S&W 19 RB ; S&W 617 4" vs 6"

[WP]

I have 2 different questions (I hope this doesn't violate the rules).

A friend wants to sell me his cherry S&W 19 4" with a factory RB. Does any have an idea what would be an honest prices to pay? (no box)

Second I want to buy a 22 revolver. I know many people rave about Model 17, 18 but the 617 has a distinct look that appeals to me. I get about equal recommendations for the 4" vs 6". The 4" groups says 6" to heavy. The 6" group says 4" not as accurate.
Unfortunaely I have not shot either. I'm leaning toward the 4"...not going to use it for hunting etc...just my wife and I plinking at pine cones etc.
Anyone tried both and have a favorite?

 

[Smithboomer]

I own both the 4" and 6" versions of the Model 617. I agree that the 6" is a bit heavy. The 4" is your best bet.

That said, my all-time favorite .22 revolver is the Model 17. It combines the 6" length with the lighter weight of a no-lug barrel.

 

[murphydog]

If the 4" model 19 is a factory RB, it is likely a later production gun (-6 or 7). Sounds to be about a $500-550 gun depending on how good a friend he is, or you want him to be in the future .

You can't go wrong with either a 4 or 6" 617, but I lean toward the 6" too heavy side, not that this affects it as a shooting gun.

 

[civil1977]

Own both and would recommend the 4" 617. Best balance and no loss in accuracy to me.

 

[AveragEd]

I also own both barrel lengths in no-dash 617s and agree about the muzzle-heavy feel of the six-inch. Oddly, I guess, my four-inch is slightly more accurate.

Ed

 

[wantmoresmiths]

I sold the 6" 617 due to the heavy barrel. Went with the 10 shot 4" barrel and couldn't be happier. If I didn't want/need the extra capacity of the 10 shot, I would go with the model 17.

 

[5Wire]

I owned both a 617-2 6-inch 10-shooter all stainless. I also had a 617-6 4-inch 10-shooter with the lock. I preferred the 4-inch and sold the 6-inch. Here's a picture of it:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y286/5Wire/Firearms/617-2LoRes.jpg

No photo of the 4-inch but it's like RdrBill's but with the IL and factory rubber. Picks off shards of clays at fifty yards, easy to schlepp and not tiring to shoot a lot. Both very accurate revolvers.

YMMV

 

[Engine49guy]

They are all great but for plinking I suggest the 4" Model 617 first,
then the 6" Model 17, then the 18, then the 17-6 four inch, then the 6" versions,
then the 4 and 5 screws and then start on the .22 LR J frames...

 

[PMRet]

For me, with full-lug barrels the 4" balances better and the 6" is a little muzzle heavy. With standard barrels, the 6" balances better and the 4" is a little too light.

 

[ryxlyx]

Agree w/ PMRet. I know that the added momentum of the 6" full-lug HB helps w/ my delivery. Having said that (and owning 617 FL in both 4" and 6", as well as a 6" 617 and a 6" 17 that are both nolugs) I'm gonna sell the 6" full-lug-- as someone earlier said, the others are quicker, and are just more fun!

6" tapered nolugs are a sweet compromise-- you get the longer sight plane/higher velocity w/o the added weight.

 

[Mike McLellan]

I know I'm a hopeless show-off, but I stuck a Model 617 10 round cylinder (and hand) in an old Model 17-3. Now, I get the beauty and utility of both.

 

[WP]

S&W 617 4" 22 v.s. 6" 22

Thanks guys for sharing your preferences. From what most of you said the 4" seems the way to go. This was reinforced today when a friend let me handle both 4 & 6. Perhaps some day I'll purchase both but for now I believe the best for me/wife is the 4 inch.
Again thanks to all of you who took the time to answer my questions...gun guys are the most friendly.
Bill

 

[ridgewalker]

Have you thought about the 3 inch barreled Model 63? It's a J frame. I think it is worth considering. It's a fun little shooter.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Or, you could look for a 617 like either of these: