I have a question. I have been thinking that I would like to pick up an old 6 shot K frame .22. I would like the double action trigger to feel very similar to my M66. This is why I am thinking I would like the old 6 shot model. Then I got to thinking, maybe the new 10 shot models feel just the same, and have 4 more rounds in the cylinder. I would think this would not be the case, since the cylinder is not rotating as far. I don't think I have ever played with either pistol. How do those 10 shot revolvers feel? Would shooting it be good training for shooting my bigger revolvers, or should I get an old timey six shot?

The variation from revolver to revolver with factory actions is more than the difference from the ten to six shot .22s.

I prefer the 10 shot models with a speed loader and a tray of 280 rounds ready to go.

The trigger action will be similar on the six shot and ten shot versions. My suggestion is to get both if you can afford it.

Model 18-3
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Model 617-6
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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

The double action trigger pull of a .22 rim fire will be noticeably heavier than your model 66. It takes a heavier spring to consistently ignite the rim fire cartridge. Regardless, S&W .22 rim fire revolvers, old and new, are a joy to shoot.

The difference in trigger pull between a 10 shot and a 6 shot .22 rim fire will be negligible or nill.

re: " Would shooting it be good training for shooting my bigger revolvers, or should I get an old timey six shot?"
In my opinion the more challenging trigger pull of the rim fire revolvers, either 6 or 10 shot, helps train you to maintain better trigger control and makes it seem easier to maintain good trigger control with the center fire S&W revolvers.

Definition of trigger control at militarytraining.net:
Trigger control is the ability to move the trigger to the rear to allow the hammer to fall without disturbing sight alignment or sight picture. Definition: Trigger control is the manipulation of the trigger, allowing the shot to break without disturbing sight alignment.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

I have an older 6 shot blued M17. This is a full lug model around the Bangor Punta era. Awesome and accurate firearm. Bluing is very good; as well as, the action. I really didn't shoot it much, migrating to semi-autos. On a whim, picked up a ten round 617 simply because it matched the round count of the majority of my semis. Glad I did. It's a very accurate firearm and the action is a smith (didn't take much to smooth it up). The only obvious difference I notice between the 6 vs. 10 is lock up time, which is understandable.

Agree.

Getting a 22LR revolver to cheaply preactice is a good idea. Any practice in DA helps you.

Thanks for the information. I will have to rent on the next time I go to my local range.

Since acquiring my 17-6, my six shot 17s and 18s haven't been out of the safe.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I am the proud owner of a 4" M617 and other classic S&W rimfire L/R models, 18,34,63 and the trigger action on the older and the M617 are both amazing. The M617 can't surely be expected to stand quite as tall as the older seasoned models but it still has a very appealing S/D action, take break in into account on the M617. On the plus side also the M617 cylinder is more accommodating to today's ammo and you won't experience the binding of ammo in the cylinder as you commonly do with the older models, sometimes requiring the cylinder to be reamed out. Not a big deal but it does happen and will vary from model to model and ammo types. I also agree with the idea of owning at least 1 of each if affordable.

I had a sample of near every dash number model 17,18 and 617 made back in my serious collecting days. While I still do cherish a few old blued S&W .22 revolvers, the one that is my go to for play is a 4" 617 10 shot . They point naturally, have great balance and the actions slick up nicely. Being stainless, I don't worry about finish wear either.

PS as an aside I find the DS-10 speed loaders work significantly better that the HKS-22 6 shot J/K models.

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Dave

Today at the range I rented a 617 4" 10 shot. I shot good with it. While shooting it, I realized that most of the "feel" on a double action trigger is the cocking of the hammer, and the spring. The rotation of the cylinder does not play into it that much. In my mind, I thought it would be more significant. I did not like the full lug barrel. Unneeded weight if I wanted to pack it small game hunting.

I had a Model 18 and loved the trigger pull. Excellent weapon but I sold it and bought this Model 617. I like the 10 shot capacity better than the 6. I use it for Steel Challenge matches and with speed loaders it's a pleasure to shoot.

Mine is highly modified. I have a smooth 7 lb double action trigger pull but it took a lot of work to get it there.

The Model 18 had a super smooth double action pull from the factory. Those old Smiths are hard to not like.

Can't address the 18 & 17 v 617 question, but regarding using the 617 as training for your larger caliber revolvers, I highly recommend it.

I have 617s with 4" & 6" barrels. After a few months of practice with them, they took my 686 shooting up to the next level. Additionally, I found it much easier to train on other drills such as shooting one handed & shooting while on the move to be a lot more beneficial as I can concentrate on technique without the recoil.

Get either or both. If it's a Smith revolver, you can't go wrong.

You can’t go wrong with an of the K frame 22s. I can’t imagine parting with my 6 shot 17-6s. Unless I stumbled upon a 10 shot for a crazy low price, I am not looking. However, a prelock/MIM 648 is another story.

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God created the Earth in SIX days and rested.

Sam Colt created the SIX shot Forty-Five and rested..

Since then Neither God NOR Sam have rested...

After shooting the 4" 617 at the range the other day, I am starting to think I need one. I don't like the full lug barrel. It add unnecessary weight to the gun. Does anyone know of a gunsmithing service that could machine it down to make it lighter?

This is one of the reason I went with a Model 18. I shot a friend's 617 and also thought the underlug made the gun front heavy.

Never understood the need or even the want for more than a six shot .22.

As an understudy to a centerfire .38 or .357 I'd match the # of rounds in your centerfire..... so you are practicing ; fire 6..... dump ...... reload ......

Forgive me if this question is inappropriate for the S&W forum: What about the Ruger SP101 in .22 LR? It does not have the silly over-weight underlug barrel. What do folks think of them?

If the full underlug barrel bothers you look for a Model 18

I do like the 6 shot better as a trainer for my K38 and KT357 but with the 10 shot version you dont have to open and close the cylinder as much to fire say 600 rds (100 x on the 6 shot vs 60 x on the ten shot).

I've actually owned two of the newer model sp101s in 22. Only because the action was so heavy on the first one that I figured it must be a fluke. It wasn't . Both suffered from mediocre triggers that stacked significantly even after significant tuning & spring changes. I never got either to shoot nearly as well as my 17/617s so off they went. Too bad, I wanted to love those guns for their size and features.
Based on my experience , I'd suggest you spend the extra $ and get the S&W K frame.

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Dave

If you shoot DA go for the 6 shot.If like most,me included you shoot SA,you can go to the 10 shots.
These S&W 22s are so good that,I'm tempted to say go for the best price that you'll find.

The 617 makes a great understudy for the 681/686. For steel challenge I never REALLY needed more than 6 shots. If I did, you lost the round anyway. For bowling pin the 10 might come in more handy, but again, if you needed them ALL, you lost. I like the 10 shot with an Ansac (or other type) speed loader. I haven't sold the Ruger MKll target bottom feeder yet though.

I bought one, and sold it very quickly. The first time out had to send it back to Ruger. They fixed it and sent it back. Sold it, the trigger was horrible. Found a pre mod.18. Best find in long time, love that gun.

At last month's Steel Challenge match I actually shot my 617 instead of my Mark IV. It was so much more fun. My times were even better, making my shots count.

I no longer go one for one on the hits but I'm getting closer. Nothing beats a good tuned double action trigger pull.

I have come to the conclusion that the .22 pistol I want is not made. I am thinking about picking up a model 18, and slapping a 10 shot 617 cylinder in it. It is my understanding that I would only have to swap out the cylinder, and the hand to do this conversion. Since it is not a permanent modification, I am not worried about ruining the collector value. Does anyone have any experience doing this conversion?

The only downside to the 617 is more chambers to clean.

I have a couple 17s & 18s and 617-10shot. As far as accuracy they may
be the same but the 617 4" feels like a brick compared to even 17 6".
It may be a better trainer than 18 or 17.

Sir,
My personal opinion is that you cannot go wrong with an older S&W revolver that has six chambers in the cylinder. Then again, I'm an older guy who really favors the older models and I also favor any kind of an S&W revolver in .22 caliber. You just can't beat 'em!!

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So long ... Ken

Get your self a speed loader and have a blast.

A .22 tornado brush will clean the cylinders with one pass.

Get one each of the following scraper tools to remove the lead splatter.
Scrape n' Scrub™ cleaning tool | Welcome to Gunsmither™ Tools | Myself

I greatly prefer the Dawson Precision Fiber Optic front sight vs the factory sight for most shooting.

Lastly, I upgrade the current factory grips to Hogue rubber finger grooves...they are cheap online.

The speed loader and loading trays I have are made by Ansac and have been flawless.

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So, on Saturday, I wound up with a model 18-3. She has had one owner who bought her new. I can tell by the lack of a ring on the cylinder that she has not had many rounds through her. Well, between sunday and today I put 550 rounds through her already. I am loving this gun.

Great! I love my 18-2. I see there are some different grips on it. I put some Altamont "Cokes" on mne.

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