Shells Sticking in Model 17

[MK11]

I purchased a used Model 17 a few years ago that's in nice shape and shoots great but the fired shells really stick in the chambers. It requires a slow, very hard press on the extractor rod and I'm nervous about damaging it. Happens regardless of the type of .22 lr.

This may be a basic question but what's causing this and what's the solution? Is there a special way to clean the chambers of the cylinder?

 

[FlyFish]

Model 17s (K-22s) are notorious for having tight chambers that can make extraction difficult. Some have reported that having the chambers polished, either by a gunsmith or by returning the gun to S&W, solves the problem. Others say that you might have less trouble with a different brand of ammo. Either way, you're not alone.

 

[kraigwy]

Check the cylender real good. You may have burrs caused by someone dry firing, the firing pin without the softening effect of the rim of the case.

Its a simple fix, just run a 22 RF reamer in the cylender to cut out the burrs.

Also some chambers of the Model 17 & 18s are a little tight. My Model 18 is, and the lube on 22s gum them up. Some brands arnt as bad as others, switch brands may help. I keep my cylenders lightly oiled which helps a lot.

 

[MrBorland]

Yes, the chambers are tight. That makes them especially sensitive to crud & other nasties. I clean my chambers fairly regularly, and that seems to help quite a bit.

 

[steveno]

the best luck I have had with my M-17 is Winchester powerpoints and even then I use a bore swab every 50 rounds or so. CCI Velociters usually work ok. all other ammo is a waste of time

 

[KyJim]

My Model 17 and it's predecessor, the K-22, both have tight chambers. I find a short, sharp rap helps.

My 17-3:

My K-22:

 

[lagavulin62]

I had a similar problem with my 617 the first 100 rounds or so. I clean and oil after every range trip and after 700 rounds I rarely have the problem now.