Finally got out to shoot that very expensive M617 no dash 4". At about 15 yards, the gun shot about 8" high and the sights were all the way down.
Not to be deterred, I went home and installed a higher ramp front sight I got from S&W about 10 years ago,and had that installed on my M617-2 6". It didn't work on the 6" so I took it off.
Now it is on the 4" and I will take it out and test it tomorrow at 25 yards.
If this doesn't work, it will wind up being just another safe queen and I will continue to use my Ruger KS 4.
Big Larry

thats odd...mine all seem to be spot on with the sight in the middle of its adjustment range

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Kris
OGCA, NRA LM

YOU HAVE TO MEASURE THE SIGHTS (CHECK SPECS.TO MAKE SURE IT HAS THE FACTORY HEIGHT SIGHTS) AND DO THE MATH, THEY MAKE LOWER REAR SIGHT BLADES ALSO.

Larry-was it grouping well even though high? If not you might have some leading in the barrel or a nick in the barrel crown.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

It did group well. Just high. A lower front sight would not work as it would make the gun shoot even higher. This was a new, unfired gun. I did install a Baughman factory ramp front sight, which I like the looks of better, and will retest it today. My 6" shoots very well, especially at 50 yards or further. Big Larry

That stinks, if it is not fixed, would you think about sending back to S&W?

Yep, only because I paid a premium for it. Big Larry

That is incredibly aggravating. If your gun has a pinned front partridge sight it is not big deal to change it. We all used to get higher front sights put on our model 14's so they would neck hold. Any decent smith can make a front sight out of flat stock

Sounds as if someone installed an incorrect height rear blade.

I have seen guys swapping out the blade in the rear sight from dinging it up a little and who knows if they put the right one in before they sold it off or even if they knew better. I would find the factory specs on the four inch barrel model and see how tall the front blade and rear blade are supposed to be.

I would have paid a premium for it too, been looking for one of those for awhile now.... It will all work out and the gun will be a tack driver like the rest of them....

Can we assume those are the factory sights? Has anyone one else tried shooting it for accuracy?

I AGREE, MaxBob. The factory sights have been tinkered with, IMHO. BTW, I never met a "stupid 617". I have met some mentally challenged people through the years who own weapons, and presumably one of them may own a 617. Generally the weapon is smarter, less prone to error, and can shoot better than it's "stupid" owner can hold it......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I bought a slightly used no-dash last year with the same problem. I forget how high it was shooting but it might have been 5 or 6 inches. Very frustrating. I called S&W, convinced the nice lady that it must have come from the factory like that and that they should pick up the tab for shippping. They did, and returned it in some reasonable time frame at no cost to me. Its now one of my favorite shooters, dispite having a 17, an 18, and a 41. Good luck with yours, and don't let it become a safe queen.

Just measured My rear site blade on My no dash 617 with four inch barrel.
It's an S&W white outline blade that I bought from the S&W parts folks back in 1992.

My W/O rear blade measures approximately .160", top to bottom, and the gun shoots very nicely at 25 yards with that blade. Factory front sight is still on the gun of course.
I'm thinking the factory original rear blade was .146".

Hope this is helpful.

You Army guys have to make fun of us Marines. I installed a much higher Baughman ramp sight on it and went back to the range today. 14 in the black and one out at 25 yards after sighting it in. I cannot hold a revolver as well as I used too. I am 68 years old and have severe arthritis, especially in my hands. My knees too, and that prevents my standing up for any length of time. I do get by though, and pity the fool who breaks into my house at night. Thanks for all the opinions. I now have a quad/motorcycle gun I can depend on. Big Larry USMCR (60-68).

Big Larry, this old ARMY veteran holds you USMC brothers in the highest regard. I'm 68 yrs old, and in somewhat worse condition than you are so I know what you're talkin' about. I'm SOOOO glad you were able to solve your problem. The 617 is a wonderful revolver, and once dialed in, should be VERY accurate and provide you with years of pleasure. BTW----THANK YOU for your service......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Right back at you Joe. Semper Fi from an old Marine. Yes, problem was solved and I am now a happy camper. The M617 is no longer stupid. Shoots better than my Combat Masterpiece 22 now. Thanks, Big Larry, Son of a combat Marine, and Nephew of 3 more. Also brother in law to a W4 combat Marine.

GLAD that weapon smartened up........

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.