Just picked up this nice 6" 617-5 today. It was on consignment at a local haunt. With what I have read on this forum about the prices K22s are bringing lately, I figured it was a good deal at $450 OTD. It came with its original box and papers, and looked unfired as there were no flashmarks on the cylinder. Interestingly, it is NOT a 10 shot, but rather fitted with the traditional 6 shot cylinder. The date code on the end label shows it shipped in 2006. In looking at my S&W catalogs from 2010-2007, the 6 shot cylinder option, which was offered in 6" only, disappears from the catalog after 2007. I hadn't realized they discontinued the 6 shot option. This appears to be one of the last 617s shipped with the 6 shot cylinder. It is fitted with a wide target hammer and smooth, wide target trigger. Although both are MIM, the action feels as smooth as butter! With the cold today, I was only able to shoot 12 rounds of Wal-Mart bulk box Federal ammo, but no sight adjustment was necessary at 25 yards! I guess with the return of the 17 and 18 in the classic series, I guess they figured anyone who wanted a 6 shot would buy one of those. Here's some pics:
Just for fun, here's its great-granddaddy, my 5-screw pre-model 17 from 1951 (I have the original grips put away):