Well, I finally found and bought a brand new 617 with the 4" barrel. Couldn't find it on the internet, but located one from a local gun shop of all places. I had a chance to compare between the 6" and 4" models. The 4" felt right and balanced for me. I'm also upgrading the grips with the S&W checkered walnut and silver medallion model from Altamont. Next things on the list will be a DS-10 speedloader and a 100-shot block. Can't wait to bring it to the range.

Nice gun, good luck finding ammo at reasonable prices.

Congrats. Just got mine too and went to the range for the first time today. You're going to love it!

Your next investment should be ammo! Great gun! You're lucky to have one. They are a bit hard to find right now. Congratulations!

Thanks, everyone. I've got a small stash of Federal 22LR Lightning 40gr. to use just for this purpose. This will be a great way to use up some ammo that my semi-autos just don't like.

Congrats! I picked up a new production 617 from Basspro about a year ago and have put maybe 3000 rounds of mixed 22lr through it. It comes along on every range trip. A couple of observations from a year of shooting the 617:
- I have had no misfires that I can recollect.
- The DA pull is heavier than my 66, 586 or GP100. I'm afraid to make any changes due to the gun being so reliable for a 22lr. Apparently 22lr revolvers need heavy DA pulls for good reliability.
- Accuracy is very good.
- The 617 is a big hit with anybody who shoots it.

Any issues such as cartridges not seating properly, after a few rounds, due to fouling?

My S&W K-22's, the 617-6 in particular, work best with Federal ammo of several varieties including the (formerly!) inexpensive #510 40 grain high velocity. I can shoot a long time before cases begin to stick. CCI, which is very accurate, begins to stick very quickly.

One thing for sure, with a speed loader/loading block combo you can blaze away as fast as most semi-auto pistols!

Congratulations on the purchase and you will never regret buying that revolver. They are made to last forever and they will eat any 22LR ammo and are just plain fun to shoot.

Mine will go hundreds of rounds without any issues of that nature. But you do hear of it occasionally on just about every model and brand of 22 lr revolver.

Just got my 4" 617! About 500 rounds through it an no problems. Excellent accuracy. Dennis

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S&W M60-15 Pro 3", M69 2.7"