Amazing 617 accuracy
 

I took my 617 to the range last weekend and again was totally blown away by the accuracy potential. I shot some groups at 25 yards with premium ammo and this was pretty much the norm (minus the flier):
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5159.jpg
I had shot this group on my first range visit but was able to match or better it again and again on my second trip on Saturday. I kind of though it was a fluke but the gun can shoot!
It's a keeper:
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5737.jpg

...and where did you get the speed-loaders????

I have been looking for one of these 10 shot 4" 617s but they are very hard to find.

Bob

You can order the speed-loaders here:
DS-10-SPEED is a custom made speed loader for S&W 617 10 shot revolvers. - Windows Live

I have to say they work great. Order lots of loading blocks, they can make your range experience a dream.
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5137.jpg
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/100_5113.jpg
With the speed-loaders and loading blocks full, plus 10 in the gun, I have 330 rounds at the ready but they tend to go very quick:D

I recently got a nib 4" 617 and immediately ordered a speedloader from Dave for both it and my new 63 plus a couple of loading blocks. Ordered them 11/4 and they arrived at my home here in Maine 11/9. Great guy to do business with. The 617 is a joy as is the 63 - now both will be more fun with the loaders.

Model 617 is an accurate revolver....I'm a bullseye shooter and use this revolver with 6" barrel,which is capable of getting all shots(sometimes) in the 10 circle,offhand...so far I don't need an expensive pistol like Hammerli...nice revolver.

+1 . I was very surprised at how well my 6" 617 shot when I first bought it.

I've heard people say that the 617 is the most accurate handgun out there. How true is that?

No the 617 isn't the most accurate revolver out ther MY 17 is, then my 617. ha ha Most 617's shoot well as most any other model does.

I hate to say it but my Ruger MK-II target 22 is the most accurate 22 handgun I have ever shot. But my 17 is just naturally shoots excellent for me.

My biggest problem any more is the meds I'm on for chlos. gives me tremors. I can not shoot off hand anymore. My eyes are going to. I just can't focus like I use to. Oh well, at least I can still shoot and that is something, even if it off the bench most of the time.

John

I took my Ruger Mark II target and my newly acquired 617 4 inch 10 shot (pre-lock) out earlier this week for a spin. I sold the Ruger last night. I was amazed at what the 617 did. It just fits me better than the Ruger. I'm sure it isn't the guns as much as me, but WOW!

The 617 is a great S&W. Very accurate and you can shoot as much as you want without having to sell a kidney. I also love your Ahrends Retro Combat grips. Awesome setup you have there.

Thanks!

What really blew me away was how much it likes American Eagle
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5163.jpg

Wow! I just keep telling myself, "Someday." Yes, indeed! That's a keeper, alright! But if you do decide to sell, let me know. :-)

It would be a very sad day if I ever had to sell this one...I'm actually now thinking about tracking down a 6 inch too. But hey, both are on the California list, maybe you can find a good deal.


I bet if this Wolf group was fired from a Ransom Rest instead of a rolled up towel, all five would be in one solid hole about .40" across...smaller than a .25" group. Better keep practicing...

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/a...u/IMG_5161.jpg

My experience with my 617-1 six shooter agrees with previous posters descriptions of accuracy. I was surprised how smooth the trigger is on mine. I purchased it used but hardly shot. Another note of interest: my 4" 617 wearing RB target stocks weighs a hair less than my 1939 N frame, 4" RM. Finally, the 617 is just, purely, a load of fun to shoot.

Regards,

Jerry

cleaning question ...
 

Nice grouping I admit!

I've got a 6-shot 617 with a 6" barrel. I've recently added a Weigand weaver-rail and a red-dot sight instead of the rear right.

I'd really like to ask whether you actually clean the bore everytime you go shooting. I've noticed that accuracy drops slightly when the bore is mirror-clean - it actually prefers a "dirty" barrel. It takes a few cylinders to "restore" the accuracy. Just my observation.

I find that a dirty bore is more accurate with most of my 22's

John

I agree with the dirty bore theory. I know some league shooters who go all season and never clean the bore of their .22 target pistols. They will wipe down the outside and clean the chamber, but never the bore.

i must agree...the 617 is super accurate as well as fun and cheap to shoot...i have had a blast with my 10-shot

Don't own a 617 but my 17-3 will keep up with the best of em! It is actually more accurate than the model 41 that I once owned.

Thats some excellent shooting.

The Weigand weaver-rail and bomar style sights are awesome. I love a red dot for speed, but the clean lines of irons is my favorite setup. Although I may add a pistol scope to see just how accurate this thing is at say 50-100 yards.

I usually do clean the bore at the end of the day but always fire a few cylinders full before trying for any groups the net time out.

Went to the Range Saturday and decided to see what she could do at 100 yards with iron sights...

I was amazed to find five shots inside less than 3 inches with the Lapua ammo...so much for limits of a four inch sight radius...(though it is far less forgiving)

I have a 2X handgun scope but I'm actually thinking of mounting a high magnification rifle scope just to see how tight I can shoot 100 yard groups with this thing. I have been thinking about getting a Freedom Arms single action for real accuracy work... but if my 617 can shoot that well, I think I may just need to buy another...
Also put some rounds on an 8 inch steel plate at 200 yards, when the wind settled, it was easy to hit it about 50% of the time. This 617 has got to be the mot accurate handgun I have ever owned...

Great shooters. my 6" no-dash is on my "never even think about trading" list.

i have the 4" 617 10 shot..put a tru glo red dot on it...its scary accurate

I used to have an 8 3/8-inch 6-shot 617. Even with the iron sights it shot better than many .22 rifles. I never scoped it, but I would be willing to bet it would shoot with most .22 sporter rifles. The problem was I found it more inconvenient to carry than a .22 rifle. I now have a 4-inch 10-shot 617. It is very accurate too, and a heck of a lot more convenient to carry than that 8 3/8-inch barrel. A good friend of mine now has my old 8 3/8-inch 617 and he wouldn't give it up for anything! Although I didn't trade it directly to my buddy (it went through about two or three different hands before he got it) he has blessed me many times for trading off that long barrelled beast. He shoots it at the range, and it rides with him in his vehicle, so carrying it isn't the problem with him as it was with me. I don't think most 617s will shoot with a Smith & Wesson Model 41 semi-automatic, but they outshoot most other .22 revolvers I've seen.