M617 today in ASI

[Tanners Owner]

Shot my M617 today in our last ASI match for the year. Had a hoot- was able to use the speedbeez speedloaders I received for Christmas.

A few observations from today’s fun:
1- I need to bring a bore brush as my reloading time slowed as the gun got dirty, requiring me to seat the rounds with my fingers

2- I need to work with drawing the speedloaders from the carrier, as the way I drew the speedloaders caused rounds to become dislodged.

3- the 617 was superbly accurate and smooth trigger added in my performance. I do enjoy this gun

Several of my squad mates asked to shoot my 617 after the match and all expressed their approval, commenting how good the trigger was and easy it was to shoot.

 

[Tanners Owner]

I shot my 617 again at our match last weekend. Same performance- it’s laser accurate and any shot outside the down zero is all my fault.

I did brush out the chambers once after 3 stages and never had any issues. Good practice to continue IMO.

I ended up just putting the speed loaders in my coat pocket- worked pretty good when I overcame my muscle memory that looks for it on my belt

Looking forward to my simply rugged holsters arriving- am tiring of using my old N frame holster- it surprisingly holds the gun well, but is awkward to reholster as it collapses somewhat.

 

[AzShooter]

Do to the construction of the Speed Beez there is a tendency for the rounds to drop out when pulled from your belt. The DS-10 will let your ammo stay no matter how aggressive you do your reloads.

 

[crooksight]

S&W 617

was fortunate to obtain a 617 yesterday serial # CYHO413 & hopefully take to the range tomorrow . may need to check out the speed loader , have also heard about the speed loader drops.

 

[AzShooter]

Shot my M617 today in our last ASI match for the year. Had a hoot- was able to use the speedbeez speedloaders I received for Christmas.

A few observations from today’s fun:
1- I need to bring a bore brush as my reloading time slowed as the gun got dirty, requiring me to seat the rounds with my fingers

.

Try a different type of ammo. My cylinders were reamed with a Clymer Reamer from Brownells and the problem went away. I also switched to Federal HV ammo. For some reason I can shoot at least 300 rounds before having to hit the cylinders with a brush.

Plated .22s will work better because they don't leave as much crud in the cylinders.

Good Luck.

 

[Tanners Owner]

^
Thanks- didn’t consider that. I did use different ammo- that may have contributed, but like my centerfire revolvers I shoot matches in, I’ll continue to brush them out mid match.

 

[Revolver Man]

6" 617

I shoot my 6" barrel 617 in the Steel Challenge Rimfire Iron Sight Division. I love shooting against semi-autos and beating them. I use the DS-10 loaders with mine. I mirror polished the inside of the frame where the trigger return spring housing is, then installed a Wolff 15 pound trigger return spring. I haven't had any light strikes, but improved the heavy trigger quite a bit. I have a B Class rating with it, and hope to climb to an A.

 

[Borderboss]

I bought a 617 months ago intending to shoot it in competition, but haven't even shot it yet. Your post is going to inspire me to get going on this.

 

[Tanners Owner]

I bought a 617 months ago intending to shoot it in competition, but haven't even shot it yet. Your post is going to inspire me to get going on this.

Glad to have been that spark, as I often am influenced, given ideas from others here.

Next match, I’m shooting my Dad’s Ruger mkII challenging my buddy who has a buckmark- should be fun.

March’s match will be with my model 63- also should be fun.

 

[m657]

I used my 4" 617 for a number of years in speed steel. It was quite competitive. Later added 6" 617, with slightly slower handling yet far easier to 'not miss' any hits, making a better score.


Added a Fast Fire 3 red dot, making accuracy AND speed simply astounding. DS10 loaders and a suitable mounting block are very worth the expense.



Covid changed match schedules and haven't been back on the line since.

 

[Tanners Owner]

A follow up. In Feb, I shot my Dad’s Ruger MkII, which has an older red dot optic. Had a blast with it. Normally don’t shoot red dot sights, but this was a fun time with it. Brought back memories of my Dad for sure.

This month, I shot my M63, 4”. Another fun day. Gun did remarkably well; I on the other hand didn’t. Still had a great time with it. What my experience today taught me is I need to shoot the M63 more and become more practiced with it as I am with my M617.

My intent in the following months is to shoot the M617 and M63 in alternative months.

It’s been a fun time rediscovering the joys of rimfire guns.