Is a .22LR Revolver worth $670 Dollars?
- Thread starter Joebklyn
- Start date
three-five-seven
Member
Is it worth $670?
yes sir. Just because its a .22 doesnt mean it has to cheap. You should know a Smith is a Smith and you get what you pay for. I have a 10 shot 617 and and an older 648. Love em both. They are durable and accurate. You can buy a Marlin or you can buy a CZ rifle one costs more but it also outshoots the other. I know we are talking wheel guns but I am sure you understand the point. Also quality is another factor. A lower price 22 that is American made is the Charter Arms Pathfinder. You will see the difference. However i will concede that sometimes $ is an important factor in what we can afford or just buy a used smith or save up for a new one.
Good Luck.
yes sir. Just because its a .22 doesnt mean it has to cheap. You should know a Smith is a Smith and you get what you pay for. I have a 10 shot 617 and and an older 648. Love em both. They are durable and accurate. You can buy a Marlin or you can buy a CZ rifle one costs more but it also outshoots the other. I know we are talking wheel guns but I am sure you understand the point. Also quality is another factor. A lower price 22 that is American made is the Charter Arms Pathfinder. You will see the difference. However i will concede that sometimes $ is an important factor in what we can afford or just buy a used smith or save up for a new one.
Good Luck.
depicts
US Veteran
Gramps always said... "You'll be satisfied with the best." Love my K22's
S&W WHEELNUT
Member
617
S&W 617 are AWESOME guns ........ and worth there wright in gold.... I own a 4 and 6 in a 10 shot
S&W 617 are AWESOME guns ........ and worth there wright in gold.... I own a 4 and 6 in a 10 shot
A good rimfire revolver is worth that - and a little bit more - to me. I have an old K-22 and apart from what people say, the K-22 is among my best shooters.
I prefer an older K-22 over the newer 617 but that is just personal preference.
And it was a good response that $670 would just cover the sales tax on a Korth but that is the greatest rimfire handgun in my humble collection.
I prefer an older K-22 over the newer 617 but that is just personal preference.
And it was a good response that $670 would just cover the sales tax on a Korth but that is the greatest rimfire handgun in my humble collection.
649Guy
Member
IMHO, Yes, it is.
I got on a S&W Rimfire kick more than a few years back. First .22 Smith I bought that go-around was a 6-Shot 617, 4". That gun is more accurate than I'll ever be. From a rest, capable of one ragged hole with the ammo it likes (which happens to be CCI Stingers). Nothing steadies my hand as easy as a K-Frame .22; I have multiple Ruger Mark II's in various barrel configurations/lengths, but I really love shooting the 617.
I also procured a pristine 4" Model 63 about the same time. Not quite as accurate as the 617, but lighter to carry in the field.
My safe queen rimfires (K-22 6", Model 17 4", Model 18 4", pre-Model 43 4") don't get shot much these days, but they DO get shot occasionally.
I have found that collecting S&W revolvers (of ANY caliber) is probably worse than a crack addiction.
649Guy
Stainz
Member
To the fellow needing something better than the black/black sight picture for his mature eyes, perhaps a .15" tall HiViz fiber optic (My green one came via Brownell's.). My then sixty year old eyes needed the help. Nearly two years later, and after the picture, I added a HiViz to my 5" 63. One draw of the 3" 63 I hope to pick up today is the included HiViz.
To the fellow wanting different wood grips, consider the Ahrends cocobolo retro targets my 617 sports. They were ordered unfinished - and sport my homebrew penetrating oil/resin finis, which darkened the beautiful (... and comfortable!) grips.
Now, the hammer spring. A full power Wolff hammer leaf spring is a definite improvement in DA pull - as is the trigger rebound spring change. The combination is great. Sadly - it's too good. Current strain screws, with their turned down and sometimes filed ends, will intrude into the hollow back of the Wolff 'Power Rib' leaf springs, lessening their pre-load - and the ultimate rim hit energy - guarunteed ftf's. A full size strain screw - I use a hardened SS Allen head screw available at Home Depot bagged for <$1 for 2 - will make the full power Wolff a viable improvement. My range-friends marvel at my 617's trigger. Thousands of rounds fired, of varied ammo, and one ftf - which wouldn't go bang in the 63, either.
Stainz
To the fellow wanting different wood grips, consider the Ahrends cocobolo retro targets my 617 sports. They were ordered unfinished - and sport my homebrew penetrating oil/resin finis, which darkened the beautiful (... and comfortable!) grips.
Now, the hammer spring. A full power Wolff hammer leaf spring is a definite improvement in DA pull - as is the trigger rebound spring change. The combination is great. Sadly - it's too good. Current strain screws, with their turned down and sometimes filed ends, will intrude into the hollow back of the Wolff 'Power Rib' leaf springs, lessening their pre-load - and the ultimate rim hit energy - guarunteed ftf's. A full size strain screw - I use a hardened SS Allen head screw available at Home Depot bagged for <$1 for 2 - will make the full power Wolff a viable improvement. My range-friends marvel at my 617's trigger. Thousands of rounds fired, of varied ammo, and one ftf - which wouldn't go bang in the 63, either.
Stainz
Last edited:
David LaPell
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2008
- Messages
- 5,541
- Reaction score
- 6,781
I have a hard time justifying that price on a .38 revolver.
Four Knives
Member
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2009
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 0
I love Smith 22 Revos...
Just shot a newly picked up Model 34 today and the SA trigger is light light - all rounds fired no problem, but wow.
For better sight contrast, I touch a bit of water based Testor's Modeling paint (Flouro Orange, but pick whatever suits ya) to the last 5 or six stairsteps in the front sight. Really helps with front sight acquisition at the gun club.
After a couple coats of the paint have dried, I do two quick coats of clear nail polish to protect it against cleaning solvents.
Just shot a newly picked up Model 34 today and the SA trigger is light light - all rounds fired no problem, but wow.
For better sight contrast, I touch a bit of water based Testor's Modeling paint (Flouro Orange, but pick whatever suits ya) to the last 5 or six stairsteps in the front sight. Really helps with front sight acquisition at the gun club.
After a couple coats of the paint have dried, I do two quick coats of clear nail polish to protect it against cleaning solvents.
BoDog
Member
GUN PRICES
The whole thing is relative, I have always had a basic rule of buying the best gun I could afford. Just out of school with a batchelors degree I paid the outragious sum of 118.50 for a model 28, I still have it. I paid 203.50 for my model 29 (1970 era dollars). My pre-17 K-22 was purchased for a little over 300 from the original owner in 1990s. No one was screwed and today I have some great toys. Buy what you really want and just don't worry about it.
The whole thing is relative, I have always had a basic rule of buying the best gun I could afford. Just out of school with a batchelors degree I paid the outragious sum of 118.50 for a model 28, I still have it. I paid 203.50 for my model 29 (1970 era dollars). My pre-17 K-22 was purchased for a little over 300 from the original owner in 1990s. No one was screwed and today I have some great toys. Buy what you really want and just don't worry about it.
Revolver King
Member
I couldn't agree more. If it is what you want and you think the price is OK then go for it.
5Wire
Member
Here's what has surprised me.
Bud's Gunshop sells the 617 Plus 4-inch or 6-inch for $670, delivered. (No relationship with Bud's but they are a good benchmark.)
The average price trend in my 617P 4-inch track is almost as much as Bud's price for a new one. Here's the track:
Smith & Wesson 617 Plus Revolver in .22, Long Rifle 4-in Bbl. Bluebook of Gun Values (31st Edition) indicates between $326 in 95% condition and $631 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 33 recorded prices for this model gun from $350 to $795 over a period of 6 Yrs 8 Mos ending April 29, 2010. The average price as of that date was $499. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $940.
Here's how the data charts out. Keep in mind the trend is for the average price. Better examples would command higher prices. So as of April 2010, the average price trend is at about $620.
Here's the chart for the 6-in 617P.
In my opinion, if you can find a 95% or better used 617P for around $600, you're doing OK. New ones under $700 would be a reasonable price, too.
Bud's Gunshop sells the 617 Plus 4-inch or 6-inch for $670, delivered. (No relationship with Bud's but they are a good benchmark.)
The average price trend in my 617P 4-inch track is almost as much as Bud's price for a new one. Here's the track:
Smith & Wesson 617 Plus Revolver in .22, Long Rifle 4-in Bbl. Bluebook of Gun Values (31st Edition) indicates between $326 in 95% condition and $631 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 33 recorded prices for this model gun from $350 to $795 over a period of 6 Yrs 8 Mos ending April 29, 2010. The average price as of that date was $499. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $940.
Here's how the data charts out. Keep in mind the trend is for the average price. Better examples would command higher prices. So as of April 2010, the average price trend is at about $620.
Here's the chart for the 6-in 617P.
In my opinion, if you can find a 95% or better used 617P for around $600, you're doing OK. New ones under $700 would be a reasonable price, too.
gr7070
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,047
- Reaction score
- 234
I completely disagree.
I can afford high end guns. But why bother if there is a cheaper alternative that meets your needs. I don't need to spend $800 on a s$w 41 when I can get a Buckmark or Ruger or a 22a that shoots almost as well.
I bought a Springer Loaded 1911 but could afford an Ed Brown. Sure, by all accounts the Brown is a better gun. But the Loaded meets my modest needs just fine.
There are certainly times when one can go all out and splurge. I did for the 617. But I can do a *lot* of good things with the thousands I save annually by making good decisions with my money.
Buy the best gun you can afford is a poor approach for most gun uses. I'll cut some slack ona carry gun, but even then a Baer is probably as reliable as a Wilson.
Gr7070,
the world does not revolve around you! If you cut some slack on carry guns that indicates to me, that you are more into carrying than the shooting sports, something you had described as your *modest* needs.
Well, I have competed successfully in ISSF and action shooting and am a discriminating shooter.
Firearms are my hobby and the money is spent for my enjoyment, I grew up in the old world and was early on exposed to quality, had Montblanc fountain pens in high school, Dunhill pipes in college. Why should I deny myself a little fun and joy?
The money spent on guns is largely retrievable, and the higher end the guns are, the more a little difference will cost you.
This K-22 was only $250 plus tax but that was equal to almost 50 oz. of silver when I bought it.
The last couple of posts are really just different strokes for different folks. Some people just love to shoot, and if they can have a good gun for a good price, then that meets their needs. Other people really want to have the best available quality/collectible gun, and they are willing to spend the money to get that type of gun. I'd say that overall, the majority of people are looking for the best value for their dollar, and are not willing/able to spend on high dollar guns. Because this forum has true gun enthusiasts/collectors for members, I would think that many more people on this forum would be open to spending $$ on a high dollar gun...
To me, I'd much rather buy one really nice gun, than have two pretty nice guns, but that's just me... I was not as picky early on in this hobby, but really am now. To me, there is no comparison between a S&W Model 41, and a Ruger MK series, and I've got a couple of each of these guns... But again, that's just me. That's not to say that the Rugers don't shoot well, because they do (despite needing some trigger attention...), and are accurate. But, overall, the 41 is just a beautifully made piece.
To me, I'd much rather buy one really nice gun, than have two pretty nice guns, but that's just me... I was not as picky early on in this hobby, but really am now. To me, there is no comparison between a S&W Model 41, and a Ruger MK series, and I've got a couple of each of these guns... But again, that's just me. That's not to say that the Rugers don't shoot well, because they do (despite needing some trigger attention...), and are accurate. But, overall, the 41 is just a beautifully made piece.
gr7070
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,047
- Reaction score
- 234
I'm fully aware of this, and in no way did I say or even imply such. I just shared my opinion like you and others.
???
Actually, it's completely opposite. I do not own a single gun for self defense. All stay locked up tight unless I'm plinking or competing in games.
If you have more money than you might ever need knock yourself out. Spend whatever you wish on what you wish.
As *you* said it's only a little enjoyment you'd be losing out on. The difference in enjoyment between a CZ and an Anschutz isn't that great, but the difference in money is. Especially if one looks at the Savage.
I also specifically recognized it is perfectly fine to splurge now and again, so long as you have the means.
That probably sounds more harsh than intended. It's a poor approach if it's applied without judicious reason. Which I do see too often on gun (and finance) boards.GR7070 said:
The world may continue to revolve upon its axis.
Last edited:
Hey,
I did not mean to step on your toes but to me the difference in between an Anschuetz and a CZ is gigantic.
I very well realize that many people have different priorities. Mine are very different from yours and I do not mind buying high end guns, not for collecting but because I am competitive.
But his one had only one purpose, shooting high rings...
I did not mean to step on your toes but to me the difference in between an Anschuetz and a CZ is gigantic.
I very well realize that many people have different priorities. Mine are very different from yours and I do not mind buying high end guns, not for collecting but because I am competitive.
But his one had only one purpose, shooting high rings...
gr7070
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,047
- Reaction score
- 234
No problem!
As you might guess I'd probably opt for the Savage MKII, but I'd splurge for the BV model.
Of course I can't really appreciate an Anschutz anyway. I compete in the speed games (IDPA, USPSA-lite, Steel Challenge) and am just not patient enough (while shooting) for bench rest. Paitence waiting for a good deal I have.
;-)
As you might guess I'd probably opt for the Savage MKII, but I'd splurge for the BV model.
Of course I can't really appreciate an Anschutz anyway. I compete in the speed games (IDPA, USPSA-lite, Steel Challenge) and am just not patient enough (while shooting) for bench rest. Paitence waiting for a good deal I have.
;-)
I did the action games, too, for quite a while but as I am getting older - and having lived through two civil wars in the turd world - I am enjoying somewhat less dynamic competitions but am still far from a static benchrester.
I had noticed that after a dozen years of speed shooting my accuracy (something I had always been proud of) declined. I blamed my ageing eyes until I found that only I was to be blamed.
I got sloppy. I have to do my part too and not compromise when my skill is involved.
I had noticed that after a dozen years of speed shooting my accuracy (something I had always been proud of) declined. I blamed my ageing eyes until I found that only I was to be blamed.
I got sloppy. I have to do my part too and not compromise when my skill is involved.
