I am the proud owner of a 4" M617 and other classic S&W rimfire L/R models, 18,34,63 and the trigger action on the older and the M617 are both amazing. The M617 can't surely be expected to stand quite as tall as the older seasoned models but it still has a very appealing S/D action, take break in into account on the M617. On the plus side also the M617 cylinder is more accommodating to today's ammo and you won't experience the binding of ammo in the cylinder as you commonly do with the older models, sometimes requiring the cylinder to be reamed out. Not a big deal but it does happen and will vary from model to model and ammo types. I also agree with the idea of owning at least 1 of each if affordable.