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

About this product

What is the Smith & Wesson 317 AirLite? It's an aluminum-framed, eight-shot J-frame revolver chambered in .22 LR designed explicitly for reducing carry fatigue, weighing just 11.6 ounces empty. The 3-inch barrel and Hi-Viz fiber optic sight setup prioritize practical accuracy over deep concealment, making it a purpose-built tool for extended field carry or as a lightweight training analog for larger-caliber revolvers. Its construction—a 6061-T6 aluminum frame mated to a stainless steel barrel and cylinder—is a direct application of Smith & Wesson's AirWeight philosophy to the rimfire world.

What is the Smith & Wesson 317 AirLite .22 LR used for?

The Model 317 is engineered for kit carry and sustained field use where every ounce matters, such as backpacking or multi-day hunting trips where it serves as a small-game and survival tool. The eight-round cylinder offers a meaningful capacity advantage over typical six-shot .22 revolvers, and the nearly 12-ounce weight ensures it's forgotten in a pack, not a burden. Its primary role isn't deep concealment or home defense, but rather a reliable, ultra-lightweight companion piece that can be fired accurately with its adjustable sights.

How does the Smith & Wesson 317 AirLite compare to a Ruger LCR .22 LR?

The 317 is 4.3 ounces lighter than the polymer-framed Ruger LCR .22 LR and provides superior sighting equipment with its adjustable rear and fiber optic front versus the LCR's fixed U-notch. However, the Ruger LCR's internal hammer and smoother double-action trigger are better optimized for pure concealment and defensive shooting from a pocket. The Smith & Wesson wins on weight and sight adjustability for deliberate field shooting, while the Ruger is the more specialized concealed-carry tool.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The unloaded weight is 11.6 ounces (329 grams), with an overall length of 6.6 inches and a barrel length of 3.0 inches exactly. The cylinder width measures 1.3 inches, and the height from the top of the rear sight to the bottom of the grip is 4.8 inches. This profile, combined with the sub-12-ounce mass, makes it one of the lightest production revolvers available, significantly lighter than even compact rimfire pistols like the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle, which serves a completely different hunting role.

Who is this NOT for?

The 317 is a poor choice for someone seeking a primary defensive firearm or a first-time shooter's only handgun. The .22 LR rimfire cartridge lacks reliable terminal performance for defense, and the lightweight frame transmits more perceived recoil and muzzle flip with certain ammunition than a heavier steel revolver would, which can affect follow-up shot speed. If your use case is home defense or introductory handgun training, invest in a centerfire option; this revolver solves the specific problem of weight, not power or beginner-friendliness.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, one eight-round cylinder, a cable lock, and the standard Smith & Wesson hard plastic case with foam insert. Notably absent are speed loaders or additional grips, which are common aftermarket purchases for this model. The manual includes the standard warranty paperwork and safety instructions, but for in-depth maintenance guidance on aluminum-frame firearms, consult specialized resources or our technical blog.

Is the Smith & Wesson 317 AirLite worth it at $845.99?

At this price point, you are paying for specific material engineering and the Smith & Wesson J-frame pedigree, not just a generic .22 revolver. The cost reflects the machining of an aluminum frame and the assembly of an eight-shot cylinder, which is more complex than a standard six-shot. If your requirement is the absolute minimum weight in a high-quality .22 revolver for field use, the 317 justifies its cost; if you simply want a .22 plinker, a Stevens 555 shotgun for clays or a budget semi-automatic pistol offers more rounds for less money.