617 no dash or -1

WalkingCat · Feb 17, 2022

So, I've done my due diligence and searched the forum but I still can't find the answer. What exactly is the difference between a 617 and a 617-1? I want to get one of these in a 6" version, as according to J.Kuhnhausen's shop manual, up until 1993 they were basically traditional, with drop forged and heat treated steel components. Could somebody please tell me what the difference is?

22hipower · Feb 17, 2022

617-1 1993 Change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, change extractor, synthetic grips (per 4th edition Standard Catalog)

Practical differences unless you intend to put a scope on it are nil. In fact early ones still had the combat stocks. I have a no dash and an early -1; essentially no difference.

Maybe a premium for the no dash, but I'd buy whichever one you find first
at a reasonable price. Good luck.

Jeff

SWCA #1457

wproct · Feb 17, 2022

I have owned both 617 no dash and my current 617-1. Some of the differences other than posted above is Smith transitioned away from the square bottom grip frame to the round butt grip frame during production of the 617-1. Also, they went to the rubber Hogue grips versus the nice wood combat grips that came on the 617 no-dash model. Also, during the production 617-1 era they started using a newly contoured cylinder release button. I'm sure others will have more to add. My preference would be for the 617 no dash only if it had the original wood combat grips on it, they are very nice, and worth a good deal of money for the grips alone.

WalkingCat · Feb 17, 2022

Wow that was fast! Thanks for the heads up guys - much appreciated

617 no dash or -1

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wproct

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