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

[Jalopiejoe]

I recently bought a S&W 617-6 on GunBroker that was sold as.."Factory New in Box"
It is in fact...Used with Box!
It's not worth it to me in time or money to go after the guy.
So, I would rather spend the money to make this gun right!
It has some scratches that I'm sure that can be fixed.
The trigger pull is extremely heavy although crisp. I found the strain screw had been loosened, another clue it was used!
I am looking for suggestions on what springs along with some stoning and polishing to obtain a 3# SA pull and whatever it takes for a mainspring (probably not "reduced power") to be reliable shooting .22lr?
I made a mistake in buying it but I could sure use your help in making this gun right and a pleasure to shoot!

 

[Silver GT]

Smith & Wesson

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.
Autopistol 3rd Generation Action Package ($165)
M&P Pistol Action Package ($120)
Combat Revolver Package Medium/Large Frame (Stainless $265 / Carbon $325)
Master Revolver Action Package ($165)

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
Model 41
Model SW1911 Services

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

I would think it should have come from the factory with sub 3# SA letoff.
I find out what the 617 shoots best, then loosen the strain screw by 1/2 turns until it FTF. Then locktite and add 1/2 turn and done.
1500 - 2000 grit stoning to smooth up the internals. But just a few long swipes should do.
While youre at it, smooth up the rebound slide and raceways with progressive grit stones.
Then plenty of yellow wall anchors and lots of Dry fire at tv bad guys.

Tight chambers are usually the only issue with these guns. A chamber reamer and elbow grease is all that is needed for most of these beauties.

 

[jcelect]

Spring kit

As for the trigger! Lapping the SIDES(in the contact areas)of hammer and trigger on a hard stone and lapping the bottom of the rebound slide to a mirror finish is a must! Install a reduced power rebound slide spring and MAYBE the main spring will reduce the trigger pull by a bunch. If you unscrew the main spring screw you are asking for FTF when you change types of ammo. DO NOT stone the sears! ! ! If you have scratches in the finish they can be removed with the finer grade of Scotch Bright pads. Be careful to rub in the direction of the original "grain" or marks.
jcelect

 

[Jalopiejoe]

I would think it should have come from the factory with sub 3# SA letoff.
I find out what the 617 shoots best, then loosen the strain screw by 1/2 turns until it FTF. Then locktite and add 1/2 turn and done.
1500 - 2000 grit stoning to smooth up the internals. But just a few long swipes should do.
While youre at it, smooth up the rebound slide and raceways with progressive grit stones.
Then plenty of yellow wall anchors and lots of Dry fire at tv bad guys.

Tight chambers are usually the only issue with these guns. A chamber reamer and elbow grease is all that is needed for most of these beauties.

The SA pull is 5#!!
I backed out the strain screw and it made no difference! Lightened the DA some but I'm going for a better SA mostly and need more spring wallop forDA!

 

[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.
Autopistol 3rd Generation Action Package ($165)
M&P Pistol Action Package ($120)
Combat Revolver Package Medium/Large Frame (Stainless $265 / Carbon $325)
Master Revolver Action Package ($165)

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
Model 41
Model SW1911 Services

This sounds like maybe a good idea and the price seems to rival a local gunsmith!
I will call Monday to see what they can tell me.
Any idea how long it takes to have such work done?
Probably can ship and return without involving an FFL?

 

[Protocall_Design]

The rebound spring is mostly responsible for the single action pull. I would get a selection of Wolff rebound springs and find the one that gives you the SA pull you want, while still providing a crisp trigger return.

 

[Silver GT]

Monday July 5th 2021 Closed.
Fedex Shipped OUT YES.
Fedex Shipped IN YES.
Involving a FFL License NOT.
Call S&W for a Shipping Label.
4 to 6 weeks for me.
Silver GT

 

[Jalopiejoe]

Monday July 5th 2021 Closed.
Fedex Shipped OUT YES.
Fedex Shipped IN YES.
Involving a FFL License NOT.
Call S&W for a Shipping Label.
4 to 6 weeks for me.
Silver GT

I'll call Monday!
Good price I hope!
Thanks!

 

[Silver GT]

S&W 500

My Hand CANNON.
500 S&W.

 

[6518John]

I'll call Monday!
Good price I hope!
Thanks!

Monday, July 5 is a Federal Holiday. I doubt S&W will be open.

 

[Baxter6551]

I had the factory combat revolver package done on my model 65. Highly recommend ! Ten years ago and price has only gone up $15.

 

[sodacan]

How about the name of the seller so we can avoid him?

 

[Jalopiejoe]

How about the name of the seller so we can avoid him?

GTARMS, LLC Wareham Massachusetts

 

[lihpster]

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.

 

[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.

lihpster, I'll keep you posted!
Thanks!

 

[ken158]

You got a lot of information about your rimfire K frame that I do not agree with other then send it to the factory if you want an action job. When questions are asked / answered about changing springs, filing, honing, polishing and stoning as well as adjusting screws, you have been done a mis-service. For the most part, none of that is necessary and will likely void your warranty. Your 616-6 has MIM parts which are mostly already fit to work as designed without tuning from a gunsmith. This is where a factory tune-up / action job comes into play. A rimfire revolver needs a stronger trigger pull than a centerfire to reliably fire the various brands of rimfire ammo that may be used. If you "tune" it to one brand, and stick with that, you may be OK. There is absolutely no need in any stoning or polishing of any parts within unless there is an obvious burr or malady that a trained person may spot. The mainspring screw is NOT an adjustment screw and is designed to be tight. A small amount of material can be taken off the end of the screw to shorten it but it remains tight in the frame. Once you remove material, you cannot put it back without buying a new part. Your gun, do what you want with it but be wary of "kitchen table" gunsmiths…

 

[jack the toad]

GTARMS, LLC Wareham Massachusetts

Little off topic but hopefully you reported seller, posted negative rating, etc...
I put liars a small cut above a thief.
Good luck with your project.

 

[Jalopiejoe]

Little off topic but hopefully you reported seller, posted negative rating, etc...
I put liars a small cut above a thief.
Good luck with your project.

I have done that!

 

[Jalopiejoe]

You got a lot of information about your rimfire K frame that I do not agree with other then send it to the factory if you want an action job. When questions are asked / answered about changing springs, filing, honing, polishing and stoning as well as adjusting screws, you have been done a mis-service. For the most part, none of that is necessary and will likely void your warranty. Your 616-6 has MIM parts which are mostly already fit to work as designed without tuning from a gunsmith. This is where a factory tune-up / action job comes into play. A rimfire revolver needs a stronger trigger pull than a centerfire to reliably fire the various brands of rimfire ammo that may be used. If you "tune" it to one brand, and stick with that, you may be OK. There is absolutely no need in any stoning or polishing of any parts within unless there is an obvious burr or malady that a trained person may spot. The mainspring screw is NOT an adjustment screw and is designed to be tight. A small amount of material can be taken off the end of the screw to shorten it but it remains tight in the frame. Once you remove material, you cannot put it back without buying a new part. Your gun, do what you want with it but be wary of "kitchen table" gunsmiths…

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?