What should I be looking for in the 617 6-shots? Were there any peculiarities to those models in terms of fit, finish or operation? Is the 4" barrel any rarer than the 6" barrel? What dash model(s) are most preferable?

I'm no stranger to N-frames but am just now getting into K-frames and rimfires so I'm not up to speed on what models and engineering changes are most desirable. I'm not looking for a collector piece, but for a nice rimfire partner to my 586/686s.

Since I'm looking for one (and a 648 as well) I can tell you they are expensive, at least the no-Lock versions. Those were the 617 and 617-1. Then Smith started messing with them (alloy 10 shot cylinders and the dreaded IL) and they lost their appeal, at least for me.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

They tend to bring top dollar(the 617 and 617-1) I do not notice them at our gunshows often in Miss. I am sure the auction sites have them show up. I believe most of us who obtain them, keep them. The 4 inch is a great companion to the 686 4" revolver.

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J. Mark McCarver

I've just purchased a 4" 617-1 on GB for $750, so yeah they ain't cheap, but I'm happy...I've actually seen them for quite a bit more. Haven't taken delivery yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I was looking for quite a while before I found that one. I haven't really heard anything bad about the newer lock versions, but like many people I was willing to wait for a nice prelock version.

I have had one for about 2 years and love it so do the boys. I gave somewhere in the low $300's. 6 inch barrel target grips. It is a nice companion to the 648. with those two who need a ruger single six with dual cylinders. Well I like those too! Good luck finding one I've found not many people turn loose of a 22 revolver. Doeboy

I also looked for a six-shot 4" 617 to go with my full-target no-dash 6" but didn't want to pay that kind of money for one. About six months ago, the one in these photos with my 6" showed up on GunBroker with a $630 "Buy Now" and I jumped on it.




It didn't come with the combat stocks it was built with but I prefer targets anyway and these have the most perfect bookending I've ever seen. I added a target trigger and hammer and a Millett rear sight.

Ed

Ed, you just made me extremely envious! (LOL) Now I'll be nice and say...good for you. (smile)

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I have owned a new 6-inch no-dash since 1980 something. Think I gave $292 for it and mine came with the combat grips. I would not take $750 for mine, but would pay $750 for a 4-inch no-dash. I consider $750 a good price for a 4-inch no-dash....IF I can find one like BCD did.

Was the combat stocks wood or rubber? TV

Beautiful wood....like the ones in AveragEd's above on the "upper" gun. The rubber grips did not come into play until later dash-numbers...maybe the dash-4...not sure. All the new guns have the Hogue grips, which I dearly love to hate. I like grips that attach "to" the gun and not "hanging" on the gun from a piece of u-shaped sheet metal. But...that's just my opinion and we all have one.

I have a 617-1 with 4" barrel that I hardly ever use. The only reason I keep it is to teach the kids to shoot when they get older. It has an action job by Behlert and the DA is so light I'm amazed by the reliability. I hated the patridge sight and had a ramp installed. I thought about having a 10 shot cylinder installed but then something different comes up and I never get around to it.

Dave Sinko

These days the 4" no dash seems to be the most sought after version of the 617, and it's the perfect companion to your full lug centerfire revolvers.

Attached Images

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They are hard to find but in two years of looking I got a mint 6 inch and a 4 inch no dash. I gave $700 for each with the S&W Combat grips on them. My 4 inch is more accueate then my 6 inch which is odd.
6 inch

4 inch

Here's a 4" Model 617-1 from 1997. It is a remarkably accurate .22 and doesn't seem to be too picky about what flavor of ammo is on the menu. Good luck with finding one - I know you'll enjoy shooting it.

Jerry

Sinko....I might consider getting that old 4-inch out of your way. I'll give the kids something else to shoot that they can drop or loose and it won't matter.

I love my 617-1 six incher with TT,TH.My 617-6 10 shot four incher has a secure home as well.

I always get mad at Ed and fyimo every time they show off their matched 4's and 6's. Well....not really mad...more like jealous I guess. I am holding out for a no-dash 4-inch 6-shooter to accompany my 6-inch ND 6-shooter. A man should always want something that he doesn't have. I am afraid that when I find my 4-inch...my life could be complete and I may just keel-over dead......BUT...I am willing to take the chance. Maybe they will bury me with one in each hand.

I haven't shot my 6" since buying the 4" - the shorter-barreled gun just "feels" better in my hand and the two are equally accurate. Oddly, they prefer CCI MiniMags over any domestic match fodder I tried in them and they like it a lot.

Ed

I took my 617 to the range yesterday along with a new shooter. And the gun is so well mannered I now have a new shooting enthusiast and my 617 to thank.
I would be very hard pressed to sell mine.

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Existimo ergo sum armis

sorry i can't offer you the 4", i would feel real guilty if you kicked the bucket....
Found both of these NDs just weeks apart at gun shows last fall. Crazy how things can fall right into your lap when not looking for them. i shoot better with the heavier 6"...still the 4" is assuredly far more accurate than the owner.

j38,

Did you modify the factory stocks or are those someone's after-market stocks? They look great and should feel even better.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

A friend of mine just took delivery of a new 6" 617 that he ordered from Buds . Finish is perfect, no canted barrel, and it shoots great .