Where to find an Ashland Shooting Supplies 617?

Doc Nonverbal · #1 10-17-2009, 11:20 AM

Hello all,

I've got it in my head that the Model 617 made by Ashland Shooting Supplies in 1991 (the 617 without the full lug barrel) would be a really nifty revolver to have. The problem is that I've never seen one for sale.

Where would you recommend I try to find one? Are they outrageously expensive?

If anyone would care to post photos of their Ashland 617s, I'd love to see them. If I can't own one myself, I can always live vicariously through the collectors here. 8^ )

Many thanks,

David

Nygma · #2 10-17-2009, 11:31 AM

David,

Here are both barrel lengths. I have two in each length, one shooter, and one tucked away in the safe.

The last one I saw for sale, a 6 incher, was maybe a year and a half ago. IIRC, it sold in the $1200 - $1300 range (to a member of this forum).

Doc Nonverbal · #3 10-17-2009, 11:52 AM

Nygma,

Thank you very much for the photos. I've never seen a 4" barreled version. They both are absolutely beautiful. I love the bead-blasted finish against the wood combat grips.

I'm a little surprised by the high price, but I suppose they didn't make very many of these. I hope I stumble across one for sale someday.

Just curious - how do yours shoot? Do they compare with a K-22 / Model 17, or are they more akin to a 617 in terms of accuracy? I imagine that the balance on the 6" would be superior to a full-lug 617.

Thanks again - and your photography skills are excellent!

David

CAJUNLAWYER · #4 10-17-2009, 12:00 PM

Well, if anyone wants my opinion.... this is the wat thay shoulda been made from jump street. My only beef with the 617 is the barrell. You just don't need ian under lug with a 22.

Doc Nonverbal · #5 10-17-2009, 12:57 PM

I agree entirely. That full lug might be handy for a .357 magnum or stronger, but it doesn't help the balance in the .22LR. I suspect it was put there for cosmetic reasons, though perhaps someone with more knowledge can fill in the blank here.

Personally, I wish they had kept the old K-22 front sight and color-case hardened hammer and trigger as well. These, in my opinion, would give the 617 a classier look.

tallpaul · #6 10-17-2009, 01:01 PM

drool....

HAWKEYE10 · #7 10-17-2009, 01:47 PM

Thats like why did S&W put a compensator on
a model 41. I really can't tell the difference. Don

Doc Nonverbal · #8 10-17-2009, 01:55 PM

Why, to tame the massive recoil of the .22LR, of course. Your Model 41 is sure purty - the bluing is amazing looking in that photo. I have a later model, but I pine for one of those older ones.

Nygma · #9 10-17-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Nonverbal

Just curious - how do yours shoot?
David

David,
Thanks for the compliments.
My six inch shooter, on a calm day off a sand bag rest will shoot around an inch to an inch and a quarter at 25 yards with ammo it likes.
The 4" shooter is a real keeper, if I'm having a real good day, it will hover around 3/4" at 25 yards with several different brands of ammo. At some time in the past a previous owner had the gun 'tweaked'. It has a beautifully done trigger job, is one of the top three most accurate revolvers I own, and will group about as well as my Model 41.
The other two are unfired so I don't know.

def4pos8 · #10 10-17-2009, 07:26 PM

I think the 617 has the lug because it's the same barrel stock as the 686 -- just a smaller hole. I would've liked a 617 in the Ashland configuration but settled for a 4-inch 617.

I also have a 6-inch Model 17 with a full lug. It's the heaviest revolver I own. All those little holes. . . .

Wee Hooker · #11 10-17-2009, 09:48 PM

It would be SO nice if they just made a 617/17 on the mod 67/66 platform. Stainless, unlugged, classic lines, reasonable weight and "pointability".

Bullseye Smith · #12 10-17-2009, 10:02 PM

Buy one of the new ones and have it hard chromed or buy a 17-3 and have it done, it will look like it like a twin. The cost for you would be $600 total. The chrome will last as long as the stainless and be tuffer than the stainless.

manny25 · #13 10-18-2009, 12:50 AM

i have only seen one for sale on gunbroker a few weeks ago that was the only pictures i had seen of one till now

bgrafsr · #14 10-18-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdGreen

New in the box, unfired with all the goodies. I am the second owner.
Enjoy,
bdGreen

Hmmm, since Ashland is in Ohio and you live in Texas, I think you should send it to me. It would be the right thing to do...

raveneap · #15 10-18-2009, 10:13 AM

I'd be happy if I could just get the 617. Mine's been on order for almost 9 weeks. Getting ridiculous.

H Richard · #16 10-18-2009, 12:32 PM

I bought the first 17-6 (blued 17 with full underlug) I saw in 1989. Was an ablution tack-driver. The more I shot it the heavier it got. I finally traded it on a Mod 41, and never missed it. I love my 17-4 it's not too heavy.