Ned, That sure looks sweet, I've been running that exact configuration through my mind for a while. I was trying to picture in my mind what it might look like as a finished piece. A couple of questions; What front sight did you use? Also, how does it shoot and handle? Was it a hard project or did you farm any of the build out? I've got a couple of 4" 617-6's and had the same idea as you.........Dan.
5" bbl 617?
- Thread starter kimber 22
- Start date
Making a gun shorter is easier than making it longer.....
I cut down one of my S&W 500's
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...311636-peek-inside-s-w-500-barrel-shroud.html
That was easy becasue I did not need a frame wrench to get the barrel off or on. I shortened my original 625 that was pretty easy if you have the tools. The 617 would be nice as a 5" and mine might end up getting the treatment. If for some reason you decide to put it back S&W will fix you up.
I cut down one of my S&W 500's
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...311636-peek-inside-s-w-500-barrel-shroud.html
That was easy becasue I did not need a frame wrench to get the barrel off or on. I shortened my original 625 that was pretty easy if you have the tools. The 617 would be nice as a 5" and mine might end up getting the treatment. If for some reason you decide to put it back S&W will fix you up.
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3" 17-8
GunguyDan:
Sent you a pm with all the particulars. The short answer is, I did the work, handles & shoots great.
Ned
GunguyDan:
Sent you a pm with all the particulars. The short answer is, I did the work, handles & shoots great.
Ned
- Joined
- May 8, 2009
- Messages
- 926
- Reaction score
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3" 17-8
GunguyDan:
Sent you a pm with all the particulars. The short answer is, I did the work, handles & shoots great.
Ned
GunguyDan:
Sent you a pm with all the particulars. The short answer is, I did the work, handles & shoots great.
Ned
Dave T
Member
Kimber22,
I'm going to support your idea. I came to the realization a few years ago that a great many of the S&Ws I want were never made. The only answer is to have a good gun smith build them for you. If the gun (in this case revolver) doesn't suit your needs or fit you, why on earth should you hang on to it because that's the way S&W built it, or sell it since it isn't right...then you don't have the gun at all.
I've always loved the 5" and 3.5" 357 Magnums and Model 27s. Those two barrel lengths are superior in my opinion to the offered 6" and 4" versions. I've actually been thinking about finding a 6" Model 48 and a 6" Model 17 and having my gun smith make a 5" 22 WMR and a 3.5" 22 LR for me. I think it would be a kick. (smile)
Dave
I'm going to support your idea. I came to the realization a few years ago that a great many of the S&Ws I want were never made. The only answer is to have a good gun smith build them for you. If the gun (in this case revolver) doesn't suit your needs or fit you, why on earth should you hang on to it because that's the way S&W built it, or sell it since it isn't right...then you don't have the gun at all.
I've always loved the 5" and 3.5" 357 Magnums and Model 27s. Those two barrel lengths are superior in my opinion to the offered 6" and 4" versions. I've actually been thinking about finding a 6" Model 48 and a 6" Model 17 and having my gun smith make a 5" 22 WMR and a 3.5" 22 LR for me. I think it would be a kick. (smile)
Dave
I confess I had a 6" 617-5 that I felt was excessively muzzle heavy and had the barrel cut to 5". It took a couple of oz from the muzzle and gave it the weight and balance of my 627PC. It now makes a terrific surrogate gun for the PC. I felt it was worth it to me. Whether you would feel the same is up to you.
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kimber 22
Member
Tom - what did you use for the sight?
When I had it cut down, the 'smith installed a Weigand Interchangeable Sight System. It takes the same front sight blades as the S&W Classic DX spring loaded system. It works well for me. I just insert black, serrated ramp front sights and I am done.
OP
kimber 22
Member
Thanks Tom. The Weigand was a consideration I had. I also like the black serrated ramp as I can tell when I am properly focused on the front sight. Fiber optics and gold beads work nicely in some lighting.
I really appreciate everyone's input here. When I get done (which could take a while) I'll post some pics.
Have you found a guy to do it? The guy I used doesn't seem to do it any more.
Sometimes you just have to make your Smith into a model S&W should have made and not look back. Larry
I have to agree , its not the Holy Grail, they are not rare, however you can buy stnls barrels at Brownells, they are the newer version, printing is different. And then have the dickens chopped off it. For a pure shooting gun the Weigand sight works great and is alot cheaper than refitting a S/W ramp and patridge or Baumann like Bowen does, although his work is beautiful. I am going another route, I have several blued guns that Im gonna have shortened and such for shooting, when I retire ,but Im gonna have them hard chromed after, then put the sights back on.
Let me know if you need a spare hacksaw blade or file.
Just kidding usually those jobs do turn out pretty bad and alot of time. Good luck Bob
Let me know if you need a spare hacksaw blade or file.
Just kidding usually those jobs do turn out pretty bad and alot of time. Good luck Bob
OP
kimber 22
Member
I'm working on it. I like to keep my business local and face to face when I can, so I have to do some driving. I'm also checking some of the well known shops. I'll keep y'all posted, though like I said before, it could take a while.
Amen Brother!
Midway, too. Brownell's isn't stocking the 6" at this point, and the 8 3/8" is a lot more expensive. After the input from you guys, that may be part of the solution. In fact, the 8" bbl could get quite costly, because after you cut it down to 5", you have a little stub left over with a front sight and all - what are you going to do with that? Can't let it got to waste, right???
I like the looks of the Weigand, and that the blades are interchangeable. Based on his website, I didn't think Bowen wanted this kind of work. I should probably contact them for an estimate.
You mean I can't do it with my Sawzall and Dremel?
I have a friend who recently joined the 1000 taxpayers a day partaking in the Commiefornia diaspora. Good luck - maybe you can get out as well!
OP
kimber 22
Member
It looks pretty much like the factory sight. Thanks for the visual Larry!
OP
kimber 22
Member
Finally!
The project took a while longer than planned, and changed (of course) after inspiration from the 986. The work was performed by Alex Hamilton of Ten Ring Precision, and the grips are by Kim Ahrends (wood - padauk). The balance is exactly what I desired. I would have posted sooner, but Avast kept blocking this site (along with many other forums)...
I appreciate all of your input along the way, and hope you enjoy the photo!
The project took a while longer than planned, and changed (of course) after inspiration from the 986. The work was performed by Alex Hamilton of Ten Ring Precision, and the grips are by Kim Ahrends (wood - padauk). The balance is exactly what I desired. I would have posted sooner, but Avast kept blocking this site (along with many other forums)...
I appreciate all of your input along the way, and hope you enjoy the photo!
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Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
Looks nice. I can see a TANZER influence.
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