Several weeks ago I picked up a new 617 4" that I had on order at the local Bass Pro Shop. I was able to get out and shoot about 150 rounds through it this weekend and really liked it although I thought the DA trigger pull was quite heavy.

This evening after work I tried dry firing it using empty 22lr cases to protect the firing pin. I was hoping that with some dry firing, the DA pull would get better like it did on my GP100. I also have a 66-6 and 586-1 that I bought used and both have excellent DA pulls. Anyway, after about 40 dry fires, the cylinder latched shut and the release won't work.

I filled out the warranty form on S&W's website and am confident they'll resolve the cylinder latch issue. I also asked them to check out the DA pull.

Those of you out there with late model 617s, how are your DA trigger pulls?

PS sorry for the long post.

The cylinder latch being stuck is most likely caused by the ejector rod being un-screwed slightly, a common condition. It is reverse threaded on the S&W's like your 617. You should be able to get the cylinder open by slipping a very small flat blade between the end of the ejector and the detent on the frame.

The double action pull on my newest 617, a 10 shot from 2006 is around 10 lbs and smooth, on par with my other modern S&W's. Single action breaks at 3.9lbs.