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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 06-13-2018, 06:05 PM
.357 lvr .357 lvr is offline
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Default 617-2 at local pawn shop

Looking for some advice from the forum...

I have located a 617-2 (with the aluminum cylinder) at a local pawn shop with some nice engravings. I was able to take the picture that I included with this thread. My issue with the gun is the side plate; the previous owner's name is engraved there. While I do love the other "scroll" engraving on the barrel and frame, I am not fond of a name on the revolver. There may be some issues finding another side plate which would not match the scrolling engraving. No big deal there...

I have contacted Smith and Wesson customer service. This, like other revolvers I've sent in, could take 3 months or more (for a new side plate), and, cost anywhere from $200-$250. I have offered the pawn shop $400 ($200 off their $600 price point). They are willing to do the deal if the gun sits for another week.

After all fees and taxes, I would be looking (estimated) at a 617 with the aluminum cylinder that could cost me near $700. I would love to add this pre-lock 617 to my collection; I would appreciate opinions (price wise) on value.
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Old 06-13-2018, 06:23 PM
sturtyboy sturtyboy is offline
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Keep in mind that Smith replaced the alloy cylinder with an all stainless steel 10 shot cyl. due to poor sales of the alloy cylinder. That too drops the value I would think.
It's a cool looking version with the scribbling on it.

I wonder how others enjoyed the alloy cylinder.?
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Old 06-13-2018, 06:28 PM
.357 lvr .357 lvr is offline
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Yes sir, that is correct. I've read up on the aluminium cylinder; avoid brass brushes and lightly clean the cylinder holes. I would be happy with the aluminum cylinder as long as it presented no other issues. Thanks for the reply
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Old 06-13-2018, 08:22 PM
jwk jwk is offline
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I'll use it as is if they take 400. No offense to collectors but the engraving won't change how it shoots. I have one kinda like that. 681 that was comped. Built for a cop who was recoil sensitive. His initials are LC. I bought it from the smith who did the work when it was traded in when the department went to glocks. We joke about the LC standing for L Comp rather than the officers name. LC is also a buddy of both the smith and me. I can see you wanting to fix it but then again why?
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Old 06-13-2018, 08:50 PM
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Using the proper sandpaper and sanding techniques you could remove the laser engraving and the previous owner's name quit easily. Have the gun looking just like any other M617-2 when it left the factory. Just stay away from the cylinder. (I'd separated the cylinder from the gun when working on it). All it would take is a $8 investment in a 3M wet/dry sandpaper variety pack from any auto parts store, and maybe 3 to 4 hours of your time.
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:32 PM
.357 lvr .357 lvr is offline
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I'll use it as is if they take 400. No offense to collectors but the engraving won't change how it shoots. I have one kinda like that. 681 that was comped. Built for a cop who was recoil sensitive. His initials are LC. I bought it from the smith who did the work when it was traded in when the department went to glocks. We joke about the LC standing for L Comp rather than the officers name. LC is also a buddy of both the smith and me. I can see you wanting to fix it but then again why?



OCD I guess...
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Old 06-14-2018, 01:10 PM
sturtyboy sturtyboy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden View Post
Using the proper sandpaper and sanding techniques you could remove the laser engraving and the previous owner's name quit easily. Have the gun looking just like any other M617-2 when it left the factory. Just stay away from the cylinder. (I'd separated the cylinder from the gun when working on it). All it would take is a $8 investment in a 3M wet/dry sandpaper variety pack from any auto parts store, and maybe 3 to 4 hours of your time.
The Kernal has a great idea. I've refinished several stainless models that had poor finishes. Several I continued to polish completely to a bright finish. And several I've restored to a very, very, close to original finish. As you might know, SW stainless finishes vary quit a bit... It does take time and you want to be very careful not to round any edges when disassembled, especially on the side plate, where you would be focusing on.
There's a local laser engraver where I live here in Nor CA., that has done engraving for me restoring that original or adding some custom work. Some beautiful work restoring SW factory looking emblems and lettering at a great price.
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Old 06-14-2018, 02:15 PM
.357 lvr .357 lvr is offline
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The Kernal has a great idea. I've refinished several stainless models that had poor finishes. Several I continued to polish completely to a bright finish. And several I've restored to a very, very, close to original finish. As you might know, SW stainless finishes vary quit a bit... It does take time and you want to be very careful not to round any edges when disassembled, especially on the side plate, where you would be focusing on.
There's a local laser engraver where I live here in Nor CA., that has done engraving for me restoring that original or adding some custom work. Some beautiful work restoring SW factory looking emblems and lettering at a great price.
Thanks for the info sir. I might consider asking the engraver if they can replicate the laser engraving if I redo or find a new side plate. Do you by chance know the name of the engraver in your area? Do they have a website?
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Old 06-14-2018, 02:27 PM
nachogrande nachogrande is offline
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Default IMO, PASS.

TOO much $ for a project gun, & I don't trust a gun with a name on it. Who knows what else was done to it? Not a fan of the alloy either. It's a no for me, at that price. 300- 325 $ maybe?
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Old 06-14-2018, 02:45 PM
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I really don't understand the whole laser engraved thing. It's like having a portrait commissioned by an artist that uses an old computer plotter instead of paint. I just don't see any artwork (or beauty) in it.

I'd still probably jump on it for $400, but I'd sand off all the laser engraving. I'm also one that is bothered by the aluminum cylinder, so I'd figure out how to change that out too.
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Old 06-14-2018, 02:51 PM
RGVshooter RGVshooter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by .357 lvr View Post
I have contacted Smith and Wesson customer service. This, like other revolvers I've sent in, could take 3 months or more (for a new side plate), and, cost anywhere from $200-$250. I have offered the pawn shop $400 ($200 off their $600 price point). They are willing to do the deal if the gun sits for another week.

Honestly I think that is a very fair offer. If the pawn store won't wiggle then walk away. If you do end up buying it, I would say go for it & send it to S&W. if any work was done on the inside they will replace those parts at no charge to you & return it to factory spec. I know this because I have sent in revolvers in the past and that is what they have done. I am currently waiting for them to finish rebluing my mod 10 HB.

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Old 06-14-2018, 09:06 PM
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Honestly I think that is a very fair offer. If the pawn store won't wiggle then walk away. If you do end up buying it, I would say go for it & send it to S&W. if any work was done on the inside they will replace those parts at no charge to you & return it to factory spec. I know this because I have sent in revolvers in the past and that is what they have done. I am currently waiting for them to finish rebluing my mod 10 HB.
Thanks for the reply sir. Exactly what was I thinking; did this with a 586 too, and, they replaced several internal pieces. It was a good deal.
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Old 06-15-2018, 02:05 AM
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I'd already have it in my safe. Looks like a great range gun as long as the action is still good and it functions with all the ammo you want. You are not going to find another 617 for $400,
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Old 06-15-2018, 02:47 AM
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Im not 100% sure but is laser engraving shallow in the metal? A simple bead blast might erase all of the engraving. As long as its done correctly. Any thoughts?
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Old 06-15-2018, 01:40 PM
sturtyboy sturtyboy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by .357 lvr View Post
Thanks for the info sir. I might consider asking the engraver if they can replicate the laser engraving if I redo or find a new side plate. Do you by chance know the name of the engraver in your area? Do they have a website?
Sonoma Laser Engraving in Santa Rosa
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Old 06-15-2018, 01:54 PM
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Buy the gun for $400.. then remove the name from side plate.. locate a jeweler with a lazer etching machine, add scrolling to match.
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Old 06-15-2018, 02:28 PM
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Thanks to all for the suggestions. I will buy this 617 if it does sit for another week and I can get it for $400 as agreed by the pawn shop.
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