model 617 old or newer better?

[dog229]

Dog229 Here,
A question for 617 owners. IF you had the option to own a older 617-1 or buy a new 617-8 10 shot for the same money which would you do. If in competition is 6shot or 10 shot the better way and how about the MIM parts change.
This is not a value question for it will not be a safe queen but to
be used maybe in future competition use.
This is my first 617 to have and both can be got for the same price almost.
Thanks for your opinions
Dogg229 Gone

 

[madmikeb]

I've got three 617 10 shot, a 4 a 6 and an 8 3/8. I don't remember the dash numbers but they do span several years. If you want the guns for competition the 10 shot is the way to go. I use mine for bowling pin shooting and they are among the most fun guns I have. A couple speed loaders and I loading block and you can burn through some ammo!
I've also got a 6 shot M17 and that hasn't been shot in many years. I go for the 617's every time

 

[old&slow]

A couple of the local clubs have .22 speed steel shoots. With the 10 shot 617 you can give the auto guys a run for their money.

 

[TANZER]

617 ?

Ditto on the 10 shot. I have three 617's [ 617PC - safe queen ] & newer [ 617-6 4" & 617-6 6" 10 shot ]. The 10 shot versions are great fun and as noted above with a speed loader you will go through some ammo. In the right hands they can keep pace with the auto guy's. [ not my hands ] I'm an old dude hence the red dots. Need all the help I can get.

 

[dog229]

617 PC WOW!!

Dog229 Here,
Very nice collection. How can one find a 617 pc for sale if at all possible? Has s&w pc considered making one for someone today?
Dog229 Gone

 

[TANZER]

617PC

All the 617PC's went to Germany around 1998. All 306 of them. Occasionally you'll see one come up for sale in Europe. Major pain to import back to the US.

 

[MarkAlt]

10-shot.

Dash ...whatever. MIM, ILS not even an issue.

Have fun!

 

[Sconnie]

Two threads are better than one? I was so confused wondering where my post went but then I noticed...
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...2898-617-revolver-have-model-no-dash-6-a.html

What the heck. Get them both. You have two hands after all.

I love spending other folks' money!

 

[ede]

I have a 17 think dash 8 and three 617s. I'd go with the 10 shot 17 or early 617 with aluminum cylinder. I think the lighter cylinder gives them a better trigger. My 617 with aluminum cylinder must have close to 100,000 rounds fired in it and still runs like a top. I've been waiting on it to break for a few years but it keeps going.

 

[pinto]

Since purchasing my 617-6, my 17-2, 17-4 and 18-4 haven't been out of the safe.
I use mine for club 50 foot indoor .22 matches. Bullseye and golf balls.
Forget bowling pins, golf balls are great targets at 50 feet.