Can someone tell me when the 617 run started and what year they started with the internal locks and MIM parts? Any significant changes to the model along the way? Thanks.

Can someone tell me when the 617 run started and what year they started with the internal locks and MIM parts? Any significant changes to the model along the way? Thanks.

Started in 1989, MIM in 1998 (617-3) and 2001 (617-5) for the IL (SCSW #3)

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S&W factory revolver armorer

Thanks for the info. Are the MIM parts (as long as there is no lock)that big a deal? Action and lockup about the same? The ones I run into all seem to be -3 and later. I own none with MIM parts.

Many (not me) think that MIM hammers and triggers are uglier than the old forged parts. Mechanically, they appear to be just as, if not more efficient and strong than are forged parts. I've seen nothing suggesting that MIM parts are any less tough or durable than are forged parts. Some think that MIM actions actually produce smoother performance than forged actions. I own both MIM and forged parts revolvers and I can't tell the difference as far as trigger performance is concerned.

I have MIM parts guns and forged parts guns. When they are smoothed up, the both produce terrific guns. I find the MIM parts harder and more difficult to stone than the forged parts.

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Tom