My S&W 617-6....I made a mistake, Now let's fix it!

[Bumpus13]

Thank you! My biggest complaint of the action is a 5 pound SA trigger pull! Even though I bought the gun as NIB I believe it is used and when I removed the grips I found the strain screw loose!
I would like a 3 pound SA trigger pull. I am thinking of sending to the Performance Center for the action job and I'm hoping they can repair the light scratches by a light finish re-buff.
I'm concerned how long it will take but I can address that when I call.
I would think that being done by the Performance Center could only increase the guns' value!
Is there anything else you could tell me or suggest?

I wouldn't count on that. Not that it would hurt it, but it won't become more valuable.

 

[Jalopiejoe]

I wouldn't count on that. Not that it would hurt it, but it won't become more valuable.

I'm wondering if a 5 pound SA pull would qualify as a Warranty Repair?
I know you need a heavy DA to ignite the rimfire but a 5 pound SA seems ridiculous!

 

[Bumpus13]

I'm wondering if a 5 pound SA pull would qualify as a Warranty Repair?
I know you need a heavy DA to ignite the rimfire but a 5 pound SA seems ridiculous!

Doubtful. They'll most likely tell you that it's "within specifications"

Edit: Who knows though, you could try. Worst they could say is no.

 

[Dave Lively]

I'm wondering if a 5 pound SA pull would qualify as a Warranty Repair?
I know you need a heavy DA to ignite the rimfire but a 5 pound SA seems ridiculous!

I agree that is way too heavy, particularly for a revolver that is very unlikely to be used for self defense. But it is probably within spec so it will not be covered under warranty.

As at least one other person in this thread has suggested try a lighter rebound spring. This spring pushes the trigger forward after a shot has been fired so a lighter spring will not affect how hard the firing pin strikes the cartridge. Ignition reliability will be the same. Some people prefer having a trigger that returns with authority over a lighter pull. But unless it adversely affects reliability I prefer a lighter pull in both SA and DA and have put lighter springs in both my S&W revolvers.

I bought a set of rebound springs from Wolff. The stock spring is somewhere around 16 pounds from what I have read. I put a 14 pound spring in my S&W 69 and a 13 pound spring in my 617. If the spring set came with two 14 pounds springs I would have used that weight in both revolvers. Very noticeable improvement in both SA and DA but still returns crisply IMO.

My 617 sounds similar to yours. I traded a used Glock 48 plus $100 for a NIB 4 inch 617 last summer. While mine was NIB it had been sitting around for a few years inside that box after a part time dealer learned the hard way there is a limited market for expensive 22 revolvers, let his FFL expire and went back to his day job. But mine showed no signs of being fired outside the factory and really was NIB even if it was old stock. With the original rebound spring the SA pull was somewhere between 4 and 5 pounds. The lighter spring reduced that by about a pound.

It shot well out of the box but shot better for me after replacing the rebound spring.

While I originally thought I be shooting the gun primarily in SA I have ended up shooting it mostly in DA. Despite the heavy DA pull it is so smooth the difference in accuracy between DA and SA is not as large as I thought it would be.

BTW, while a 5 pound pull is heavy it could be worse. I bought a Ruger GP 100 in 22 right after they came out. The SA pull was over 7 pounds and the DA pull was over 15 pounds and not particularly smooth. I sold it and vowed I would never buy another 22 revolver. I am glad I changed my mind and traded for the 617, I have had it for a year now and even though the new has worn off still really like it.

 

[Jalopiejoe]

I agree that is way too heavy, particularly for a revolver that is very unlikely to be used for self defense. But it is probably within spec so it will not be covered under warranty.

As at least one other person in this thread has suggested try a lighter rebound spring. This spring pushes the trigger forward after a shot has been fired so a lighter spring will not affect how hard the firing pin strikes the cartridge. Ignition reliability will be the same. Some people prefer having a trigger that returns with authority over a lighter pull. But unless it adversely affects reliability I prefer a lighter pull in both SA and DA and have put lighter springs in both my S&W revolvers.

I bought a set of rebound springs from Wolff. The stock spring is somewhere around 16 pounds from what I have read. I put a 14 pound spring in my S&W 69 and a 13 pound spring in my 617. If the spring set came with two 14 pounds springs I would have used that weight in both revolvers. Very noticeable improvement in both SA and DA but still returns crisply IMO.

My 617 sounds similar to yours. I traded a used Glock 48 plus $100 for a NIB 4 inch 617 last summer. While mine was NIB it had been sitting around for a few years inside that box after a part time dealer learned the hard way there is a limited market for expensive 22 revolvers, let his FFL expire and went back to his day job. But mine showed no signs of being fired outside the factory and really was NIB even if it was old stock. With the original rebound spring the SA pull was somewhere between 4 and 5 pounds. The lighter spring reduced that by about a pound.

It shot well out of the box but shot better for me after replacing the rebound spring.

While I originally thought I be shooting the gun primarily in SA I have ended up shooting it mostly in DA. Despite the heavy DA pull it is so smooth the difference in accuracy between DA and SA is not as large as I thought it would be.

BTW, while a 5 pound pull is heavy it could be worse. I bought a Ruger GP 100 in 22 right after they came out. The SA pull was over 7 pounds and the DA pull was over 15 pounds and not particularly smooth. I sold it and vowed I would never buy another 22 revolver. I am glad I changed my mind and traded for the 617, I have had it for a year now and even though the new has worn off still really like it.

Thank you so much for your information!
I would like a 3 pound SA trigger pull and I am guessing that a 12 pound rebound spring would do the trick!
After a good cleaning, lube and some dry fire today I am getting a
4 1/2 pound pull SA that feels pretty good!
I called S&W today and they said factory specs were 3 to 5 pounds!!
I have a 686 with an 11 pound spring that breaks at 2 1/2 pounds and I want a little heavier SA pull on a .22.
The DA trigger on this gun feels pretty good although heavy it's smooth!

 

[Jalopiejoe]

Damn, Joe! Sorry to hear about the trigger. But at least the barrels not clocked wrong. Good luck with it and I eagerly await updates.

I spent some time on my 617 today doing a through cleaning and lube then blew out the excess with the compressor.
Re-blued the sights and painted the front sight rear orange!
Replaced the grip with a Pachmayr Diamond Pro grip to match my 686+.
I have cycled and dry fired it many times and I am getting a 4 1/2 pound SA trigger pull now that is very smooth and crisp!
I took .017 off the strain screw and the DA rolls through smoothly with no FTF!
The gun feels pretty good now and I'm going to us it as is and try not to spend any more money on it!

 

[Jalopiejoe]

Performance Center® Precision Gunsmithing

The same master gunsmiths responsible for the quality and performance of Performance Center handguns will apply their expertise to the upgrading, enhancement and refurbishing of your new or existing revolvers and pistols. Because these services and packages are through Smith & Wesson, we can assure that your Smith & Wesson warranty will remain fully intact.

To discuss Smith & Wesson Performance Center Services call 1-800-331-0852. Please have your serial number available when calling for information.
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M&P Pistol Action Package ($120)
Combat Revolver Package Medium/Large Frame (Stainless $265 / Carbon $325)
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Trigger Stop
Chamfer Charge Holes
Polish Rebound Spring, Hammer Stud and Yoke Barrel Bosses
Detail Lockwork Surfaces
Stone Hammer and Trigger Contact Areas
Test Fire for Function

Outdoor Package Large Frame - N ($200)
Finishing - Revolvers
Finishing - Pistols
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I called Smith and Wesson today and was told that the Performance Center will not work on the .22lr!

 

[lihpster]

Awesome, Joe! Glad you're happy with it! Now you can spend your money on ammo. Rimfires seem hungrier than centerfires. I think it's because they're still growing.

 

[Jalopiejoe]

Awesome, Joe! Glad you're happy with it! Now you can spend your money on ammo. Rimfires seem hungrier than centerfires. I think it's because they're still growing.

Yeah, I'm happy with it now!
It has cleaned up nicely!
It has a really nice trigger that does not feel as heavy as it really is!
Breaks crisp and rolls right through in DA.
I have about 1,600 rounds set aside to feed it!