Last weekend I shot our monthly Stel Challenge Match with my S&W 617 instead of my Ruger Mark IV and actually scored much better.

I've been shooting Revolvers for over 40 years and feel more comfortable with them. Shooting double action just seems better to me than the single action automatics

I keep the trigger moving from target to target and just know I'm going to hit center. During the entire Steel match I only missed one target and had a quick make-up shot.

I may give up on the autos and just shoot tyher 617 for competition from now on, now that I've learned what ammo it likes..

Is that an Apex mass driver hammer?

Yes it is and it works very well.

It's an adjustable sight .22 revolver; it'll eat *almost* anything, because recoil is not needed to cycle, and you can adjust the sights to point of impact. I've yet to find the round that my 617 can't put on target, and I switch between super and sub-sonic rounds regularly.

My 617-nada is by far the most accurate handgun I own. With an optic and a rest, Ive got accuracy out to 50 yards that is comparable to a stock 10/22 or Marlin 60.

Between performance and reliability, I personally find that the 617 is the epitome of .22 handguns. Congratulations on leveling up.

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Ban this man,
'89

Double action skills and the cadence you have developed to keep centered on target is a remarkable thing. Not every revolver shooter gets to that level.
Thanks for posting.
Jim

Actually, Jimbo is right on target (pun intended) VERY few revolver shooters get to that level.

My S&W Model 41 replaced my Ruger Marks for competition many years ago. But now you helped me make up my mind. A 617 is in my future...

I love my 617. I just won a bowling pin match ( we just shoot the pin tops) with it.

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"In God We Trust"

Been looking for one, cant find one , as of yet, but I will...

we have an informal 22 match at my club on Tuesdays and I used to use my Model 17 until the old eyes made me go to a red dot. I currently use a Buckmark with a dot. When I used the 17 I used Aguila Colibri and Super Colibri no recoil and it made a Puff sound

I prefer a revolver for steel challenge as well, but go for even more challenge with a 2” 6 shot J frame.
Rarely need that 6th round and find it more fun than all that high tech stuff people use ( which seems to often give them fits working right)

Let the games begin.
K22 vs MKIV
Referee, CMsgt Gold Cup.
Ready...... Hajime!!!

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Besides there is something extra sweet about kicking butt over the semi auto guys with a revolver.
I was fortunate to do it once in a modified bullseye match with an old K22. I can see the look in their faces when the scores were annunced :-)

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Dave

YUP, I second that. A few years ago, I brought an old police trade-in model 15 Combat Masterpiece (DAO) to a fun steel match at one of my local clubs.

We shot odd shapes and distance steel targets on the walking archery range, in groups of 10. My group had a bunch of 3 gun match folks with their Glocks and SIGs with fancy slides and multi-colored triggers. I came in 1st in my group and 5th overall.

I had one of the young guys ask me.....why don't you pull the hammer back first? I asked them what they all spent on their guns all in, the answers ranged from $600 - $1000. I held up my M15 and said, $259 bucks from J&G Sales !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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DAO Hunter, SWCA #2955

As much as I would love to get a 617 for getting into .22 competition, I can't get past the fact that it costs twice the price as a Ruger MkIV. That's a lot of $$$ that can go into magazines, a red dot, etc.

If you shoot competition regularly, the price of the bullet launcher is soon well exceeded by the price of the ammo expended. Even with .22s. And if it helps your scores or mental attitude, the differential is well worth the extra up front cost.

But if you don't know what you prefer, see if you can borrow various pistols, first. Many match shooters will be more than happy to let you try their various "tools of the trade"- if you show yourself to be reasonably competent....

I started using my 617 for Bullseye last season and it is thoroughly enjoyable. It also helped to add to the heard by buying a S&W 16-4 and S&W 25-2 to complete the revolver set.

Nothing wrong with a revolver...I shot the timed and rapid fire phases DA while working for the NRA Distinguished Revolver badge. Keep the trigger moving while looking at the sights. Revolver is an LAPD M68 in .38.
Bob

Once upon a time I swapped a Browning Challenger II at the Vienna, Ga. ACE Hardware. The owner agreed to order a S&W Model 18 for me ... even money. I had the price of a Ruger Mk. II in the Browning. He was happy. I was thrilled! Now it is 36 years later. I've bought and sold a number of Model 18's. The one I now own was bought in 2000 from an acquaintance who let me know he was not going to survive cancer. Could not afford his Springfield sporting rifle. But, I almost broke my arm getting my checkbook out to pay his asking price for the Model 18. Have used it more than any other revolver or pistol I've ever owned. Once I was allowed to use it in a pistol match when I had no centerfire revolver w/ less than a six inch barrel. Came in second place. Beat all the civilians and all the officers except one man on the tactical squad. Would not ever want to be without that revolver. One day it will be joined by a 617 simply b/c I'll have to be able to do some sort of red dot/optic. Sincerely. bruce.

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I am shooting Steel Challenge also. I did swap in my 4" 6 shooter for a 6" 10 shooter. I was doing ok with 6 shots, however trying to speed up I feel a little more secure with a little more ammo on tap.
I am reloading with a Speed Beez Loader and Loading Block.

I have not started shooting it yet, but I also added a 627-5 PC ( 8 Shooter) to my stable. I have moon clips for it, but I decided to also go with a Speed Beez Loader and Loading Block for it. That will keep me from sorting cases for the moon clips.

I have a Ruger MK IV also. I may shoot it some.

The semi auto's seem to all take spells of malfunctioning due to clips, ammo, etc. The 617 always completes a stage with the ammo in the cylinder.

Bob R

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ICORE MO2908

Truth is the OP shoots his 617 better than he does his Ruger Auto . Probably because grip angle on the Rugers not to mention the triggers . Keep the trigger moving while keeping sights aligned is why many like a roll trigger on an auto . FWIW I don't shoot the Rugers as well as others . Best 50yd clean target I ever shot was with a M41 that Alex Hamilton relined for me & with Agulia SV at that 100-9X . But that was only once in the 10yrs I had the gun . I never liked the trigger & it showed . Started with a H-S 107 Citation which I still have . It fits my hand , has great sights & is very accurate . I've been shooting a Marvel Conversion for last 12yrs . I have it set up the same as my 45 wadgun same trigger , grip , sights etc. My 22 scores suffered at first with a 3 1/2lb trigger but within 90 days I was shooting personal bests dang near every match . Where it really helped though was it improved my 45 scores . My point is so many things about a handgun are subjective . One size don't fit all here . Get something that fits your hand , has a good trigger & good sights . Put the time in to learn your gun & ammo . Competition is 90% mental , allow something to get in your head will mess with your scores .

AZ, I'm with you on the 617 for speed sports, I've also been shooting DA for over 40 years. In the early days (30 years ago) I used to be able to shoot good with my Ruger MKII and Browning Buckmark and then was able to switch back and forth from revolver to auto and still do good with both. I always liked shooting the revolver better and now that I'm older if use the auto I really suck and when I get dialed in with the auto it really screws up my revolver timing, so I just leave the autos home. I guess I'm not as versatile as I once was.

Old video:


My best time with the Buckmark was 1.96 and the 617 was 1.98.

I shot a 617 and a made from parts 16 32 long, 6 inch barrel on the 617 and a 13 in on the 32. Shot them in Bullseye for 8 years. Guys had the 32 and 22 auto's, I didn't beat them but I loved nipping at their heels.

Thats Fast! Really Fast. Great shooting!
Jim

Very nice shooting Jimbo.

Thanks but DS10speed did that shooting.
Jim