I was very Lucky and found a four inch, 617, non underlug gun at a local show, complete with box and papers. The Seller unfortunately had harvested the combat grips, but I replaced them with an era proper set. These were relatively rare with as I understand about 200 total production.

While researching the 4" gun I found out they had also produced a small amount of six inch guns without the underlug, basically a stainless K-22. Though even less of the sixes were made than the fours.

With the K-22 my favorite Smith revolver....so started the search for a 6" M617.

That was several years back. I found a total of two of the 6" guns for sale in that time. Found this one and won it on auction last week.

Wish It had the original box. Also wish it hadn't been shot and scratched up a bit. But a quick trip back to the factory for a re bead blast and it will look fine. Thankfully it is unmolested internally and not abused.

Sort of sad though. One less thing to SEARCH for. I like the hunt!

FN in MT

Well done! A great looking revolver!

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Awesome find Frank, and I totally agree with you that the hunt is a big part of the fun...not that the aquisition isn't fun too!

By the way, speaking of snagging Grail Guns...nice snag on the 3" CS-1 earlier today...I gotta learn to wake up earlier!!

I'm so jealous!


One of those Ashland guns is high on my list. Congrats on a rare and desirable piece!

Thank my Buddy Andrew in Philly.... "Inspector-Callahan". He noticed it early this morning and notified me. Nice way to start the day!

I have a very nice 4" CS-1 so a guy HAS TO HAVE the SET. The 3" guns are sexy looking anyway.

Appreciate the kind words Gentleman.



FN in MT

Congrats on that beauty, thats a toughie to find.

Eric

Nice Catch ....Gotta love those grail guns

Nice find. I have never seen one before!

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Congrats...

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Jorge

Great find! Well done sir.

Nice looking gun...congrats...hope it serves you well.

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Lt. Dan, what R U doing here?

What a great find as that's bascially a stainless model 17 and I think many of us would have bought those and S&W could have sold a lot more then 200 of them. Don't get me wrong I love the 617 but the balance of the Model 17 is very special and lots of us old timers would have loved it.

I didn't know only 200 of the 4" were produced.
Small wonder I can't find one for sale.
Sure would like to have one.
That 6"er is a beauty.

Ah yes... the Ashland Shooting Supply guns. Member bdgreen posted up some pictures and I was hooked - knew I hadta' find one.

So far I've found two 6 inch guns & NO 4 inchers.



I did the same with the Combat stocks, had to put a pair on the gun on the right because it came to me with a set of targets on it.



( I didn't even try to get the ol' boy to come down on the price! )

GF

The no lug 4" 617 is one I would like to have too. And if you have the 4" I think you have to have a 6" to go with it. Must resist...........

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

The Book states 200 of the 4" guns were produced. But doesn't put a number on the six inch guns.

I believe I read here the number on the sixes was possibly 116 or maybe 160? Anyone have a number?

GF.... TWO...and like new in boxes!! WOW. My problem was I never knew about the Ashland guns when they were out. I had to find one when they were already rare.

My 4" gun was pure luck. Especially for a Montana Show. $450 like new in box.

Over the years saw only one other 4" gun, that was at Reno and the price was $2400.

FN in MT

Great score on an uncommon model. I knew these existed, but I had forgotten the "Ashland" tag and the limited production count.

If I ever see one I now know to buy first and ask questions later.

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David Wilson

Great snag Frank.
I have one of the 4" revolvers I got at a Livingston Show with correct grips but no box for $650.

Chop

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MSG US Army

Super nice.
You almost had me planning to silver spray-paint my K22, but decided against it.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

I agree with you. Imagine the numbers of stainless K-22's they could have sold.

I have never cared for the full underlugs on the 6" and 8" guns. In my opinion it makes them not only far too heavy, but ruins the balance compared to a K-22.

The 4" underlug guns I can live with, but thats about it.

FN in MT

I think the quote of 116 guns are right for production numbers.
And I agree with you and Art, those stainless "Mod 17's" woulda' been a hit.

Here's a shot of one with a set of diamonds on it, Just for fun!





GF

Feel free to keep searching and when you find another be sure to send me the info. Beautiful gun, congrats on the grail!