Model 617 No Dash with 3.25 bbl?

[Salmon68]

Hi folks, has anyone seen or heard of a Model 617 no dash, six shot revolver with a 3.25 inch barrel, with a gold bead front sight?

A friend of mine is helping a widow organize her late husbands guns and I am helping put all the particulars in a spreadsheet. I was working on the data entry tonight and came across the above description of a model 617. I thought Smith made them in 4 in, 6 and 8 3/8 only. Any insight would be appreciated. I do not have pictures otherwise I would have posted them. If I ever get to see the gun I will be sure to take some and share. Thanks. Stay safe and warm wishes from frozen Ohio.

 

[lihpster]

Probably measured from the front of the frame not the face of the cylinder.

 

[CH4]

Unless someone shortened it a 1/2", which is highly unlikely, it's 4". Measure from muzzle to the front of the cylinder.

 

[Salmon68]

Thanks for the feedback. I thought it was a mis measurement but the guy helping the widow inventory the guns swears he measured it correctly. That said I am going to tell him to check the gun again since I have found no mention of any barrel shorter than 4 inches in any of my S&W references. I'll let you know how the rest of the story goes once I know more. Thanks and take care.

 

[Salmon68]

Hey folks, the rest of the story. Turns out this no dash gun was mfg in 1990 and began life with a 6" bbl. The gun was sent off to a outfit called Barrel & Slide (I might not have that name correct) and the bbl was cut down to 3 1/8 inches. The gold bead was added on the front sight and the sides of the bbl were flattened. The gun sports a pair of JM fancy walnut grips. I am still trying to get a picture of the gun. Once I do I'll share but the mystery of the less than 4 in bbl has been solved. Take care and stay safe.

 

[murphydog]

We need photos!

The company may be Cylinder and Slide. If the barrel shortening took off the front extractor rod locking point often a ball detent lock is installed in the yoke.