calling 617 owners for help with decision

[autopilot118]

So I'm looking to get a 617 and wanted to get some advice to help pick the correct one. I did take some time to look around here as I am new to S&W (currently only own a LCP and a p226 .40) but just had a couple questions that I didn't find the answer to. First what I plan to use it for is mostly target (no competitions though) and maybe some fend off the occasional squirrel. What I'm looking for the pistol to do is be as accurate as possible even up to 50-100 yards (if possible) and I do plan to put a scope on it. I have already decided to find a non locked model, the main reason I want a wheel gun is for the simplicity and that they are more reliable than say a Ruger MarkII. So now for the questions, if only the Philadelphia area had better gun ranges that I could rent and test for my self…

1) Is the 6" barrel that much more accurate than the 4"? I don't mind having the balance a little off if it means much tighter groups at 50+ yards (and I am referring to bench rested, I'll have to deal with my shaky hands myself).

2) Is it possible to get a new non-IL? If not when was the last year they made the non-IL so I know where to start my used gun search.

3) I read on here a couple comments about the 6 shooters being better than the 10 shooters, is that people just being picky? I like the idea of the extra rounds but not if it takes away from accuracy or reliability.

thanks in advanced for the help

 

[Smile]

The 6 incher!

I've owned the 6 incher for years now.
As far as accuracy is concerned, I would not say it is more accurate than the 4 inch tube.
It's just easier to aim with because of the longer radius.
Guess it should not be of a major concern for you since you plan to put a glass on it.
Hope it may help.

 

[lafayne]

I agree with Smile. I have a couple of 4 inchers - one with an Ultradot 30. I also have the 6 inch. The 4 inch and 6 inch are both very accurate. For steady holding in the field, I would probably opt for the 6 inch.

 

[Rolan_Kraps]

Autopilot,

No "new" guns are being made without the Internal lock.

I've not heard or seen anything to say that a 10 shot is less reliable or accurate than a 6 shot.

 

[Stainz]

I like the 4" as a dedicated plinker. I put a green HiViz on the front - great aid to plinking. I had my fill of 100yd plinking with a 'big' Ruger 6.9" MKII with a scope - sold it to help pay for my planned 4" 617 purchase 9/08 - my best expenditure considering the cost/fun ratio. The key is to get a 617 sooner than later. I like wood grips - and the DS-10 Speedloader and x6 loading block can keep your fire rate up - if you get someone else to keep said loading block full!

Oh - and do as you will re the S&W IL. It's inclusion hasn't kept me from buying some nice new revolvers over the last 7.5 yr. The majority of my meager S&W collection is so equipped. Don't you think that S&W would have been in bankruptcy years ago ove lawsuits if the IL really was a problem? Mine are always unlocked - the key is in the box. I don't like it's looks, either, but I didn't like paying for locks - or locking plastic boxes a dull Swiss Army knife could gain entry to in seconds, either. The main thing... get yourself a 617! Below is a 6" S&W sporting a 2x28 Weaver handgun on a Weigand rail:

The revolver is a 6" N-frame - a 629 .44 Magnum - a little bit larger than a 6" 617. The scope, rings, and rail would be the same. Unwieldy on that large revolver, I reverted it back to iron sights in days. I could try it on the 4" 617 - but why? It's a great plinker as-is. YMMV.

Good luck!

Stainz

 

[Wee Hooker]

I own both and use them in a variety of ways so I'll offer a couple of thoughts that havent been covered.

Accuracy between the two using a scope will likely be a wash. If using iron sights then the 6" would have the edge because of sight radius.

The 6" vs 4" is going to give you a bit more velocity at the muzzle and more energy on the target. If your talking about killing critters or knocking over steel @ past 50 yds ( which is not easy), it might be a consider.

The 6" will give you better options to rest, grip or shoot from the creedmore position for longer shots. ( We shoot creedmore (off our backs, with muzzle against leg) at 100 yds for rimfire silhouette all the time.)

IMHO, if your willing to give up a little balance in the name of versatility, then I think the 6" version is the way to go ( and will be easier to find.)

Note; While any of the 617's can be scoped it's nice to know that the 617-1 and beyond came drilled and tapped for a mount from the factory. Makes for a slicker , more stable mount.

hth

p.s. While I believe a 617 is a VERY sweet firearm and a great choice for a .22 handgun, don't under rate the Ruger MK II/III you mention. Very capable, accurate and well built pistols at a very attractive price. I own three and have only had rare "reliability" issues with mine with junk ammo or extreme cold weather ( which I avoid anyway. The new MK III's also come with a scope mount included.

 

[Sub sailor]

I purchased a 6" 617-6 less than a year ago, and I shoot it more than any other gun that I own. Mine is a 10 shot and many people prefer the no-lock versions, but I don't think that you can get the 10 shot without the lock. If you want a non internal lock, you will probably have to get a six shot.

I also purchased a DS-10 speed loader (shown in the photos posted by Stainz) which is wonderful! I haven't handled a 4" version so I can't comment on the differences in balance, but I really like the balance of the 6". The accuracy of the 10 shot is awesome, and I don't think you will be disappointed with whatever version you select. I just wish I had spent the money and purchased a 617 sooner. Don't put off buying one, once you get it you will wonder why you waited so long!

 

[autopilot118]

Thank you all for the quick replies, it really helps out to get such genuine responses. I feel pretty confident about sticking to my original thought of getting the 6" and now may consider just ordering a brand new one and not worrying about the IL (it's not a self defense weapon anyway). I'm still a week or two off from laying down the coin so I will be checking back for any further posts that may offer something not covered yet. Also what year did they start putting the IL on just incase I still decide not to get new, I've always been a "KISS" type person and don't want to have something that may go bad later down the road.

Again you guys are great, thanks for the good information

 

[RidgwayCO]

The no-lock version with the 10-shot stainless steel cylinder is the Model 617-4. They were made with 4", 6", and 8-3/8" barrels.

They come on the market from time to time, but are usually priced at a premium to the IL versions. For a non-SD, light recoiling gun, I don't think the IL really matters. I personally don't like the IL because just looking at it makes my blood pressure go up...

 

[maxxpower]

Don't let the IL get in the way of your decision. I have 5 S&Ws all with the IL and it hasn't affected my shooting or my life in any way. I don't see what the fuss is about.

Enjoy the 617... I love mine.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I would get the 6 inch, that is the way to go.

 

[JoeS]

I had a six inch and currently have a four inch, both six shooters. IMO, the six inch is just too darned heavy to do anything except go to the range with and its unnecessarily heavy for that. Those little .22 holes in the cylinder and barrel just don't hog much metal out.
I would want the 4 inch. Even more than a 617 though i would want a Model 18 or 17, in my mind both are better balanced and easier to manage.

 

[bellevance]

I have the 617-6 10-shot in 6-inch, with the DS speedloader, and I love mine. It complements my 686+ quite nicely--same weight and balance.

I also have a beautiful K-22 5-screw (1947) and a Model 41 A-series. For some reason I shoot the 617 better than either of those--and a lot more often. You'll love the 617.

(I never think about the lock.)

 

[autopilot118]

Just wanted to bump this incase anyone else wanted to comment, and also any opinions on the 8 1/2"? Seem just a bit too long for easy carry when "hunting" but I just handled a 6" 686 the other day and it seemed shorter than I expected. I mainly ask about the 8 1/2" as for more options for aiming and possible better punch at the longer ranges, but I fairly set on the 6" as a compromise for range and trasportablity.

thanks as allways

 

[.460V & XVR Magnum Man]

I started with the 6" 10 round...then got the 4" 10 round 617-6.

I started with the 6" and like the guys were saying, a bit heavy. But after a .460V 5" & XVR 8 3/8" .460 the weight wasn't an issue. It was so fun to shoot, I just had to get the 4 inch to make a "pair". As for accuracy and just an all around good intermission gun from the bigger calibers you can't go wrong. I have the DS-10 speedloader coming also, you will need one. Both are accurate and smooth and I was really impressed with the "big" gun feel without the recoil. So If you can't decide get one and before you know it you will get the other one. Went thru half a brick of Remington and enjoyed every shot. Hope this helps you with your decision, they are really a great shooting little gun in a big gun frame....good luck!

 

[kennyb]

i have the 4" 617,10 shot with IL...has a truglo red dot on it...shoots like a laser!i just had it at the range tuesday...i wouldn't let the lock affect my decision...fun gun!

 

[BrianE]

I shot my 617 4" for the first time Tuesday and I love it... My friend has the 6" but I feel its a little heavy....

 

[Ace-3]

The 4 or 6 inch guns are both very accurate revolvers. Here are several questions that you may want to conceder. If you intend to use this as a practice gun for gun handling drills the 4 inch gun may be more practical. It comes out of the holster a little faster and for basic drills will mimic a larger caliber gun that you may want to carry in the future. The six inch gun will give you more sight radius with iron sights if you plan to put an electric sight on it will not matter. I have both and find I shoot the 4 inch a lot more. As far a six or 10 shots once again I have both and shoot the 10 way more often. The only problem with the 10 shot is that in DA mode you really chug though the ammo. But that's what it's all about, shooting. One more thing it will not be your last 22 revolver so don't sweat it to much. Best.

 

[raincitywheel]

Regarding the 6 round vs 10 round M617's, the 6 rounder feels more like it's larger caliber brothers. The 10 round cylinder doesn't have to rotate very far so it locks up a little sooner in the trigger stroke. I love my 4 inch 10 shot. But, I'd but a 4 inch 6 shot in a minute if I could find one.

Don't sweat the lock. It's a target gun not a defensive gun. If it fails so what? Take the lock out if you want. There are instructions on this forum.

 

[autopilot118]

ok not to drag this thread on forever but I like to be as educated as possible when investing larger sums of coin. I have done a little research on the MIM parts that now strike fear in my future purchace. If I buy new would I beable to replace the few things that are MIM or should I look for a -1 through -4 (not too worried about the thumb release, assuming they use the same parts as the 686).

I'm still semi regreating my sig P226 purchase, now wish I had done more research and got a P229 (yes I am that fussy lol) and I was researching for 2 months before I baught that one...

again thanks for any help