algeciras
Member
DOES ANYBODY KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE 617 "PERFORMANCE EDITION" ID LIKE TO KNOW HISTORY AND VALUE OF THIS GUN,,,,,,,,,,,,,
617 PERFORMANCE EDITION
- Thread starter algeciras
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wantmoresmiths
Member
I have never heard of a "Performance Edition" model 617, could you provide more details regarding what you do know about this particular model.
There was a ".22 Target Champion" model produced, product code 100561, but as far as I know all of those particular guns were shipped to Europe. I recall it came with a 6" slab sided barrel which is very similar to the model 627-5 performance center. I did read where someone was able to buy one and have it shipped back to the states, but the whole process sounded quite cumbersome and very expensive. I did have a picture of this model somewhere. I will search it out and add it to this post if possible.
Found it - lots of information, including a picture.
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...lver Forum - Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!
There was a ".22 Target Champion" model produced, product code 100561, but as far as I know all of those particular guns were shipped to Europe. I recall it came with a 6" slab sided barrel which is very similar to the model 627-5 performance center. I did read where someone was able to buy one and have it shipped back to the states, but the whole process sounded quite cumbersome and very expensive. I did have a picture of this model somewhere. I will search it out and add it to this post if possible.
Found it - lots of information, including a picture.
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...lver Forum - Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!
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617 PC
Does it look like this ?
S&W Model # 617-1
SN # ETC0001 through ETC0306
Product Code: 170122
Special Order 8190
Description
Stainless Steel Bead finish
Profile barrel ( 6" )
Round butt
Grips: Are Nill ( Photo Attached ) Pretty sure the Nill grips were added after weapons arrived in Germany
Target trigger 0.400" / target hammer 0.500"!
Year manufactured 1998
617PC revolvers were special ordered by German distributor ( Wischo )
The process to import a weapon is detailed below:
* Complete the financial transaction with the seller.
* Your FFL must complete BATF form 6. ( in triplicate ) and submit to BATF for approval to import a weapon into the US. This process takes approx 6-8 weeks. [ No cost ]
*When the BATF returns the approved form 6 to your FFL they will include two each of a form 6A. These need to be completed. The original ( approved ) form 6 & the two form 6A's need to be sent to the shipper. The form 6A is a Customs release form. US Customs keeps one of the 6A forms & sends one to the BATF. Customs will release the package and return the original form 6 and the gun to your FFL assuming there are no paperwork issues. The FFL is required to keep the original form 6 in his files ( just like 4473's ) for 20 yrs.
There is no import duty / fee required since the weapon was manufactured in the US.
Does it look like this ?
S&W Model # 617-1
SN # ETC0001 through ETC0306
Product Code: 170122
Special Order 8190
Description
Stainless Steel Bead finish
Profile barrel ( 6" )
Round butt
Grips: Are Nill ( Photo Attached ) Pretty sure the Nill grips were added after weapons arrived in Germany
Target trigger 0.400" / target hammer 0.500"!
Year manufactured 1998
617PC revolvers were special ordered by German distributor ( Wischo )
The process to import a weapon is detailed below:
* Complete the financial transaction with the seller.
* Your FFL must complete BATF form 6. ( in triplicate ) and submit to BATF for approval to import a weapon into the US. This process takes approx 6-8 weeks. [ No cost ]
*When the BATF returns the approved form 6 to your FFL they will include two each of a form 6A. These need to be completed. The original ( approved ) form 6 & the two form 6A's need to be sent to the shipper. The form 6A is a Customs release form. US Customs keeps one of the 6A forms & sends one to the BATF. Customs will release the package and return the original form 6 and the gun to your FFL assuming there are no paperwork issues. The FFL is required to keep the original form 6 in his files ( just like 4473's ) for 20 yrs.
There is no import duty / fee required since the weapon was manufactured in the US.
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Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran
Tanzer, that 170122 the coolest M617 I've ever seen. The Performance Center sends our European brothers all the best stuff.
617PC
The process to obtain the 617PC from Germany was a bit of a pain and time consuming. BATF provided great support in getting the paperwork properly completed. One of the few government agencies that actually answer their phones. Start to finish was between 3 and 4 months. I have to believe there are not many 617PC's in the US. I have never seen a photo other than mine in the US. I paid $1000.00 EUROS in 2011. [ $1350.00 US in 2011 ] + shipping + Wells Fargo wire transfer charge. All that being said I'm a happy camper.
The process to obtain the 617PC from Germany was a bit of a pain and time consuming. BATF provided great support in getting the paperwork properly completed. One of the few government agencies that actually answer their phones. Start to finish was between 3 and 4 months. I have to believe there are not many 617PC's in the US. I have never seen a photo other than mine in the US. I paid $1000.00 EUROS in 2011. [ $1350.00 US in 2011 ] + shipping + Wells Fargo wire transfer charge. All that being said I'm a happy camper.
I really like that puppy!! I have never seen one like that, but have a couple of 627s with the slab side barrel. I like the looks, myself.
wantmoresmiths
Member
OK, lets add a new twist to this thread. The standard catalog of Smith & Wesson, third edition (page 251) lists product code 100561 as a ".22 Target Champion". Has anyone ever seen one of these, and do you have a picture?
Jamesatrange
Member
I've only seen them online but I so what one.....I think I saw one once on an auction site but it was after the fact. One of my grail guns.
one eye joe
US Veteran
BEING AN OLD GEEZER, WHO HAS BEEN SHOOTING REVOLVERS FOR OVER 50 YEARS---I JUST CAN'T WARM UP TO THE SLAB SIDED REVOLVERS WITH THE LONG SLOPING UNDERLUG. IMHO, BARRELS SHOULD BE ROUND ON REVOLVERS. FLAT SURFACES SHOULD BE LEFT TO SEMI-AUTOS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE BARREL IS PROBABLY CUT AWAY ENOUGH TO BALANCE THE LENGTH PERFECTLY. 6' FULL UNDERLUGGED 617s ARE MUZZLE HEAVY. IN MY MIND, THERE IS NO PRETTIER, AND WELL BALANCED 617 THAN THE 4" VERSION --PRE IL, OF COURSE. I AM NOT A FAN OF FINGER GROOVED GRIPS--THEY JUST DON'T FIT ME--SO THE GRIPS ON THE GERMAN EXPORT DON'T EXCITE ME. OF COURSE ALL OF THIS IS JUST SUBJECTIVE, IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER STUFF. I'M SURE THAT 617 IS A FINE SHOOTER. BELOW IS MY 4" 617. SIGHTS HAVE BEEN SWAPPED OUT, AS HAVE THE FINGER GROOVED GOODYEARS. THE FRAME HAS ALSO BEEN PLUGGED. THIS TRADITIONAL LOOK IS WHAT I GRAVITATE TOWARD IN REVOLVERS…...
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zelda
Member
lt seems our German brothers got ''shorted'' on this one...
l don't see an internal lock on their model.
l don't see an internal lock on their model.
A 6" FL 6 shot 686 and similarly laser engraved 6" FL 6 shot 617 were sold as a matched set. They were not Performance Center revolvers. Cabelas sold a set on line a few years ago but broke up the set. I vaguely remember serial numbers matched and their laser engraving was Target Champion but I'm not certain. See SCSW 3rd ed. p. 271 Model 686 product code 104268. I don't have a picture but my recollection of Cabelas' set is standard production revolvers with only the laser engraving added.
One Eye Joe,
I hope you can forgive registered magnums for having a barrel rib.
I do understand what you mean. I love the 1950s style model 15/18 barrels. I believe these slab sided barrels at least started out as a way for the Performance Center to make something unusual out of FL barrels. For the most part what they accomplished was restoring the barrel weight to what it was in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
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Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran
Wasn't the M617 Target Champion simply and otherwise standard M617 with the words Target Champion laser engraved on the side?
one eye joe
US Veteran
A 6" FL 6 shot 686 and similarly laser engraved 6" FL 6 shot 617 were sold as a matched set. They were not Performance Center revolvers. Cabelas sold a set on line a few years ago but broke up the set. I vaguely remember serial numbers matched and their laser engraving was Target Champion but I'm not certain. See SCSW 3rd ed. p. 271 Model 686 product code 104268. I don't have a picture but my recollection of Cabelas' set is standard production revolvers with only the laser engraving added.
One Eye Joe,
I hope you can forgive registered magnums for having a barrel rib.
k22fan, I ACTUALLY HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH A RIBBED ROUND BARREL--ON A HANDGUN OR A SHOTGUN. I'M A COLT PYTHON SHOOTER, HAVING OWNED THEM FOR MANY YEARS. I OFTEN WONDER IF THE PC GUNS ARE BUILT ANY BETTER THAN THE STANDARD MODELS, OR IT IT JUST COSMETICS. THE CS-I 686s BUILT FOR THE US CUSTOM SERVICE WERE BUILT TO A HIGHER STANDARD THAN THE THE ORDINARY 686 WAS. I THINK THAT SOME PCs MAY HAVE AN IMPROVED CYLINDER LOCKING SYSTEM. THE NEW PC GUNS HAVE PROBLEMS, AS EVIDENCED BY THE POSTS ON OUR FORUM, SO I DON'T THINK QC IS MUCH BETTER….
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Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran
October - November 1993.
There's nothing special about the s/n. I've seen that prefix used on other guns.
The Target Champion discussed earlier in this thread was from July of 1998.
You might have something special. Some in-focus pictures, including the model number and both sides of the gun, would be worth a thousand words. (hint, hint)
Put it in a new thread.
