Smith & Wesson Model 317 Kit Gun
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · In Production · 1997
Also known as: 317 Kit Gun AirLite, Model 317-3 Kit Gun
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 317 Kit Gun is the extended-barrel variant of the revolutionary Model 317 AirLite, a lightweight J-frame revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle specifically designed for outdoorsmen, hunters, and recreational shooters who need a compact, packable sidearm for wilderness activities. Introduced in 1997 alongside the standard Model 317, the Kit Gun designation honors a Smith & Wesson tradition dating back to the 1930s when the company first marketed small revolvers as essential items for a sportsman's 'kit' to be carried in the field for harvesting small game, dispatching wounded animals, or emergency signaling. Built on the company's compact J-frame platform with an aluminum alloy frame and aluminum alloy cylinder, the Model 317 Kit Gun weighs just 12.5 ounces despite its 3-inch barrel-significantly longer than the standard Model 317's 1.875-inch barrel-providing improved accuracy and velocity while remaining light enough to carry all day in a belt holster, pack, or tackle box. The revolver features an unprecedented eight-shot cylinder capacity in .22 LR, adjustable rear sight for precise shot placement on small game, and a HiViz fiber optic green front sight that gathers ambient light for rapid target acquisition in low-light forest or stream environments. The 3-inch barrel length represents an optimal balance between portability and ballistic performance for .22 LR ammunition, providing adequate velocity for reliable small game hunting while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for backcountry carry.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 354 g (12.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 183 mm (7.20") |
| Barrel Length | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Height | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 45 N (10.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 300 m/s (984 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 117 J (86 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 35 m (38 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Synthetic |
| Finish | Matte Silver |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Internal Lock
- Features: J Frame, Adjustable Sights, Swing Out Cylinder, 8 Shot Cylinder, Aluminum Alloy Frame, Airlite Construction, Hiviz Fiber Optic Front Sight, Adjustable Rear Sight, Kit Gun Configuration, 3 Inch Barrel
Base model
Production
Production years: 1997-present
Continuous production for over 25 years; modern interpretation of classic Kit Gun concept
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The 'Kit Gun' designation at Smith & Wesson dates back to the 1930s when the company introduced compact revolvers marketed specifically as essential gear for outdoorsmen to include in their hunting, fishing, or camping 'kit.' The Model 317 Kit Gun continues this tradition in ultra-lightweight AirLite construction. The 3-inch barrel provides approximately 30-50 fps higher velocity compared to the 1.875-inch barrel of the standard Model 317, improving small game lethality and accuracy. The adjustable rear sight allows precise zeroing for specific .22 LR ammunition, while the HiViz green fiber optic front sight is significantly easier to see than traditional black blade sights, particularly in dawn/dusk conditions common during hunting. Current production models (SKU 160221) feature synthetic grips, internal lock safety, and stainless steel barrel. The eight-shot capacity provides ample ammunition for dispatching multiple small game animals without reloading. Despite weighing only 12.5 ounces, the Model 317 Kit Gun handles .22 LR recoil easily, making it suitable for extended shooting sessions. Common uses include trail carry for snake defense or opportunistic small game hunting, fishing tackle box emergency firearm, survival kit inclusion, and recreational plinking. Original MSRP at introduction was approximately $450 USD; current models retail around $800-900.
Background
The Kit Gun concept was born during the Great Depression when Smith & Wesson recognized that sportsmen needed an affordable, lightweight sidearm for backcountry use. The Model 317 Kit Gun brings this 90-year-old concept into the 21st century with space-age alloys, weighing less than a can of soda yet delivering eight rounds of .22 LR with adjustable sights for precision small game work.