I'd like to get a .22 revolver. Please give me some opinions on which to buy - a 617, a 17 Classic, or look for an older Model 17. I shoot mostly DA. Thanks.

wait, .22 wadcutters don't exist do they?

Stainless is easier to clean,but blue is prettier.Buy a 617 to shoot and an old 17 to look at

I would go with an older, blued Model 17. But thats just cause I like blued Model 17's...... Nothing like one of the oldies.....

I have a 1959 model 17 and a brand new 617. The trigger on the 617 in both single and double action is about twice as heavy as in the 17. If you plan on mostly DA shooting, I would go with a nice vintage 17.

Unfortunately, I don't have a convenient way of measuring the trigger pull of these guns, otherwise, I would have already have done it. I am sure others will chime in.

kas

kas

I'm sorry, not getting enough sleep lately. I'm also looking for a model 14. I'll try to edit that out.

Start with the one you like better,

Dont be surprised when whichever one you get doesnt satisfy the itch completely ,
Then you will get the other one as well.

After that you will start wanting the harder to find models like the 4" 17-6....

Well I have both and they both are great revolvers but I must say I like shooting the Model 17 more because to me it balances better and has a better trigger.
My lastest a P&R 17-4 with 6 inch barrel. I've already changed the grips out on this one with S&W combats grips but haven't taken a new photo yet.

Model 617 no dash with 6 inch barrel.

Partial to the 617 but i do have one 17....a 17-6

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Kris
OGCA, NRA LM

Actually Remington did make .22 wadcutters, they were called Indoor Target Sharp Shoulder Ammo. Very collectible today.

And it goes on and on. Sweet surrender!

My vote is for an older model K, the triggers are usually silky smooth, and the price if you are diligent is reasonable compared to the newer models.

Don't rule out the Model 18. :-)

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--Rick

Very nice pics! Is there any noticeable difference in accuracy between the two models?

My 14-4 with 8/38 barrel shoots like a rifle and is way more accuarate then I am. My other Model 17 and 18's 22 S&W revolvers vary with the type of ammo used but all are accurate and quite frankly my 617 6 inch is also very accurate.

If you like them equally I'd buy whichever you found first for a decent price. They're all somewhat difficult to find IIUC.

I love my 4" 617, fwtw.

i love my 617 its a fun little gun. the SA is quiet light but the DA is horrible because its so heavy.

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Until recently I'd have said get the 617, but over the last several months I have acquired a couple of older K-22's from the 40's and 50's. They are unbelievably smooth and accurate, and will shoot rings around my 617.

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There is a reasonably priced 17-3 on the for sale section right now.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

Here's my 617-1. It has a superb da trigger, as good or better than the trigger on any handgun I own.

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The full lug 6" guns can be a little front heavy for some. Ive got a pre-18, 18-nothing, 17-2, 17-6 (6" full lug), and 617-nothing (4" full lug). I shoot the pre-18 most, mostly because it is the most beat up.

Personally - I would get whatever I could that does not have an internal lock. I would also shy away from the 617s that came with an aluminum cylinder.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

Any S&W Revolver will be a pleasure to own and shoot. Can't comment on the 617 because I dont have one. You can't go wrong with one of these though.....Poor picture compared to most of the posters here...

Shooter686

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Thanks, I had seen that, however I'm a little gun-shy of buying sight unseen. I prefer FTF so I can check it out before buying. I know I'm probably missing out on some good deals, but...

I have had good luck with board members here, it not like Gunbroker....

I have the 4" 617, the 17-3 and the 18-3. All are very nice shooters. I have been replacing the springs with Wolff springs. Full power main spring and 14 pound rebound spring. I also slick up the innards when doing that. It drastically improved the 617 and slightly improved the 18. I can't remember if I replaced the 17 springs.

My neighbor bought the 6" 617. He really likes the longer sight picture. It is nose heavy. I changed out his springs when he first bought it, showed him how to do it and had him do most of the polishing.

I have bought one S&W Classic, the 25, 6" barrel, nickel finish .45 Colt. I am very happy with the gun.

I have had very good results on Gun Broker with all of my purchases meeting or exceeding the condition represented by the seller. I buy form folks who have a bit of a record selling and a reputation to uphold.


18-3 17-3


617

As I have a Model 17, I may be biased.
However, any .22 revolver I would consider must have fully recessed case heads. .22 ammunition is made at a balance point between having cases soft enough to fire reliably and hard enough to hold the cartridge's pressure. They can (and do) get it wrong. With case heads almost touching, there's the (admittedly rare) possibility of a case failure causing a multiple fire.
Purists make a big deal about "pinned and recessrd" centerfire revolvers. Not a big deal as those case heads are solid.
So, another item for your consideration.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I'm reposting better pics of my M18-4 and M66-3. The grips are Ahrends retro combats. The M18 has a square butt grip so I had to find a set of good grips that I could get a round butt to square butt conversion for the M66. Both guns now feel very similar but the case hardened trigger on the M18 has a harder edge on it which becomes irritating when shooting DA. I am undecided if I will smooth it off and polish the visible portion of the trigger. I am going to paint the front sight ramp fluorescent red as my eyes aren't what they used to be. The 18-4 had a terrible trigger and I was shocked to see how rough the internals were. This was the last of this series and they had removed the pinned barrel. Maybe the gun was at end of life and they let the quality slip. It's smoothed up now with new springs and shoots great!

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--Rick

better pics as well





love the Ahrends

I have a 4"617 that I love and a snubby 63. I have only handled but never shot a 6" 617 and really did not like all the weight out front.

If it were me..4 inch barrel I would get a 617, anything longer look for a 17 or 18 without the lug. You won't go wrong with any SW 22 revolver you get.

Not for one second have I regretted buying a M617 with the aluminum cylinder. I have fired many,many, rounds through this gun and it is one of the most accurate 22's I have, and I have many. 10 holes and aluminum make it lighter, and the M617 is a very heavy revolver. Much heavier than my K22's. Big Larry

Both