is a 4-screw gun, as in 1955 Smith & Wesson dropped the 5th screw that would have been on the upper rear frame, kind of between the sight screw and cylinder, just above my thumb in the photo. The seller also stated, "the serial number dates it to 1957, but S&W started stamping the model 17 number on these in 1957, and there is no model 17 stamp on this one." Features pinned barrel, recessed cylinder, ribbed grip and top strap, S&W diamond grips, adjustable rear sight, and patridge front sight. Bore is excellent, as well as the diamond grips. Blue condition is a shiny 93% with a couple of blue loss spots and holster wear at the muzzle, and some handling marks on the frame and cylinder. 22LR revolver with a 6" barrel and factory Gold Box.
