is this 617 too good to be good?

robvasi

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Smith & Wesson Model 617 K-22 Masterpiece

Item #: 160578
UPC_Code: 022188605785
Description: S&W M617 22LR REV 6SS AS 10RD
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model #: Model 617 - K-22 Masterpiece
Type: Revolver: Double Action
Finish: Satin Stainless Finish
Stock: Rubber
Sights: Front: Partridge Rear: Adjustable
Barrel: 6"
Overall Length: 11.125"
Weight: 45 oz
Caliber: 22LR
Capacity: 10
Action: Double Action
Features: Square Butt, Target Hammer, Smooth Target Trigger Full Lug, Drilled and Tapped, Internal Lock

$700.00

I sent a note and asked if the target trigger and hammer were installed at the factory,

This was his reply: "Everything is factory from Smith. I buy from Zanders with they are a very large Smith distro. & copy paste their wording which they get from Smith & Wesson
Everything I sell comes with factory warranty"

My questions:

1. Does Smith and Wesson make the 617 with Target Hammer and Trigger and drilled and tapped and then distribute those to specific dealers?

2. If number 1 is accurate, then why is this option not offered on the Smith and Wesson webpage? (I am not doubting the veracity of the man's statement, just curious.)

3. This gun is what I am looking for. Any reasons to not buy it?
 
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I think the new style target trigger, is NOT a wide trigger as seen on older revolvers. I think on model my 986 it showed target trigger and its just the non serrated standard width trigger.
 
Perhaps a call to S&W with the UPC code could verify the configuration? Enjoy your research and hopefully purchase.

I called Smith and Wesson and the customer service rep told me, based on the sku, the gun is drilled and tapped, but does not have a target trigger. She then said "if you type in that sku on our web page you will get the gun."
So, this is the sku for the all 617's. I don't have the serial number.

Then I called Zander's, the distributer where he gets his guns. (His store is Tommy's Guns ) The person at Zander's said it does come with a target hammer and trigger. Zander's price is $829.00

1. I could buy it from Tommy's and save $130.

2. Buy from Zander's, they have a return policy.

3. Buy from the local Sportsman's Warehouse (for sure not a target trigger and hammer)


I am not sure. I'd like to have the target hammer, but then again, I read about light strikes. I don't know what a target trigger should feel like.
 
3. This gun is what I am looking for. Any reasons to not buy it?
There are two colliding sentences here that make it difficult for me to answer. Looking at your statement, the answer to the question sure seems to be yes.

If I ignore the statement and only answering the question, I would smack my fist on the table and say NO! I would say that you want a pre-lock 617 if you absolutely must have 10 shots and if you can live with 6 shots, you should be skipping the model entirely and finding a pre-lock Model 17.
 
I think the new style target trigger, is NOT a wide trigger as seen on older revolvers. I think on model my 986 it showed target trigger and its just the non serrated standard width trigger.

so, if I understand this, the target trigger is just a name, and not an installation of springs or a new style trigger. I called Smith and was told that in single action the trigger pull is about 3lb and in double about 13.
 
It looks like a good deal to me. Don't worry about collector issues, you are unlikely to live long enough for the value to be affected.

Nope, I am not a collector. However, I hesitate to shoot my Highway Patrolman.
 
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The reason this is the gun I want is that I plan to use it in competition. Bullseye shooting at the Huntsman's Games in October. The reason I want the 10 shot is that I won't have to reload as often. When I read statements about the lock I got caught up in the disdain for the lock. My new Windows computer has a four digit login. This causes a huge amount of stress and hostility for some. I decided it didn't matter. Same for me with the lock.

I am confused by your reply. Are you saying that if I want the 10 shot cylinder, then I should buy this 617?

Is the hammer and trigger on this revolver the standard or could they be enhanced?
 
Took to PM's in hopes that I don't get mod-slapped and derail the discussion.
 
The reason this is the gun I want is that I plan to use it in competition. Bullseye shooting at the Huntsman's Games in October. The reason I want the 10 shot is that I won't have to reload as often. When I read statements about the lock I got caught up in the disdain for the lock. My new Windows computer has a four digit login. This causes a huge amount of stress and hostility for some. I decided it didn't matter. Same for me with the lock.

I am confused by your reply. Are you saying that if I want the 10 shot cylinder, then I should buy this 617?

I also want this gun because of the target trigger and hammer and it is drilled and tapped. Although I wonder if it has the hammer and trigger enhancements. I don't believe the vendors are lying.
 
The target trigger and hammer, for that matter, are not challenging to install if the gun does not have them. My 6" no-dash 617 came with them but my 4" did not so I installed a new set I bought online. The only difference is the 4" parts are color-casehardened instead of flash chromed. The 4" gun also has a Millett rear sight which the 6" now also has.

Ed
 

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The wider width of the hammer and trigger make them a target hammer and trigger. There is no effect on the action. Buy the cheapest one you can find because you will not see an increase in value on a internal lock gun for many, many years if ever... As a side note, why are you afraid to shoot your model 28?
 
I am not afraid to shoot my model 28. The one I have is in superb condition. I just don't want to shoot it a lot, so I pick up once in a while.
 

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There is a 617 available that is pre-lock (Please no discussion the prelock issue). Pristine condition, 10 round capacity, polished stainless steel, wood grips. The price is $2,000. A bit more than I want to spend, even so, I am thinking about.
 
The target trigger and or hammer will not make it one bit more accurate or make it fire one bit more reliably. Zero zip as far as the guns function. Simply more hammer spur fot your thumb, which has never been an issue for me and I have several examples of both. The wide trigger simply gives your finger more to pull on. Some guys like em some don't. The wide grooved triggers suck for double action in my opinion.

To me the hammer is purely cosmetic for the most part. The trigger is user prefference. Butt, anyone with any mechanical skill aty all can change out the hammer. The triggers double action sear mght take a bit of adjustment or you can usually just use the original double action sear.
 
The target trigger and or hammer will not make it one bit more accurate or make it fire one bit more reliably. Zero zip as far as the guns function. Simply more hammer spur fot your thumb, which has never been an issue for me and I have several examples of both. The wide trigger simply gives your finger more to pull on. Some guys like em some don't. The wide grooved triggers suck for double action in my opinion.

To me the hammer is purely cosmetic for the most part. The trigger is user prefference. Butt, anyone with any mechanical skill aty all can change out the hammer. The triggers double action sear mght take a bit of adjustment or you can usually just use the original double action sear.
 
You will not find a .500" full target trigger on a 617 with a 10 round cylinder unless it has been installed after it left the factory. The normally supplied is often referred to as the "combat" trigger, about 3/8" wide and smooth face. The lock on a 617 is a non-issue, my 617-6 has been going for year's. All 617's have been drilled and tapped.
 
I own 617's with and without Target riggers and Hammers. Personally, I'd be more concerned about the quality of the trigger than whether it has the two T's . IMHO, while these featurs look nice, they hav little to do with realized accuracy in most situations.

btw, I don't know the rules o the Huntsmans games refered too but you might check to see if they allow loading of 10 round at a time. Some games only allow 5 or 6 rounds loaded per course of fire ( to keep things safe and theplaying field level.). In that case , having a 10 round capacity can actually be a little harder to deal with as you need to index each load to the 1 oclock starting position.
 
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