617 help wanted

[swampfox2]

recently i have found the need for a 617. with that said i would like to know which model is best. of course i would like to find a pre-lock in 4'' model. what are some inherent problems if any associated with this revolver? sound advice and thoughts from members here will be greatly appreciated as my "need" is growing.

thanks,swampfox

 

[Camster]

No inherent problems with this particular revolver( I think they're great!),only the problem inherent with many rimfire revolvers,ie,a possible sensitivity with extracting some brands of ammo.Big variation in the specs,so some may be difficult to extract.

 

[cobra44]

On the 617, I prefer the no lock models also.
The one that is mentioned as not good is the aluminum cylinder model. I cannot vouch for this as I have never owned one, but that is what I have read.
As far as problems, the ammo will sometimes cause the cylinder to become very tight, sometimes to the point that it is hard to turn. At that point it needs cleaned at the cylinder and yoke.
And, good luck in finding a 4 inch pre lock, I looked for one for two years and it finally came along, they are out there.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I'm not sure what all the concern is with the IL on the 617. It's not a cc gun and, to my knowledge, has never FTF due to the lock. Perhaps what we're talking about here is the aesthetics. I have a 4" IL and it likes the Federal Bulk ammo, very cheap and accurate.

 

[PMRet]

Only problem I've had with mine is that I shoot it so much my hand cramps... Kidding aside, IMO the older 4" 617 no dash is one of the best guns S&W has built in the last 25 years. Built like a tank, accurate, well balanced. Here's a picture to tide you over until you find one...

 

[5Wire]

If you can find a 617 and it checks out, or if it's new, I'd recommend you buy it. I like the four inch over the six inch and the lock is not a deal breaker for me, either. Great revolver. Used ones often cost more than new ones just because of the demand is way ahead of the supply. Nothing wrong with the aluminum cylinders either, the cosmetic match, evidently, wasn't all that great. There are forum members that have them and will no doubt chime in.

 

[Jebus35745]

I recently found a 10 shot 4" with the lock. Its the 3rd gun I own with a lock and haven't had any problems. I was fascinated with the 10 rd capability. Its just a shooter, not a carry gun, Larry

 

[swampfox2]

thanks for the info. guys. it is the "look" i prefer without lock. it seems finding one will be a chore. there are plenty of IL 4''ers around. have also found a couple of 6'' prelocks but i really think i will like the 4'' better. i have a 648 that sits in the safe i can pass the time with until i find one. any enlightenment on aluminum cylinders on newer models would be appreciated. also, can i run a .22mag cylinder on a 617 or is it only a .22lr cylinder on 648?
thanks,swampfox

 

[Lou_NC]

I'm not sure what all the concern is with the IL on the 617. It's not a cc gun and, to my knowledge, has never FTF due to the lock. Perhaps what we're talking about here is the aesthetics. I have a 4" IL and it likes the Federal Bulk ammo, very cheap and accurate.

Speaking for myself, I'm opposed "in principle" to the lock. I therefore place a higher value on pre-lock models, and always will.

That said, I actually own both a pre-lock 6 shot 4" 617, and a 10-shot 4" 617 with the IL. I simply couldn't pass up the deal on the IL model. (I guess my principles only go so far!)

Lou

 

[steamloco76]

The 4 inch, 10 shot 617, lock or not, is one great shooting revolver!
With a 10-10 loading block and a speedloader you can out gun someone with a Ruger MKII/III unless they have 10 loaded magazines!

 

[civil1977]

also, can i run a .22mag cylinder on a 617 or is it only a .22lr cylinder on 648?
thanks,swampfox

The bore is slightly smaller on the .22 LR guns so using a .22 Mag cylinder is not a good idea. A .22 LR cylinder on a 648 should be no problem as its the same idea as the old Ruger Single Six Convertible, although accuracy may not be as good with the slightly smaller .22 LR.

Here are some visual aids to tide you over....

 

[swampfox2]

Thanks for the pics

 

[S&W1006]

I have a prelock 6 inch with the aluminum cylinder. I love mine. I haven't had any problems with the aluminum cylinder. I shoot plates with mine so I shoot it fast and especially during practice it gets fairly hot. When it gets hot it is a little harder to extract but not that hard easier than hot 357 magnums in my snubby for example. My big problem with the aluminum cylinder is the drag marks. I know they are unavoidable but at least a stainless cylinder can be buffed out to some extent. I wouldn't pass on one just because of the aluminum cylinder but if I had 2 to choose from I would choose the stainless cylinder just for asthetics.

 

[slickracer]

I really like those grips....I sense an order in my near future! Thans for posting.

 

[swampfox2]

anyone ready to part with one please let me know. there are a couple on gunbroker but i dont know if i want to go that route. thanks for info.

 

[swampfox2]

hey civil1977, what year model and dash #'s are those 617s ?

 

[Stainz]

No mentions of the real down sides of the 617. First, there is the lifespan issue. If you remember when Nixon was President... heck, maybe even Reagan, you'll never wear a 617 out in your lifetime (I am still trying...). Then there is that need to always have a lemon in your range bag for periodic removal of your 'possum eatting poop out of a hairbrush' smile when you are shooting your 617. Otherwise - those remarks from your range-buddies - like, "Lookey at him smile... the boy must be simple!", get old.

For added fun, I added a HiViz front sight, Ahrends grips, an adjustable strainscrew, and, a real fun-enhancer, a DS-10 Speedloader and loading baseplate:

As to the choice of 617, I'd opt for a x10 SS cylinder... and obviously couldn't care less whether it had the IL... but, I am a realist. Good luck!

Stainz

"I am Elmer the cat... and I approve this post!"

 

[Joewisc]

I own the 6-inch, which I prefer over the 4 for better accuracy. The lock is not an issue for me. This is the 617-6 with a steel cylinder. No FTL's or FTF's in several sessions at range. It's the best .22 revolver you can buy, IMHO.

 

[TSQUARED]

I have an older K-22 with the six inch barrel but the full lugged six inch 617 was too muzzle heavy for my taste. I opted for the 4 inch version. I agree with a previous reponder who stated the IL was not an issue. I have more than 15,000 rounds through mine without any issues.

 

[AveragEd]

My prefernce is for no-lock, non-MIM guns and I like my six-shooters to be just that. Accordingly, I own two no-dash 617s. Aside from the principles involved with the lock, I like the lines of the frame in the hammer area much more than those of a lock gun's.

I bought the 6" new 30 or so years ago and the 4" used just a few years ago. I always liked the heft of the 6" (it is S&W's heaviest 6" K-frame) but as I became an olde phart, the 4" really feels perfectly balanced in my hand and it is the handgun I shoot the most. In fact, I haven't even had the 6" out of my safe since I bought the 4".

The 6" came with the "target" package but I added the target trigger and hammer to the 4" along with a Millett rear sight.

Ed