Competition against the 617 at last…

[Maximumbob54]

And I don’t mean using the 617 in shooting competitions… No, I mean every time I see a brand new 617 or even a brand new 63 I am blown away by the price tag. She wanted a cheap .22 LR revolver so when we looked at S&W’s offerings we walked right by them. I know they cost just as much to make as a center fire gun and I have heard all the other arguments so this may boil down to current S&W pricing period. But now that Ruger is making a serious effort at a successful come back with the SP101 in .22LR I feel like there will be a high quality .22 revolver that I might be able to afford. 617’s where I am are regularly hovering around a near $800 price tag. The MSRP on the Ruger is over $600 but like most of their on the shelf pricing I expect it to be at least a hundred under that amount. I love my S&W’s and they just recently did very right by me but I still insist they are driving myself and I can only assume others away with those price tags. And the worst of it is that I have picked up some brand new 617’s that looked pretty rough. With the S&W you are supposed to be paying for that extra level of fit and finish in your gun. With Ruger you are saving that money since they don’t go that extra mile in polishing down every little bit. I really didn’t mean to make this such a S&W vs. Ruger thing. I just really hope that finally with some serious competition they might either pick up the quality on the 617’s or at least maybe do a price drop or attractive rebate program like they did with the Airweights a year ago.

 

[steamloco76]

The Guns & Ammo article that detailed the return of the SP-101 as an 8 shot, adjustable sight model was apparently released in error. Over on the Ruger forums there has been much discussion about this subject. Ruger has stated they are "Not currently producing a .22 caliber SP-101 and that none is slated for production at this time." Now, we all know they said the same thing about the rumored Ruger 1911, which did turn out to be a reality, so we can hope Ruger is just sandbagging again.

I agree with the OP -the pickings for a high quality new .22 DA revolver are slim. Spend $$$$ for a Smith 617, "Classic Model 17 or 18" or used S&W or gamble on a Taurus for $$$. Ruger should make the SP-101 in .22 and .22 Mag. I'd buy one for my shooting collection.

 

[Maximumbob54]

If this link directs to the right FB page then you will see the article shouldn’t have been in print so soon. They are supposed to be ready for shipping August 1st.

Just to clear things up.... | Facebook

 

[TSQUARED]

It seems that a lot of people are reminiscing about prices in the oast without considering the wages at the same time. They also want to purchase manufactured items on the cheap while expecting to earn high wages - a natuional dilema. If you want jobs in the USA then you have tompay prices comensurate with the wages earned in the USA. The other option is to purchase items from low cost producers abroad untilthe last person in USA manufacturuing turns the lights out.

 

[Engine49guy]

Just wanted to mention that Model 617's were tagged at $650 a month ago at our local gunshow so a lot of that $800 might be markup.
Also Clean used model 17 and 18's sell routinely near $500.
If your a true Smith fan you will probably regret buying something less than the real Mccoy.

 

[Maximumbob54]

It seems that a lot of people are reminiscing about prices in the oast without considering the wages at the same time. They also want to purchase manufactured items on the cheap while expecting to earn high wages - a natuional dilema. If you want jobs in the USA then you have tompay prices comensurate with the wages earned in the USA. The other option is to purchase items from low cost producers abroad untilthe last person in USA manufacturuing turns the lights out.

Unless you are trying to tell me Ruger pays slave labor wages or will be having theirs made in Mexico instead of Arizona then I just don't quite see where you are going with this...

And my dilema is all the cost cutting measures that S&W has done while still being the top price tag in the LGS...

 

[Maximumbob54]

Just wanted to mention that Model 617's were tagged at $650 a month ago at our local gunshow so a lot of that $800 might be markup.
Also Clean used model 17 and 18's sell routinely near $500.
If your a true Smith fan you will probably regret buying something less than the real Mccoy.

I have either been committed to something else at the time or just been without funds and had to pass up a couple of good deals on used 17's and 617's recently. So I admit fault in that. But I have yet to see a sub $700 brand new 617 here in North Florda yet. One that I picked up had a visible cant to the barrel, rough machining on the star, and the cylinder was really wobbly. I will still feel like a S&W fan while I still complain about seeing guns in this condition NIB on the shelf. But I won't say I regret any of my Rugers yet. I do prefer a fine S&W still, but a "fine" S&W is getting to be really hit or miss these last few years. The top shlef price for what we keep seeing is just getting under my skin. I just started looking for a good deal on a 442 and the two I have looked at I handed right back due to quality control reasons. Add to that I am getting a little angry about all the cracked aluminum frames I keep seeing since I had my own episode. I don't know if someone upstairs is just getting bloated on profit and has slacked out on Q/A, but I still feel like I'm a true believer... Even if I'm starting to feel like these are dark days...

 

[Mack]

You should not compare the SP101 to the 617 but to the J frame kit gun. Ruger will have a winner with this one.

 

[410bore]

You should not compare the SP101 to the 617 but to the J frame kit gun. Ruger will have a winner with this one.

i agree. it is a nice looking gun! wouldnt mind owning one

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

The Guns & Ammo article that detailed the return of the SP-101 as an 8 shot, adjustable sight model was apparently released in error. Over on the Ruger forums there has been much discussion about this subject. Ruger has stated they are "Not currently producing a .22 caliber SP-101 and that none is slated for production at this time." Now, we all know they said the same thing about the rumored Ruger 1911, which did turn out to be a reality, so we can hope Ruger is just sandbagging again.

I agree with the OP -the pickings for a high quality new .22 DA revolver are slim. Spend $$$$ for a Smith 617, "Classic Model 17 or 18" or used S&W or gamble on a Taurus for $$$. Ruger should make the SP-101 in .22 and .22 Mag. I'd buy one for my shooting collection.

Then I wonder who built the one the guy is playing with???????

 

[Maximumbob54]

Then I wonder who built the one the guy is playing with???????

If that is the prototype then the production gun had better be exact same offering.

 

[Stainz]

My 3" 63 was $631 last Thanksgiving... and the price is a little less now ($609 on G-B). I'll bet that .22 SP-101, when it finally hits the marketplace - will be <$100 less. As to quality - Rugers, from my experience (BBH, BH, RH, SBH, SP-101, SRH, SSM, & Vaquero), are delivered as 'works in progress' - and need cleanup to function. My new 4" .32 H&RM SP-101 was the worst QC firearm I have ever bought. After lots of TLC, I shot it for some time. It - and it's caliber sibling, a 4.6" SS BHG SSM - had chambers barely within specs (.337+"), resulting in short brass life (1-3 reloads). The cheesy windage-only adjustable rear sight on the .22/.32 SP-101's was laughable. At least this new offering has an inset fully ajustable BH-style rear sight.

No, I won't get in line for the new Ruger... I've found my DA .22's. I bought the 617 with my KMK-678GC (MKII) sale income - and never looked back. I have fewer firearms now - but I have what I want - S&W revolvers.

Stainz

 

[carl3989]

You should not compare the SP101 to the 617 but to the J frame kit gun. Ruger will have a winner with this one.

The grips are rather nice looking on that new Ruger. Rubber with wood inserts?

 

[sbcman]

Can't quite go with the OP on this one. Even if the sp101 was $250 lower than a 617, I wouldn't bite. In the long term scheme of things, $250 is a small price to pay to get what you really want.

I've owned (note the tense) 3 sp101s. I own (note the tense) every Smith I've ever purchased. I am currently looking for a 617 and will buy the first one I can put hands on. Just don't see them much around my parts.

It's kind of like buying a 22 rifle for under $200 or getting a 39a for between $300-$500. There's really no comparison and most of us that went the 39a route haven't looked back. I suspect this is how I will be when I land a 617.

 

[civil1977]

Who says you have to buy new? I picked up both of these 617-4s used a couple of years ago and paid much less than if I would have bought them new. There are deals out there, you just need to keep looking.

 

[stantheman86]

I was thinking the same thing........if Ruger isn't making the .22 SP101, who made the one pictured in the magazine article?

 

[GLL]

Perhaps the best $500 I ever spent on a used revolver !

Jerry

 

[hd28cw]

I picked up a 617 with a 6" barrel from gun shop about a year ago...if I recall it ran me $619.00 w/free shipping, $600 is pricey in my book but better than $800

 

[Engine49guy]

I believe it was Florida Gun exchange that had them for $650 but it may have included the $50 rebate.
their website isnt very user friendly so couldnt check.

I just checked Buds and they have it listed NIB for $670 (when paying cash or debit )
That includes free shipping (S&W recently had a $50 handgun coupon thats worth investigating).
Consumer Rebate Inquiry Line 1-866-963-7933 To Check Status, log onto: www.rebateinquiryonline.com

A quick search found this current $50 off promotion for active , retired or disabled Military or reservists which maybe applies?

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/promos/Nations_Finest_Posters_Dec11.pdf

Your local FFL shouldnt charge you more than $30 to do a transfer and if you pay Buds directly with your debit card you dont pay any Tax.

includes the peace of mind of the LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Smith & Wesson 617 .22 Long Rifle 22 LR 4" 10 Shot
Model: 160584 Item Condition: Factory New Bud's Item Number: 26307
Price: $670.00 *

With regards to the aluminum frames cracking at least you have the warranty, hopefully they wont drop the Airweights as a result of the breakage as they are great carry guns.

Personally I do not like shooting my airweights....they are for pocket carry only and it only makes sense that aluminum is not as strong as steel.

This was just a quick check and Im sure if you shop it or are willing to wait for a promotion you will probably get a better price,

Good luck in your endeavor and keep us posted.

 

[hamr56]

I hear you about the cost, but I think the gun shops you have been to maybe a bit high. I have been shopping for a 617 as well and have found most of them are priced from $650-$700. I do however have a ruger hunter that has the 22LR and 22 Win Mag cylinder and like it a bunch, but I have always wanted a S&W. I would shop around a bit more and I bet you will find what you want for the price.