INFO on S&W 617

[cpt-t]

My Son & I have a Stainless Steel 6 inch Barreled 22LR S&W 617 no dash. It has a Target Trigger and a Target Hammer with very nice set of Wooden Grips with 3 finger grooves cut into the grips, that are highly polished. I think you guys call them Combat Grips. And it shoots very well and is in really nice condition. I use it as a companion for walks in the woods, plinking along the river, hunting, and informal target shooting. The serial number on the yolk and pistol grip frame is BHL 41##. I was wondering if one of You S&W Experts could tell me when our gun was made and what it might be worth. I am still to darn dumb to take and send pictures. I would say it is a 97 % condition level. Also is the quality level of our 617 no dash on the same level as our blued K-22 17-2 & 17-3. Thanks in advance for any information.
ken

 

[Wee Hooker]

Sounds like a nice one! Your gun should have been made in the second quarter of 1991.
I recently paid $600 for one of similar condition and spec but I've seen them go for hundreds more. You don't see allot of these older/pre-lock 617's for sale anymore. Quality can vary from gun to gun but generally, these were very good.
hth

 

[cpt-t]

Wee Hooker: Thanks You very much for your much valued information. My Son bought this gun used several years ago, and I am the one that uses it the most now. I carry it in a very comfortable Old Vandalier Type Shoulder Holster Rig, when I am out just walking around in the woods. Because it is SS I don`t have to worry so much about holster wear. Like I would if I was carrying either of our 17-2 or 17-3. I am really enjoying shooting a 22LR again in Pistols, Revolvers, and Rifles. It was really a long dry spell for 22LR`s, for my Son and I, glad it is over.
Thanks Again:
ken

 

[series guy]

That's a perfect gun for your use. The numbers you gave indicate early 90s ship date.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Agreed. It's a great gun for what your using it for ( and a whole lot more) They are a joy to shoot too, FWIW, I also own several old and minty K22's but the 617's see the most use due to their durability.

As for the ammo drought, my rule of thumb is to stockpile 3 years worth of ammo for every caliber I shoot. I suggest you do the same for 22LR. It is cheap (well as cheap as it's going to get) now and readily available in bulk.
There is nothing worse than having a favorite gun and no ammo to shoot it. Getting gouged to buy what little ammo is to be had comes in a close second though.
Enjoy!

 

[cpt-t]

But do You Guys think that the quality level and accuracy level of a 6 inch SS 617 is the same as a 6 inch Blued K-22 17-2 or 17-3. I didn't think so at first but now that I have shot both of them for a while. I am beginning to have second thoughts. I find that I like both the look and weight of the 617 and also that it is SS. But I can't say that our 617 is of better quality or shoots more accurately than our 17-2 & 17-3. But I can't say the reverse either, for that matter. All I can say is that I am really enjoying shooting these guns. And now that I am retired I can shoot a little bit more. I am having trouble with pain and flexibility in my hands, wrists, and some loss of feeling in my fingertips now. The Doctors at the VA told me that it could very well be a problem caused by the defoliants used in Viet Nam. That we all were exposed to. So shooting low recoiling 22LR Revolvers and Pistols may be, just the thing for me. Thanks again Guys for sharing Your Thoughts and Your Information.
ken

 

[AveragEd]

I have no experience with newer S&W revolvers but do own no-dash 617s in 4" and 6" barrel lengths. Both are excellent revolvers and I cannot recall ever reading a post on here in which anything about those guns was criticized.

Ed

 

[Wee Hooker]

But do You Guys think that the quality level and accuracy level of a 6 inch SS 617 is the same as a 6 inch Blued K-22 17-2 or 17-3. I didn't think so at first but now that I have shot both of them for a while. I am beginning to have second thoughts. I find that I like both the look and weight of the 617 and also that it is SS. But I can't say that our 617 is of better quality or shoots more accurately than our 17-2 & 17-3. But I can't say the reverse either, for that matter. All I can say is that I am really enjoying shooting these guns. And now that I am retired I can shoot a little bit more. I am having trouble with pain and flexibility in my hands, wrists, and some loss of feeling in my fingertips now. The Doctors at the VA told me that it could very well be a problem caused by the defoliants used in Viet Nam. That we all were exposed to. So shooting low recoiling 22LR Revolvers and Pistols may be, just the thing for me. Thanks again Guys for sharing Your Thoughts and Your Information.
ken

So at one time during my S&W Revolver collection (AKA addiction ) days, I had at least one sample of every dash 17 and 617 made. Based on my shooting observations I feel none were head and shoulders more accurate than others ( usually using Wolf Match Target or Aguila Sub sonic Match ammo.) At least not within my capabilities. Fit, finish and smoothness did vary somewhat though. ( Likely as much from gun to gun variances vs dash number to dash number.) I will say that the internals of newer production 617's are very consistent and lacking of major machine marks as in the past.
All that said, I feel any of my current 5 "K 22's", regardless of vintage or model number, will shoot better than I can hold them.

 

[cpt-t]

Thanks again for all your expert advice and information. I really enjoy this forum and the ability to talk to like minded people. I have been a shooter ever since I was a very small child. I shot with my Grandfather every chance I got. And I spent as much time with Him as I possibly could for many wonderful years. He was a great mentor for me and He always took the time to answer any question. I might ask Him. And He was a great storyteller. I lost my Grandfather in 1968. I was in Viet Nam and when I got the letter telling me of His death and I cried like a baby. I still miss Him
ken

 

[murphydog]

As far as judging the relative quality of your early 617 compared to a blued 1960s - '70s model 17, I would do as you have done and shoot them .

Your 617 was still made in the era of old-style forged internal parts, hand fitting and assembly and all the other older processes. The stainless finish probably cut a few corners time-wise compared to a polished blue gun, but personally I find nothing bad about a nice S & W stainless finish.

Like every other mass produced item by man you will find a lemon 617 or 17, but they are few and far between and it sounds you have three nice examples, so hang onto them for your grandchildren and enjoy .

 

[one eye joe]

My Son & I have a Stainless Steel 6 inch Barreled 22LR S&W 617 no dash. It has a Target Trigger and a Target Hammer with very nice set of Wooden Grips with 3 finger grooves cut into the grips, that are highly polished. I think you guys call them Combat Grips. And it shoots very well and is in really nice condition. I use it as a companion for walks in the woods, plinking along the river, hunting, and informal target shooting. The serial number on the yolk and pistol grip frame is BHL 41##. I was wondering if one of You S&W Experts could tell me when our gun was made and what it might be worth. I am still to darn dumb to take and send pictures. I would say it is a 97 % condition level. Also is the quality level of our 617 no dash on the same level as our blued K-22 17-2 & 17-3. Thanks in advance for any information.
ken

WELCOME HOME, BROTHER KEN.....

IMHO, THE N0-DASH M617 IS A FINE REVOLVER. I HAVE AN 8 3/8" VERSION, EQUIPPED WITH A 30MM ULTRA DOT, THAT SHOOTS LIKE A RIFLE. NEVER HAVING OWNED A K-22, OR A M17, I CAN'T OFFER AN INFORMED COMPARISON OF THE QUALITY LEVEL......

THE ACTUAL VALUE OF ANY ITEM IN A FREE MARKETPLACE, IS EXACTLY WHAT THE HIGHEST BIDDER IS WILLING TO PAY FOR IT. THAT'S JUST ECON-101. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE BLUE BOOK, OR ANY OF OUR "FORUM PUNDITS" SAY THAT ITS WORTH......

IF I WERE TO SELL YOUR GUN, I WOULD LIST IT ON GUNBROKER, WITH BOX AND PAPERS---AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, SOME GOOD PICTURES ! ! ! MY OPENING BID WOULD BE $800. WITH NO RESERVE. I PREDICT THAT THE PACKAGE WOULD SELL FOR A GRAND, POSSIBLY MORE......

 

[jmark1651]

Probably made around 1991. Hard to pin down closely but i would say that is ballpark. The 100% or ANIB Smith 4th edition has it at 800. The four inch no dash brings a premium. I have the four, six, and 8 and 3/8 barrrel revolvers. It does not get any better than the 6 inch. Had mine since 1994 and have shot it extensively over the years. Enjoy.

 

[Wee Hooker]

WELCOME HOME, BROTHER KEN.....

IMHO, THE N0-DASH M617 IS A FINE REVOLVER. I HAVE AN 8 3/8" VERSION, EQUIPPED WITH A 30MM ULTRA DOT, THAT SHOOTS LIKE A RIFLE. NEVER HAVING OWNED A K-22, OR A M17, I CAN'T OFFER AN INFORMED COMPARISON OF THE QUALITY LEVEL......

.

I had a no dash 8 3/8" 617 once. Foolishly traded it off ( for something that I've long forgotten) as I wanted to find a latter model that was already drilled and tapped (for a scope and silhouette shooting.) Haven't seen a decently priced replacement since. I do have the 6" no dash to help console myself though.

 

[smoothshooter]

My Son & I have a Stainless Steel 6 inch Barreled 22LR S&W 617 no dash. It has a Target Trigger and a Target Hammer with very nice set of Wooden Grips with 3 finger grooves cut into the grips, that are highly polished. I think you guys call them Combat Grips. And it shoots very well and is in really nice condition. I use it as a companion for walks in the woods, plinking along the river, hunting, and informal target shooting. The serial number on the yolk and pistol grip frame is BHL 41##. I was wondering if one of You S&W Experts could tell me when our gun was made and what it might be worth. I am still to darn dumb to take and send pictures. I would say it is a 97 % condition level. Also is the quality level of our 617 no dash on the same level as our blued K-22 17-2 & 17-3. Thanks in advance for any information.
ken

I think the word you are looking for describing where the serial number is stamped is " yoke ".

 

[cpt-t]

smoothshooter: I never could spell worth a darn and I guess my spell check was not working or at least I didn't notice the mistake.
Also, when You get old and fat You are just in the way.
ken

 

[one eye joe]

I had a no dash 8 3/8" 617 once. Foolishly traded it off ( for something that I've long forgotten) as I wanted to find a latter model that was already drilled and tapped (for a scope and silhouette shooting.) Haven't seen a decently priced replacement since. I do have the 6" no dash to help console myself though.

THAT'S A BEAUTY, WEE HOOKER. I HAVE A NO DRILL SCOPE MOUNT THAT GOES OVER THE REAR SIGHT, AND CLAMPS ON THE BARREL OF MY 8 3/8" NO-DASH M617. I HAVE A SIMILAR ONE ON MY 8 3/8", NO DASH M686. BOTH OF THEM CARRY ULTRA DOT, 30MM RED DOTS.....

I DID NOT WISH TO DESTROY THE ORIGINALITY OF THESE BEAUTIFUL REVOLVERS, AND I APPLAUD YOU UNSELFISHLY SELLING YOURS, RATHER THAN MOLESTING IT........

 

[Lon C.]

I had a no dash 8 3/8" 617 once.

WH, can you tell us please, where did those beautiful grips come from, if you recall?

Many Thanks!

Lon C.

 

[CH4]

I had a no dash 8 3/8" 617 once.

WH, can you tell us please, where did those beautiful grips come from, if you recall?

Many Thanks!

Lon C.

Ã

Lon, those are Hogue mono grips - wood appears to be cocobolo.