Any fans of the 6 shot 617s?

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357 shooter

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Picked up one of my "Grail Guns" this week , one I have wanted for a log while. It is a 4" 617-1 with box/papers. Now in the late 1990s I did briefly own a 6" 617 but ended up trading it.

Being a long time fan of Smith 357s the urge to have a 22 companion gun grew stronger over the past several years and now finally have one in my possession once again.

For those that have the six shot 617s how do find the accuracy compared to the centerfire counterparts? Like a 686/586 or 66/19. I hope this one turn out to be at least as accurate as my 357s , better would be ok with me too!
 

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I have one and like it! Mines from around 2003; sometimes I do wish for a 4” barrel ten-shot, but my 6 shooter is really all I need.

These are heavy (in a good way) revolvers, built like a tank in terms of shooting a .22LR. Should last a lifetime.

I think you will find accuracy to be excellent, on par with the centerfires. I remember reading Elmer Keith’s Sixguns, and he loved his K-22’s (model 17/617) almost as much as his .44’s. He thought they were great for long range shooting (100+ yards) and overall practice and training.

I wouldn’t be without one!
 
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I had 2 K 22's that were outstanding in fit and finish and shot at 25 yds perfect. I like SS pistols... functional.
 
Yes! I am a big fan of the 6 shot 6" bbl. M 617. It is very accurate with 22 LR. I fitted another 6 shot cylinder to it and re-chambered that cylinder for the 22 WMR (MRF). And that proved to be even more accurate than the original 22 LR. Then I got a 4" bbl., 10 shot. I like it as much for another reason.....it is handy as all get out to have on my hip while messing around in the desert. And too, it is just as accurate as the 6" model.
 
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Old_Cop said:
4" with combat grips here, I have never shot it, but it looks good.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies and pictures! I do wish my 617-1 was a square butt as I have a pair of combats off a 586 that would look great on there. But as long as it shoots good I'll be more than pleased!
 
S&W 617-1 22lr 6-shot 4"Bbl

Mine is a 2007 S&W Model 617-1 22lr 6-shot 4"Bbl.

I also have 1993 S&W 686-4 357Rem Mag 6-shot 6"Bbl.

I like both. Fit and Finish are well done. I shoot both often.
The Trigger Pull on both are stock and Single Action pull is
exceptional.

Both are very Accurate. I contribute that to the Trigger pull.
The S&W Rubber Grips provide a non-slip grip, also contributing
to the accuracy. The 4"Bbl is very unforgiving at longer distances.

The 617-1 is built like a Tank. Also notable, it is a very heavy
Revolver. Cylinder Timing is correct. Cylinder Lock up is Solid.
All Charge Holes align perfect with the Barrel Bore.

For some reason the 6-shot is most popular. Several guy's
at the Indoor Range have commented about the 6-shots.

My 617-1 is always in the Range Bag, with me.

The Best to you and your Endeavors. Give Range Report.
I'm sure you will enjoy that well Built, Safe to Operate, and
Trouble Free Revolver.

My 617-1 4"Bbl, 617-3 6"Bbl, and 686-4 6"Bbl.
 

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I have owned both 4” and 6” 6 shot 617’s. I found the 4” accurate and the 6” to be an outstanding performer. I shot that 6” better than any of my centerfire Smiths.
Would buy another in a heartbeat for a reasonable price.
 
I also once owned a 6 in bbl 617 no dash full target and it was the nicest most accurate .22 revolver that I had ever owned, regret very much that I sold it. I now own a 4 inch bbl 617-1 and I feel that it is as accurate as the 6 incher, the extra forward weight of the longer bbl just made it a little easier to hold on target. I don't think you will be disappointed with your 4 inch 617-1.
 
At the time the 617 came out, I was carrying a 681. Needless to say, I went out and bought a brand new 617. (Coming to a symposium near you...) Anyway, I rarely buy new, I usually wait until what I want has died off and entered the secondary market. I LOVE that gun and it will go to my grandchildren. Just for grins, we went back to the 100 yard line. I shot a 6" group at 100 yards off a sandbag. I don't remember what ammo I was using. It's been in the safe since. I have a modern 617 IL 10 shot I actually shoot.
 
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I had two, one 6 shot and 1 ten shot. Kept the 6 shot, bought a 6 shot cylinder to replace the 10 shot one, filed the ratchets to fit, and then fit the cylinder to the gun. Gave that one to my Son.
It was stolen in a burglary one night along with several others.
Gave SN's to the Police, but nothing has come up yet.:mad:


Mine now has an UltraDot on it, and S&W Combat Target Stocks.
ZqKKsFD.jpg
 
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Okay, I'll be the nay sayer.

I traded a well too used Chiefs Special for a 617 several years ago so I had about $400 into it.

I gave it a go with lots of different ammo, and it did very well. I sold it for double what I paid because I found the weight unfriendly -- I much prefer my postwar K-22.

I used the profit to pick up another Chiefs, and that one began my current illness -- Old Chiefs Decease (OCD).
 
I still fail to understand why S&W made/makes these with a full underlug barrel. The barrel is plenty heavy with that tiny bore.

I've held a few in the gun store, but I'll stick with my old K-22 and 34-1.

If I was given a 617, I'd have the underlug milled off.
 
hkcavalier said:
I still fail to understand why S&W made/makes these with a full underlug barrel. The barrel is plenty heavy with that tiny bore.

I've held a few in the gun store, but I'll stick with my old K-22 and 34-1.

If I was given a 617, I'd have the underlug milled off.
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Yeah, the full hefty underlug is a turn-off for me in a .22LR stainless revolver (far more so in a 6" than a 4", but still). It's why I went with a new Ruger SP101 instead. Of course the IL was also an issue. No IL guns ever for me. :cool:

That said, I'd still love to find an 'as-new' Model 617 (No Dash) in 4" someday... or an early (pre-IL) 4" 617 10-rounder with a stainless cylinder. :)
 
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