617 4" or 6" or 8"

[old ford]

I was thinking of buying a 617. I was wondering, which handles and balances better, a 4" or 6" barrel? Also are the older 6 round models more collectable than a newer 10 round. While we're on the subject how rare are the 8 3/8" models?

Thanks for your input.

 

[PMRet]

For me, the 4" full lug barrel balances better than the 6", as the longer one feels just a bit muzzle heavy. The early 617 no dash revolvers, like this one, are highly sought after and usually sell for more than the new ones. How much more depends on condition and accessories (original grips, box, papers, etc.). The early ones came with the factory combat grips pictured, and these alone sell for around $150.

 

[Tom C]

As a matter of personal preference, in the 617 I prefer the 4" barrel. I also like a 5" barrel, but I find the 6" barrel too muzzle heavy for my tastes.

 

[Camster]

I have a 4 and a 6.The 6 is a six shot,the 4 is a ten shot.Both have their purposes.Both are fun.I like the 4 for plinking.The 6,while a bit nose heavy,hangs nicely for more serious target shooting(The 6 also has a target hammer and trigger,factory action job).I have no desire for the extra long tube for any gun,especially a rimfire,where there is the extra weight from having a small bore.
It doesn't matter that much to me,but most prefer the no lock guns-I prefer them solely on aesthetics,as the frame has a different contour.
There is something nice about the earlier six shot 4 inchers,the classic look,the right size,and I think the market reconizes that.
The market also reconizes that batch of lugless 617s as something,and so do I.I'd love to have one of those-wish that Smith would do another run.

 

[Roadranger]

I have 2, a 4" full lug 6 shot and a 6" standard barrel, 10 shot. I'm not particularly fond of the the full lug barrels, so I like the 6" more, especially since it's a 10 shot. I'm still looking for a 4" standard barrel. Bob!

 

[DOUBLESHOT]

I have a pre-lock 6 inch in 10 shot. I use it for target shooting. The 6 inch is heavier out front and this fact alone took me longer to shoot it accuratly but because of the 6 inches, it has a longer sight radius making it more accurate to aim if using the iron sights. The 8 inch would be too long and front heavy.

 

[wproct]

I have a 6 shot prelock 617 with 4"bbl, and a 6 shot prelock 17-6 6in bbl, (same revolver only blue steel). I favor 6 shot models, no special reason, just do. I also favor the 6" bbl. I like the forward weight of the longer barrel. However, 4" versus 6" bbl is just a personal thing, each shooter must try both and decide. At one time I owned a 617 with 8 inch bbl, but it was just too heavy for me.

 

[Nick B]

Smith needs to come out with a 5" model .

 

[Speedo2]

removed PC

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I have a 4" and a 6". Of the two I prefer the 4" I think that the 8" is to much barrel.

 

[rmack]

i prefer the 4 inch barrel i presently have to the 6 inch barrel i previously had.

 

[surfdog76]

I have both the 617-6 4" and 6" 10-shots. If I had to pick one, it would be my 4". It balances and carries better.
I had a 6" 6-shot which I traded for the 6" 10-shot. To me, the 10-shot's a lot more fun to shoot (e.g., Steel Challenge),
especially with DS-10 speedloaders.

Of course, the No Lock versions are more collectable and command a premium. I'd love to find a 4" No Lock 10-shot, SS cylinder.

 

[robctwo]

4" with Burris.

My neighbor bought the 6". He claims he likes it better, or as well.

 

[civil1977]

I've got both in the 617-4 version and I really prefer the 4" since it balances so well for me.

 

[AveragEd]

I have two no-dash 617s, a 4" and a 6". The 4" is my favorite - it just feels better in my hand and the two are equally accurate. I handled an 8-3/8" 617 at a gun show once. I can only describe how it felt as clumsy.

Ed

 

[old ford]

Thanks again for all the input. Those pics are some beautiful pieces.

 

[steamloco76]

The 8 3/8th inch 617's are heavy, however they are really easy to shoot at the range! The long, muzzle heavy barrel is ultra steady and just hangs on target. Blasting 2 inch spinners at 25 yards like it was 10 feet. That said, I never consider that big revolver as a trail gun. For all around use I prefer my 4 inch 10 shot model.

By the way, my wife like the 8 3/8ths inch guns at the range too.

 

[brewster]

How bout an unfluted???

The 617 is a VERY popular handgun at this moment. Smith and Wesson should make a few short runs or limited editions of this gun, and I'm sure it would be very successful. And the first limited edition SHOULD be an unfluted version....

 

[MTKTM]

I have a several year old 10 shot 6" and like it and use it a lot. I would like to find a 4" one of these days. I personally prefer the feel of the 4".

 

[TANZER]

617

Not sure why S&W never offered a PC version in the US. The 617PC was only shipped to Germany.
See attached photo.