Mod 617 weight reduction

[beocon]

I'm thinking of a Model 617 as a present for my wife to shoot steel target, maybe competition. She has trouble with muzzle-heavy guns and heavy trigger pulls. I'm sure a good smith can tune the action, but are there safe and effective ways to shave weight off the barrel/lug and not sacrifice accuracy?

I know weight can be a positive factor in steady aim, but in this case lighter is better. And I really prefer the 617 to the smaller J-frames like 317. Thanks.

 

[Mike McLellan]

How about an older K-frame? There are a lot of them out there, and all of them are great shooters.

 

[Old cop]

I have a Model 18 4" and that might be a good way to go.

 

[Engine49guy]

I believe S&W made a version with an aluminum cylinder in the (617-2?)
You might consider the 4" J frame 22 version if you want a big drop in weight and heft ,
The 617 was really made to emulate a K frame 38.

Here is the new version of the old Model 18 "Classic" which would be the same frame as
the Model 617 but with a lighter tapered barrel profile in blued steel instead of stainless,

The far left is an older Model 18 , center is a 17-5 heavy barrel,
The far right is a full underlug 17-6 ( same as the 617 no dash but blued).

and here is a comparison of muzzles (L to R models 617, 17-6, 17-5 HB and Model 18)

 

[beocon]

Yes, older K frame might be perfect. I read up on the 317s, size and weight would be just right, but lots of posts mentioned difficulty getting a light trigger and reliable ignition. I believe I will look for a nice Model 18. Thank you all (great pics Engine49guy).

 

[H Richard]

Same reason I sold a Mod 17-6 (full lug barrel) and replaced it with a 17-4. Both 6". The 17-6 was one of the most accurate 17's I have ever had, but was too much front end heavy. The 17-4 was (and still is) perfect. I think any of the 17-0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc up to when they put the full lug on would fit the bill.

 

[TANZER]

617 Barrel mod.

The 617 pictured is a 617PC manufactured in 1998 and shipped to Germany. The underlug has been cut down and the barrel shaved.
The reduced weight balances much better than the full underlug version
I have recently seen pictures of a 617 that had the barrel modification done by a gunsmith here in the US.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

Check out this thread. My 617 went on a diet. - Revolver Forum - Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!

Better still, check out this model 617 - Revolver Forum - Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!

With all the people who talk about the 617 being too muzzle heavy, you would think S&W would offer one with a different barrel profile. The model 17 and 18 are great, but they don't come with a 10 shot cylinder for competition.

 

[buckspen]

Does it have to be a revolver? Why not a semi-auto .22 pistol? Neither weight or trigger pull would be an issue if you picked the right one. Any double action revolver, not matter how well tuned, is going to have a heavier trigger pull than a semi-auto pistol.

- - Buckspen

 

[beocon]

I followed some very good advice above (thanks), and my own instincts and acquired one each of the Model 18-4 and a 17-4.

 

[Snowwolfe]

Another option to consider is to buy a Ruger SP101 22. They have a 4.2 inch barrel, smallish grips, and only weigh 30 ounces.

 

[jaymoore]

I have found the 6" 17 to be faster than the 4" 617 on the plates, but the down side is there's fewer "insurance rounds" if I start shooting faster than I can see...

Nothing like having to reload to activate the stop plate!

ETA:

Check out this thread. My 617 went on a diet. - Revolver Forum - Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!

...

Haven't lurked on the "Benos" forums in some time. Great place if you like to run your revolvers hard and fast.

 

[Snowwolfe]

I have found the 6" 17 to be faster than the 4" 617 on the plates, but the down side is there's fewer "insurance rounds" if I start shooting faster than I can see...

Nothing like having to reload to activate the stop plate!

ETA:

Haven't lurked on the "Benos" forums in some time. Great place if you like to run your revolvers hard and fast.

Try a 617, 10 shot