617 action work

[tyger2]

Question: 617 action work.

I was researching various forums concerning action work on a 617, 10 shot revolver. There is confusing information concerning what should and what can be complete.

• S&W states not to modify the action.
• Some folks state to install a new Wolff, 13 lb rebound spring
• Some folks state to install Wolff lower weight main spring, rebound spring, and install a longer main spring screw to adjust the tension.
• Some folks offer a complete action job.

As with any revolver work I want a smooth trigger and reliable strikes. Action work is expensive as well as the shipping. Any comments with experienced 617 owners?

 

[Revolver King]

I just put a 13 lb. trigger return spring in mine and was quite happy with it. I would not change main spring my self on any 22 cal. Thats just my opinion, I am sure there are a lot of varying opinions.

 

[stevieboy]

A couple of years ago I bought a 4" 617 at a show. The gun obviously had been worked on. The trigger was very smooth and light. I quickly discovered that this wasn't necessarily the best thing to do with a .22. On average I'd get one light strike in double action for every six rounds I fired. I had a slightly heavier mainspring installed and that instantly solved the problem. The gun still has a great trigger if slightly heavier than previously, but now, every round discharges.

The moral, I think, is be careful when you fool around with the actions on .22 revolvers. I think they're deliberately set a bit on the heavy side to make certain that rimfires go bang every time. Lighten things up too much and you get misfires.

 

[OKFC05]

Although I use Wolf ribbed mainsprings on K-L frame centerfires for competition, I've never had much luck trying to do anything drastic to the rimfire versions. About 10# double action and 3# single action seems to give 100% reliability with any common US .22s.

 

[TSQUARED]

All my revolvers used for action pistol shooting have lightened DA triggers except the 22's. My newest Model 617 has a 13 lb rebound slide spring but I have left the stock mainspring for reliable ignition. I attempted all the usual tricks to lighten the DA trigger pull on that 617 but all my efforts resulted in unreliable ignition. Once you get used to it the heavier trigger pull does not detract significantly from ones performance.

 

[beach elvis]

Ever since my gunsmith buddy trained me on how to do it and made me up a special tool for it, I've always put 11lb. Wolfe trigger rebound springs in any Smith I'd get (that I'm gonna shoot at all). I just did it fairly recently in a newly acquired 617-6 4" and IL and all, it's just stupid accurate and a balanced joy to shoot.

The weight of the trigger rebound spring has no effect on hammer fall so it won't facilitate lighter hits.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Ever since my gunsmith buddy trained me on how to do it and made me up a special tool for it, I've always put 11lb. Wolfe trigger rebound springs in any Smith I'd get (that I'm gonna shoot at all). I just did it fairly recently in a newly acquired 617-6 4" and IL and all, it's just stupid accurate and a balanced joy to shoot.

The weight of the trigger rebound spring has no effect on hammer fall so it won't facilitate lighter hits.

+1

 

[Revolver King]

The problem I find if I go below a 13 lb. trigger spring I can out shoot it and it will lock up. Meaning that the trigger won't return as fast as I can pull the trigger. The trigger return cannot keep up with me and it locks up.

 

[pred]

In addition to a lighter rebound spring I also stone the rebound slide and work the insides with some crocus cloth, Detail clean and strip and very lightly oil.
Peter
Posted via Mobile Device