S&W 617 in 4 or 6 in. barrel ????????

[hberttmank]

I prefer the 4''.

 

[forsyth793]

What do you think it would cost to replace a 6" barrel on a 617 for a 4" barrel. Fiber Optic front sight wouldn't be a bad option either............

 

[$2Ray]

I have shot both models (10-rnd. cylinders) and prefer the 4". The 6" is somewhat nose-heavy, whereas the 4" seems perfectly balanced to me.

That's also my opinion after shooting both barrel lengths.
I still own both, but prefer the balance of the 4".

 

[surfdog76]

What do you think it would cost to replace a 6" barrel on a 617 for a 4" barrel. Fiber Optic front sight wouldn't be a bad option either............

SMITH & WESSON REVOLVER WORK: SDM SW

- Remove Barrel , Shorten , Recrown , Install Weigand Ramp with SDM Super Sight - $250.00

- Photo Essay on 4" Conversion " in process" : 4 conversion

 

[Flashman]

For pure target shooting and competition, the extra 2 inches of sight radius makes a big difference. However, if it is for practice for a 4 inch revolver, it makes more sense to have a 4 inch since it will carried, drawn and shot at closer distances and better replicates a 4 inch centerfire revolver. That said, the 617 is a K-frame and even in the 4 inch model is heavier than a corresponding four inch K-frame such as a Model 19. I think mine is 6 to 7 ounces heavier.

 

[tnpatriot]

four

I have had the 4" & 6", 686 & 617. I shoot the 4" better with both. I have previously owned about every conceivable barrel length. I much prefer the shorter ones.

 

[surfdog76]

Any chance you'll want to hunt with it?

If so, check your states "Game-And-Fish" laws. Some states have minimum barrel length requirements....

 

[SpeedBeez]

Vote Early Vote Often Vote S&W 617

I’ve lived in Chicago were it has been said vote early vote often so I’m casting my vote for both.

When I went to buy one I couldn’t decide so if you pocket book allows vote with it get them both.

I’m glad I did it when I did they have really gone up I gave $1050.00 3-4 years ago before Obama. I think today I could only vote once, sure glad I voted the good old days.

Bottom line they both are fine revolvers and fun to shoot. I have them both and recommend you just get one any one you will eventually wind up have them both!

The coolest thing I’ve ever found for them is the Speed Loader by Speed Beez. Get your self a 617 10 shot speedloader and the biggest loading block you can find you’ll be glad you did! I have 3 180 round blocks when other shooters display the attitudes go big or go home. You’ll only have to listen to their grief until they run out of ammo and go home. When you here go big or go home see who’s going home first. You can afford to stay at the firing line.

Yeah I spent a lot when I bought them both, but I have a low cal shooting diet and have shot these two guns more than anything else in the gun safe, they go with me every time.

Grand Opening of SpeedBeez.com "Putting the Sting Back in Your Pea Shooter"

 

[ab4ka]

as much as I love my 6", I'm pretty sure if they'd had a 4" at the time I'd have gotten it. You can't go wrong with either one but the 4" is going to balance a little better.

 

[410bore]

i have 6" and 8 3/8" 617's and an 8 3/8" full lug 17-6....they are all great! the only reason i dont have a pre-lock 4" 617 is because i cant find one

 

[gr7070]

I'm looking to buy a 617 to practice with. The 22 rounds are a lot cheeper then 40 cal. and 45 acp

No one has yet to ask the obvious question to me:

What bbl length are your .40 and .45 revolvers?

If you have plenty of both or expect to I'd get whichever you use most often, and barring that I'd go with what is likely the more versatile length, 4".

 

[mg357]

i suggest the 4 inch barrel its easier to carry

 

[PMRet]

...the 4-inch 617 is just an ideal training platform for all of my centerfire guns.

I agree. This 617, 686, and 16-4 make a lot of trips to the range together.

 

[snubbiefan]

I got stuck with a 6-inch around 21-years ago. I think NIB it was like $274.00 or so. My only regret is that I did not buy all the dealer had.

 

[chickasaw hunter]

A couple of years ago on a routine stop at my local gun shop I found a 6" 617 no dash six shot square butt. I paid $500 for it. At the time I remember thinking I might be over paying a little, but it would be worth that in a year or so and I don't see them very often. If I'd had a choice I'd go for a 4", but I've never seen a 4" at any of my usual gunshops. Ironically, on my next visit to that gun shop they had another 6" 617 in on a consignment sale and it was priced at $595. This was back when the inaguration sale was in full bloom and no one was "dealing" on the prices. I think it may have been a 10 shot. Since I'd just bought my 617 I didn't pay close attention to it. I've used the 617 to teach my son in law how to shoot and it's been perfect. I'm glad I made the impluse purchase, I wasn't sure until I got it to the range and shot it. So knowing what I do now I'd buy which ever I could find. CH

 

[revolvergeek]

I have a 6" with the 10 shot aluminum cylinder and find it pretty muzzle heavy, but accurate. The 4" with the stainless cylinder has a better balance to me.