617, 4" or 6" barrel?

[Packard]

I looked at both a 4" and a 6" barrel model 617. The price differential is not an issue.

What are the arguments for each? This will be a range gun; I will not carry it.

 

[Macinaw]

I've been using the 617 6 inch for Steel Challenge competition and I think it's great.

I'm planning on getting the 4 inch as a back up.

From what I've heard the 4 inch balances better that the 6 inch.

For the range the longer 6 inch sight radius would be better.

Mac

 

[murphydog]

Personal preference - the 6" will probably be muzzle-heavy for most. Overpowering recoil is not an issue for either .

 

[PMRet]

I prefer the 4". As others have said, it balances a little better than the 6" for me.

 

[jack the toad]

I prefer the 4". As others have said, it balances a little better than the 6" for me.

+1
Especially with full lug barrels

 

[bdGreen]

My six inch barrel doesnt' seem heavy

Enjoy,

bdGreen

 

[Bearcat]

I shoot the six-inchers muchbetter. Longer sight radius, more stable for me, and I like the weight more forward. YMMV....

 

[fyimo]

I have both and this will vary between revolvers as both of mine are accurate but the 4 inch is more accure then the 6 inch between my two. The balance is also better on the 4 inch as I find the 6 inch a little muzzle heavy.

 

[rmack]

i had a 17-6 6 inch and sold it because it was muzzle heavy. just bought a 617 with a 4 inch barrel and find it very well balanced.

bdGreen what model is that?

 

[fat tom]

bdGreen what model is that?

Bruce musta went to bed. It's a Model 617.
f.t.

 

[AveragEd]

I have a 617 no-dash in both barrel lengths and like the 4" better. It just "feels better."

Ed

 

[1 old 0311]

The 4" 617, like the 63, and 18 does seem to have a more 'natural feel.'

 

[TSQUARED]

I looked at both a 4" and a 6" barrel model 617. The price differential is not an issue.

What are the arguments for each? This will be a range gun; I will not carry it.

In the S&W 617 with full barrel underlug I prefer the 4 inch version. The 6 inch 617 is too muzzle heavy for my taste.
In the older K-22's I prefere the 6 inch barrel with it's longer sight radius.

 

[labworm]

I have both and this will vary between revolvers as both of mine are accurate but the 4 inch is more accure then the 6 inch between my two. The balance is also better on the 4 inch as I find the 6 inch a little muzzle heavy.

Gosh. is there anything you don't have? Jealous

 

[wproct]

It's purely personal preference. I have a 17-6 in 6in bbl and a 617-1 in 4 in bbl. Same revolver only one in blue and other stainless, and different bbl lengths of course. My preference has always been towards the 6 in bbl. I like the extra weight of the longer barrel, it helps steady me. However, it seems the larger percentage of shooters favor the 4 in bbl. You just need to handle both, and better yet shoot both and see what works best for you.

 

[civil1977]

I own both and I would say the 4" is the better choice. But you'll have to decide for yourself.

 

[Gebe]

I bought my 617 6" bbl. in the mid '80's and I had the same questions as you long before all this this wonderful wealth of info on the internet. I was torn between the 4" and 6".

I read everything I could find in magazines about 4" bbl. vs. 6" bbl. The same argument existed back then and almost everyone stated the 6" was superior, (longer sight radius...etc.).

Knowing what I know now, I would have gone with the 4". A 4" is much handier and almost as accurate as the 6" and sometimes more accurate and a .22 rimfire revolver doesn't need to be as muzzle heavy as say a .357 revolver.

Don't get me wrong, my 6" 617 is a great gun but I would go for the 4" if I had to do it all over again but each to their own.

 

[bdGreen]

I like the six inch guns. They have a nice heft to them. But, as you can see the four inchers are welcome in my home.

enjoy,
bdGreen

 

[stevieboy]

I love my 617-1 4". I used to have a 6" no-dash as well, and it was slightly more accurate for me than the 4". But, it wasn't nearly as much fun to shoot, and I wound up taking it to the range only rarely, so I sold it.

 

[Packard]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I will go Friday and handle both and make my purchase. I won't decide until then.

Regards,

Packard