617 Performance Center Manufacturing Date

dho60 · #1 10-27-2010, 03:09 AM

Hi,

just bought a 617 PC revolver with 6" barrel.
Is there anyone who can tell manufacturing date?
Serial number is ETC 01xx.
Is it possible to download the spec from anywhere?

BR., Dieter

murphydog · #2 10-27-2010, 03:52 AM

Dieter;

The best S & W reference book (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson) lists two 617 PC models. One was named the "Target Champion" with 235 made in 1995-'96 with a 6" barrel, the other version had 327 made in 1998-'99 with a "profile barrel" (no description as to its meaning). If you have the box the first gun has a Product Code of 170066, and the other 170122. The book has a serial number table but the ETC prefix is not listed.

They were listed as all being shipped to a German distributor, Wischo, so I gather it is not too much of an assumption that you are in Germany? Also, no photos of either of the guns are in the book, so if you are able to post some we would be very interested to see them. Hope this is helpful.

k22fan · #3 10-27-2010, 04:07 AM

For what it's worth, a link to a 617 PC that was for sale on a website in Europe was posted last spring. I presume it was the "profile barrel" model as it had flats machined on the sides of a 6" barrel that started out as the regular full lug style. I too would like to see pictures of any PC 617s that members have or links to pictures.

Best Regards,
Gil

dho60 · #4 10-27-2010, 05:03 AM

@ murphydog and Gil,

it is not a "Target Champion".
Attached see two pics.
You assume right, I bought it here in Germany.

BR., Dieter

Revolver King · #5 10-27-2010, 05:07 AM

Nice, Thanks for the pictures.

k22fan · #6 10-27-2010, 05:20 AM

Dieter,

Thank-you for the pictures. That matches the one that was for sale last spring. So far as I know all PC 617s went to Europe so we can only look, not touch.

I use my 617 no-dash full lug for good old fashioned indoor bullseye matches through the winter. It's a lot more fun than an auto loader. I presume yours is accurate as all of my k22s have been.

Gil

unokubi · #7 10-27-2010, 06:03 AM

gorgeous gun. thanks for sharing!

would you mind sharing what you paid?

tk

dho60 · #8 10-27-2010, 06:14 AM

tk,
the price I paid was a bit less than 500 Euro.
The revolver looked more or less unused.
If anyone is interested, I have the pics in highres as well.
BR., Dieter

s&wchad · #9 10-27-2010, 07:14 AM

Very nice gun, thanks for posting the photos!

Anton Dee · #10 10-27-2010, 11:41 AM

That is one nice gun!
And a bargain, in my eyes...

Enjoy it!

Not sure whether I have shared this photo with you guys?

Frank237 · #11 10-27-2010, 11:52 AM

Thanks for the pics.
WHY didn't they release THAT here?? I'd be all over one of those!

FN in MT

GF · #12 10-27-2010, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank237

Thanks for the pics.
WHY didn't they release THAT here?? I'd be all over one of those!

FN in MT

That's what I was thinking. Revolvers specific for Europe?

GF

Dogmann · #13 10-27-2010, 07:15 PM

WOW! Very nice! How come the good ole US of A cant get this model!?

Inspector-Callahan · #14 10-27-2010, 09:46 PM

I agree. I'd like to have a word with the marketing genius at S&W who made the decision to sell these only overseas. I'd have one question for them. WHY???? The 22LR has got to be the most popular gun going! Especially in the states!

Does anyone have anymore details on this one? Years of production, etc? It should have a whiz-bangy name? Like the .22 "Ultralight Hunter"

IC

wantmoresmiths · #15 10-27-2010, 10:02 PM

For as much as I like the U.S. version of the 617, I do find the underlug makes it muzzle heavy. I really like this PC version, and also would be in line to buy one.

It seems odd to me that even if the factory chose not to market this version here in the states, none of the distributors decided to offer this version.

SteadyHand · #16 10-27-2010, 10:11 PM

I'd be in line to buy at least two PC .22 Revos - probably 3 or 4! No kidding.

dho60 · #17 10-28-2010, 01:56 AM

It should be possible to re-import one from Europe.
Actually there is one offered @ Waffen-Heim (search for Waffenmarkt / Revolver-Sportrevolver), see screenshot of the ad. This 617PC seems to be brand new and unused.
If the language is a problem in communication with this dealer, I can help
BR., Dieter

murphydog · #18 10-28-2010, 05:42 AM

Dieter and Anton;

Those are some nice revolvers! The "profile" barrel is contoured similar to a currently available US model called the 686 SSR, an L-frame .357.

My best guess as to why these were all shipped to Europe would be the German distributor special-ordered them. I suspect the current demand for .22 revolvers was not the same here in the mid-late 1990s compared to now, when factory centerfire ammo was quite a bit cheaper. They might have been a hard sell in the US back then.

Frank237 · #19 10-28-2010, 10:49 AM

Anyone have any pull with Smith? Anyone know WHO to call to look into having another run of these produced? If these could be kept at a reasonable price point .....these would sell.

FN in MT

TANZER · #20 04-30-2011, 09:12 PM

Has anyone gone through the pain to import this 617PC ?
Per Dieter's input I ordered the one in his post from Waffen-Heim in GR. It took 3 + months to arrive. I have requested a history from S&W.
Once I have complete details I'll post pic's.

Anton Dee · #21 05-05-2011, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TANZER

Has anyone gone through the pain to import this 617PC ?
Per Dieter's input I ordered the one in his post from Waffen-Heim in GR. It took 3 + months to arrive. I have requested a history from S&W.
Once I have complete details I'll post pic's.

Hope to hear about shooting it and see some pics of that 617 PC!

My 18-2 took about 2 months to arrive, imported for me by 'my' gunshop from Germany to the Netherlands. It was well worth the wait!

410bore · #22 05-05-2011, 08:19 AM

i will find a way to get one of those!

carl3989 · #23 05-05-2011, 04:43 PM

Having to import an American made product from another country and then the shipping, import costs etc. seems to be prohibitive. Wouldn't one be better off with any pre 617 in .22? Like maybe a 17-6 like this:

TANZER · #24 05-05-2011, 05:54 PM

Importing the gun back to the US was an pain but well worth it.

Anton Dee · #25 05-06-2011, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TANZER

Importing the gun back to the US was an pain but well worth it.

The long road can be quite satisfying

We Dutch have to import almost everything these days. We even get things like beans from places as Kenia, or Egypt, although our farmers are quite capable to produce very tasty ones...

But I digress; I had been searching for years for a Model 18 and know the feeling you must have had when you first touched your new pride!

k22fan · #26 05-06-2011, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carl3989

Having to import an American made product from another country and then the shipping, import costs etc. seems to be prohibitive. Wouldn't one be better off with any pre 617 in .22? Like maybe a 17-6 like this:

First, 6" 617s with the lighter barrel weight of these 617 PCs can only be found in the US in the form of rare 6" 617 no-dashes with 1970s model 17 style barrels. The demand for those far exceeds the supply. Additionally, PC handguns are supposed to be better made than S&W's production guns. Second, you bring to mind asking a coin collector if he wouldn't be better off with common pocket change. The 617 PCs would be even more desireable if they were in the deep end of European caves with dragons guarding the entrances.

dho60 · #27 06-10-2012, 05:53 AM

Hi,

.. to warm up this old thread.

I made some modifications to my revolver:
- Hogue rubber grip instead of one-hand wooden grip
- LPA sight instead of standard sight
- Wilson hammer spring
- Wolff 11 lbs trigger rebound spring

Trigger force is 1100g (2.42 lbs) now.
The hit pattern has been shot from 25m distance, two-handed.
Diameter of the "10" is 50mm (1.95")

BR.,
Dieter

murphydog · #28 06-10-2012, 08:05 AM

Thanks for the update. Interesting rear sight, does it mount into the holes drilled/tapped into the top strap, and is it made in Europe?

SAWMAN · #29 06-10-2012, 09:20 AM

Sir were both 617 PC model variations all sent out of country (US) or only the profiled barrel version?
Also does anyone have any pictures of the Target Champion?

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

Dieter;

The best S & W reference book (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson) lists two 617 PC models. One was named the "Target Champion" with 235 made in 1995-'96 with a 6" barrel, the other version had 327 made in 1998-'99 with a "profile barrel" (no description as to its meaning). If you have the box the first gun has a Product Code of 170066, and the other 170122. The book has a serial number table but the ETC prefix is not listed.

They were listed as all being shipped to a German distributor, Wischo, so I gather it is not too much of an assumption that you are in Germany? Also, no photos of either of the guns are in the book, so if you are able to post some we would be very interested to see them. Hope this is helpful.

Dogmann · #30 06-10-2012, 10:01 AM

I'd
Also like to know this....

SAWMAN · #31 06-10-2012, 10:24 AM

Couple pictures of a Target Champion I found
Sorry posting from my phone or I would have just inserted picture
http://www.naturwerk-shop.de/WebRoot...t_Champion.jpg

http://www.huntershouse.dk/images/sp...wesson-617.jpg

Dogmann · #32 06-10-2012, 10:44 AM

?????What the!...

dho60 · #33 06-10-2012, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

Thanks for the update. Interesting rear sight, does it mount into the holes drilled/tapped into the top strap, and is it made in Europe?

Hi Alan,

it is mounted into the original holes.
Seems to be manufactured in Italy, but can be purchesed worldwide.

Please see following link:
barrabassa

BR., Dieter

Jebus35745 · #34 06-10-2012, 02:26 PM

Cool gun, I'm headed to the wish list. Larry

murphydog · #35 06-10-2012, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAWMAN

Sir were both 617 PC model variations all sent out of country (US) or only the profiled barrel version?
Also does anyone have any pictures of the Target Champion?

The SCSW states all of both types were exported. No photos in the book.

This is a guess, but there were other exported centerfire S & Ws of various types labeled as a "Hunter" or "Target" gun that were very similar to the standard US version. Apparently the reason behind the names is these are acceptable uses for handguns in Europe, but civilian self-defense is not. Our European friends can correct me on this if it is not true.

Anton Dee · #36 06-12-2012, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dho60

Hi Alan,

it is mounted into the original holes.
Seems to be manufactured in Italy, but can be purchesed worldwide.

Please see following link:
barrabassa

BR., Dieter

LPA makes great sights!

Had one on my 1939 Colt model 1911 A1, a very low profile one that could use the standard front sight of the 1911 A1. And I was very happy with it!

http://www.lpasights.com/catalog.html

dho60 · #37 06-22-2012, 06:06 AM

This is correct for most of European countries, except Switzerland and Austria, which accept the reason "self defense" for carrying a handgun.

BR., Dieter

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

This is a guess, but there were other exported centerfire S & Ws of various types labeled as a "Hunter" or "Target" gun that were very similar to the standard US version. Apparently the reason behind the names is these are acceptable uses for handguns in Europe, but civilian self-defense is not. Our European friends can correct me on this if it is not true.

Anton Dee · #38 06-22-2012, 06:27 AM

the Netherlands is very strict towards home defence. You can only politely ask an intruder to leave, or try to stop him with stretched arms... Any form of pressure or violence and you end up in jail faster -and longer-than the perpetrator in question.
A window sticker with [this house is protected by S&W] can be a reason to cancel a gun permit.

TANZER · #39 06-22-2012, 08:49 AM

The 617PC revolvers were a modified 617-1. Serial Numbers ranged
ETC0001 thru ETC 0306. Product Code: 170122 / Special Order 8190

Description
Stainless Steel Bead finish
Profile barrel ( 6" )
Round butt
Grips: Nill
Target trigger 0.400" / target hammer 0.500"

Were these revolvers special ordered by German distributor ( Wischo ) and shipped in the 1998 time frame.

kopper · #40 02-21-2013, 10:55 AM

My 617 Target Champion.
Cal. .22, 6" barell. Nill griff.

michel59 · #41 03-15-2013, 01:57 PM

hello,

i bought a 617 .22 lr target champion , Perfermance Centre here in Holland.

from first owner which bought the gun in 2000.

the serial number is BRA0377

is this a mark I of an mark II production.

cann't find the information, maybe some one can help me out.

andyo5 · #42 03-15-2013, 04:11 PM

Dieter, Open the cylinder and look of the frame under the crane to see the 'dash number'. Example: 617-2 or 617-3, etc.
What number do you see there?

michel59 · #43 03-15-2013, 04:52 PM

i will look next week when i pick up the gun at the owner i bougt the gun from. will inform you when i know the number as you asked for.

thanks for reaction sofar, will come back.

nice weekend

Michael71 · #44 01-07-2015, 11:45 AM

Anyone interested in a brand new one ? (S/N : ETC0193)

My local gun dealer has one 4 sale.

Regards,

Michael (from Germany)

Dogmann · #45 01-07-2015, 12:16 PM

Yes. Please PM me or email me asap
[email protected]

Michael71 · #46 01-07-2015, 02:36 PM

Pending sale . . .

Sconnie · #47 01-07-2015, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogmann

Yes. Please PM me or email me asap
[email protected]

And when this all works out don't forget to post LOTS of photos so the steel envy and drooling can begin.

Frank237 · #48 01-07-2015, 07:21 PM

Once again...WHY doesn't the PC Shop sell these in the USA?

Too busy building ridiculous 5 pound X-Frame guns with bipod attachments and sling swivels?

Sorry. Annoys me to no end to see some of what I see as senseless offerings from the Factory...Yet there are truly useful variation, like these 617 PC guns that never see the light of day For the US market.

Copy that S&W?

shootingisfun · #49 03-07-2016, 11:40 AM

Does anyone know if this is a round butt or a square and if it is the K or L frame.

Thanks

Kernel Crittenden · #50 03-07-2016, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootingisfun

Does anyone know if this is a round butt or a square and if it is the K or L frame.

It was a round butt K-frame. S&W has never made a L-frame chambered in a rimfire.