617 or 63

[Ziggy1]

Looking to buy a 22 for my collection. I currently have a 686 and a 36, which I both adore.
I am leaning toward the 63 because it has half the weight of the 617.
What is the current price of these two new.
Any suggestions?

 

[ab4ka]

I think it depends on what you're going to do with it. If you're going to carry it around the woods and just want something handy, the 63 would be great, but for target shooting or even serious plinking I think the 617 is a better choice.

New price is about the same for both.

I had a 63 that I traded (and wish I still had) and now have a 617, and if I could only have 1 it would be the 617. I like the larger framed guns, and I have a 686+ and the two feel similar. I'd like to get me another 63 as I like the 5" barrel and 8 shot, but I wouldn't trade my 617 for one.

 

[StingrayG4]

I've never owned a 63, but I'm sure I'd buy one if it crossed my path for the right money. I do own a 617 and I shoot it more often than anything else I have. It's a great gun, and super accurate. I doubt that you can really go wrong with either.

-S

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Zig I would go with the M617, M17, or M18. They are such wonderful guns. I think you will get more enjoyment out of the bigger "K" frame gun. A full size gun for a full size man. Take a good look at the model 18 with a 4" barrel. It is a good all around gun. Don

M18-3

M17-4

 

[Tom C]

I confess I have several 617s and a 63-4. I like them all, but for maximum accuracy work, I prefer the 617. If I were going to be carrying it a lot, I would probably go for the 63.

 

[stevieboy]

I second the thought: it depends on what you want it for. A 617 is a fantastic platform as a target gun and as a cheaper to operate practice substitute for Smith's centerfire K frame and upwards revolvers. Take me for example. I'm a 4" centerfire revolver fanatic and own them in every size and many calibers from K- through N-frames. I also own a 4" 617 which gets a lot of use. From time to time I'll start to fall into a bad habit or two firing my larger caliber revolvers. My way of dealing with that is to take the 617 to the range with a couple hundred rounds of ammo and just work and work on fixing the problem 'til its fixed. Works every time, until the next little problem pops up.

If I were mostly a J-frame fan I'd buy a 63. It's the perfect complement to the stainless and blue steeled J-frames (you'd want a 317 as a working substitute for the really light models). It's a fine gun in its own right. I've started to get into Js recently and my thoughts definitely have turned to acquiring a 63 as a complement to those guns.

 

[Stainz]

I couldn't decide!

Actually, I chose the 4" 617 over the 3" 317K, 5" 63, and it 9/08. I added the HiViz and grip and it is a keeper. The 63 was bought later by a good friend, who unfortunately passed away last summer. I was able to buy it 9/09 from his estate to remember my friend by, initially not wanting to change it. I did put larger Hogues on it - and, like the 617, I did some trigger work. Despite it's great trigger now - and my memories of a lost friend - I would likely keep the 617, if one had to go.

BTW, A 4" 63 with a HiViz sight is due out next month - perhaps something else to consider, if weight really is important. The 5" 63 weighs 28.1 oz and the 4" 617 weighs 38.3 oz according to the '09 S&W Catalog, probably not the difference you'd expect.

Heck, get the one that speaks to you - remember, the OEM grips can be changed!! That 5" 63 is a heck of a 'pointer'!

Stainz

 

[Ziggy1]

Thanks for the response ….the 617 or the 63 will be used just taking to the target range and teaching my son to shoot with me.

 

[fyimo]

Zig I would go with the M617, M17, or M18. They are such wonderful guns. I think you will get more enjoyment out of the bigger "K" frame gun. A full size gun for a full size man. Take a good look at the model 18 with a 4" barrel. It is a good all around gun. Don

I concure with Don on this as the Models 17 and 18 are great shooters and make great range guns. The Model 18 with 4 inch barrel would be great revolver for field work hunting small critters. If I was going to carry a revolver for personal protection in a K/L frame it would be a Model 66, 67 or 686 4 inch.