17-3 vs 617
- Thread starter paskiedog
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I wouldn't do it.
The 617 is still in production, the model 17-3 is no longer available and is also a pinned barrel version, which is more collectible.
I have a 17 and a couple of 617's. Accuracy seems pretty equal, though I do like the heavy lug barrel of the 617.
Save-up and buy a model 617 to go with your 17-3 is my advice.
The 617 is still in production, the model 17-3 is no longer available and is also a pinned barrel version, which is more collectible.
I have a 17 and a couple of 617's. Accuracy seems pretty equal, though I do like the heavy lug barrel of the 617.
Save-up and buy a model 617 to go with your 17-3 is my advice.
I agree with steamloco76, I would keep the 17-3 and save toward the purchase of a 617. However, if it absolutely has to be one or the other, I'd keep the 17-3. I personally like the 6" barrel in the no lug guns and the 4" barrel in the full lug guns, those combinations just seem to balance the best for me. Two of my favorites are this early postwar K-22 and this early 617 no dash. As for accuracy, I don't know how your 17-3 shoots, but this old K-22 thinks it's a rifle...
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I have two 617's, a 4 inch and 6 inch and both are no dash and I have a 17-3 in 6 inch and can't tell the difference in accuracy either way. I'm just a stainless fan so I prefer the 617's but it's simply a matter of preference and dollar value means very little since I almost never sell a gun. I'm a gatherer and not a seller. 
I have both the Model 17 and 617 with 6 inch barrels and they are both great shooters and I really don't see any difference in the area of accuracy. The balance is totally different between the two and to me the 617 6 inch is a bit muzzle heavy when compared to the 17 with 6 inch barrel. I do like the balance of the 617 with 4 inch barrel better then the 617 with 6 inch barrel though.
So to me if you want a 617 go with the 4 inch barrel and if you can keep the Model 17-3.
Model 617 no dash with 6 inch barrel
Model 617 no dah with 4 inch barrel
Model 17-1 with 6 inch barrel
So to me if you want a 617 go with the 4 inch barrel and if you can keep the Model 17-3.
Model 617 no dash with 6 inch barrel
Model 617 no dah with 4 inch barrel
Model 17-1 with 6 inch barrel
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lscocoa
Member
Keep the 17-3 . I have a 17-3 with an 8 3/8" barrel mounted with a 1x4 scope that has accounted for more head shot squirrels then I can count . I also have a 617 and a 17-6 and really like them both and there extremly accurate , but I feel shortly after you trade you will regret it . Try to find a way to have both for twice the happiness .
Sportsterguy
Member
I'm also with the group of keeping the 17-3. Have 2 of em. A shooter and a ANIB model. Both tack drivers and small game taking .22's extrodinaire. Carry ver well in the field with a Bianchi shoulder holster. I find the 6" full underlug to be off balanced but the 4" is sweet and the one I would BUY, not trade one of my 17's for.
Love that 4" of yours fyimo! You tease me all the time with its picture!
Love that 4" of yours fyimo! You tease me all the time with its picture
!
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
The perfect gun would be the 617 6" with the model 17 barrel contour.
Since we don't live in a perfect world, I agree with the others to keep te 6" 16 and get a 4" 617. The 6" full lug parrel in the 617 is extremelt muzzle heavy and I don't care for it. I like the balance of the 4" much better.COme to think of it, the perfect gun would also be a 617 with a Model 18 barrel contour. Since Smith is making the Model 18 again, if they would produce a run of stainless model 18 barrels I bet they would sell a pot-load to model 617 owners for swap out. I KNOW I would buy one in a heartbeat!!!
Since we don't live in a perfect world, I agree with the others to keep te 6" 16 and get a 4" 617. The 6" full lug parrel in the 617 is extremelt muzzle heavy and I don't care for it. I like the balance of the 4" much better.COme to think of it, the perfect gun would also be a 617 with a Model 18 barrel contour. Since Smith is making the Model 18 again, if they would produce a run of stainless model 18 barrels I bet they would sell a pot-load to model 617 owners for swap out. I KNOW I would buy one in a heartbeat!!!
+1
Sounds like good advice to me.
Everything being equal, and no probs with the 17... keep it or you'll likely regret it. You can get a 617 later.
Was this swap your idea or the other guys?
Keep the 17. I am tired of all the stories I read of seller's remorse.
I like the balance and feel of my 6" 17 the best, my 4" 617 next and my 6" 617 least. I put a little red dot on the 6" 617. Shoots great, but muzzle heavy.
I like the balance and feel of my 6" 17 the best, my 4" 617 next and my 6" 617 least. I put a little red dot on the 6" 617. Shoots great, but muzzle heavy.
OIF2
Member
Still looking for a 617 no-dash. These will have to do until I find one. The 17-3 is on the bottom. That one stays when the others depart.
Bob
Bob
