S&W 617 advice
- Thread starter jburns
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Well, if the 6 shot did not have the lock I would recommend that one. The ten shot model is nice for shooting Steel Challenge matches, but looks odd because of the ten holes in the cylinder. The wood grips will probably not feel the best after you're used to the gun, and you will be looking to upgrade. In my opinion, the older no-lock models look and function better. For hunting squirrel, the ten shot model is handy and the 6 inch barrel helps accuracy.
HAWKEYE10
Member
I like the older guns just because that is what I like.I think you should do some research and find more
prices on older 617's. They may be asking too much.
You could also look at a model 17 or 18. Don
1066
US Veteran
I have one of each, the 6 shooter sits in the safe, the 10 shot gets shot a lot.
Usually, you shoot a 22 a lot. They are fun and cheap (relatively) to shoot. Reloading the 6 shooter gets old; even the 10 shot gets old but not as fast. So I would recommend the 10 shot if your going to target shoot a lot.
For hunting, I don't think it makes a difference. You probably won't be shooting it enough.
As for the lock, in a personal defense gun it would be a consideration, but for me personally, price and other factors are more important in a target gun.
I also like the rubber grips on my 10 shot better then the wood grips on my six shooter, but the best feeling grip is pretty subjective.
Good luck, I think you would be happy with both.
Usually, you shoot a 22 a lot. They are fun and cheap (relatively) to shoot. Reloading the 6 shooter gets old; even the 10 shot gets old but not as fast. So I would recommend the 10 shot if your going to target shoot a lot.
For hunting, I don't think it makes a difference. You probably won't be shooting it enough.
As for the lock, in a personal defense gun it would be a consideration, but for me personally, price and other factors are more important in a target gun.
I also like the rubber grips on my 10 shot better then the wood grips on my six shooter, but the best feeling grip is pretty subjective.
Good luck, I think you would be happy with both.
If your intent is recreational shooting, e.g., plinking, I'd go with the 10-round --- if collector value, nostalgia, or some other factor is a consideration, that's another matter... Hard to have more fun than with a 617 "ten-shooter".
stevieboy
Member
I own a 617-1 4" gun, a six shooter. I love it and have no interest in acquiring a 10-shot gun. The gun that I own replicates almost perfectly the feel of larger caliber 6-shot revolvers. That makes it the perfect training tool and that's almost entirely what I use it for. I find it to be especially useful in helping iron out the little flinches and cringes that tend to emerge when firing larger caliber revolvers. It doesn't hurt that it's an incredibly accurate gun.
Wee Hooker
Member
Search 617 and you'll see this topic comes up almost weekly. It's hard to go wrong with either. Myself, I like the DA pull, lack of lock and square butt of the older 6 shot guns ( but do own both.).
Dyerbill
Member
I have a 617 ten rounder and I love it!
I like the pre lock 617's because they retain the classic lines of the K frames. That said I've used a 617-1 six shot and a 617-6(lock gun) ten shot extensively and both are exceptionally accurate. I'd buy the older gun if it's pre lock. You could expect to see anywhere from $500 on the low end to $700 on the high end for a used pre lock in my part of the world.
wxl
Member
Would not trade my 617 10-shot (no lock) for the 6-shot (no lock)
cowboy117
Member
I have a 617 with lock,10 shot-10 shot makes for a great shooter.20,000 rounds thru it at a minimum.Very accurate,round butt.What's not to like?
Lobo_79
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Here's a 617 6" 10-round model that I've upgraded with a Nikon VDS Red Dot sight. In my humble view of the world I'd recommend the new gun rather than buying used. From my "to each his own" folder I have to say I personally don't care that this gun has a lock on it. The popular lock issue is largely a manufactured argument. So I don't categorically reject new guns because of they have integrated locks.
The 10-round unit is nice. I actually use this gun as a trainer for my PC M627. The 617's double action trigger pull is good and it helps me prepare for when I shoot my 627 double action.
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10 shot here...love it
Stainz
Member
Given the choice of new or used for the same price, I'd go new every time. Why buy 'someone else's problems' when you can have something protected by a lifetime warranty? Factor in the ten shot cylinder, and it's really a no brainer. As to internal lockwork, it's essentially the same. The MIM parts may look different from CCH parts, but they have proven to be far more uniform and precise and just as strong, while the frame mounted firing pin is also an improvement. The IL is a non-issue to me - most of my S&W revolvers have them - and I've had zero problems with them. My EDC CCW, a 642-2, even has one - so I am betting my life on one. Simply not a problem.
Yesterday at the range, I shot only my new 4" 617 X10 and 5" 63, my longtime favorite 625MG in .45 Colt came home 'clean'. I saw a range friend who told me he had just taken my advice - and bought a new 617 - and loved it. Shooting mine had sold him. To be blunt, we are both 'over the hill' - and made the move to a 617 a bit late - but made it nonetheless. It's a great purchase - I just prefer new - especially at or nearly the same price. Congratulations - either way!
Stainz
Yesterday at the range, I shot only my new 4" 617 X10 and 5" 63, my longtime favorite 625MG in .45 Colt came home 'clean'. I saw a range friend who told me he had just taken my advice - and bought a new 617 - and loved it. Shooting mine had sold him. To be blunt, we are both 'over the hill' - and made the move to a 617 a bit late - but made it nonetheless. It's a great purchase - I just prefer new - especially at or nearly the same price. Congratulations - either way!
Stainz
raveneap
US Veteran
I bought a new 617-6 10 shot 4" bbl a couple months ago. Put on some Hogue cocobolo grips. Think this is one that is here to stay.
