617 and newbie

[travis301]

Hello all.Im a newbie here on the forum but Im glad I found it as I have learned a lot. I dont have a lot of S-W right now but Im working on it. My current inventory is a 29-2 and a Model 41 and I have the itch for a 17 or a 617. My question is,does the current model 617 hold a candle to the older stuff? Would I be better off as far as quality/value to look for an earlier model? It seems anymore that companies are more concerned with the bottom line and not quality and I was hoping this wasnt the case with S-W.Any inputs or thoughts appreciated.Travis

[Jeroenw114]

Personal I would go for the older ones. I don't care for a lock in my gun and I find the inner parts nicer made. But as long as you don't look inside than that is not important.
A 6" is quite heavy, If you could find a 4" I would go for that.

[holo]

go for a no-lock you will have better resale if you ever need to sell it

[jack the toad]

Welcome to the forum and you're right, it's a wonderful site with an abundance of info and good people. It sounds like you've got some nice specimens in you 29 and 41
I can't honestly answer as I don't buy or even look at the newer revolvers unless it's one heckuva deal.
I've read posts about canted barrels, etc. on 617's but only hearsay to me.
Not to start or even fuel the lock v. no-lock debate but until S&W removes them or shows a valid reason for them, I'm not interested in their current line of revolvers that have them. Now their government model autos are some of the nicest avialable IMO.

[Florida Guy]

Originally Posted by Jeroenw114

Personal I would go for the older ones. I don't care for a lock in my gun and I find the inner parts nicer made. But as long as you don't look inside than that is not important.
A 6" is quite heavy, If you could find a 4" I would go for that.

I don't think the model 17 is available in 4".

[jack the toad]

I might add in reply to your question, buy new... leaves more of the older stuff for me.

[jack the toad]

Originally Posted by Florida Guy

I don't think the model 17 is available in 4".

I think you're right. Model 18's are being produced in 4".

[roaddog28]

First off welcome to the forum. In my opinion, if you can find one, a model 18 or the model 17 would be my choice. The 617 is ok but it is a typical modern day revolver. Its no way as nice to shoot as a model 18 or 17. The only advantage of a 617 is round count. Plus the 617 looks like a L frame 686. To me that is to bulky for a 22 LR revolver.
This is opinion only.
Good luck,
Howard

[robctwo]

I have the 4" 617, the 18-3 and the 17-3. All are fine revolvers. The 617 needed a Wolff spring kit and a bit of polishing the innards to make the trigger as nice as the older guns. My friend bought the 6" 617. He likes the longer sight radius, but the gun is nose heavy.

The 617s are set up for optics, so if you are thinking about that go 617.


17-3 & 18-3


617 with Burris Fastfire II red dot

[PMRet]

Welcome to the forum. I like the older guns and don't own anything newer than about 1992, but that's strictly a matter of personal preference. Obviously, many folks own current production S&W's or the company wouldn't still be in business. However, there have been several recent reports of quality control issues with the newer guns, many of them involving the 617's. These days an older 617 in good condition will generally cost quite a bit more than a new in the box current model. Likewise, older K-22's and model 17's in nice condition, especially those with original box and papers, fetch a high price.

Many folks here, myself included, are big fans of S&W .22 revolvers. My favorites are this K-22 from 1948 and this 617 no dash from 1989.

[jack the toad]

Originally Posted by robctwo

I have the 4" 617, the 18-3 and the 17-3.

Not to hijack but what grips are those, Ahrends?

[Mike, SC Hunter]

The 4" 617's are nice. Mine shoots just as good as my older 17's & 18's.
Buy a 617.......You won't be disappointed.

[sodacan]

IMHO, older is better than new when it comes to S&W revolvers. Fit and finish are better, and there are enough of them around so you can avoid locks and quality control problems.

[travis301]

Thanks for the advice fellows. Im leaning towards a 617 and a 617-1.Both of them have the combat stocks and I like the look/feel of them.As far as the full lug goes,Ive owned a 686 and it didnt seem to bother me,it seems as though the extra weight made it easier to shoot if that makes any sense.If I could find an earlier 17 with a pinned barrel I would be interested in that as well but I think the stainless versions maybe more user friendly as far as showing wear,etc. Forgot to add I have a 629 classic with the PP,a little loud but fun to shoot.Thanks again,Travis

[one eye joe]

Welcome to the forum, Travis. Search for a 617 W/O the lock, in a length and round capacity that suits you. AVOID the 617-2 with aluminum cylinder. Pay the higher price if you must for the one you like. You will be glad that you bought it, each and every time you handle it, and the cost will soon be forgotten. The revolver will appreciate in value over time, and will always be worth more than you paid for it. The 4 inch 10 shot models seem to be the most popular. The stainless steel weapons can be maintained like new cosmetically with little effort after many thousands of rounds fired or years of holster carry. This is IMPOSSIBLE with a blued weapon, which will show it's age in finish loss from handling, repeated cleaning, or holster carry.......

[robctwo]

I goofed on the 617 when I pm'd. those are moradillo.

Here it is with the black/silve dymondwood. Ahrends retro combat

[kas9412]

Last year I bought a 617-6 (6 inch barrel) and an old Model 17 (no dash), and I find I shoot the 617 better. I grew up shooting heavy barreled target autos, so I like the full lug 617.

While I too would have preferred a no lock version of the 617, the problem is the often long search in finding one (I prefer to buy my guns in person.) To me, the lock is a non-issue. I prefer shooting to shopping! Good Luck!

kas

[CWH44300]

same here , if you can look at the gun before you buy to check for any QC problems you should be all set , I have 8-10 new current production smiths and I'm happy with all of them , on a 22 shooter that could see a ton of use you might want that lifetime warranty someday down the road , good luck - for a me any 22 I have will be shot a bunch by me and the kids so I'd go new

[TSQUARED]

Welcome to the forum!
I have several of the older blued K-22's which I shoot quite regularly but I really enjoy using my 4 inch 10 shot 617. I have put more than 10,000 rounds through my 617 with lock and have not experienced a single issue. When I look down the sights I do not see the lock.
If you are interested in cosmetics get an early blued model otherwise the current 617 will be a lot of fun to shoot.