I recently had to return my 317 snubby (No Lock) due to a cracked frame. S&W was very responsive and has offered to replace it with one of the following options. 317 3" with lock, 63 3" with lock, 43C no lock. Or a 617 4" or 6" (both with lock), for a small up charge.

I applaud Smith for making it right, I just want to make the right choice. Which would you choose?

Thanks in advance for your feedback and suggestions.

Is that an upcharge on the 617's only? How much?

I'd be going to SS, whatever your choice is IDK..

Just on the 617. Only $55 up charge.

Howdy boss,

Tough decision but we have been reading a lot lately of cracked frames with aluminum. It even has me worried cause I just bought a new 642. I think what I'm going to do to play it safe is just shoot enough out of it to remember what it feels like at the range and where the rounds are going and I'm going to pick me up a solid mental one like the 640.
Good luck in what ever you decide and maybe perhaps lower the 'hot loads' shot, I will never, ever shoot anything +P out of my 642 even though it's rated for it. No need to anyway, plenty of good standard defensive loads out there.

Again good luck with your decision.

I would go 63 3" if you want to stay with a J Frame. I bought one for a good friend of mine and it is sweet. That being said, my 4" 617 is one of my favorites. I shoot it a ton.

__________________
SWCA #2922

For $55. more I'd go for the 617. They are tack drivers.

Attached Images

DSC_0223.jpg (145.8 KB, 207 views)

I would take the 617 4" for $55. And then find a suitable J frame for carry.

__________________
Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

If you want to carry it, I would really like to have the 63 3". That is an ideal gun for me.

If you just want to shoot at the range the 617 would be great.

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Thanks all, I like the 617 4" but don't care for the lock. Shouldn't cause any issues if I am just using it for target shooting and plinking. I have 617 in 6" already (no lock) and really enjoy that as well, although it is a tad muzzle heavy. 4" should be just right.

I would take the 617-4" for $55. Lock does not bother me for a range gun. But I would never use a lock gun for personal/home defense. That job goes to my Ruger revolvers.

Take the 617!!!!

__________________
Joshua 1:9
82nd Airborne

I did! Placed the order today. Backordered, but they said they would expedite it ASAP. My hats off to S&W, they did right by me.

I can't answer for anyone else but what I'd do is to accept the most salable, popular and most expensive one, sell it NIB without shooting it, then buy an older pre I/L version of exactly what I wanted. But that's just me.

That sounds like a logical plan. The problem is it would take me weeks, months, possibly years to find what I would like. My preferred choice would be a 617-4, 4". Anybody have one for sale or trade for a NIB model I am about to receive? Never hurts to ask, someone may prefer the IL......