New to me model 617

[Nframe_is_no1]

Just picked up this nice 6" 617-5 today. It was on consignment at a local haunt. With what I have read on this forum about the prices K22s are bringing lately, I figured it was a good deal at $450 OTD. It came with its original box and papers, and looked unfired as there were no flashmarks on the cylinder. Interestingly, it is NOT a 10 shot, but rather fitted with the traditional 6 shot cylinder. The date code on the end label shows it shipped in 2006. In looking at my S&W catalogs from 2010-2007, the 6 shot cylinder option, which was offered in 6" only, disappears from the catalog after 2007. I hadn't realized they discontinued the 6 shot option. This appears to be one of the last 617s shipped with the 6 shot cylinder. It is fitted with a wide target hammer and smooth, wide target trigger. Although both are MIM, the action feels as smooth as butter! With the cold today, I was only able to shoot 12 rounds of Wal-Mart bulk box Federal ammo, but no sight adjustment was necessary at 25 yards! I guess with the return of the 17 and 18 in the classic series, I guess they figured anyone who wanted a 6 shot would buy one of those. Here's some pics:

Just for fun, here's its great-granddaddy, my 5-screw pre-model 17 from 1951 (I have the original grips put away):

 

[GLC1]

Both are very nice revolvers.

$450 is a steal for that. I bought a new 4" 617 recently and paid $700. Well worth it though, it is quite a fun shooter.

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Great gun, great price! You did well. Congrats, and Enjoy!


WG840

 

[95XL883]

Sweet. Great price. My local GLS wants $715 for a new one.

 

[robctwo]

I just got a new 10 shot 4" for $650, good job on the purchase.

 

[Dyerbill]

I have a 4" 10 rd one and it is terriffic! You got one fine gun at a great price.

 

[Joebklyn]

Ditto! Nice find.

 

[markush]

Nice catch!

I'm not trying to burst your bubble but people have had 10-shot cylinders fitted to their originally 6-shot 617's, so couldn't it go the other way also? Feesable, practical?? Flash marks are fairly easy to clean off the smooth cylinder face of my 617 with just Hoppe's, and ridiculously easy with one of those Lead removing polishing cloths.

In any case I would have jumped on it also!!

 

[Iowahunter]

Nice find... I'll be the oddball here and say that "I" prefer the sixshot 617's. Unless its needed for some competition I'll stick to Old School 6 shots

 

[PMRet]

I like the 6 shot 617's also, they make great practice guns for the larger caliber revolvers.