New Generation S&W .22 LR - Recommendations
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Ashlander
Member
The 4" 617 has the feel of a full-size gun and is accurate. Like the 6" 617, it has adjustable sights. The disadvantage of the 6" 617 is the weight. I'd go with the 4" (I bought the 6" and later the 4").
The 317 is super light -- it just doesn't feel like a gun. The 63 would be a good kit gun.
The 317 is super light -- it just doesn't feel like a gun. The 63 would be a good kit gun.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
There's also a 4-inch Model 18-7 that has been in production within the last five years. (I'm not sure if it's currently cataloged). For pure range/target gun there's no doubt the 6-inch Model 617 is the king of the heap. It's a heavy sucker, though. (Which actually adds to it's accuracy potential).
A K-frame is always going to have a better trigger than a J. The M317 is famous (or I should say infamous) for it's exceedingly heavy double action trigger. This is in part magnified by the M317's ridiculously light weight. That gun is a feather, and light guns are notoriously difficult to shoot accurately.
A K-frame is always going to have a better trigger than a J. The M317 is famous (or I should say infamous) for it's exceedingly heavy double action trigger. This is in part magnified by the M317's ridiculously light weight. That gun is a feather, and light guns are notoriously difficult to shoot accurately.
MichiganScott
Member
I've got a 6" 617 no dash that I don't shoot much because the poor balance. My wife owns a 5" 63 that has the best balance of any S&W I've ever handled, but the gun disappears in my hands.
If I were looking for another .22 pistol I'd buy a 4" 617 or a Model 17 Masterpiece.
If I were looking for another .22 pistol I'd buy a 4" 617 or a Model 17 Masterpiece.
Hopper
Member
I got the 3" Model 63 last year, and really enjoy it. The trigger wasn't to my liking, so I replicated the Apex kit in it that I have in my EDC 640. Had to remove the extended firing pin, as it was puncturing the rims of the brass instead of striking it... going back to the OEM firing pin so far gives me perfect ignition every time.
It's a neat, fun little gun... plenty accurate I think, great for new shooters because it's almost like shooting a squirt gun. I'm happy with it, especially after installing the Apex springs.
It's a neat, fun little gun... plenty accurate I think, great for new shooters because it's almost like shooting a squirt gun. I'm happy with it, especially after installing the Apex springs.
dbfman
Member
I also have a 617 6" and, while it's a nice gun, I'd get a 4" if I had it to do over. I'm older and not too big and the gun is heavy and tires me out so I normally only do 5 round loads.
Boudiepitbull
Member
We also have a 6 inch Model 617. With it's 10 shot capacity and a good speedloader it is a pleasure to use at the range. I have no problem with balance or weight and can shoot it all day long. Nor does anyone else in the family who uses it. Just remember that it is an overbuilt .22 revolver and was probably never meant to be small and compact. In fact, it's sturdy size and heft was part of the original appeal of the gun for me.
I have both a 4" M63 and M617. Personally I much prefer the M63 but will have to go along with the majority and recommend the M617 in 4". This question gets asked from time to time and the 617 always is the clear popularity winner. Most find the M617 easier to shoot well and since you said it will be a range pistol, not for carry, the heavier weight shouldn't be a problem.
Redlegvzv
Member
I went with the S&W 617 6" and it has become (much to my surprise) my favorite firearm to shoot. Not sure what others are talking about as regards the weight/balance. I can shoot the revolver for hours and not get tired. I frequently shoot an entire brick and then some on range outings with it. And with that 6" barrel and sight radius, the gun is amazingly accurate.
revolver_ph
Member
I got the 617 with the 6" barrel and mounted a Burris FastFire 3 reflex sight. It is a great combo for me.
With a 13# rebound spring swap and clean/lube trigger and sear the trigger is very nice at slightly under 3#.
With a 13# rebound spring swap and clean/lube trigger and sear the trigger is very nice at slightly under 3#.
New Generation S&W .22 LR - Recommendations
I like the 10 shot 617's so much I got both the 6" and then the 4". Both wear Culina targets and are a pleasure to shoot. Love them.
Here's the 6" ......
I like the 10 shot 617's so much I got both the 6" and then the 4". Both wear Culina targets and are a pleasure to shoot. Love them.
Here's the 6" ......
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I have a 617-6, with 10 round cylinder, and it has become one of my favorite range guns. It is 6", which I prefer for the accuracy. The longer barrel gives a better sighting radius. If you are strictly going to punch holes in paper at 5 - 10 yards, and never shoot longer distances or do any competitions, I would also consider a Mod 63, (J Frame), with 4" barrel, but specify "target" grips. The standard J Frame grips are too small to do any serious shooting. They are made for concealing.
I have two shooter .22s. I like my 6" 6-hole 617, but far more fun to shoot and easier to clean is my 6" post-WWII K-22. I haven't handled new Model 17s or 617s so can't offer an opinion on those.
I had a couple of 617 no dash with one being a 4 inch and one a 6 inch and they were great revolvers. The 4 inch was a better range gun because of the balance. I have since sold them and my two 22LR revolvers are an 18-4 with 4 inch barrel, and a Model 17-4 with 8 3/8 inch barrel. My other 22LR pistols are a S&W M&P 22 and a custom Ruger Mark II. If I was buying one now it would be a 617 with 4 inch barrel.
I,too,am wanting a 22lr revolver. I guess the posts narrowed it down to 617 4". Just gonna be a range gun so features like 6 or 10,lock/no lock,MIM really don't matter. Just any used 617 4" will do.
Joe Hohmann
Member
I bought the S&W 617 6", and love shooting it. I like the fact that it has the same weight and balance as my S&W 686 6" .357 magnum. I did put on wood "square butt conversion" grips because I hate black rubber. A nit-pick is that I'd rather it had a 6 round capacity rather than 10. My gun club limits loading to 5, and the 10-round cylinder is harder to line up for the first shot due to less space between rounds. It could win the award for "meanest looking .22 hand gun".
Redlegvzv
Member
Totally dig my S&W 617 6"!
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I thought my gun club was overly cautious because until recently they would not allow shotguns with buckshot on the action pistol ranges despite the 30 foot tall backstops.
Why do they do that? Does the 5 round limit apply to semiautos too? I could understand requiring single action revolvers that are not drop safe to be loaded so there is not a live round under the chamber but restricting all revolvers to 5 rounds does not make sense.
Joe Hohmann
Member
Yes, semi-autos too. It serves to set a "standard" for every handgun (without having to remember how many are loaded in a particular gun). 5 is easy to keep track of. As you say, 5 is safest for single action revolvers, where the hammer should be over a empty chamber. Our club is VERY safety oriented, which is fine with me. It has been in operation since the 1930s.
Jim1392
US Veteran
I like my model 63 3". It's light enough for a long day at the range. Adjustable sights and very accurate. Even though since I picked up a M & P 22C I haven't been shooting it as much. I can clean the 22C in half the time then the 63. But I guess I'm just getting a little lazy. 
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As the owner of a 4" 617 and a 6" Colt Diamondback, I recommend the 4" unless you hold a 6" and ensure you like the muzzle-heavy feel. Some people do, some don't, just like shotgun barrel lengths. The 2" extra sight radius is noticeable, but I still wish my Diamondback was a 4". And the muzzle-heavy feel is greater than a 686 because of the smaller bore. My 6" Pythons don't have the muzzle-heavy feel of the 6" Diamondback.
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