617 clarification questions

[pocket]

what is:
pre lock / lock - what lock?
and the commenta about models with dashes?
617-X
this isn't on S&W web site so where do they come from and
what are the variations and what is the latest 617 6" 10 shot version

the 617 6" 10 shot is my next gun purchase - i wish it came with a very highly polished look (like the nickel plated look of the past)

 

[pocket]

what is:
pre lock / lock - what lock?
and the commenta about models with dashes?
617-X
this isn't on S&W web site so where do they come from and
what are the variations and what is the latest 617 6" 10 shot version

the 617 6" 10 shot is my next gun purchase - i wish it came with a very highly polished look (like the nickel plated look of the past)

 

[Wheelgunner840]

"The Lock" is an abomination that now comes on new S&W revolvers. It is a firing mechanism blocking device that in the opinion of many (myself included) is ugly, and sometimes fails, causing the firearm to lock up without warning. Guns with "The Lock" have a round key hole just above the cylinder release latch on the left side of the revolver. There is a bazillion page thread that is a "Sticky" on the top of the page.


http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/9571094303

The lock was supposed to be a safety device that allows the owner to lock the firing mechanism of the gun when it is not in use. These guns come with an easy to lose key for this purpose. I, like many others feel that if there is the slightest chance that a gun can lock up when it is desperately needed to function, it is not something we would want. Many have these "Lock" guns, and have never had a problem with them. To each his/her own, but the guns manufactured prior to S&W adding this feature (Pre-Lock) are more sought after, and are demanding higher prices.

The dash numbers after the model name indicate changes in the physical appearance, parts or function of a particular model. For instance, a 686-5 is a 686 with MIM parts and no lock. A 686-6 has the lock.

Hope this helped,

WG840

 

[Revolver King]

As for the 617 you would like to have a 617-6 has a lock, where as the 617 no dash does not, but the 617 no dash I don't believe is made in 10 shot. But I know that one of them dash unknown is made without lock and is a 10 shot. such as my 17-8 with no lock and 10 shot.

 

[smith627]

I have two Mod 617 6in. 10-shots. My 617-4 is pre-lock and my 617-6 6in. has the lock. I shoot the 617-4 and my wife shoots the 617-6. I'm trying to talk her in to letting me sell hers and get her a 4in. barrel 617 pre-lock. The 6in. barrel is a little heavy for her and I think she could handle the 4in. barrel weight better.
You can get the stainless finish to almost look like nickel with good stainless polish and some elbow grease.

 

[Revolver King]

smith627
My wife complained about the 617 4" being too heavy so I bought her a M-63 5" 8 shot and she loves it.

 

[Frankie2blue]

Originally posted by smith627:
I'm trying to talk her in to letting me sell hers and get her a 4in. barrel 617 pre-lock.

Good luck on finding the 617 4" pre lock. I have WTB ads on every forum I know of for six months, and called as many shops in every State that I could, gone to gun shows and Still have not found one I could get. I found two, but both owners would only do In State FTF transfers.

If S&W would just drop the stupid lock, we could just go down and buy a new one and be done with it. I as many though, will never own a locking Smith.

 

[Revolver King]

I want to go on record and say that I have both revolvers with locks and without. I have shot a many of competition using revolvers with locks on them and I have never ever had a problem with them. I might add that I have never known anyone to have problems with them.
I too wanted a 617 without the lock, but unlike Frankie2blue I gave in and bought a new one. and it really shoots great.

OBTW I can tell you where to get a new 617 4" for $600.00 delivered to your FFL.

 

[smith627]

I am not worried about the IL failing, rather I just can't get used to the appearance. Currently I have 3 Smith revolvers and one Taurus with lock. The Taurus Mod 85 lock is on the back of the hammer and not that noticeable.

Frankie2blue, I know it's too much, but I saw a pre-lock NIB 4in. 10-shot on GB this morning and the Buy-It-Now price was $750, although it may sell for less. I would like to find one for under $600, but as time goes on, they will probably only go up in price.

 

[Frankie2blue]

Yes I saw that one, but also noticed who is selling it and am jumpy about what I have been reading on here (do a search) and other forums. It is really too much money for for a 617 also, especially with the MIM parts.