Help with 22 choice...617..17..18???? OR 3 series?!?!? UGH

[Harley2007]

Hello All,

I am going to buy a 22LR revo for my step-son. He has a couple semi-autos and a ruger single six....but he/I want a double action revolver with a good trigger.

So here is the dilema......and what I am looking at:

• A new or slightly used 617 - 10 shot. I like that it is stainless AND has a 10 shot cylinder...less muss/fuss and reloading!
• A used 17 - most are 6" ....I wanted 4" but the triggers are a bit better
• A used 18....harder to find but 4"......
• Or a 34 series....although I thought a K frame would be better....am I wrong...how do their triggers compare?

So, not necessaruily looking for a collector, more of a shooter. Are the newer 617's that much worse of a trigger....MIM parts I wouldnt think would really matter in a 22.

All thoughts are greatly appreciated. Some quick background...he is almost 15....5'9" and about 190...not at all fat, solid.....so size doesnt matter in this equation.

Thanks in advance!

 

[duckloads]

You have a real problem...brunette, blonde or redhead.

The brunette, oops, I mean the s/s 617 will be easier to take care of. The class of the other two is something special.

Happy shopping.

 

[P&R Fan]

If you want to raise a shooter....get the 617.
If you want to raise a collector....get the 17.
If you want to raise somebody who wants to learn how to use a S&W revolver defensively....get the 18.
Heck, get 'em all, he should appreciate it.

 

[Harley2007]

You have a real problem...brunette, blonde or redhead.

The brunette, oops, I mean the s/s 617 will be easier to take care of. The class of the other two is something special.

Happy shopping.

Thanks....added a 3 series to the list...my main concern is a good, reliably firing/igniting 33....in a 4" I am leaning towards.

 

[b3337]

If I was to just have one it would be a 617 6'' that is D&T for a scope in case I wanted to scope it.I like the weight and sight radius of a 6'' 17 the best.

 

[Harley2007]

If you want to raise a shooter....get the 617.
If you want to raise a collector....get the 17.
If you want to raise somebody who wants to learn how to use a S&W revolver defensively....get the 18.
Heck, get 'em all, he should appreciate it.

NOT HELPING!

No, not a collector.....and as far as a defensive shooter....he is pretty good with his semi's....so I am comfortable there...really just looking for the "revoler" experiance and appreciation.

 

[Harley2007]

If I was to just have one it would be a 617 6'' that is D&T for a scope in case I wanted to scope it.I like the weight and sight radius of a 6'' 17 the best.

Can you comment/compare the triggers of a newer 617 to a older 17? I cannot seem to get both guns in the same shop!

 

[duckloads]

I have a 34-1 snubby and a 17-3, 6". It looks like your step-son is a full size youn man. The 17 or 18 with target grips is something special to hold onto. I have fitted Hogue rubber grips to other K frames I own for carry. They feel real good and you can't hurt them. I keep the woodies in my sock drawer, and pull them out at picture time. My wife's, actually, M34-1 fits her hands real well. It is her favorite.

I clean my .22 lr cylinders with a 6mm or .243 rifle brush chucked in a drill. Take your pick of solvent to use. Off- topic, but I thought i'd just add to the conversation.

 

[Harley2007]

Good info on the cleaning tips....thanks!

So a K frame probably makes most sense....so it really comes down to blue or SS.....

 

[Harley2007]

Good info on the cleaning tips....thanks!

So a K frame probably makes most sense....so it really comes down to blue or SS.....

 

[b3337]

Can you comment/compare the triggers of a newer 617 to a older 17? I cannot seem to get both guns in the same shop!

I couldn't tell much difference in the ones I've had, but I'm not a Bullseye shooter either.The 617 I had was nice in the trigger department, and was a tack driver in single action.I personally prefer older blued guns so I have a pre 17 now, but if a 617 came up for a good price I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

 

[murphydog]

For the purpose described, the 4" model 18 or a 6" K-22. The 617 full-lug revolvers are great but in my opinion heavy (lots of barrel, small bore), and unless size and weight are really important the J frames will seem like a toy to your adult-sized stepson.

 

[Harley2007]

Weight of the 617 was a concern....I rfeally need to hold them.

 

[alphabrace]

If your going to shoot it get the stainless. If your going to look at it get a blued gun. I have a 10 shot 617 which I bought 9 months ago and it keeps getting better with age! I also have a blue gun, a model 19 which is beautiful but I don't like cleaning it but I love to look at it!

 

[alphabrace]

As far as weight is concerned, its not a concern. Get the 617, he will love it! And it is a tack driver!

 

[Iowahunter]

I have them all and I must admit my favorite is the Model 18 and the 4in 617 a real close 2nd.

 

[alphabrace]

4" 617 nuf said

 

[tripledipper]

The j-frame 63 in ss is a very accurate shooter but the k-frame 18 is the best one, a smooth trigger and it feels great in your hand, especially with target grips. The little 317 is so light it is hard to control and has a stiff trigger. Do not have a 617 but have handled them and they are not as balanced as a 17/18.

 

[jpwhel]

The k frame guns in .22lr are hard to beat. My preference in the 22lr is the half lug as it is lighter than the new full lug revolvers. I also have a preference for the 4 inch barrels which is why I would recommend the Mod 18.

 

[fyimo]

I have all the guns you mentioned except my 617 is a no dash with 6 inch barrel and holds 6 shots. I personally like shooting the 6 inch K22/model 17 the best for weight and balance and the longer sight radius. The 617 I have is a 6 inch and you probably would buy a 4 inch but it's a great shooter but notically heavier then the 6 inch K22 that I have.

The Model 18 is a wonderful 22 revolver and the 4 inch barrel is great and my significant other loves to shoot it and is very good with it.

it's a tough choice and I would probably hit several gun stores and gun shows and hold all of them to make my choice as they are all great shooters.

 

[ric426]

I can only speak from my own limited experience, but I picked up a 6" 6 shot Model 617 a few weeks ago and I find that after a set of Wolfe springs and some much needed TLC, the action is darn near as good as my Model 14 PPC gun that's had some serious gunsmithing done over the years and who knows how many thousands of rounds through it.
In fact, (at the risk of serious blaspheming in some circles) I'm enjoying shooting the 617 more than my Model 41 right now. The 617 is every bit as accurate in my hands and handles any ammo I put through it without a hitch. Of course some is more accurate and consistent than others, but that's to be expected. IMHO, if you can find a 617 that suits you,is I wouldn't hesitate. It may not be as smooth as a Model 17 that's had more rounds through it, but the potential for a great gun is still there and probably a bit more affordble.

 

[Harley2007]

So, here is what I found/decided thus far. If I cannot find a 4" 17 or 18, then Iwill get a new 617 in 4" but not until I hold one.

Complicating all of this is a dealer I spoke to has a 17, but in 6" that he claims is like new, from the early 1980's, with deep bluing for about $550......a decent price for one locally and if in the shape he states, a good deal....just really wanted a 4".....BUT the new 617's are just aroound $700 all in, even if purchased online and paying a local FFL for transfer......ugh it is so difficult.

 

[Lou_NC]

So, here is what I found/decided thus far. If I cannot find a 4" 17 or 18, then Iwill get a new 617 in 4" but not until I hold one.

Complicating all of this is a dealer I spoke to has a 17, but in 6" that he claims is like new, from the early 1980's, with deep bluing for about $550......a decent price for one locally and if in the shape he states, a good deal....just really wanted a 4".....BUT the new 617's are just aroound $700 all in, even if purchased online and paying a local FFL for transfer......ugh it is so difficult.

Well, they aren't making pre-lock early 80's model 17's anymore. I would take a serious look at that one if I were you.

In my own experience (4" and 6" mod 617's, 6" mod 17, 4" mod 18, 3" mod 317) I would have to say that the older blued guns (mod 17 and 18) are beginning to be my favorites. I really can't explain why.

Personally, I don't find that caring for a blued revolver is all that difficult. After shooting, I wipe it down with an old cotton rag, followed by $4 silicone cloth to ensure all the fingerprints are gone. When I do clean it more thoroughly, I don't even notice the "burn rings" around the cylinder face and top strap that are so obvious on a stainless gun. In fact, the blued gun actually looks "cleaner" after shooting and wipedown than the stainless gun with burn marks on the cylinder.

I guess it's all a matter of perspective!

Lou

 

[duckloads]

I'll predict what is going to happen.......he will buy the M17, because it is priced right, is beautiful, it will out shoot him, fill in the blank. THEN he will get the 4" M617 because he HAS TO KNOW how well it shoots in comparison. In the end, he will keep the M17 for himself and give the M617 to his son-in law.

That's how I would finish the script, anyway.

 

[Harley2007]

So the dealer actually had a 617 also from 2006 in four inch that had the box and beenj shot a bit BUT the 6" 17 was I swear brand new....the lockup was the tightest of any gun I have ever seen....so tempting...I. just was set on stainless...they are both the same price...$579...

 

[gr7070]

I have a new 617 4" and absolutely love it. I'm a little disappointed in the DA trigger (SA is tremendous), but still really like it. I like the 4" full-lug feel a great deal, and the looks especially.

Highly, highly recommend it.

I've never even held the other options so I can't compare them.

 

[Harley2007]

I am going frantically through my funds seeing if I can swing both the 1982 17 and the 2006 617....MAN, the wife is killing me!!!!!!

 

[Superuser]

Once, when you have a chance to touch the 617, you wouldn't let go. S&W 617 6" for long range, 617 4" for moving around better. If you really want your future 617 works very well, send it to Mike Carmoney, he will turn your 617 in competition action pistol... I am waiting my S&W 617 6" version comes back from him.... Have Fun!