Model 617 No IL ?

[MD51']

Fellas - snagged a 617 today / 4 Inch / 10 Shot SS w SS Cyl / NO IL - instead of stamped name on right side of barrel it had dulled gold writing. Anyone have any details on this one? Picking it up Friday so will have more details in order to actually research for myself then.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Camster]

European version.

 

[Old cop]

No details but great find, hang onto that one!

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! For a period of time in the late '80s to early '90s, the factory experimented with different methods of barrel markings; one was a very shallow laser etching process, and yours might be one using this process. Photos would help here (one you have it).

 

[MD51']

Appreciate the info Fellas - once Friday rolls around - will def post pics and have the details necessary for proper identification.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

A 4-inch 10-shot no-dash is a fairly unusual gun. The 6-inch was far more common.

Is this one of the rare no-lug guns?

I possible to simply use gold paint to fill in the markings normally stamped on the gun. Perhaps that's what you have. This same practice is often seen on blue guns with white paint.

 

[MD51']

617-4

Sept 1 2001 Poduction Date

Lettering on the right side of barrel not stamped but a dull brownish gold in color. Rep said they used this lettering periodically back then. Nice shooter for sure. Picked up this and a 686 PC today and I have to say enjoy the 7 Shot much more than the 627 8 Shot by far.

I'll get some pics posted soon.

 

[Shorthand]

Does the writing look like the pictures in this post?http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/316071-617-picture-thread.html#post137276151
Also does it have writing on the other side of the barrel like the one pictured?

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

617-4

Sept 1 2001 Poduction Date

If you have the box, post a pic of the label.

 

[MD51']

Attached a pic of the right side of the barrel.

 

[MD51']

As well as the other side.

 

[S&WIowegan]

These are great guns so shoot it a lot! I have two of these 4 inchers so they can't be rare.

Some of these models suffer from sticky extraction. This can be cured by using a finish reamer to clean up the chambers.

 

[k22fan]

The combination of three things makes this not the easiest 617 to find and one that quite a few members would like to find: 1. no-IL, 2. 10 shot steel cylinder, & 3. 4" barrel. They aren't so common because it took S&W a few years to give up on aluminum cylinders in 10 shot 617s then the IL became standard not long after stainless became the standard metal for 10 shot cylinders.

Nice find.

My guess is the gold tinted shallow lettering is just the laser etching S&W has used off and on. The gold is easily removed if you are not careful cleaning.

A 4-inch 10-shot no-dash is a fairly unusual gun. [...]

A no-dash 10 shot could only be a custom cylinder replacement and would have roll markings.