Need Your Opinion on Model 617 vs Airlite 317

giants1 · Jan 28, 2023

I'm looking for a DA revolver only to improve my trigger control, i.e. not competition, hunting, or self-defense.

I don't yet know prices (LGS never quotes over the phone), but I'm in California, where these sort of revolvers are in chronic short supply. The big box just ran out of 617s, which run $930, 317s at $810, both new

Option 1: 6" Model 317, new

Option 2: Airlite 317, new

I don't have more details at the present time.

The other day, someone let me shoot 10 rounds on his 4" Model 317 (my first time shooting a .22LR revolver). I shot low and right with my right hand. I liked the revolver. He said he wanted to sell it, but never followed up with me.

About the Airlite 317, I'm concerned about the durability of the all aluminum 317 (I read anecdotes of the .38SPL Airweight 642 and M&P Bodyguard frames cracking), though maybe my shooting factory .22LR ammo won't harm it?

Does the 317 have issues with light primer strikes?

Also, how do they compare as to durability and reliability? Maintaining value?

scooter123 · Jan 28, 2023

IMO the 617 is the better revolver, it will have a better trigger and be a better choice to practice with. BTW save your empty brass, you can use them as snap caps, just rotate them after each strike. Also don't hit them too many times because they will become difficult to extract.

Electraclyde · Jan 28, 2023

617 would be the better choice. Heavier gun means more stable to hold on target than the lighter gun. I have a 4" 617 (recently purchased new) and after about 1200 rounds thru it, I like it better than any other revolvers I have.

g-dad · Jan 28, 2023

Had both at one time. Still have the 617 . Just didn't like the lighter 317.

smoothshooter · Jan 28, 2023

scooter123 said:
IMO the 617 is the better revolver, it will have a better trigger and be a better choice to practice with. BTW save your empty brass, you can use them as snap caps, just rotate them after each strike. Also don't hit them too many times because they will become difficult to extract.

A better way to dry-fire is to cock the hammer and place a small piece of a foam earplug down in the hammer recess in line with, or just below the firing pin.
You can dry-fire hundreds of times without changing anything
Remember to remove the earplug piece when done practicing.

Works infinitely better than snap caps or fired cases in any handgun with a hammer.
Let us know how you like it.

CH4 · Jan 28, 2023

Another vote for the 617. To my mind the air weights were designed for carry more than years of repeated shooting, not that those chambered in 22lr can’t handle it.

MikeR90S · Jan 28, 2023

The 617 is a steel K frame and the 317 is an aluminum J frame, not a fair comparison. I have a 4” 617, a 3” 63, a 3” 317-1 and a 2” 317. For target shooting the 617 10 shot is best, for plinking I really like the 3” 317-1 8-shot for all around carry the 2” 317 8 shot weighs nothing. The 63 doesn’t get out much anymore.

Assuming recent production, I think the 8 shot 317 3” gun would be really fun to shoot. I doubt you will wear it out.

SS336 · Jan 28, 2023

Hold out for a 617.
Would be my choice every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I might be a little prejudiced since I have owned this one for a while.

ken158 · Jan 28, 2023

The 617 is so much better than a 317 that there is no real comparison other than they both shoot the 22 rimfire.

Shrek Of The Arctic · Jan 28, 2023

I'm sorry, but I'll be the "Answer that wasn't asked for" fella...

I was in much the same boat and wound up with a Ruger LCRx with a 3" bbl. and adj. sights. I saw it at the local gun shop and asked to handle it. I picked it up and said "Dang! that's super light! I bet it's near impossible to hold on target! That trigger is awful! Trigger pull is way heavier than the gun! It'd be a heckuva challenge to hit anything with it. Let's start the paperwork!

Mine has been incredibly durable, and it has made me a much better shooter. The owners manual actually seems to actually ENCOURAGE dry firing. I decided to run it as filthy as I could to see how far it could go. It was between 2500 and 3000 round I couldn't stand it anymore and spent an entire evening cleaning it.

The trigger was around 22 lbs. and very gritty. Now, it's quite smooth, but no lighter. Sometimes when I'm on top of my game with practicing it feels lighter though, because I build up to it.

I have a game that I play, alone or with others. I'll set up a post it at...whatever distance I can handle. Typically 10-15 yards. The game is to shoot it double action and keep all my rounds on the post it. I've almost gotten an entire box on it before, but fatigue sets in.

It's the best training gun I've had, although if I had to live off whatever I could shoot with a rimfire pistol, I'd choose my 22/45 all day, every day, and twice on Sunday.

I hope you don't mind me sharing my perspective. it's not a S&W among your choices, but my experience has been too positive not to share. Good luck in your search!

marct375 · Jan 28, 2023

617 is a classic pistol that is high quality. .22 is accurate and inexpensive to shoot. You would need to put snap caps/dummy rounds when dry firing to avoid damaging the cylinder face.

.22 revolvers have a somewhat higher trigger pull that center fire calibers like .38 special.

If you are looking for a center fire/ .38 a smith and wesson model 15 is another sweet shooting 4" classic that can be found for about $550.

wproct · Jan 28, 2023

The 617 by a country mile! Stainless steel construction, enough heft to make it easier to stay on target. I think my 1996 4 inch bbl 617-1 is just the perfect weight and balance for me. Smoothshooter has the right suggestion for dry-firing, I have used this method for years, I cut mine out of a rubber/plastic pad and they last forever.

reddog81 · Jan 28, 2023

617 unless you’re going to use it as a carry gun. And if you’re getting it for a carry gun I’d choose something other than a 317.

longwalker · Jan 28, 2023

The 617, by leaps and bounds...
I'd go with the 4-inch, if you have that option, a little lighter than the 6-inch.
Of the two, the 617 has the better trigger, the weight of the all steel 617 will make working on double-action shooting a lot easier.

After you pick up your pistol and play with it a little... Order a "Speed Beez" speedloader and loading block (factory direct). I picked one up for my S&W Model 63 (also a 22LR) and it makes an afternoon at the range more of a shooting event, much faster than loading each round in the cylinder. I'm going to get one for my S&W Model 17 also (the Model 17 is basically the same gun as the 617, but blue instead of stainless and no barrel underlug).

Jerry

Engine49guy · Jan 29, 2023

The 617 is better for target shooting and putting tons of ammo down range....

The 317 is better for pocket carry when walking the dogs.

clang444 · Jan 29, 2023

A K frame .22lr is a thing of joy. Find a 617 or a 17 or 18 and you'll bring it to the range on every trip.

tew3006 · Jan 29, 2023

I have a 617 it's very accurate. The trigger is close to my model 66.

CalifEd · Jan 29, 2023

From member Collectorden
Inexpensive, nylon .22 snap cap alternatives.
#4-6 x 7/8" Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchors.
Home Depot PN 54772.
They will even cycle in some semi-autos.
Or
Amazon

I would vote for the 4" 617, especially if you are going to be going to a heavier pistol later.
As a note: You might want to explore the Single Action exemption in California's gun rules and The Roster. It really opens up the market to S&W's revolvers. If interested in knowing more, PM me.

H Richard · Jan 29, 2023

I'm with the 617 far above the 317. The size, weight, and ergonomics of the 617 makes it much easier for you to hit what you are shooting at. The 317 is a light weight "plinking" gun for limited use. The 617 can be shot all day every day for years and years and then passed down to your grandchildren for their use. There is no comparison between accuracy, the 617 will out shoot the 317 hands downs.

Needs a picture.

DS-10-SPEED · Jan 29, 2023

I agree that the 617 is the best choice, I don't have a 317 but I have held them, the model 63 is also a J frame like the 317 but in stainless steel, it's not a bad choice but it's harder to be accurate compared to the 617's. I also posted a Ruger and Colt I have.

Top left: 617-6 4" 10 shot
Top Right: 617-0 6" 6 shot
Middle left: 63-5 3" 8 shot
Middle right: 617-2 6" 10 shot
Bottom left: Ruger GP100 6" 10 shot
Bottom right: Colt King Cobra 4" 10 shot

Need Your Opinion on Model 617 vs Airlite 317

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