617 - 6 SHOT OR 10

[mysmith]

The first S&W I ever owned was a model 17 6". Why did I ever sell it? Now I am thinking of getting a 617 not realizing I need to decide 6 or 10 shot. It will be a target/plinker gun that I won't sell after 20 years like I did the "17". It will be a keeper.
Any input as to which you prefer 6 shot or 10, that's my question. Thanks!

 

[mg357]

i prefer the s&w model 617 10 shot .22 caliber revolver

 

[jpwhel]

All my 22s are the older 6 shot cylinders. If I were to buy a newer one I would definitely go with the 10 shot. Let's you load more ammo to shoot. Someone will also pitch in on the 10 shot speedloader and trays that are available. Have fun in choosing.

 

[scooter123]

The 617 is currently a bit difficult to find, so it may actually come down to what you can find. Personally, being a crusty old fart I prefer the 6 shooter, a 10 shooter just seems bizzare. BTW, I also have a 620, which is a 7 shooter and nearly every range session it takes at least 3 cylinders to remember to count to 7.

What you buy is all up to you, and what you can find. However, if at all possible I would avoid the 10 shooters with aluminum cylinders, you have to be more careful about cleaning them and they also will mark up a lot easier than a steel cylinder.

 

[samwood]

I prefer the 10 shot version with a 4" barrel. It balances better for me than the six inch version with a full lug. I prefer a 6" in a skinny barrel K frame.

The 10 shot speedloader and loading trays, that jpwhel mentioned, make shooting the 617 more enjoyable.
Here is the link:DS-10-SPEED is a custom made speed loader for S&W 617 10 shot revolvers. - Windows Live

 

[HeloMt]

617, six or ten

I have a four inch, six hole and a good friend has a six inch, ten hole. Both are wonderfully accurate and fun to shoot. If you can find either at a decent price you will be pleased. I don't think you can go wrong with either version.

 

[one eye joe]

The 4'' ten shooter is a beautiful revolver. It balances well, is easy to tote, has a lot of firepower, and gives up nothing in accuracy. I LOVE mine.....

 

[SWBigBang]

The SS firearms are hard to clean and with all the firing that gets done with a .22, you may want to opt for a blued one, but that is just my opinion.

With that said, I like the 10 rounds with semi-autos, but for revolvers, I still like the 6 shots.

 

[Big Cholla]

IMHO, you won't go wrong and will really appreciate the good shooting available with a SS, 4", 10 shot. That is what I have and it is a tack driver! And IMHO, the SS is Easier to clean than the blued ones. Great handgun. ......... Big Cholla

 

[rangeruger]

I've never owned or shot a six shot 617 but my 4", ten shot gun is a keeper. Very accurate and a lot of fun to shoot.

 

[jkc]

If you were me, you'd opt for the 10-shooter --- no greater weight, girth, or any other downside, they're both equal in ejection speed, and the 10 round cylinder holds 66% more ammo. Now, if you extend this out over the projected life of the weapon, assuming it's passed on over the next generation or two, why, just think of all the man-hours saved by going with the ten vs. six round version. It makes me weary, just thinking about the amount of time that might be wasted in the needless, tedious, reloading of the six-shooter, holding only 60% of the ten-shooter's capacity! I'd say you owe it to your heirs, successors, or assigns to go with the ten, even if you have no regard whatsoever for the time you, yourself, may end up wasting with a poor choice...

This is of course not to even mention the unnecessary additional wear and tear on all the parts involved in opening and closing the cylinder/crane assembly, were you to choose the six round vs. ten round iteration...

My ten round 617 is one of the most "fun" guns I own, and statistics aside, I'd guess that it would be among yours, as well.

 

[lemeni]

The 4" 10-shot 617 gets my vote. And they're not so hard to find:

Smith & Wesson 617 .22 Long Rifle 22 LR 4" 10 Shot $670.00 SHIPS FREE

 

[avery53]

I guess us old farts still like our six shooters.
Nostalgia I guess! lol

 

[ab4ka]

I love my 10rd 617...but I'm sure if I got hold of s 6rd I'd love it too Some DS10 speedloaders and loading blocks are just what the doctor ordered for some fun with a 10rd gun.

 

[cjwils]

The 10 shot will have an easier, shorter double action trigger pull, because each pull does not need to rotate the cylinder as far. I have done some rapid fire double action with a 10 shot 617 that I rented at a range, and it was almost as easy to rapid fire as if it were a semi-auto.

 

[Loco Weed]

I bought the ten shot because they don't make a fifteen shot. Go with the higher capacity and don't look back.

 

[deanodog]

I have never owned a 10 shot but I do have a High Standard double nine that holds nine and I always liked the extra shots over my 6 shooters. Go with the 10.

 

[dickttx]

I thought that was a ridiculous price to pay for a .22. Went to a gun show, picked one up, handled it, dry fired a couple of times, and paid $700. out the door for a used -4. Since then I have put about 500 rounds per week thru it and never even thought of the price. I really like the 10 round. As someone said above, lets you shoot 66 2/3 more without reloading. I put my bulk ammo in used 100 round CCI boxes, and you just slide the cover back 2 notches and 10 rounds fall into your other hand.
Would like to have the DS-10 speedloader, but I have never found a place to actually buy them. Would appreciate any info as to source.

 

[ab4ka]

I bought the ten shot because they don't make a fifteen shot. Go with the higher capacity and don't look back.

I'd love to see one built on an N frame...make it about a 20 shooter

 

[PMRet]

I prefer the 6 shot version because it's the same set-up as my favorite centerfire revolvers, the 686 and 16. Same weight, grip size, and sight radius, and a lot cheaper to shoot.