S&W 617 22LR

qrachel · #1 02-06-2013, 09:14 PM

I'm just about ready to purchase this gun, new. My first gun purchase in many years, exciting stuff

.

I've read tons of acclaims and quite a few complaints about the 617 shooting flawlessly or for some not so much. I get the folks with problems are going to be noisy - I am when I spend good $$$ on a premium product and get disappointed. Though in all of this, it sounds like S&W provides great service.

Sooo, I'm not sure I could do better buying another maker's top of the line 22LR revolver; that leaves me wanting to just pay the bill and get on with it - well sort of, it's a bit of a hassle here in CA!

You folks who really know S&W, especially 617 owners, what might you add to my knowledge before I drop the dime.

Take care all,

slickracer · #2 02-06-2013, 09:21 PM

I purchased a 617 in October and it's a great revolver and has functioned perfectly to date. I like it so match I'm shopping for a 6 shot version as well.

BrianE · #3 02-06-2013, 09:30 PM

I picked one up a few years back. Shoots great with 0 issues. Shoot and clean, then repeat

. The only things I'd like to change on mine is the front site and the awful rubber grips

LL617 · #4 02-06-2013, 10:01 PM

I had the opportunity to fire an old 6 chambered 617 and then a newer 10 chambered 617 before I received mine for last Valentine's Day. It was a great gift.

I so enjoy shooting this revolver! [As a matter of fact, the shortage of .22LR has really distressed me]. It is easy to balance, little recoil, and is just flat out fun to shoot. This revolver makes me look good; I can make a vey tight spread with this gun.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with this model.

mtelkhntr · #5 02-06-2013, 11:23 PM

I think you've decided on the perfect 22 wheel gun. Your next big decision is which barrel length. I bought the first used one I tripped over which has a 4" barrel and I just love it. It has good feel and balance and it shoots like a dream. As long as you're buying new, hold both the 6" and the 4" for a fair comparison. Each has it's own virtues so you need to weigh how they feel with what you want. Good luck and start stocking up on bullets. That 617 will eat through a pile of ammo and you'll be grinin' the whole time.

fyimo · #6 02-07-2013, 12:12 AM

There are those that would say get a Model 17 or K22 instead but I have all of them and the Model 617's that I have shoot great and actually have less problems then the earlier editions. The early models sometimes exhibited problems with the extraction of spent cartridges and my two no dash 617's have not had that problem. So I would say buy one and enjoy it and trust me you can shoot everything you can buy and you won't wear it out.
617 no dash 6 inch

617 no dash 4 inch

Model 17-4

Model K22

Hack · #7 02-07-2013, 12:36 AM

I own a 4" model 617 10 shot. I've put probably 1000 rounds through it. I agree that the front sight isn't perfect. I'm contemplating applying a bit of florescent orange so it's easier to pick up. Another thing is that you need to make certain the rounds are all properly seated in the charging holes. Otherwise you will get random non-fires. I use a SpeedBeez loader and I still need to press on the bottom of the cartridges to ensure they are fully seated. Bear in mind, I have yet to clean the revolver, so I imagine that might make the feeding/extracting issues disappear.

Good luck with it, I love shootin mine.

avigar · #8 02-07-2013, 12:46 AM

Stopped by some area gun shops the last couple of weeks. All the staff spoke highly of the Model 617. They consider it the best current model 22LR revolver due to its high quality craftsmanship.

qrachel · #9 02-07-2013, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianE

I picked one up a few years back. Shoots great with 0 issues. Shoot and clean, then repeat

. The only things I'd like to change on mine is the front site and the awful rubber grips

Yep, couldn't agree more on the front sight and the grips and I'm pretty sure that'll be a fairly near-term set of upgrades!

Thank you for the reply . . . take care,

R

qrachel · #10 02-07-2013, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickracer

I purchased a 617 in October and it's a great revolver and has functioned perfectly to date. I like it so match I'm shopping for a 6 shot version as well.

Thank you for your input . . . it's appreciated.

Take care,

qrachel · #11 02-07-2013, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LL617

I had the opportunity to fire an old 6 chambered 617 and then a newer 10 chambered 617 before I received mine for last Valentine's Day. It was a great gift.

I so enjoy shooting this revolver! [As a matter of fact, the shortage of .22LR has really distressed me]. It is easy to balance, little recoil, and is just flat out fun to shoot. This revolver makes me look good; I can make a vey tight spread with this gun.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with this model.

What a nice gift . . . and thanks for the reply,

qrachel · #12 02-07-2013, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtelkhntr

I think you've decided on the perfect 22 wheel gun. Your next big decision is which barrel length. I bought the first used one I tripped over which has a 4" barrel and I just love it. It has good feel and balance and it shoots like a dream. As long as you're buying new, hold both the 6" and the 4" for a fair comparison. Each has it's own virtues so you need to weigh how they feel with what you want. Good luck and start stocking up on bullets. That 617 will eat through a pile of ammo and you'll be grinin' the whole time.

I'm already partial to the 6" barrel - really like the sight picture the length gives (will probably replace the front sight).

Take care,

qrachel · #13 02-07-2013, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avigar

Stopped by some area gun shops the last couple of weeks. All the staff spoke highly of the Model 617. They consider it the best current model 22LR revolver due to its high quality craftsmanship.

Ditto your comments . . . shops seem to rave about the 617!

Take good care,

qrachel · #14 02-07-2013, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyimo

There are those that would say get a Model 17 or K22 instead but I have all of them and the Model 617's that I have shoot great and actually have less problems then the earlier editions. The early models sometimes exhibited problems with the extraction of spent cartridges and my two no dash 617's have not had that problem. So I would say buy one and enjoy it and trust me you can shoot everything you can buy and you won't wear it out.
617 no dash 6 inch

617 no dash 4 inch

Model 17-4

Model K22

Wow, love the pics . . . really great!!! Thank you for sharing.

Take care,

qrachel · #15 02-07-2013, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hack

I own a 4" model 617 10 shot. I've put probably 1000 rounds through it. I agree that the front sight isn't perfect. I'm contemplating applying a bit of florescent orange so it's easier to pick up. Another thing is that you need to make certain the rounds are all properly seated in the charging holes. Otherwise you will get random non-fires. I use a SpeedBeez loader and I still need to press on the bottom of the cartridges to ensure they are fully seated. Bear in mind, I have yet to clean the revolver, so I imagine that might make the feeding/extracting issues disappear.

Good luck with it, I love shootin mine.

Thank you and it seems that luck often comes to those who covet S&W hardware

robctwo · #16 02-07-2013, 01:48 AM

It's a great gun. I have the 4" 10 shot with the Fastfire red dot and Ahrend's retro combat grips. I much prefer the balance of mine to my neighbor's 6". He loves the Ahrends grips, but had to go back to the rubber to deal with the front end weight. He's young and claims the weight doesn't bother him.

I did a slight trigger job on mine, just a buff and polish really. Gives it that 50,000 round broken in feel.

We routinely shoot clay birds on the hill at 30-40 yards, then break up the pieces, they are that good.

What front sight?

PMRet · #17 02-07-2013, 02:07 AM

The 617 is a great choice, it's built like a tank and is easily maintained. And, despite the occasional hiccup in quality control or customer service, S&W does offer a lifetime warranty and in general provides excellent service.

A couple of things to consider: If you've not already decided between the 4" and 6" barrel lengths, you should try to handle both before choosing if possible. Some folks feel that the 6" full lug barrel is too muzzle heavy and that the 4" is better balanced, while others think both are fine. Also, I believe you mentioned in another thread that you may purchase a 617 to shoot along with a .357 revolver (excellent idea), so you may want to consider getting the same barrel length in both guns to keep them somewhat similar in handling characteristics. Of course, if you do that, then you may also want to look for an older 617 with a 6 shot cylinder if that's what the .357 has...

Hey, not trying to muddy the water, just trying to provide food for thought. Besides, all these things just make buying the gun more fun, right?

Regardless, good luck with your choices, and be sure to keep us posted. Oh, one more thing, when you make the purchase and get it home, remember that we LOVE pictures here...

qrachel · #18 02-07-2013, 03:12 AM

Dear PMRet:

Thanks for support and encouragement. Muddy water reminds of a great cup of coffee with my favorite flavored creamer in it!

Ya, you're bringing up the barrel lenght in context of a 357 that I'd like to have to . . . really love the feel of the 627PC with a 5" inch barrel as a companion to a 617 to start off my heavenly obsession. I also really like the feel and shootability of the Sig P232 380 Stainless Steel. If I ever CC (not likely but . . .) the P232 would almost certainly be my pet, probably as a purse concealed weapon.

I drive and travel about the west coast a lot for my business, more in CA than anywhere else and CC has appealed to me when it's late and I'm alone having to eat some place strange before getting to the hotel for the night. Anyway, it's not urgent just yet and shooting with my instructor (44 mag this w/e) has been a real joy and I've learned a lot already - much more to come I'm sure.

Again thank you,

AveragEd · #19 02-07-2013, 07:50 AM

I have two of the early no-dash 617s and love them. The four-inch just seems to balance better for me and I probably shoot it and a 6" Model 66 the most of all my S&W revolvers.

The front sight complaints puzzle me a little. These guns are intended first and foremost as paper-punchers - in fact, many of the early 6" ones came with target triggers and hammers like mine (I added them along with a Millett rear sight to the 4"). Accordingly, they usually are equipped with what bullseye shooters feel is the most precise front sight, the black Patridge.

If you try shooting bullseye targets with say a red ramp or one of those "glow worm" front sights, you likely will find your groups opening as a sight without a sharp rear edge is harder to align the same way every time. Hunting in various light conditions is a different story - there, colored sights can be helpful - but give that old standby you have a fair shake before you start changing things.

Ed

VAdoublegunner · #20 02-07-2013, 09:55 AM

Excellent choice in a quality revolver. I'm sure you will be pleased.

My girlfriend prefers the 4" version over the 6", claims it 'balances' better. It is a highly subjective area to be sure, but I think with a light recoiling revolver like a K-frame 22LR there is little need for the extra barrel length unless one plans to do longer range target shooting or perhaps shoot metallic silhouettes with it, and she finds the 'back in the hand' feel less fatiguing for a longer shooting session than the longer barrel. We enjoy shooting metallic silhouettes (informal for bragging rights among ourselves, not as a competition but they will certainly do well at it) with my 6" 17-8 (it has a full underlug barrel like the 617) and find hits easier to make at longer distances with it however.

WRT to sights, I find that the dayglow type sights do not work for me. There is to much of an interfering aura around them, they provide a very indistinct and imprecise aiming point and are difficult to align precisely in the rear sight.

While I do not think it possible to distract anyone from a finest quality firearm like the S&W Model 617, I also would plug the Ruger Mark III standard pistol in stainless steel with a 4" barrel. This was apparently a special run and they are drilled and tapped for a scope mount. She got one of those, I fitted it with an inexpensive Bushnell TRS-25 red dot scope and that is singularly one of the most remarkable small rimfire pistols I have ever shot. It is boringly easy to shoot standard 1/10 smallbore rifle size pig and ram silhouettes from a standing 2 hand hold at 50 yards with that pistol.

qrachel · #21 02-07-2013, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAdoublegunner

Excellent choice in a quality revolver. I'm sure you will be pleased.

My girlfriend prefers the 4" version over the 6", claims it 'balances' better. It is a highly subjective area to be sure, but I think with a light recoiling revolver like a K-frame 22LR there is little need for the extra barrel length unless one plans to do longer range target shooting or perhaps shoot metallic silhouettes with it, and she finds the 'back in the hand' feel less fatiguing for a longer shooting session than the longer barrel. We enjoy shooting metallic silhouettes (informal for bragging rights among ourselves, not as a competition but they will certainly do well at it) with my 6" 17-8 (it has a full underlug barrel like the 617) and find hits easier to make at longer distances with it however.

WRT to sights, I find that the dayglow type sights do not work for me. There is to much of an interfering aura around them, they provide a very indistinct and imprecise aiming point and are difficult to align precisely in the rear sight.

While I do not think it possible to distract anyone from a finest quality firearm like the S&W Model 617, I also would plug the Ruger Mark III standard pistol in stainless steel with a 4" barrel. This was apparently a special run and they are drilled and tapped for a scope mount. She got one of those, I fitted it with an inexpensive Bushnell TRS-25 red dot scope and that is singularly one of the most remarkable small rimfire pistols I have ever shot. It is boringly easy to shoot standard 1/10 smallbore rifle size pig and ram silhouettes from a standing 2 hand hold at 50 yards with that pistol.

Hi:

Really appreciate your comments and shared experiences - thank so you much. Hadn't thought of the interference that might occur in the sight picture, and feel a bit embarrassed as I studied optics and light as a physics and math major in college, and interference and Morie' patterns were quite fascinating to me (and still are).

And you are correct in that I'm unlikely at this point to open my search up for my first weapon or two - 617 and 627 are the order of the day, both for learning and experience at the range. Who knows after that . . .

Take good care,

Dstyles75 · #22 02-07-2013, 08:48 PM

I just bought a used 10 shot 617-6 this afternoon. I haven't shot one yet but judging by what everyone is saying, I'm pretty happy about my find. Can't wait to shoot it. I really want to find some nice wood grips for it.

Again, sorry about the poor quality pics, they were taken with a cell phone.

sodacan · #23 02-07-2013, 09:33 PM

My two cents: Buy an early 617 six shooter (no dash or dash one), or an early model 17. You'll never regret having either one. Good luck.

paplinker · #24 02-07-2013, 09:35 PM

The 617 is at most all gun ranges for rent so they must be pretty durably.Why not rent one first before you buy. Could also help you determine what bbl length suits you best. Personally i am not a fan of the underlug. A 17 is better for me. Wish someone would make another run of stainless 17s. Good luck

avigar · #25 02-07-2013, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sodacan

My two cents: Buy an early 617 six shooter (no dash or dash one), or an early model 17. You'll never regret having either one. Good luck.

Problem is finding a pristine 617 that someone's willing to sell. Early models are a rare find on the market.

qrachel · #26 02-08-2013, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAdoublegunner

Excellent choice in a quality revolver. I'm sure you will be pleased.

My girlfriend prefers the 4" version over the 6", claims it 'balances' better. It is a highly subjective area to be sure, but I think with a light recoiling revolver like a K-frame 22LR there is little need for the extra barrel length unless one plans to do longer range target shooting or perhaps shoot metallic silhouettes with it, and she finds the 'back in the hand' feel less fatiguing for a longer shooting session than the longer barrel. We enjoy shooting metallic silhouettes (informal for bragging rights among ourselves, not as a competition but they will certainly do well at it) with my 6" 17-8 (it has a full underlug barrel like the 617) and find hits easier to make at longer distances with it however.

WRT to sights, I find that the dayglow type sights do not work for me. There is to much of an interfering aura around them, they provide a very indistinct and imprecise aiming point and are difficult to align precisely in the rear sight.

While I do not think it possible to distract anyone from a finest quality firearm like the S&W Model 617, I also would plug the Ruger Mark III standard pistol in stainless steel with a 4" barrel. This was apparently a special run and they are drilled and tapped for a scope mount. She got one of those, I fitted it with an inexpensive Bushnell TRS-25 red dot scope and that is singularly one of the most remarkable small rimfire pistols I have ever shot. It is boringly easy to shoot standard 1/10 smallbore rifle size pig and ram silhouettes from a standing 2 hand hold at 50 yards with that pistol.

Dear Double:

Great post - thank you so much. I'm still simmering and do find the Rugers to be very attractive . . . I see myself destroying an all S&W family to bring a Ruger GP 100 stainless 6" home! (Has the old bat lost it?!) At the Gun shop they have a sweet 617 4" which I lusted for briefly,but a 6" sight picture just seems better with my 'mature' eyes and glasses.

As of this evening, I'm still committed to a 6" 617 and and 5" 627PC and the Gun shop is on the hunt for both (it's crazy how many people are mobbing gun stores given there's very little chance that any significant gun reform will get out of congress this year. The Gun shop had just ran out of 22LR ammo of any kind too until probably next week.)

Thank You for Your Post,

qrachel · #27 02-08-2013, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AveragEd

I have two of the early no-dash 617s and love them. The four-inch just seems to balance better for me and I probably shoot it and a 6" Model 66 the most of all my S&W revolvers.

The front sight complaints puzzle me a little. These guns are intended first and foremost as paper-punchers - in fact, many of the early 6" ones came with target triggers and hammers like mine (I added them along with a Millett rear sight to the 4"). Accordingly, they usually are equipped with what bullseye shooters feel is the most precise front sight, the black Patridge.

If you try shooting bullseye targets with say a red ramp or one of those "glow worm" front sights, you likely will find your groups opening as a sight without a sharp rear edge is harder to align the same way every time. Hunting in various light conditions is a different story - there, colored sights can be helpful - but give that old standby you have a fair shake before you start changing things.

Ed

Dear Ed:

What lovely pictures - be still my heart!

Thanks for the BEAUTIFUL pics,

qrachel · #28 02-08-2013, 02:14 AM

AVIGAR, PAPLINKER and SODACAN: (Sounds like some kind of great Super Bowl Commercial :-) love it)

Thank you for your comments - really appreciate your taking the time.

TTFN,

qrachel · #29 02-08-2013, 02:19 AM

The local gun shop is now searching for a 617 6" and 627PC 5" for me - they do a huge volume here in LA, so hopefully it won't be long. I'm also looking.

More to come . . . .

kennyb · #30 02-08-2013, 02:53 AM

i have had the 4",10 shot for 4-5 years or so...installed a red dot on it...shoots great and built like a tank!

Twysted · #31 02-08-2013, 04:45 AM

Have a 617 4" and love it. Close to 1,000 rounds through it already and no problems so far.

I'd like to find some nice wood grips for it though. It is so well behaved you don't need the ugly rubber grips, there's not much recoil to cushion.

Everything you do right works even better, everything you do wrong is very obvious. Makes it pretty easy to troubleshoot your mechanics.

Oh, and then there's the whole 10x cheaper to shoot, I like that part!

qrachel · #32 02-08-2013, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyb

i have had the 4",10 shot for 4-5 years or so...installed a red dot on it...shoots great and built like a tank!

Thank you for the post . . . I'm thinking the front sight may need to be replaced when I get mine - can't wait.

Take care,

qrachel · #33 02-08-2013, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twysted

Have a 617 4" and love it. Close to 1,000 rounds through it already and no problems so far.

I'd like to find some nice wood grips for it though. It is so well behaved you don't need the ugly rubber grips, there's not much recoil to cushion.

Everything you do right works even better, everything you do wrong is very obvious. Makes it pretty easy to troubleshoot your mechanics.

Oh, and then there's the whole 10x cheaper to shoot, I like that part!

I'm still taking shooting lessons and really look forward to having the 617 6" - I like the sight picture of the 6" a lot.

Thanks for posting,

GUNGHO58 · #34 02-08-2013, 01:41 PM

I have both the 10-shot 4" and 6" models of the 617 and they both are great. I think that it is the most popular .22 revolver right now. I belong to a .22 club where we shoot plate matches every Friday night. We have a pistol and then a rifle plate match night. Several members had purchased the S&W 617 revolvers and brought them up to the plate match. After the other members trying them aout, now 1/2 our membership has bought one. We now added a "revolver only" plate match night. That even got more members to buy one.

They are a well built, good looking, and with the newer ones holding 10 shots, a great investment. I have mine with a green Hi-Viz front sight, a Wolf spring kit installed and a set of beautiful Hogue wood grips. I polished mine up with Mothers Mag Wheel Polish and it looks like chrome.

It is hard to find a 10-shot used one today, since they sell as soon as they are listed. They are not cheap, but worth every penny.

stevie-ca · #35 02-08-2013, 04:52 PM

I have a 617 and a 648, both excellent revolvers.

Retired W4 · #36 02-08-2013, 04:56 PM

I recently purchased a new 617 and have had issues with a dragging/binding cylinder with some ammunition. Shot it some more with other brands and types and have experianced more problems with some of the ammo, but not all. S&W has already sent me a shipping label so I can sent it back for evaluation and repair. It appears to be a quality control issue with this one piece, as others seem to function perfectly out of the box. S&W's customer service has been great so far. I'm certain it will be fine when I get it back. This was the first NEW S&W I have bought in decades. BTW, I ran the problem ammo through some of my other guns with no problems.

qrachel · #37 02-08-2013, 09:55 PM

Hi Gungho58: Thanks for the post. Could have bought a new 617 4" yesterday but really like the sight picture of the 6" much better for my eyes; also think it's sexier looking, as if guns can be anthropomorphized and they can as I just did so . . .

I've read a few new owners have had issues like that and that S&W customer service really takes their support serious.

Take good care,

qrachel · #38 02-08-2013, 09:57 PM

Dear Stevie: Thank you for the post and enjoy your S&Ws!!!

TTFN,

qrachel · #39 02-08-2013, 10:00 PM

Oppps - got my replies mixed up . . . where's my CC&7 so I can settle down! It's hard enough being blond w/o trying to prove it . . .

qrachel · #40 02-08-2013, 10:02 PM

Ahhhh, found it . . . maybe one more. Anyway, thank you to y'all. The discourse is great!

qrachel · #41 02-12-2013, 12:13 AM

Hi: Well, finally made the first of two planned purchases:

As a somewhat famous U TUBE gun commentator might say if he were me, "Hi, Grande Tornia here and today we are talkin 22LRs, the Smith & Wession 10-shot 617 to be specific. Haven't done that yet . . . "

1) Bought the 617 22 LR this evening and am now in the check and see phase of the purchase (10 days). I settled on the 6", as that seems to help me see the sights better aligned with the target. It's a beautiful piece and will become even more beautiful when in my possession with some handsome wooden grips - not sure yet but leaning towards Ahrends or Hogue in Rosewood or possibly something slightly darker; and

2) The 627PC w/5" barrel. I really like my instructor's 686 357 in a 6" barrel, so I could end up there. For me it'll come down to the best overall value and owner pride, which right now has me leaning towards the 627 - we'll see.

BTW: my local shop, Gun World in the SF Valley CA, has been truly patient and helpful with never a condescending comment or the like . . . I was a little worried the 1st day being a woman who walked in the store knowing very little, but the staff has been welcoming, courteous, and informative (hooked me up with a great shooting instructor) - avoiding telling me what to do but helped me to be sure my lack of experience didn't get in the way of a good 1st gun purchase. (I think the 617 was a brilliant idea followed up the 357 mag, which seems to be emerging as my favorite caliber just know.)

Also, thanks to you, each and everyone, for so many supportive and helpful exchanges here on the forum. You really made my first purchase a lot more informed and, equally as important, lots of fun! Thank you.

Rachel

ladder13 · #42 02-12-2013, 10:39 AM

Two great purchases Rachel, congrats on your choices.

bbqbob51 · #43 03-02-2013, 12:10 AM

I want a 617 to be my next purchase...if I can find one. I have lusted after the revolver for months now and my income tax refund came in yesterday and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I really want the 10 shot 6" barreled though I have been seduced by the dark side. I have also handled a Taurus Tracker 992 convertible, it felt solid and it has gotten good reviews. Field and Stream gave it their 2012 Best of the Best award.
I makes it hard when you have the money and the one gun I don't have in my collection is a nice DA rimfire revolver. I don't want to settle for the Taurus Tracker but....

qrachel · #44 03-02-2013, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbqbob51

I want a 617 to be my next purchase...if I can find one. I have lusted after the revolver for months now and my income tax refund came in yesterday and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I really want the 10 shot 6" barreled though I have been seduced by the dark side. I have also handled a Taurus Tracker 992 convertible, it felt solid and it has gotten good reviews. Field and Stream gave it their 2012 Best of the Best award.
I makes it hard when you have the money and the one gun I don't have in my collection is a nice DA rimfire revolver. I don't want to settle for the Taurus Tracker but....

Hi: I totally get it . . . and tomorrow I'm going to be shooting my new 617 as well a few other calibers my shooting coach is bringing. It ought to be a great time.

The best of everything and keep looking, as that perfect revolver is just waiting for you out there somewhere.

Rachel

slickracer · #45 03-02-2013, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbqbob51

I want a 617 to be my next purchase...if I can find one. I have lusted after the revolver for months now and my income tax refund came in yesterday and it is burning a hole in my pocket. I really want the 10 shot 6" barreled though I have been seduced by the dark side. I have also handled a Taurus Tracker 992 convertible, it felt solid and it has gotten good reviews. Field and Stream gave it their 2012 Best of the Best award.
I makes it hard when you have the money and the one gun I don't have in my collection is a nice DA rimfire revolver. I don't want to settle for the Taurus Tracker but....

Don't settle for the Taurus....

qrachel · #46 03-04-2013, 03:16 AM

The w/e shoot was great and the 617 was spot on and out of 150+ rounds we only had to rounds that didn't fire the first time - both CCI LR regulars. The CCI max rounds were great. I'm able to do 4" groups at 7 yards and my instructor was able to get 1"+ groups. The trigger break is crisp and clean too, both DA and SA.

All-in-all it made for a great sat morning.

memphisjim1 · #47 03-12-2013, 05:37 PM

I just bought a brand new 4" 617 10-shot. Last weekend i took it to our local Steel Challenge match for its "baptism by fire." Several times I had problems with the trigger resetting but that may have been a classic case of "operator error." Til now I've shot all SC matches with a Ruger MkII 22/45 with red dot. This time i tried the revolver with stock iron sights. And it was my first competitive effort with revolver. On average, my times doubled but a lot of that had to do with difficulties picking up the front sight (my eyes, like the rest of me, will celebrate 70 this summer). I loved shooting the 617 so much, though, that i'm determined to stick with it. An appropriate Weaver-style base is ordered from MidwayUSA and the reflex sight will be dialed in by the next match in two weeks.

SemperFi1 · #48 02-03-2014, 03:57 PM

I'm considering a 4" Model 617 and I hate to sound ignorant but...what does "no dash" mean?

steamloco76 · #49 02-03-2014, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SemperFi1

I'm considering a 4" Model 617 and I hate to sound ignorant but...what does "no dash" mean?

Whenever S&W makes revisions to a number model revolver or pistol they add a dash - and the revision number to the model number on the guns frame. On revolvers this model number is on the frame under the cylinder crane. You must open and swing out the cylinder to see it. A 617 "no dash" is the first model. There have been six revisions to date, so there are 617,( the no dash) 617-1, 617-2, 617-3, 617-4, 617-5 and 617-6 (current production). Many collectors like the earliest models in the dash series.

SemperFi1 · #50 02-03-2014, 05:17 PM

Thanks for the clarification. Is any one more accurate or reliable than another?