I was thinking of buying a 617. I was wondering, which handles and balances better, a 4" or 6" barrel? Also are the older 6 round models more collectable than a newer 10 round. While we're on the subject how rare are the 8 3/8" models?

Thanks for your input.

For me, the 4" full lug barrel balances better than the 6", as the longer one feels just a bit muzzle heavy. The early 617 no dash revolvers, like this one, are highly sought after and usually sell for more than the new ones. How much more depends on condition and accessories (original grips, box, papers, etc.). The early ones came with the factory combat grips pictured, and these alone sell for around $150.

Attached Images

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As a matter of personal preference, in the 617 I prefer the 4” barrel. I also like a 5” barrel, but I find the 6” barrel too muzzle heavy for my tastes.

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Tom

I have a 4 and a 6.The 6 is a six shot,the 4 is a ten shot.Both have their purposes.Both are fun.I like the 4 for plinking.The 6,while a bit nose heavy,hangs nicely for more serious target shooting(The 6 also has a target hammer and trigger,factory action job).I have no desire for the extra long tube for any gun,especially a rimfire,where there is the extra weight from having a small bore.
It doesn't matter that much to me,but most prefer the no lock guns-I prefer them solely on aesthetics,as the frame has a different contour.
There is something nice about the earlier six shot 4 inchers,the classic look,the right size,and I think the market reconizes that.
The market also reconizes that batch of lugless 617s as something,and so do I.I'd love to have one of those-wish that Smith would do another run.

I have 2, a 4" full lug 6 shot and a 6" standard barrel, 10 shot. I'm not particularly fond of the the full lug barrels, so I like the 6" more, especially since it's a 10 shot. I'm still looking for a 4" standard barrel. Bob!

I have a pre-lock 6 inch in 10 shot. I use it for target shooting. The 6 inch is heavier out front and this fact alone took me longer to shoot it accuratly but because of the 6 inches, it has a longer sight radius making it more accurate to aim if using the iron sights. The 8 inch would be too long and front heavy.

I have a 6 shot prelock 617 with 4"bbl, and a 6 shot prelock 17-6 6in bbl, (same revolver only blue steel). I favor 6 shot models, no special reason, just do. I also favor the 6" bbl. I like the forward weight of the longer barrel. However, 4" versus 6" bbl is just a personal thing, each shooter must try both and decide. At one time I owned a 617 with 8 inch bbl, but it was just too heavy for me.

Smith needs to come out with a 5" model .

removed PC

I have a 4" and a 6". Of the two I prefer the 4" I think that the 8" is to much barrel.

i prefer the 4 inch barrel i presently have to the 6 inch barrel i previously had.

I have both the 617-6 4" and 6" 10-shots. If I had to pick one, it would be my 4". It balances and carries better.
I had a 6" 6-shot which I traded for the 6" 10-shot. To me, the 10-shot's a lot more fun to shoot (e.g., Steel Challenge),
especially with DS-10 speedloaders.

Of course, the No Lock versions are more collectable and command a premium. I'd love to find a 4" No Lock 10-shot, SS cylinder.

4" with Burris.

My neighbor bought the 6". He claims he likes it better, or as well.

I've got both in the 617-4 version and I really prefer the 4" since it balances so well for me.

I have two no-dash 617s, a 4" and a 6". The 4" is my favorite - it just feels better in my hand and the two are equally accurate. I handled an 8-3/8" 617 at a gun show once. I can only describe how it felt as clumsy.

Ed

Thanks again for all the input. Those pics are some beautiful pieces.

The 8 3/8th inch 617's are heavy, however they are really easy to shoot at the range! The long, muzzle heavy barrel is ultra steady and just hangs on target. Blasting 2 inch spinners at 25 yards like it was 10 feet. That said, I never consider that big revolver as a trail gun. For all around use I prefer my 4 inch 10 shot model.

By the way, my wife like the 8 3/8ths inch guns at the range too.

The 617 is a VERY popular handgun at this moment. Smith and Wesson should make a few short runs or limited editions of this gun, and I'm sure it would be very successful. And the first limited edition SHOULD be an unfluted version....

I have a several year old 10 shot 6" and like it and use it a lot. I would like to find a 4" one of these days. I personally prefer the feel of the 4".

Not sure why S&W never offered a PC version in the US. The 617PC was only shipped to Germany.
See attached photo.

Attached Files

PC617-HEIM.pdf (72.0 KB, 174 views)

I replaced the finger grooved combats with an old set of magnas.

Jerry

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In the older K-22/Model 17's without the barrel undelug I prefer the 6 inch barreled versions.
When I became interested in the 10 shot 617 I shot both a 4 and 6 inch versions. I came to the conclusion that in my hands the 6 inch version with the full barrel underlug was too nose heavy and opted for the 4 inch version.

I have the 4 inch 10 shot, like it very much. I compared it with a 6 inch before I bought, and found the 6 inch a tad front heavy.

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Gonna be a bear? Be a grizzly.

How about a 3" 10-shot unfluted with rosewood grips?

I have an 8 3/8 and like it but she is sure enough a big ol long gal. I have toted it around all day and if you have a good holster it ain't bad. When I bought this I was looking for a 4 inch. The shop I was at had a new 6 inch and my used 8 inch. The used one was $150.00 cheaper so that's how I went. I have no complaints.

Like other members I also have a 4 inch 617-1 that I really like.
This one is super accurate with CCI Stingers.

I only wish they made them without the full barrel lug.
Just a tad heavy for me.
Texan

I have a 4" mod 617; feels very balanced

surfdog76,
I'm diggin' the grips. Can you tell me about them.
Thanks,
L.P.

I just bought this used 617-4 Pre-lock 6 inch barrel 22 LR two days ago (5-2019). It came with a 80 round loading block and two DS speed loaders. It has a scope already mounted. And it had these very nice wood grips on it. I did not need it... but it was a 617-4 Pre-lock with all the goodies and I couldn't pass on it for $500 bucks out the door. Why would someone dress out this fine 617-4 with all the goodies and sell it? Bless his heart.

Note to self: Never go into a gun store, again.

THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Untill then, my 4" 10 shot will continue to be the most used of my K22's despite owning several other barrel lengths and configurations.
Here is an obligitory picture of one of my safe queens ( No dash, 6", 6 shot :-)

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Dave

Rather than waiting for S&W to make a factory 5" 617, I had a 6" cut down. It now matches the weight and balance of my 627PC.

Attached Images

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Tom

I'm sure the 4 inch balances nice. But in a .22, which will be used as a plinker and a range gun, I like that "muzzle heavy" feel of the 6 inch.
Helps me hold it steadier.
If it was a .357, and would be used for SD and carry, I'd probably prefer the 4 inch, easier to wear on a belt, or conceal, and easier to draw out of a holster.

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I have owned three 617 revolvers. First was a no-dash 8 in bbl full target, too heavy. Second was a 6 in bbl full target no-dash, just right but I sold it, big mistake! My third and currently owned is a 4 in bbl dash-1. Seems that more people seem to prefer the 4 in bbl but I like the weight of the 6 inch better. I also prefer the six shot models.

Sweet!!
Can I ask what that project ran for cost?

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Dave

They should make it with a 9-shot cylinder and no underlug.

Do not recall the price, but I think it was around $200.

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Tom

Oh, that's right, they don't make a 3 inch model either.

I keep forgettin' that in a fit of boredom, I did this.

An unfired 617-1, right outta' the box, straight to the hacksaw

I cry every night over it.

I didn't like the balance of the six, so as long as I was cuttin'

Ned

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^^^^^^^
The 4” is my favorite, but the 6” is still a definite keeper; mine are the blued 17-6s, however.

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I did a little trading Friday for a clean 617-6 4”. I took it to the range after a good cleaning and really like it. Very accurate and fun to shoot.

The 4" balances better but I can hold the 6" steadier, but not for long.

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