Bought two early M617's. 4", # BFM 8077, and a 6", # BJH 3190. No XXX's on either one. Anyone know when they were made? Book is a little vague. 4" grips are dated 9-13-1990 and the 6" does not have the original grips. Are these the dates the gun was made? Thanks, Big Larry

The book is a bit vague because S&W is renowned for not shipping guns in exact order. IMO the date stamp on the grip for your 4 inch model provides the best evidence that it was assembled in 1990. As for the 6 inch one, best I would guess is between 1990 and 1993 and perhaps shade it towards 1991 or so. I have a BHI serial 6 inch 617 that I was told was originally purchased in late 1992, however I can't state as a fact that it was actually made in 1992.

Big Larry, you did good. How about some pictures?

I hate to ask but what kind of coin did you give for them? Id love to find one in new condition for a reasonable price. Oh, and id love to have that money in my bank account too

__________________
GO NOLES!!!

Th 4"er was very expensive, new and unfired, with no box, and I am to embarrased to mention what I paid. Did better on the 6". Without the original grips, but some nice targets, target hammer and target trigger,box with no tools, $575. As for guns laying around in stores, I have another M617 with the brushed finish and 10 rd. cyl. I bought new in 1999 from Gart Sports here in Cedar City. The gun was made in 1997,# CBU 7115, no XXX's, so it must have been in their shelf for a couple years. A few years back I bought a N.I.B. Ruger M77-22 that was hidden under some boxes at a gun store for 3 years. Simply amazing. Big Larry

My early 617.

FN in MT

Here they are in all their glory. Thanks, Big Larry

If it helps any...I purchased a NIB 6-inch 617 ND SN:BES3XXX in 1991.

Very nice Frank. Someday I may own one of those or at least a pre or M16. Thanks, Big Larry

That's an "Ashland Shooting Supply" 617. A rare rimfire and a personal favorite of mine.

Larry, don't sweat what you paid. Quality remains after price is forgotten.
You have some nice guns there!

GF

Don't know if my 617 is an Ashland gun or not. Have never lettered it. Found it four or five years back at a MT Show, in box for $450. Couldn't get my money out fast enough.

Would surely like to snag one of the equally tough to find SIX inch models though.

Larry...don't fret over whatever you paid for the 617. I agree with GF's comment 110%.

FN in MT

Frank, I sure would like to have a 4" but I've never seen one in person

__________________
Bob Giese

Oh, I am very acquainted with paying too much for a gun. The 4" M617 cost me $920 shipped, but I have not seen any 4"ers of the early type for sale anywhere. Not mint any longer, I replaced the front sight and it is a great shooter. I bought it to carry crossdraw on my quad and motorcycle as I could not find a nice M63 for that use. A little later I was able to find a nice M63 for $450, a lot less than the going rate. Most of the 7 S&W's I bought in Reno, I got cheap and could make some $$$ on, but I like these guns and will probably keep them all. It would be nice to find one of those oddball M617's, but if I pay anymore premiums, it will be for a pre M16 or M16. Thanks, Big Larry

very nice guns

you cant have too many 617's....

....BTW it should be illegal to post pictures of NO-LUG 617's.....they are unhealthy to look at when you dont have one of your own!

__________________
Kris
OGCA, NRA LM