I've been looking for model 63 or 34 I can afford for a while without much luck.

This model 617 popped and has me curious. These being full underlug guns are they comparable in weight the an L Frame? What is the consensus on these (good shooters, etc.)? I know this has a mim thumbpiece. Would the hammer and trigger be mim on this model from this timeframe?

I should I expect to pay for one like this?

Thanks in advance.

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They are built o n the "K" frame. Same grip as an L but the frame is slightly smaller. I like mine a lot and shoot it often.

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Foster Positivity.

MIM didn’t start until 1998 with the 617-3 and 617-4.

I had one just like it. It is actually a full lug k frame but balances like a 3” L frame or 4” 19/66, or so I think. I can’t remember what mag parts were but I don’t worry about mim on range Guns anyway. As far as reliability, just keep it clean.

I had to look up MIM to make sure it didn't mean Made in Mexico. I'm just joking, I knew it didn't mean that, but you guys use a lot of abbreviations that I don't recognize!

I can't speak to your exact model, but my almost-new 617-6 is a delight to shoot. The 6" bbl made it feel a little muzzle-heavy at first, but replacing the original round-butt grips with a set of Hogue square-butt adapters made a big difference in the way it feels. I guess it didn't actually affect weight much, but it no longer feels like the muzzle is always dipping down. I like the overall weight. Looks good, too!

Nice gun, I suspect you'll like it a lot if you get it. Early -1s had square butts and combat stocks, went to round butts about 1996 while S&W was still making the -1. I paid $900 for this one last year, perhaps without combat stocks a little less but I wouldn't expect to find one where I shop for less than $750. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

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You will like the 617 a lot. Yes it feels like an L-Frame do to the underlug. It's a bit heavier since the cylinder is larger isn't cut as much as a .38 and I can feel the difference.

Action is great. SA should be about 3.5 lbs. and DA will be around 10 on a good gun. A gunsmith can get it down to about 8 but it becomes ammo sensitive at that point.

They are very accurate and reliable. I like my 617 for Steel Challenge more than my autos. I do have to 10 shot though.

If you scroll through this Forum, from the first “modern” revolvers to the current ones, you will find many, many threads praising the K Frame 22s, both Model 17 (blue) and Model 617 (stainless.) With the exception of sticky chambers on some (an easily repaired issue) there is almost never any kind of complaint The only questions would be finish, barrel weight and length, and similar concerns, but if you like a heavy barreled range and target gun in stainless so it can also go to the field without fear of rust, then that Model 617 sounds like a winner from here.

Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself, but most of us on this forum will probably be enablers and say “Go for it.”

Froggie

PS Prices are all over the place on all guns now, but realistically I would hope to stay in the $700-850 range, lower if possible for a used specimen with non-original grips, but in these crazy times...

I have the blue 17-6 in 4 and 6 inch versions and the 6” 648 .22 magnum. I thoroughly enjoy shooting all of them. If you can find a 17-6, 617 or 648 for less than $900, jump on it.

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213th FBINA

Thank you for all the feedback. Based on the serial number, this copy was shipped in 1997. I assume the mim thumbpiece is correct. Can anyone tell me if the hogue grips would be original for this revolver?

Yes, the Hogue rubber Monogrip with the S & W logo was the factory original part.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I can't really advise on current pricing for these, but I picked one up in 2009 for $625 and it's the best investment I ever made in a revolver. It's constantly in my range bag and I shoot it just about every time I head to the range.

Lou

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NRA Certified Instructor & RSO

Picked up a 1998 617-1 earlier this year and it turned out to be one of the funnest to shoot guns I've ever owned. Accuracy is pretty good although I needed a red dot to be able shoot at longer distances.

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I've heard the 617-1 in 4" is more rare and sought after. The book says the 4" barrel is worth a premium. I bought one a few years ago for $850 and thought it was a good deal.

The 6” model 686 (6 shot) is 44.8 ounces, and the 6” model 617 (10 shot) is 44.1 ounce....So they balance the same-I have both models and they both shoot very well but, they are nose heavy imo, I would seek a 4” as they are every bit as accurate and balance better and less of an anchor in a belt holster on the trail unless a guy opts for a chest or shoulder holster...