I finally found a gun shop where I can buy a new 617. They have both 4" and 6" barrel lengths available. I plan to buy one soon but I'm curious as to how some of you knowledgeable folks out there feel about barrel length. Any thoughts?

Don't wait long

I would grab the 4 inch and RUN !

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JR

If you are going to shoot in competitions such as Steel Challenge get the six inch. If not, get the four inch.

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I have a 4" and love the gun. Balances very well in my hand and is far more accurate than I am. The 6" was a bit nose heavy for me. Handle both and see which one you like better, but do it quickly or they will both be gone!

Liked my 617 so much I just got a 4" 686 to keep it company!

Owning both, I would recommend the 4".

I vote for the 4 inch revolver.

A 4 inch balances better unless you prefer muzzle heavy guns.

I have the 617 in 4" and IMO it is a perfectly balanced revolver. The only gripe I have, is that the stock rubber grips are yucky lol. It needs a nice set of wooden shoes. If i were you I would hold both and make a choice of what best suites you and good luck in your decision.



And, you have to post pictures or it never happened.

I have a 4" and I love the balance of this great pistol.

Same here. Sold off the 6", kept the 4".

I once had a M 17-3 with the 6"bbl. I liked the idea of shooting 22 ammo out of a K-frame revolver but I didn't like the muzzle heavy feeling of the gun.

For the same reason I quit with my M 27s years ago. Both had a 6"bbl.

My M28-2 now has the 4"bbl. And he suits me fine.

If you have the opportunity to handle both of them parallely - do so and make your decision.

Another aspect: If your 617 will be a carry gun - take the four-incher.

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Regards from Germany
Stephan

^I did the same thing .

^^^^ Ditto

Get the 4" if you want a 6" for the range..... get a 17!

Great gun, go with the 4".

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Don

I have a 6" 617 and love it. I want a 4" as well but the 6" isn't going anywhere.

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I recommend the 4 inch version of the 617 I have very little experience with both versions of the 617 to be Honest but between the two barrel lengths I prefer the 4 inch model.

I'm going to make it easy on you so you won't have any regrets. Buy both.

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I had the 617 in both the 6 inch and 4 inch barrels and I sold the 6 inch and kept the 4 inch. I like the balance better and I also shoot it better.

I have one of each. The 4 inch is much more fun for some reason, especially at 15-25 yards on sttel plates.
The longer sight radius for the 6 inch makes 50 yard shots effortless. Both guns are extremely accurate. If I had to choose only one, I would probably keep the 4"

I have two 4"(one with red dot and the other iron) and a 6" with iron sights. I shoot the 4" guns far more than the 6, but the 6" is steadier in the Iowa wind.

Don't drag your feet!

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

A while back I passed on a no-hole 4 inch 617. I won't do that again, if I ever see one for sale again.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I also own both and would never part with either.

I'm shocked that your LGS has both, get down there and buy one of them while you still have a choice to make!

I feel the barrel length and balance is a personal preference matter. For carry and occasional shooting I like the 4", but for any serious shooting I prefer the 6". I have 4" Mod 18, 34, and 63, but the 6" 617-6, 17-4, K22 Outdoorsman, and 22/32 Heavy Frame target are what I pick up when I want to get serious.

I recently added a red dot to the 617, and what a combination that makes.


I'm not crazy abut the rubber grips, but they do fit my hand well. Guess I need to get some nice Hogue wood grips.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

The deal is done !! I had a chance at either a 4" or a 6" barrel and I chose the 4" thanks to all of the feedback from you good folks on the forum. It's being shipped tomorrow and following the background check I'll be the proud owner of a new 617. Now I need to find some factory combat grips as those black rubber grips are hideous.......thanks to all !!

I have never figured out why a 22 rf needs a barrel with heavy underlug. I have a 6" K-22 (ca 1948) that I enjoy immensely, but used a 4" Model 617 barrel to build Project 616, only because that was the stainless barrel that was available. If I were to look for a Model 617 now, it would be a 4". JMHO, YMMV!

Froggie

No hole????
Where does the bullet come out of?
Me-I got an 11 hole 617 4"

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Forum consigliere

We're using them in central Iowa to compete in steel shooting. Back when I acquired my 617s, .22LR was a good cheap alternative to center fire. Now we also have Ruger Rimfire competition and 22s ain't cheap or easy to find. The heavy barrels minimize muzzle rise and speeds transitions.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

What he said. I also use mine for speed shooting and I like the extra weight. Even though the 22 doesn't have much recoil the full lug helps.

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Enough of the opinions and preferences!
I have one customized 617-6 4 inch, 2 617-2 6 inch models, one with the aluminum cylinder.
I'm looking to take one of the 6" guns to a gunsmith and make it a 5" barrel. Gotta believe it will be AWESOME!
What do you think?