617 (10 shot) double action compared to (6 shot)

[8shot]

How does the double action compare between the 10 and 6 shot Model 617 revolvers?

Have a 10 shot 617 but may look for a 6 shot 617 if the 6 shot action travels/feels more like a typical 6 shot K frame.

 

[krsmith58]

not a clue. i sure would like to find one. another on my long list. krs/smith

 

[series guy]

I have two of each and have never noticed any difference.

 

[madmikeb]

I also have 6 and 10 shot versions and notice no difference.

 

[k22fan]

I swing the trigger back fast then pause for best sight alignment just before the hammer is released. With many 6 shot S&W revolvers I can feel the cylinder stop pop up. That's the best clue that final let off is at hand. That works best with early carry up that gets the cylinder locked before hammer release. After enough practice the technique is as accurate as cocking for single action. The 10 shot 617s complete carry up and lock the cylinder so early in the DA pull that my technique can not be used.

Professional trigger jobs smooth the final stage of a 6 shot S&W's DA so bad that my technique can not be used with them either.

Many owners claim a straight through DA pull with no pause is the only correct way but in my observation they all cock the revolver in NRA conventional pistol (bullseye) match slow fire and most other events that put a premium on accuracy. I can only claim my technique works for me, not that it is necessarily the correct technique.

My point is there is a difference in the feel of the 10 shot 617's DA that matters to me.

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

I have two 10 shots and a 6 shot, I don't see much difference. It depends on what you are going to use for. I only do speed shooting sports so there isn't any time for staging, for that I prefer a 10 shot mostly because of the extra 4 rounds. A 6 shot might be better for DA slow fire if staging is your thing.

 

[Nightowl]

I have one of each, and I don't think there is much difference between the two. However, every gun is an entity into it's own. Each seems different to me, sometimes in very small ways, but still different. So, I'm not sure you can find an exact match unless you send both to a revolver master smith, who can make them identical.

 

[Jalopiejoe]

My 617 stages very nicely in DA!
Very smooth and controllable!
SA 4# but feels lighter!
Mine was manufactured in 2015 and the factory trigger is smooth and crisp! I took .017" off the strain screw, that's it!
When I bought it I figured I would have to replace the rebound spring and maybe do an action job but it doesn't need it!

 

[8shot]

I have two 10 shots and a 6 shot, I don't see much difference. It depends on what you are going to use for. I only do speed shooting sports so there isn't any time for staging, for that I prefer a 10 shot mostly because of the extra 4 rounds. A 6 shot might be better for DA slow fire if staging is your thing.

Kinda my situation..I have been practicing "action pistol" with two of my built K frames....bought the 617 to help with the lack of small pistol primers and shoot 22LR ammo for practice. The 617 feels different probably because it loads (stages) up faster (mechanically). Great for speed shooting.

Was just considering looking for a 6 shot 617...but the $$$ has kept me in the considering stage.


Thanks

 

[PatriotX]

They are fun to shoot in both flavors.




Dash-2, dash-1, no-dash, top-to-bottom.




I shoot the 6-shots better, likely due to staging.

 

[k22fan]

[...] Was just considering looking for a 6 shot 617...but the $$$ has kept me in the considering stage.

As much as I love the full lug 6" 617 for a target gun, that is what it is, a dedicated target gun. Its weight makes it not the best trainer for the service size revolvers used in many matches. My preference for that is a Model 18. 18s weigh the same amount as old 4" Model 66s, 36 ounces. 6" 17s weigh a wee bit more but still feel nothing like a full lug 6" 617. In addition to being more affordable you might find a well worn 18 or 17 fits your purpose better.

Firing my well worn pre-18 I once beat all the red dot equipped autos in a timed match. The pause in staging can be so brief that observers do not notice that's what you are doing. IMO, with enough use, over time normal action cycling gives a S&W a better DA than a professional gunsmith. My pre-18 had lots of holster wear and saw many rounds before I bought it for $199 over 20 years ago.

 

[diyj98]

I bought a 617 when they first came out and the trigger pull was terrible. I haven't tried any of the recent production guns though.

 

[wproct]

I have owned 3 model 617 revolvers, all the 6 shot version, an 8 inch, 6 inch, and 4 inch barrel model. The one I have left is my 4 inch model. I have always preferred the 6 shot model, maybe because I'm old fashioned, but that has been my preference.