Smith & Wesson 317 AirLite .22 LR 3 in 8-Round Revolver

The Smith & Wesson 317 AirLite .22 LR 3 in 8-Round Revolver is the ultimate lightweight kit gun for collectors who demand a rimfire revolver that disappears on the hip and shoots all day without fatigue. At just 12.3 ounces empty, this J-frame combines an aluminum-alloy frame with a stainless steel barrel and cylinder, giving you corrosion resistance where it counts and a feathery carry weight that makes it perfect for hikes, fishing trips, or casual range sessions. The 3-inch barrel and adjustable rear sight with Hi-Viz fiber optic front deliver fast target acquisition, while the eight-round capacity means more plinking between reloads. Whether you’re a seasoned revolver guy or a new shooter looking for a trainer that won’t beat you up, the Model 317 is a classic that deserves a spot in your safe.

Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Model	317 AirLite
Material	Aluminum-alloy frame, stainless steel barrel & cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.22 LR ammunition, 8-round cylinder
Finish	Satin stainless barrel, matte alloy frame
Weight	12.3 oz (empty)
Condition	New

Key Features

• AirLite Aluminum Frame — Why it matters: shaves nearly half the weight of a steel J-frame, so you can carry it in a jacket pocket or chest rig without feeling like you’re lugging a brick. Perfect for all-day field use.
• 3-Inch Stainless Barrel — Why it matters: gives you a longer sight radius for better accuracy than the snub-nose 2-inch models, while still fitting compact holsters. The stainless resists rust from sweat or drizzle.
• Hi-Viz Fiber Optic Front Sight — Why it matters: the bright green or red fiber grabs light and pops against any background, making target acquisition fast even in low light. No more squinting at a black blade.
• Adjustable Rear Sight — Why it matters: you can dial in elevation and windage for your favorite .22 LR loads, turning this revolver into a tack-driver at 25 yards. A real boon for plinking and small-game hunting.
• 8-Round Capacity — Why it matters: two extra rounds over the standard 6-shot J-frame means more shooting before reloading. Great for training new shooters or burning through a brick of ammo.

Who It’s For

This revolver is built for the collector who appreciates a lightweight classic that still shoots like a full-size gun. It’s also ideal for hikers, backpackers, and fishermen who want a reliable .22 for plinking or dispatching snakes. New shooters will love the mild recoil and easy trigger, while experienced revolver nuts will dig the adjustable sights and eight-shot cylinder. If you’re a gun show regular who hunts for rare S&W variants, the 317 AirLite with the 3-inch barrel is a must-have for your collection.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Ridiculously light at 12.3 ounces — you’ll forget you’re carrying it.
• Pro: Eight rounds of .22 LR means more fun between reloads.
• Pro: Adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front make it accurate out of the box.
• Con: The aluminum frame can show holster wear faster than steel — a honest drawback if you’re a safe queen collector. But for a field gun, it adds character.

Comparison

Feature	Smith & Wesson 317 AirLite	Ruger LCR .22 LR	Taurus 942 .22 LR
Weight	12.3 oz	13.5 oz	18.2 oz
Capacity	8 rounds	8 rounds	8 rounds
Barrel Length	3 in	1.875 in	2 in
Sights	Adj. rear + fiber optic front	Fixed ramp front, U-notch rear	Fixed front, adjustable rear
Frame Material	Aluminum alloy	Polymer	Aluminum alloy
Price	$845.19	$659 (street)	$399 (street)

According to Smith & Wesson specs, the 317 AirLite is the lightest 8-shot .22 revolver with adjustable sights in its class. The Ruger LCR is lighter on paper but has a fixed front sight and shorter barrel, making it less accurate for target work. The Taurus 942 is heavier and cheaper, but lacks the fit and finish that collectors expect from S&W.

FAQ

What is the primary keyword for this product?

The primary keyword is smith & wesson 317 airlite .22 lr 3 in 8-round revolver. Use this term when searching our site or comparing models.

What ammunition does this revolver use?

It chambers .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition. You can fire standard velocity, high velocity, or subsonic loads. Avoid .22 Short or .22 Magnum — they won’t fit the cylinder.

Is this revolver suitable for concealed carry?

Yes, the 12.3-ounce weight and compact J-frame size make it easy to pocket carry or use an IWB holster. However, .22 LR is a rimfire round, so reliability depends on ammo choice — stick with high-quality loads like CCI Mini-Mags for defense use.

Does the 317 AirLite have a hammer?

Yes, it features an exposed hammer that allows single-action cocking for precision shots. You can also shoot double-action for faster follow-ups.

What is the warranty on this revolver?

Smith & Wesson offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. Register your firearm online after purchase for coverage details.

Why Buy From Us?

• ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — we ship to your FFL dealer.
• ✅ Ships 1-2 business days — fast handling on in-stock items.
• ✅ 30-day returns — if it’s not right, send it back (see policy).
• ✅ Secure checkout — encrypted payments, no worries.

Explore more in our Revolvers collection or check out Smith & Wesson offerings. Also see Rimfire Handguns for similar models.

Last updated: April 2026