Why Are 617s In Such High Demand

[Triathloncoach]

I have a 617 (10 shot, 6 inch), 17 and 63. Yeah they ain't cheap, but what Smith is? They all go for a premium.

I sold my SP101-22 because my kids couldn't pull the trigger. It's like a billion pounds. I sold my bearcat and my single 10 to buy the Smiths.

I miss the Single 10, it's awesome. Someday I will get another

 

[slickracer]

Other SS variations exist that seem to turn up more in Europe .

I wish they sold them in the US!

 

[StickShift]

Add me to the list of fellows that would buy the heck out of a 617 without an underlug, especially a 4". With the non-exist recoil of .22LR and the tiny bore, the underlug is too much weight for my liking.

 

[TTSH]

I sold my SP101-22 because my kids couldn't pull the trigger. It's like a billion pounds.

Now you guys have got me going. Leaving on a trip tomorrow morning but maybe I'll have to pull it out of the safe and actually test the DA and SA numbers. A billion pounds is an awful lot!!!

We are used to very heavy trigger pulls here in the People's Republic as they are mandated by our AG's "consumer protection" regs. Perhaps I have been tainted. We'll just have to see.

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9/11/14 ETA: Dug it out of the safe this morning. Didn't have time to weight the trigger properly but I'm just not seeing the problems you guys are describing. SA is certainly not over 5 pounds. I'd guess 3 or 4 maybe? We'll see how good my perception is later. DA is harder to guess at. Again, I'm from MA so I am used to a high (over 10 pound) DA trigger pull. But it certainly wasn't anything out of the ordinary for me. It is no Smith & Wesson trigger (No Ruger DA revolver trigger is in my opinion), but I couldn't find and/or afford the various S&W models we've discussed above.

++++++

9/18/2014 ETA: Finally had a chance to dig out the trigger pull scale and measure the SA pull on the SP101. Exactly 4 pounds. Every time. DA pull must be over 10 pounds (some say over 10.5 pounds) to be legal to sell in MA... and it does without any doubt meet that criteria.

 

[Camster]

Regarding the above quote from Blue Book regarding a premium for alloy cylinder guns and 8 3/8" barrels,my feeling is the opposite for both.Knock 10% off.I probably knock off 20% for an alloy cylinder 17,compared to the traditional 17s.

 

[at_liberty]

Regarding the above quote from Blue Book regarding a premium for alloy cylinder guns and 8 3/8" barrels,my feeling is the opposite for both.Knock 10% off.I probably knock off 20% for an alloy cylinder 17,compared to the traditional 17s.

On what basis would you condemn alloy cylinders?

 

[vito]

I got my 617 (4-inch, 10 round) several years ago and it is my favorite gun to shoot. It feels just like my Model 19 4-inch but is much more reasonable in cost to shoot, and more fun as well. In fact, sometimes when I think about the saying "carry what you shoot best" I think I should be carrying my 617 concealed (not so easy to do) and count on better shot placement than I am likely to make with my larger caliber concealed carry handguns.

My 617 has the internal lock, but truthfully, on a gun that I only use for target practice at the range, the lock is of no concern to me. It has never locked by itself, and should that remote situation ever actually occur it would be no more than an inconvenience, unlike in a carry gun needed for self defense. I am not sure why some folks are so against getting a gun with an internal lock when they are clearly not going to rely on this gun to protect their life.

If I ever had to have a "survival" gun, this would be it. For small game it would be perfect, and more reliable than any 22LR semi-auto.

And if I ever had to winnow down my small collection to just three guns, this would be one of the three. The other two would include something for home defense, middle-of-the-night go to gun, and one for concealed carry. But the 617 is not leaving me until I leave this earth.

 

[Shootbrownelk]

I have a K-22 target masterpiece and a Colt diamondback. The K-22 outshoots the Colt everytime, using ammo that both like. I don't shoot the Diamondback much...it's getting to be worth too much.

 

[ladyT]

Gave up looking for a 617 and instead bought a Ruger Single Six Hunter, 7 1/2, with both 22lr and 22mag cylinder, rings included. Now a proper scope for it is on the to buy list.

 

[9mmsubgun-m11]

Got my 4" 617 on July 4th and paid a premium price but as of yet have no regrets. Have bought the Ansac loader and several loading blocks as well.

 

[AveragEd]

I consider myself fortunate to own the two no-dash 617s I have.

Another shot with the four-inch wearing its Combats.

I say "fortunate" for several reasons. They are examples of one of the finest .22LR revolvers ever made, they are in high demand and short supply and I have less invested in both than those buying nice no-dash guns or even new ones today will have in one.

I bought the six-inch new back in the 1980s for, as I recall, something on the order of $144.95 from a distributor and the four-inch used on GunBroker about six years ago for a little north of $500, which I considered high at the time. I added aftermarket spring kits and Millett rear sights to both and target trigger and hammer to the four-inch; both can easily be changed back to their original form. I use them exclusively for ventilating paper targets at 50 feet indoors in the winter and 25 yards outdoors in warmer weather. Both seem to prefer 40-grain CCI MiniMags.

I have politely declined numerous very attractive offers for both and can safely say that they would likely be the last of my S&W revolvers that I would sell.

Buy these guns now while nice examples can still be found. Their numbers drop every month as they are subjected to more use, wear and possible damage. Remember, whatever you pay for one today will seem like a wise investment as soon as a year from now.

Ed

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have 34's/63's/17's/18's......and 617's..........Whats not to like about a high quality Smith .22
Story on my 4" 617. I had a 4" .22 Diamondback for 27 years(pd $140 NIB). Wore it out and had Colt rebuild & nickel it along the way. Got tired of it and sold it for a princely sum and immediately purchased the 617..........No regrets.

 

[MarkAlt]

To the OPs question; Our regional 'chain' of about 6 LG stores here in Florida have a good selection of Smith wheelguns. They aren't a megastore, but a large volume S&W dealer. As of last week, they did have a 617 and seem to keep one around at most stores. Other smaller shops, and even the mega-stores are mostly a miss.

Bought a new 617 4" almost 2 years ago. It's a 10-shot dash-something ...can't even remember. It quickly became my favorite target/plinker. I have a strong attachment to my old 63, K-22s and model 18 too. By far, I shoot the 617 most accurately. The gun just 'fits'. A red-dot on top helps with the eyes too. In my opinion, the heavy underlug helps keep the gun steady.

So, (my opinion) it's worth every penny. Not surprising that I'm most accurate with my .22s because they all have tens of thousands of rounds through each. I'm guessing my 80's vintage 10/22 ($89 special back then) has topped a quarter million rounds and remains a tack driver. My friend and I put over 5,000 rounds through it the first day! For me, that's the draw of .22LR. Some need to make the biggest bang, but that gets pricey (even with reloads), noisy and hard on the hand/wrist after a while. .22LR isn't my carry or SD round, but it certainly is the most fun to shoot.

They are out there. Hope you find one soon and enjoy it!

 

[Bob1943]

To the OPs question; Our regional 'chain' of about 6 LG stores here in Florida have a good selection of Smith wheelguns. They aren't a megastore, but a large volume S&W dealer. As of last week, they did have a 617 and seem to keep one around at most stores. Other smaller shops, and even the mega-stores are mostly a miss.

Mark,

What stores in Florida are you referring to? Name, phone number?

 

[smithandwessonguy]

I have a 617-6 for sale, like new in the box. Let me know if you are interested.

Seth

 

[Camster]

On what basis would you condemn alloy cylinders?

Read my earlier post.
Steel is more durable than alloy.Alloy is usually anodized or lacquered-extra care is required.Having one part that stands out as being different in color or finish,isn't all that attractive.(I'll pass on "Pintos" as well.)Scratch an alloy cylinder-tough luck.Scratch a ss part,and you have options.
Take a poll of who would rather have an all steel gun,or a gun containing an alloy cylinder.
Take a poll of who would rather have a Model 63 or a 317.
A matte finish,10 round alloy cylinder,full lug 17? Yuck.Give me lustrous blue and walnut grips please.
No offense.We're all free to like or dislike whatever we want.After 45 years of gun ownership,my likes are well defined.

 

[MarkAlt]

Mark,

What stores in Florida are you referring to? Name, phone number?

Bob,
I don't know if there's a forum rule against 'advertising' a shop here? I have no affiliation with them and make no claims. Just a long time customer.

Try Googling Sh**t Str**ght in Orlando/Tampa area.

 

[at_liberty]

Read my earlier post.
Steel is more durable than alloy.Alloy is usually anodized or lacquered-extra care is required.Having one part that stands out as being different in color or finish,isn't all that attractive.(I'll pass on "Pintos" as well.)Scratch an alloy cylinder-tough luck.Scratch a ss part,and you have options.
Take a poll of who would rather have an all steel gun,or a gun containing an alloy cylinder.
Take a poll of who would rather have a Model 63 or a 317.
A matte finish,10 round alloy cylinder,full lug 17? Yuck.Give me lustrous blue and walnut grips please.
No offense.We're all free to like or dislike whatever we want.After 45 years of gun ownership,my likes are well defined.

The subject 617 is not blued. What other objections? If mine is aluminum (series CCJ), then the finish is bead blasted. Everything matches perfectly. It looks like the 625JM in finish.

 

[Bob1943]

I consider myself fortunate to own the two no-dash 617s I have.

Ed

Ed, where did you get the grips on the 4" 617?

Never mind - I think I found them on the S&W site, i.e., Square Butt Traditional Checkered Target Grip With The S&W Medallions.

 

[AveragEd]

You'll probably find the ones being sold by S&W differ from the original ones like on my 617. I bought those on GunBroker or eBay. I have about 10 extra sets of checkered target stocks for K/L and N-frames - I've always been a sucker for nice wood.

Ed