I was so impressed with the accuracy and trigger feel of my first revolver (a 686 SSR) that I've traded nearly all my semi-autos for other revolvers. An HK P7, a SIG 228, a Colt Gold Cup, a Kimber CDP II Pro and others have been sold/traded/exchanged with no regrets. Revolvers are that good!!!

I would like to have a 4-inch .22 cal revolver to replace a .22 semi-auto. The choice has come down to a S&W 617 or a Colt Diamondback. If your choice was based purely on accuracy and functionality, what would you do?

(I realize today Colts cost a lot more, so my question assumes unrealisitically the choices are of equal value.)

I agree on the 686 SSR. I have one and it shoots so much better then my semi-autos and I seem to be more accurate. I am not going to get rid of my M&P just yet but would like a 22 revolver but the costs are keeping me from getting a 617.

I have 6" 617 and that thing is incredibly accurate. I have no experience with the Colt Diamondback but they've been out of production for a while and Colt may not service them.

Price will become a factor; I just checked Gunbroker. The Diamonbacks are going for 2 - 3 times as much as the 617.

Since I no longer own a DB, it's been a while since I've shot one but I still own several S&W's if that tells you anything.
The few DA Colts I've had are fine revolvers and not to dis the Colt fans but I wish I still had them so I could sell them at today's prices and buy more Smiths. I think the prices I'm seeing being asked are out of line, at least for me.

In my opinion the 617 is a better looking revolver, that aside,when it comes down to stainless or blued finish I'll take stainless every time. I still have the 617 I was given for Christmas 20 years ago by the gunshop owner I used to work for
When I was in college if that tells you anything.

What about a Dan Wesson in .22LR? Cheaper than both of the 2 you mentioned.

I had a 6" Colt Diamondback and now have a 6" 617 10 shot. I used/use both revolvers for local plate shoots and even occasional bullseye. The Colt absolutely had a nicer trigger and was a far nicer gun cosmetically (not a nicer fit and finished revolver made except the Python) than the Smith. As far as accuracy the 617 is better. The reason I sold the Diamondback was that it was just too nice/valuable a gun to use as a shooter (I burn about 5 - 7 bricks a year shooting revolver plate matches and practicing). Every time I used it I was afraid to ding or scratch it. With the 617 no such worries. The other issue with the Diamondback is that I had to send it to the factory twice to get it tuned up as it would go out of time or the DA trigger pull would drift too light and I would get misfires. The 617 is a tank in comparison. The choice is basically eye candy vs functional tool with four extra rounds.

Ignoring the price differential between the 617 and the Diamondback, they are both extremely well made revolvers.
But if it's actually going to be used and not become a safe queen, the 617 wins hands down for the simple reason that it's stainless, and as has been earlier mentioned, the Colt trigger is a bit more high maintenance than the Smith.
Easier to clean and maintain, seriously consider the 4" barrel because the longer 6" barrel is a bit nose heavy for balance.
Additionally, you can scope a 617 without doing any extra drilling & tapping.

To put it in better perspective; if the Diamondback were still available today and being currently made and available new, it would likely cost a couple hundred more than the $617, and I would consider the 617 to be a "steal" by comparison and still go with the 617.

I've got several Pythons with only one being a stainless model, and that's the only one I shoot anymore because cleaning and caring for the bluing on the other ones is too much of a chore.

A Colt Diamondback is like a beautiful, but shallow, woman. One is attracted by her lovely exterior so lots of money is invested to call her your own. As a bit of time passes one realizes that she is not at home in the field, where the evils of weather might wear her beauty. She remians safe at home. Of course, what she does for you (accuracy, capacity) is good but nothing special. She will remain a prize to show off to your friends but your personal connection with her will never flourish.

Now the S&W is more like your buddy's lady who gets prettier every time you see her. That's because she is there with him on the summer camping trip or at the duck hunt or just going with y'all to the range. She's right there for the good times, and even occassionly contributes to supper with a rabbit or other small game. Now there's a woman!

If you plan to do any duble action shooting then choose the S&W. The Colt Officers Models always had very ncie SA triggers but the S&W DA trigger system is far superior. The other consideration is potential repairs which would be very costly for the Colt.

A friend is a Colt Nut and I've had some time on a Diamondback 22LR revolver.

It's a fine unit in every way except one, it's too small for my hands. The Diamondback is like a 2/3 scale Python. Very neat yes but too small.

Picked up a S&W Model 17 and couldn't be happier, it's very accurate, reliable and fits my hand better.

Just my 0.02

Wow!!! Is this forum great or what? I appreciate everyone's quick responses. It sounds like the 617 is the way to go. Although my firearms are kept pristine, I am a shooter, not a collector.

One of my trades was for a 4-inch Diamondback 38. The smaller size fits my hand well and is quite accurate (although not as accurate as the SSR). That was the reason I was considering a .22 version of the same.

Thanks to all again.

I had a 6" DB when the first came out decades ago. I was a novice bullseye shooter then, and it contributed greatly to my ability to enjoy competition. It had the best out-of-box trigger on any gun I've ever had.

Sadly, in a fit of brain fever, I traded it off.

I remained a "Colt guy" while my buddies all broke to the S&W camp. Years later, due to illness of one of them, I came into possession of an 8 3/8" m17. Good LORD!!!!

So I've become a 'S&W Revolver guy' now.

I have a 647 that matches the 17 in performance and pure joy, if I want long tubes and supreme accuracy.

I also have a very accurate 4" Mk III Colt 22 that I'll put up against any 4" out there.

We come to appreciate those things that perform well for us.

You've got what they used to call "an approach-approach" conflict. Either choice will satisfy even though the decision is difficult to make.

And I see Rooger has come up with a 10-shot revolver 22.....and USAF has a 12/22 single action, speaking of cubic dollars....

so many guns....so little time....

__________________
Dum vivimus Vivamas

If money is of no concern go with the DB,I have carried a Python as a backup deer hunting for years.All of my firearms are shooters first just take care of them and they will always take care of you.

__________________
The Lord cometh and right soon

If you are considering anything in the price range of the Diamondback, you could spend less (from what I have seen) and get a K22, the best .22 in my opinion. It will be less than the Diamondback, and if you get an older one have better fit finish and (I would say) accuracy than a new 617 or the DB, plus you would not have that silly lug (really who needs a lug on a .22 target pistol, is the recoil too much?!?).

What everyone has said about the DA on the Colt is true, and while I don't mind it as much on carry guns like the Lawman or DB .38, it is too much for a gun meant for target shooting.

I'm one of those who really needs the 'weight forward' of the underlug design, as it tends to help moderate my oscillation and helps generate something more resembling a 'group' than the 'pattern' I get with pencil barrels. And I prefer it cosmetically as well. Of course recoil is not the main concern in 22LR.

I was surprised to find in a pair of otherwise nearly identical Bird Head 3 1/2" Sheriff Models 45LC Vaquero and AWA clone, that they performed significantly different for me.

The AWA was lighter and came ON target very quickly. It also was hard to keep on target long. In Cowboy Action matches, I could get a better time on the stages, but usually had more misses, with the lighter clones.

The Ruger was noticeably heavier, perhaps 4 oz although they fit the same holster and general foot print. It was slow to draw and coming on target, but in comparison seemed to 'just hang' there waiting for me to do something else with it.

In a similar way the under lug helps me. An engineer friend tried to explain it with terms like "bulk modulus" and "moment of inertia" and so forth.

I need all the help I can get, and little touches such as these have helped decrease my group size over the years.

In a similar observation, the standard barrel Ruger 22LR of various models, do not hold as well for me as the bull barrel models. Lighter, handier to carry, but I don't shoot them as well.

YMMV

__________________
Dum vivimus Vivamas

I suggest you pick the s&w model 617 since it is still be manufactured by s&w.

Buy both, keep the one you like best. I second the recommendation of a K22, puts the 617 to shame.

My 617-1 4" is an absolute work horse. Mine was made back in '93. I bought it at a show about 4 years ago. I have no idea how many rounds went through it before I got it but I know that I have shot, easily, more than 10,000 rounds with the gun since I bought it. It has never malfunctioned, never needed a repair, and remains among the most accurate firearms I've ever fired. It has a superb double action trigger. Here's a photo.

I paid $550 for mine, used. I'm guessing that it would sell for at least $100 more in today's market. Diamondbacks, by contrast, sell for about twice that much. Perhaps they're superb guns but I can't honestly believe that anyone can show me a better, more accurate shooter than my 617.

Attached Images

004.jpg (63.1 KB, 254 views)

Awful lot of .22 threads lately. Don't rule out the Model 18. Here is my M18-4 next to my M66-3 both with Ahrends retro combat grips for a similar feel. My particular M18 had an awful trigger but I did a basic smoothing job and have a spring kit and she shoots good!

__________________
--Rick

I answered earlier and after reading this thread I would say. Colts are wonderful handguns but they are expensive and not made or supported anymore. Depending on how much you want to spend determines the condition of the revolver you will get.

I'd go with any of the following.

617 with 4 inch barrel

Model 17 in any dash number older then -4 or at least a P&R -4

Model 18 -3 or older

The Diamondback is a beautiful gun. My buddy has a NIB 6" blue steel DB in .22, but it's a safe queen. A mutual friend of ours bought a 6" blue DB shooter. We were anxious to try it, but none of us were able to get it to shoot well. It'd barely keep the shots on the paper while our 17's were able to hit golf balls at 25 yards.

Likewise, a Model 14 or 15 will shoot circles around either of my friend's .38 DB. I've shot 3 DB's and I just can't shoot them.

Like you, I overwhelmingly prefer revolvers EXCEPT when dealing with .22. Try a Model 41. You'll love it!

Love it!!!!

If you want a collectible - but the Diamondback. If you want to use the gun - buy the 617. By the way - I would bet a 617 is every bit as accurate as a Diamondback. My 4" 617 is as fine a shooter as I've ever seen.

Jerry

The .22 revolvers I enjoy shooting in order of preference are:
1. Colt Officers Model Match
2. S&W k-22 (6 inch, 1948)
3. S&W 617 (6 inch, no dash)
4. Colt Diamondback (6 inch)

They are all fun to shoot, but for some reason the Colt OMM is in a class all its own.

My next revolver will be the 617 no dash 4 inch. I almost had one a couple of weeks ago, but FYIMO beat me to it by about 20 minutes.

That's interesting. I always feel like the 617 is more wobbly than with the 17. Either way I prefer either of the Smiths over the DB for the da trigger.

Oh God no not the Gold Cup!...the others ok but the Gold Cup...first rule is every man needs a Colt 45...all the other stuff is just...other stuff

Don't know if anyone's pointed out this fact regarding the little Colt.....and believe me, I love Colts as much as I love Smiths.

The Diamondback's cylinder is pinned at the rear ONLY, while the SW 617 pins the cylinder both fore and aft.

Also, Colt's DA pull is superior (IMO) and the S&W's SA pull cannot be equaled.

Probably best to own one of each and let the shooting begin!

What I did was buy a "pre-18" Smith &Wesson for a lot less than either.

Edited to add: My model 17-3 was less than each also.

__________________
John 3:16 .

A little story.....Back in the early 70's I bought a new 4" diamondback for $160.00. Shot for for about 30 years. Had to have Colt rebuild it one time since it went out of time and was snapping. Had it nickeled at the rebuild. Finally go tired of it. Never really cottoned to the "stacking action". Took it to a gun show and trolled with it till I found a buyer. Sold it for much more than I paid for it. Took proceeds and purchased a 4" 10 shot 617. I like the 617 much better than the DB. To me its a better gun with a much smoother action. It joined my other K-22's and will live here happily ever after. To me for shooting Colts aren't worth near the money people are asking for them. I have a python from the custom shop purchased NIB in 1980. It mostly sleeps in the safe. My Smith 357's see all the use. My $0.02.

__________________
S&W Accumulator

...the older Model 17. I traded my 617 in on this one, and I've never looked back. It is, IMHO, the best of the .22 revolvers. It's balanced better than the full-lug Model 617, and the trigger is second to none.

I am a big guy, have large hands. Have a S&W 10-6. Too small for my hands. Go ahead and laugh . What is the largest frame revolver chambered in 22lr ?

Having had both a six inch Python and Diamond back (22lr), I got tired of worrying of getting them damaged. They where real nice guns and eventualy sold them. So, now I have a 686 and a 617 and cannot be more happy shooting them. The Colts are more delicate guns, and there is no factory support for them, as there is for a S&W. Even though the trigger pulls where so smooth on the Colts, I don't think they where as accurate as my Smiths. Just my opion!

Both the Colt and S&W have pedigrees, but I would bet you'd see quite a few more K22s in their day than Diamondbacks for shooting bullseye. My dad has an old 4 screw K22 and I bought one of the first M17s when they came out with the full length underlug (aka: 586/686). My M17 is immaculate and very accurate. I just don't shoot revolvers as much as autos anymore.

I chose the s&w model 617

Bart- about the biggest DA .22 I know of is the Dan Wesson, built on the same frame as their .357. Have your tried other grips on your 17?

__________________
Jim
Many K and N Frames

If you are going to be carrying the gun much take the 617 ! No tears if it gets a scratch or two ! I have a couple nice old Model 17s
but they are range guns that are never holstered.

Jerry

__________________
.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

I own both, the Diamondback has a better trigger but not by much, I do like the larger grips of the Diamondback as compared to the K22 but Colts had the same issue in the time frame that it was built. I have a pre Python OPM and no S&W or Colt I have shot can compare to that trigger. I do think the S&W has a more durable action but the DB is more finely fitted so there is a trade off. I will admit I bought my K22 to give my DB some rest because few outside Colt have the skills to repair them correctly.

Getting both isn't a bad choice, both, if taken care of, won't lose any value. Colts will likely have a greater collector interest in them if for no other reason then lower production numbers and the Pony.

The downside of the DB is the same as a Python, if you ever need grips for some reason, plan 9 months ahead so you can sell your newborn to fund the purchase. They are that hard to find a nice pair and none will ever be cheap.

Fifty years after "Gilligan's Island", comparing the Colt Diamondback to the S&W 617, we are back to the Ginger vs. Mary Ann decision.

I chose to do a little CPR on this thread after observing a resurgence in interest in sales of these revolvers this summer.

The Colt is certainly beautiful, but the S&W will far outlast it in the field.

I never had a Diamondback 22. I had a 4 inch 38 along with a 6 inch Python and a Detective Special. The DB was the best of the three for me, but I traded it for an 18-4 back in the mid 80s. My 18 has received a trigger job and is superior to a factory DB action in my opinion. The Colt D-frame however, was a nice notch between the J and K, and speed loaders were interchangeable. I always intended to get another DB or two in 38, but didn't anticipate them going out of production or skyrocketing in price. If you can find one for a steal, but it and shoot it. They are still in a class by themselves.

colt still works on diamondbacks if they need it. they are built on the same frame as the detective special. largest framed 22 commonly available is the colt officers model. same frame size as a python. for beating around, probably the best choice is 617, or 17, or 18. colt revolvers today are being sold as collectors items if they are excellent condition or better, not shooters.

I am a big 617 fan. Get one and save the $1000+ you save by not buying a way overpriced Diamondback to buy another S&W revolver! Or two!!

As the OP is 3 years old I wonder what he went with ?

Colt also made the Trooper III in .22Lr although I wouldn't call them "Commonly available" anymore.

Is the Colt Officers / Python frame larger than the Trooper III ?

If it's a 4" you're after, I think the best one of the bunch is the model 18. I am fortunate enough to own both 4" and 6" model 617's as well as a model 17 and 18. My order of preference is:
mod 18
mod 617 4"
mod 17
mod 617 6"

I've only owned one colt in my life, a king cobra, and ended up trading it for a 610. I guess you could say I'm a S&W guy!

Lou

__________________
NRA Certified Instructor & RSO

I agree that the 4" is the best choice. I have both a 4" and a 6" and at one time I had a Model 18, but unfortunately I let myself be talked into selling it long ago. Wish I still had it, but the 4" 617 is an excellent versatile .22

I sold off my last Colt a few years back while it was still in great condition and would fetch top dollar.

Separately, I bought a 34-1. Too small for what the OP is looking for, but its the one for me.

__________________
But then, what do I know?