Have an 18-4, do I need a 617?

[Cal44]

The Sportsmans Warehouse near my home as a nice, brand new 617 for $750.

And this week they are having a no-sales-tax promotion. (They pay the sales tax).

So that's about $60 savings right there.

I don't see many 617s in stores.

But I just bought an 18-4, and think a 617 would be redundant.

But I'm tempted. But $750 is a lot of money.

Which is more accurate, an 18-4 or a 617?

Which is more fun?

 

[targetchief]

Need does not enter in to most gun buying decisions. If you have the resources by all means treat yourself to another nice revolver.

 

[Macinaw]

Is it a ten shot 617? If you are interested in shooting competition such as Steel Challenge; then I would say get it!

My 617 is the most accurate gun that I can shoot.

 

[fyimo]

Accuracy varies by revolver and also how it fits your hand and sight picture so I would think you have to handle both and see which one fits you and points better. That said the 617 is a great revolver and you can't go wrong if you have the funds.

617 no dash

18-3

 

[jack the toad]

Personally, of the K-frame 22's I currently have (17, 18, 617), I'd prolly hafta go with the 617 because it's 4", holds 10 rds and shoots as well as any of the others. The only downside, if you consider it one, is the full lug barrel but in 4" its not bad.

 

[Super Dave]

If you shoot your 18 well and it has a nice trigger then the 617 might be a let down (unless you get the trigger worked on). That is a great price though.
I have both the 18 & new 617. I would opt for a different model than the 617.
Dave

 

[steamloco76]

I have an 18-3 and 617-6 four inch. I am a far better marksman with the 617. The extra weight is a plus for target shooting.

 

[notarex]

I have a no dash 18 and thought the 617 would be redundant. It wasn't, I'm glad I got it.

 

[Lou_NC]

Cal44,
The short answer is NO. You already own what is, in my humble opinion, the finest .22 caliber revolver ever made, the S&W Model 18.

I own the 617, the 17, and the 18, so I feel that I can make a fair comparison. I really like ALL my K-frame .22's, but I can say without a doubt that the 18 is the absolute last .22 revolver that I would ever give up. But that is simply my opinion.

BTW, barrel length and weight have no bearing on the intrinsic accuracy of a revolver. They DO however, affect one's ability to hold the gun steady. Also, some people find that a longer sight radius makes it easier to establish and hold proper sight alignment, which of course contributes to the ability to consistently obtain smaller groups. Some folks prefer the "heft" of the 617 with full underlug, some do not. I find that both barrel profiles have pro's and con's.

Lou

 

[walkin' trails]

What is the difference between a 17 and 18? I have had an 18 for almost 30 years. Great shooting gun. I used to think the 17 was the six inch version, but then started seeing them with four inch barrels also. Then sometime in the 90s they added a full lug barrel and offered them in stainless.

To answer the OP question, the 18 is a good-shooting revolver, but the stainless is easier to maintain. I know of no one who ever went wrong owning more than one S&W .22 revolver.

 

[Donmc01]

I have that gun chambered for .22 WRM. Love it. 6" tack driver!

 

[Cpo1944]

Cal, Your right $750 is a lot of money and your m-18 is a mighty fine revolver, and I`m sure it will shoot practically the same as the 617.
I believe I`d wait for a better deal on a used 617.

 

[ma deuce]

I have a pre-17 K-22 which I love, but I NEED an M18. I don't feel that kind of need for the 617. Depending on what you want to do (steel plate being one example), if I had an M18, I'd be looking for an M17 instead.

 

[jack the toad]

Cal, Your right $750 is a lot of money...
I believe I`d wait for a better deal on a used 617.

Sounds like good advice, especially if an IL model.

 

[glenncal1]

I bought a 617 4" several weeks ago as it was available lightly used for under $500. It is current production (the fired shell casing has a March 2013 date on it). The trigger on it is great both SA and DA, gun is accurate and I was surprised how smooth the 10 shot action works. If you want a great .22lr field gun you cant go wrong. I also have a 17-6 4" 6 shot and it is a great gun also.

 

[steamloco76]

What is the difference between a 17 and 18? I have had an 18 for almost 30 years. Great shooting gun. I used to think the 17 was the six inch version, but then started seeing them with four inch barrels also. Then sometime in the 90s they added a full lug barrel and offered them in stainless.

The Model 18 has the sloped Baughman quick-draw style front sight and standard profile barrel just like its .38 Special stable mate, the Model 15. Model 17's have the Patridge target style front sight and medium/heavier target profile barrel just like its .38 Special stable mate the Model 14.

When S&W discontinued the Model 18, they made the 17 and 617 available with 4 inch barrels.

The 18's are very hot with shooter collectors at the moment and are hard to find, pricey if you do.

I love variety in my .22's and own several different models, all of which I enjoy shooting. Do I NEED several .22's, probably not. Do I enjoy several .22's DARN RIGHT!

 

[Cal44]

Well, since I posted this, I've gotten into discussions with a guy to buy a M28-2 that he has available.

Looks like it will happen.

So that uses up my new gun money for a while.

Hoping to get the 18-4 out to the range this week.

It's an outdoor range, however, and rain is predicted...

Dave