hi forum,i have a nib 617 no dash 6 shot 6 inch barrel,and a nib 17-4 6 inch,want to sell one, which you keep and why?

Both are nice revolvers. I have a 17-5 4" full lug bbl but I would prefer the stainless. I had a 17 6" with the full lug barrel and it was muzzle heavy to me. I guess it depends on which one you prefer.

I vote blue. My 17-4 is a keeper.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Easy answer. I would keep the 17-4. It's blue and not the full lug barrel. Also depending on the date of manufacture it may be a pinned barrel. I just think the 17-4 is a more classic look whereas the 617 has a more utility look and feel. I believe the 17-4 would be the better investment of the two, although I don't collect guns for investment purposes.

If I were the owner, I would be keeping the 617. I say that because I would be shooting it, and I prefer stainless steel and full lug barrel.

I'd sell both those junkers and buy a nice Heritage Arms Actually I'd probably keep the 617. The stainless would fit more into the woods/plinking role I'd probably use it for.

The Model 17 had a very long run in all of its revisions where the six shot pre lock 617 did not.

If you need more dough the 617 should bring more at auction than the 17-4.
There has been a guy advertising a 6" Model 17-5 on a local forum for $950 every week for about 3 years now with no interest where a 617 ND may sell fairly quickly near that IMO.

So is mine.....and when downsizing myself,the 617 was sold,even though it was perfectly nice.

K-22 comparison eye candy

This may not be relevant as I realize the 4" 617 no dash currently seems to bring a premium but one just sold on GB this evening for over $1200. It had no box or accessories and had been modified with a gold bead front sight plus the wooden combats had been replaced with some aftermarket rubber hogues.

This is a question with no answer (at least the way you posed it.) The one to keep is the one YOU like best by whatever metric you use to decide it. As you see from the conflicting answers you have already gotten, it is a personal decision at best.

Oh yeah, if I were making the decision for me, I would probably keep the stainless 617 because I would be shooting and carrying it... but then again, I already have a 1948 vintage K-22 and it's not going anywhere, but that's a story for another thread.

Froggie

thanks for all the responses.take care.

If you knock around outdoors you need the 617, if you like range time with a truly great classic you need the 17. If you enjoy both activities you might consider selling a kidney, and keeping both. JMHO/YMMV

I prefer blue. Mine is a 17-3. I don't like the full lug, it is heavy enough without it.

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Common sense isn't so common.

I do not like either stainless or the full lug. I would keep the blued. In my decades of shooting and carrying including some pretty adverse environments I never saw stainless as an advantage if even minimal care is provided to a blue gun. I must say I even like blue with wear on it!
I would buy a blued no lug ten shot 17 but I do not believe such an animal exists.

The blued versions are in my opinion the best looking.

I'd keep the one that feels best in your hand and that you shoot the most accurately.

Your call based upon what you like the best.
If it were me, I would try to keep both. I was faced with a similar problem, and both are growing roots in the safe (two pre mod 17's came up at the same time and place. Thought I would sell one to pay for the other, but that hasn't happened.) If it was my decision I would be keeping the blue one as it suits my tastes better, but that's me, not you, and our differing tastes is what makes life most interesting.
Let us know what you decide.....

I also have a unfired since leaving the factory 617 4" 10 shot, and a 17-6 Nickel 6" full lug. Have been debating for some time which to get rid of, since I have been liquidating. I am leaning toward selling the 17 since stainless steel has always been my preference.

Been there- Done that. Eventually, your going to regret whatever decision you make, either way.

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Dave