Model 63 or 617?

[nntw]

I have an opportunity to get a brand new model 63 for what (in Canada) is a really good price. The only other model I'm seriously considering is the 617.

As I understand it, the 63's a "J" frame and the 617 is a "K". Different spring systems, etc.

But as a first revolver, for .22 target, the 63 seems pretty reasonable.

Any comments from the forum? Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

Hi, and welcome! Either is a good choice for target shooting. The model 63 (4"?) will be easier to carry in a holster, but if that is not a concern a 6" 617 will probably be easier to shoot with its longer sight radius.

 

[Camster]

Welcome.
I think part of the decision should be based on the size of your hands.
If large,you'll find the 617 much easier to shoot accurately,better suited to target shooting if that is your main interest.
To me, a 63 is a plinker,casual target gun at best.
Big difference in the "reach" to the trigger,big difference in the size of the hammer spurs.Many more grip options for the 617.

 

[rbert0005]

I don't know about you, but I can't shoot a J Frame for ****.

I would go with the 617 for the pure enjoyment of shooting it. In fact I have.

Bob

 

[long colt frazier]

Hi, and welcome! Either is a good choice for target shooting. The model 63 (4"?) will be easier to carry in a holster, but if that is not a concern a 6" 617 will probably be easier to shoot with its longer sight radius.

Yep just what Alan said

 

[Frailer]

I *love* my 5" 63-4. Discussions of advantages/disadvantages of it vs. the 617 are largely academic. Both are very well-made, accurate revolvers. If you can get the 63 for a good price, go for it. Bet you'll love yours, too.

 

[ab4ka]

If you're looking for a target gun, the 617 is the way to go. If you just want a plinker, you'd probably be happy with either one.

If I could only have one I'd rather have the 617. I had a beautiful little 63 and at the time it just wasn't what I was looking for, so in a fit of stupidity I traded it. Now that I've got a 617 I'd like to get it a little brother.

 

[$2Ray]

I'd also go with the 617 if it's primarily for a target pistol. I have one in 4" & 6" & personally, the 4" balances better for me. The 6" I find to be a bit nose heavy after shooting the 4", but it's still a great pistol that I would never sell.
I think you'd be happy with either one.

 

[nntw]

Thanks for all the feedback and for welcoming me to the forum!

my hands are on the small side, so that might be a point in favour of the j type.

another factor, up here in Canada, there are some pretty severe restrictions on barrel length. 4" and shorter, you're only allowed to own one if you already had it- then you're 'grandfathered'. a person who's never owned one can't buy one.

the 63 i'm being offered is a pretty good deal, and i'm more a 'fun' rather than competitive shooter, so i think i'll be happy with that. but i am going to confirm what i'd be charged for the 617.

thanks again!

thanks

 

[PWF]

Comment from a Canadian perspective...

Short barrelled pistols (classified as Prohibited up here) tend to sell cheaper in Canada - in my estimate for about 40% of US prices - due to a very restricted market. That is great if you are going to keep it, but the downside is that it will be hard to resell down the road as prospective buyers with the appropriate licence age and get out of the sport.

The K frame makes for a better target pistol, and if it does not suit you, it will be much easier to sell down the road.

...my 2 cents worth (that's 1.92 cents US).

Peter

 

[nntw]

just to clarify, i'm NOT able to own "prohibited" firearms.

and yup, a lot of amazing deals out there for those who can.

 

[dghuppert]

One of each...

 

[nntw]

this is where my limited budget comes into it....

 

[raveneap]

One of each. Seriously, they're both fine guns

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[campfire]

The choice would be easy for me. I would take the 617 with a 6" barrel and then enjoy shooting the gun without ever worrying too much about wearing it out. They are a fine gun with great accuracy.
Campfire

 

[nntw]

I guess I feel reassured either way. As mentioned, I'm on a budget so I've got to feel like I can (almost) justify it.

 

[texasgunner]

A 617 is the ONLY 22 revolver i'd trade my 63 for!
(I want BOTH)

 

[Stainz]

I finally bought my 4" 617 9/08, picking it over the 5" 63 & 3" HiViz 317K at the time. It would quickly get some Ahrends retro targets with a homebrew oil finish on the raw cocobolo as well as a trigger job and a HiViz front sight. Great shooter!

I made the right decision, as I found out nearly a year later when I bought a friend's new 5" 63 from his estate. I had no intention of working the 5" 63 over - but it sure needed it. It needed a larger grip, so I put the square conversion Hogue rubber monogrips on it - fair fit to my medium+ hands. The 63's lockwork inproved with a little cleanup and spring changes to about what the 617 was post break-in (Pree spring change there!). The 617 is now, of course, a tad lighter in DA.

Shooting with the 617 is interesting - the 4" balances quite well - and permits rapid hits on target. The 63, if it just had better wood grips, and maybe there will be some Hogue wood monogrips in it's future, thank you Raveneap, to assist there, would be an ideal 'extension of your hand'. My remembrance of the 6" 617 with OEM Hogues was of a muzzle heavy revolver. I theink the 5" 63 would feel more natural.

Both need sight help for me, black on blach not being my favorite sight picture. The HiViz helps that 4" 617 be a quick target acquisition revolver, the 63's black/black needing more time for my 'mature' eyes to acquire. I may need another HiViz...

The DS-10 Speedloader speedloaders are nice - quite an interesting addition. I have the 6 x 10 plate for my 617 and the 4 x 8 plate for my 63. Fun adjunct for either revolver - especially for plinking.

The J-frame needs a lighter (9 lb) hammer coil and a lighter rebound coil (13 lb for mine) as well just to be decently functional. My 617 got a similar rebound and a full strength Wolff hammer leaf, which is a bit lighter than than the OEM leaf, yet yields no ftf's. As to ammo, I use the WalMart 550 packs of Federal 36gr plated HPs - el-cheapos. Some would say that's like serving cheap beer in champagne glasses... phooey to them! They do produce odd fliers... and that is a heck of a convenient excuse for less than stellar marksmanship!

I'm thinking the 5" 63 - if you can find someone to 'clean it up' and put some lighter Wolff springs in it, may be ideal for you. Mine is way too much fun to ever lose. In fact, the 3" 63 announced as new this year may just be my 2010 purchase!

Stainz

 

[Jixer]

Don't worry about the small grip of the 63. You can always buy an inexpensive set of larger J-frame grips from places like CDNN.

My 63 is fun to shoot, as well as my new-to-me used 617-6 that I got this year.

I brought both to a rimfire gallery at one of the local ranges and thought the 63 was more fun to shoot than the 617, but the 617 in single action was even fun.

 

[nntw]

So here's an update- MAY be able to get the 617 for only about $70 more than the 63.

It's really got me thinking 617, but still have to confirm the #s.

mmmm....617....