I've had my new 617-6 for a few months now

[chase45]

Just wanted to drop by and say this thing is absolutely amazing.

I stopped messing with .22LR very much about a decade ago when the price hike came. This year with shooting handguns much more I wanted to step back into .22 to supplement mostly double action shooting. I still have a ways to go buy my double action shooting has definitely improved.

Initially when I was buying this 617 I looked at it as a mere training aid. An expensive .22. Nothing more and nothing less.

I had some concerns after shooting some Winchester M22 on the first couple outings. I could maybe get 50 rounds out before lead would tie up the action. It would kinda weld itself on the forcing cone and front of the cylinder. I remember fearing it needed to go back for a forcing cone recut due to googling around about 617 issues. Luckily it ended up being a simple ammo issue as I have not had those problems since switching ammo.

After shooting this thing for the past few months I think it may well have ended up as one of my favorite revolvers instead of simply a training aid. Or perhaps the new hasn't quite wore off yet. Loves all CCI flavors it seems and rarely misfires with those. Shorts. Longs. CB to Stingers. Been shooting Federal bulk as well and it seems to pop them 90-95% of the time on double action. Single action doesn't seem to have a problem with any brand though.

I love shooting this thing. Ive even stepped into shooting some small bowling pin matches with it as of late. Beating a lot of the fancy autos with it as well Im happy to report

Just thought Id stop in and share a happy story about a recent generation Smith since it seems I see some QC issue posts here. They still do put out plenty of good ones

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

I really like my 4" 617, I also have a 6" six shot and a 6" ten shot.

 

[chase45]

I really like my 4" 617, I also have a 6" six shot and a 6" ten shot.

I do really need to grab one of those speed loaders for it

Takes awhile to load up all 10 holes lol

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

I do really need to grab one of those speed loaders for it

Takes awhile to load up all 10 holes lol

Here's where you can get the loaders.

Speed Loaders | The Revolver Supply Company, LLC.

 

[JD3006]

Thanks for the post

I've been feeling low about my 29-10 that I had to send back, but like you said we have to remember the good ones. My 617-6 stays in my range bag. I normally fire a box or two of center fire something then shoot the 617 until I get tired. It is awesome.

 

[H Richard]

Has turned into one of my favorites. The 10 round cylinder I like. The accuracy is outstanding. At 12 yards from a rest is is usually one hole, with most ammo. I did enhance mine with new grips and a red dot (to help my old eyes).

 

[GSP Fan]

Next to the K22's my 617's get shot the most. Mine are both no dash in 4 and 6 inch barrel length.

 

[The Norseman]

S&W 6 shooters

The S&W 617s are amazing. I think you
made a wise investment.

Thank you for sharing about your 617 and taking
the time for pictures.

I have a Dec 2002 -3 6”bbl model and Oct 1997-1 4”
model. Both are 6 rounders. Both are among my
favorite S&Ws and are great performers.

Ammo wise the Federal copper wash hollow
point bulk box of bullets are my go to 22lrs.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

 

[AveragEd]

It seems that no-dash Model 617s are one of the most appreciative in value of all 22LR revolvers. I have two, a six-inch I bought new (Oh, the days of $144.95 Smith & Wessons) and a four-inch I bought used. The six-inch was a "full target" version with target trigger and hammer; I added those pieces to the four-inch but I could only find color-casehardened parts. I put Millett rear sights on both guns too.

Ed

 

[Green Frog]

Sounds like you’re singing my song. My first handgun, over 50 years ago, was a 9 shot High Standard Sentinel Deluxe Snub. Long on fun, but due to fixed sights and short barrel, not much for serious accuracy.

Fast forward 40 years and I picked up the ancestor to your 617, a 1948 vintage K-22. It’s usually the first thing I pick up to go to the range and one of the last guns I’d ever part with. I find the bulk packs of Federal Auto Match give me consistent performance and reliability.

If I were offered a S&W 10 shot 22 at my age, I’d probably enjoy shooting it, but I’m too old to acquire a new “favorite” gun!

Froggie

 

[Fan45acp]

I really like my 4" 617, I also have a 6" six shot and a 6" ten shot.

What brand of red dot mount? Thank you for your reply

 

[Tom S.]

My son really likes mine and for good reason - he does very well with it. It may disappear one of these days...

 

[jer830]

I bought a new 617 a few months ago also to shoot a bit cheaper than my 38/357s. Initially the action sucked and nearly needed two hands to cycle. I also had numerous misfires with Federal and Winchester bulk ammo. Also extraction became nearly impossible after a hundred rounds or so.

I switched to CCI Mini Mag copper plated and the fail to fire issue is solved. The extraction issues are also mitigated. I also got in the habit of brushing out the chambers every 75 rounds or so.

The extractor rod loosened up around the 1000 round mark but that was an easy fix.

After 2000 rounds the action is better but it still stacks somewhat. I have a Wolfe spring kit and I’m going to start with a 15# TRS.

I mostly shoot indoors and the lighting isn’t the greatest. I also have old eyes. In spite of a dab of orange paint on the front sight, I still have a time picking up the sight. Ive done some searching for fiber optic fronts but haven’t decided on which one to get. I’m open to any suggestions any of you can give.

After all the issues, I don’t have any regrets getting this revolver. Life’s a journey with many speed bumps.

 

[jkmo]

Last week at a mini bowling pin match , I shot my 5 wine corks and 2 of my partners corks in 11 seconds. This is at 25 feet. CT laser grips. We shoot several rounds of pin tops then have two frames shooting wine corks. Both our runs were 11 seconds.

My 617 is scary accurate. Only thing I did was put a 12 pound trigger return spring in.

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

What brand of red dot mount? Thank you for your reply

I have an Allchin mount.

 

[Wee Hooker]

617's provide a step back from the world of bottom feeders , expensive ammo and crawling around for spent brass. To me it's one of one of those guns where the more you shoot it, the more you love it. I rarely go to the range without one. (Especially if bringing newbies.) It's just cheap, pure uncomplicated shooting fun. Now if they only made a 5" PC version with 1/2 lug and interchangeable sights ;-)

 

[Wee Hooker]

617's provide a step back from the world of bottom feeders , expensive ammo and crawling around for spent brass. To me it's one of one of those guns where the more you shoot it, the more you love it. I rarely go to the range without one. (Especially if bringing newbies.) It's just cheap, pure uncomplicated shooting fun. Now if they only made a 5" PC version with 1/2 lug and interchangeable sights ;-)

Not to stir the pot, but this is one case where this long time SW fan feels that Ruger nailed it. Quality on this GP100-22 is as good as any of my 617's but the features and action are better. Fortunately there is room in the safe for both flavors.

 

[SWFan27]

Just wanted to drop by and say this thing is absolutely amazing.

I stopped messing with .22LR very much about a decade ago when the price hike came. This year with shooting handguns much more I wanted to step back into .22 to supplement mostly double action shooting. I still have a ways to go buy my double action shooting has definitely improved.

Initially when I was buying this 617 I looked at it as a mere training aid. An expensive .22. Nothing more and nothing less.

I had some concerns after shooting some Winchester M22 on the first couple outings. I could maybe get 50 rounds out before lead would tie up the action. It would kinda weld itself on the forcing cone and front of the cylinder. I remember fearing it needed to go back for a forcing cone recut due to googling around about 617 issues. Luckily it ended up being a simple ammo issue as I have not had those problems since switching ammo.

After shooting this thing for the past few months I think it may well have ended up as one of my favorite revolvers instead of simply a training aid. Or perhaps the new hasn't quite wore off yet. Loves all CCI flavors it seems and rarely misfires with those. Shorts. Longs. CB to Stingers. Been shooting Federal bulk as well and it seems to pop them 90-95% of the time on double action. Single action doesn't seem to have a problem with any brand though.

I love shooting this thing. Ive even stepped into shooting some small bowling pin matches with it as of late. Beating a lot of the fancy autos with it as well Im happy to report

Just thought Id stop in and share a happy story about a recent generation Smith since it seems I see some QC issue posts here. They still do put out plenty of good ones

I just bought the same revolver and took it to the range today. I am already in love with the thing.

 

[wproct]

I think the 617 is just about as good as it gets in a .22 caliber double-action revolver. My current one is a 617-1 6 shot with 4 inch bbl, and the single action trigger pull is outstanding. This is actually my third one that I have owned. The first two was a 617 no dash full target with 8 3/8 inch bbl and the second was a 617 no dash full target with 6 inch barrel. The second one was my all time favorite but true to my habits it no longer is in my possession.

 

[pasound]

Bought my 617-6 four years ago. Saved a picture of this, the first 30 rounds fired offhand indoors at 30'. I'm remembering it was Armscor round nose HV. My hands shake a bit, and I have to admit I surprised myself.

The 617 now sports a Wigatinny rail and a Romeo5 and I shoot mostly at steel 20-40 yards or so. Ten shots, ten pings on the 6" targets. These days, I always use copper plated brands and I don't have to brush the cylinder out as often. These are built to tight tolerances.