S&W 617 Info...

[howard829]

I almost have my mind made up on a S&W model 617, 10 round, 4 inch barrel. (Probably not gonna be easy to locate one with a reasonable price.) I searched the forum for thoughts and opinions on this gun and read some great reviews here and YouTube. What are your experiences with trying to locate the 617 and with your overall opinion of the craftsmanship? I have read some owners that have had complaints of a "canted" barrel and also marks on various areas of the gun. These might be do to quality issues and I'd like to know if these remarks are real or just what.

Howard

 

[1911 45]

I just recently bought a new 617-6 inch barrel. It took about 3 months from the time I ordered it. Mine checked out okay no canted barrel etc. If you do decide to buy one really check it over good. I know I spent at least 15-20 minutes going over mine before buying it. Unfortunately the issues you mention are real just take your time looking it over. This is my second 617 that I have owned they are great pistols.

 

[Rufus]

I bought a new 6 incher yesterday. I walked into a large gun dealer in Austin, TX and they had ONE under the counter. After comparing it to the Taurus and Ruger, it seemed to be a no-brainer for me. I noticed that the all-black sights were a bit to pick up in the LGS, but I took it to the range today and the sights were not as hard to pick up as I thought they would be. It shot a very tight pattern, pretty-much dead on. I live about 15 minutes away from Dawson Precision, and I took it over there today and I am having one of their sights installed on the front sight. If you don't know, Dawson Precision is one of the largest distributors for STI pistols, and their main market niche is their gun sights. I have them on both of my STIs and I love them. I decided to do the same for the new 617. The gun shoots like a dream I had several shooting buddies who wanted to shoot it also, and they loved it. When I took it over to Dawson Precision today, many there commented on what a great-looking gun it is and how solid it seems to be built. If you can find one, grab it!

 

[AveragEd]

It's interesting that so many posters on this Forum find the Patridge front sight difficult to see while serious bullseye shooters use almost nothing else, which is why almost every target-grade handgun comes with that sight or something very similar. It actually provides the sharpest (most defined sight "edges") sight picture and most repeatable sight alignment. Colored sights can become "blobs" with undefined edges that aren't conducive to the same sight alignment every time the gun is aimed at a target.

Now, if you're hunting in low light conditions, a bright color on the front sight can help and you're not trying to put numerous rounds into as close to the same hole as possible. Normally, you are trying to place one or two shots into an area about the size of a basketball (using deer as an example).

Ed

 

[33jayman]

It's interesting that so many posters on this Forum find the Patridge front sight difficult to see while serious bullseye shooters use almost nothing else, which is why almost every target-grade handgun comes with that sight or something very similar. It actually provides the sharpest (most defined sight "edges") sight picture and most repeatable sight alignment. Colored sights can become "blobs" with undefined edges that aren't conducive to the same sight alignment every time the gun is aimed at a target.

Now, if you're hunting in low light conditions, a bright color on the front sight can help and you're not trying to put numerous rounds into as close to the same hole as possible. Normally, you are trying to place one or two shots into an area about the size of a basketball (using deer as an example).

Ed

100 percent correct.

Jay

 

[Simpleman71]

I recently got my hands on a 6" 617. I will be getting the 4" when I find one. I can't understand why smith revolvers are so hard to come by. I have been waiting almost 6 months for a 686 4" barrel that I have on order.

 

[Rufus]

It's interesting that so many posters on this Forum find the Patridge front sight difficult to see while serious bullseye shooters use almost nothing else, which is why almost every target-grade handgun comes with that sight or something very similar. It actually provides the sharpest (most defined sight "edges") sight picture and most repeatable sight alignment. Colored sights can become "blobs" with undefined edges that aren't conducive to the same sight alignment every time the gun is aimed at a target.

Now, if you're hunting in low light conditions, a bright color on the front sight can help and you're not trying to put numerous rounds into as close to the same hole as possible. Normally, you are trying to place one or two shots into an area about the size of a basketball (using deer as an example).

Ed

I certainly can't speak for anyone else, but I can shed a bit of light on why I am changing the front sight. First of all, I should say that with the cost a new Model 617 being what it is, I really wasn't looking to spend any more money. However, I am a 63 year old fella who's vision is not what it used to be even three years ago. Within the past 6 months or so I have noticed that the vision in my left eye (my dominant eye) has become a bit cloudy. Additionally, about a year ago I developed floaters in my left eye (remember - the dominant eye). The bright fiber optic sights really help me in my target shooting. I love the sight picture that I have with my STIs, and I hope to get a similar picture with the M617.

 

[AveragEd]

We share some of the same pain. I'm 66 and my eyes are cross-dominant (right-handed with dominant left eye) due to Post Vitreous Detachment (peeling of the eyeball lining) in my right eye. I am a former Pennsylvania Class AA state trapshooting champion but can no longer shoot competitively, at least not like I used to, so I returned to shooting my handguns a few years ago only to find I could no longer focus on my gun's sights.

I was using 3.5x reading glasses to shoot which made the sights crystal clear but the target's bull looked like a blurry football standing on end. Dr. Harold Morgan in Olean, New York fitted me with glasses that allow me to see both my sights and the target at 25 yards with 90% or better clarity. He did that via the mail once I furnished him with my lens prescription.

There's always hope. Good luck with your shooting!

Ed

 

[Rufus]

I glad there are others who are having similar experiences. Lucky for me, my vision is not to the point of being distracting, but if I can help see the sights and the targets a bit better, I'll do what I can. I went to the range yesterday with the M617, M66, and STI Spartan. Of the three, I can sight the Spartan (which has the DP fiber optic sights on it) the easiest. The front sight really "pops" for me. The solid black sight on my M617 gets a bit muddied with the black rear sights. I still shot the gun pretty well, but I know it can be improved. The M66 has the black rear sights and the red-colored front sight on it, and it is pretty easy to pick up the sights on it.

 

[daveyc]

Dad got one 2years ago. Been a great revolver. The IL has never been an issue

 

[canvsbk]

I put an SDM red fo front on my 617. Awesome.

 

[Macinaw]

I've been shooting my 6 inch 617 in Steel Challenge for three years. I painted the front face of the front sight with gold auto touch up paint. I works well for me.

The gold worked ok for a while. I've recently painted the front sight red. This seems to show up better on the white steel targets better than the gold.

 

[Big Hoggy]

I just bought a 617 yesterday (7-3-13).
My two local dealers did not have this model, but I found one at Shoot Straight in West Palm Beach.
I felt the price asked ($759) was fair, and the staff were pleasant and helpful. Mine has the 4" barrel, and was the last one they had.
I hope to shoot it at my local range this Saturday.

 

[Macinaw]

The speed loader that is silver is from Shooters Connection and is worth the $60. The other plastic ones don't hold rounds tight. The loose round makes it harder to load.

 

[ridgewalker]

Seems like there is a 617 discussion here at least once a week which is fine with me because I have been wanting one for a long time but couldn't find one.
Then someone told me of a store that wasn't too close but had a good stock of handguns. I thought it was probably a tale since the stores nearby can't seem to get any guns to sell.
I stopped by just in case and it was true. I don't understand why some stores can have lots of stock and others can't get any guns.
They had a 4 inch and a 6 inch 617's. The 6 inch just felt better in my hand so I went back the next day and paid my money. It had some little scratches on the frame near the hammer so I got them to knock $50 off the price.
I live in the very gun unfriendly state so I have to wait because only one gun purchase in 30 days and a 10 day waiting period. So it is going to be awhile before I can shoot it but at least I found one and it is mine and locked up at the store. I know the general consensus in these 617 discussions here is buy the 4 inch but I liked the feel of the 6 inch. Can't wait to shoot it.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

I owned a 6" no dash 617 a few years back, but found that version too muzzle heavy, so I sold it with the intention of buying a 4" 10 shot model. A few months ago I posted a "Wanted to Buy" ad on several forums. I was very fortunate to have someone offer me a 4" 10 shot dash 4 (no lock). One of the first things I did, was to have a Hi-Viz fiber optic front sight blade installed. The standard black patridge blade works just fine for bullseye shooting and general plinking but I find the fiber optic blade is a better choice for the action pistol matches and steel. Accuracy is very good, and the gun balances much better than the 6" barrel.

 

[bbqbob51]

My 6" bbl 617 has been on order at a local gun shop since March. It's driving me crazy waiting for it to come in! I've heard of this canted barrel thing, that's just not right that they would let them out the factory door that way. Especially for the price and the stellar S&W reputation.
Hopefully mine will arrive soon and won't have any issues.

 

[angels-zero]

The white outline rear sight really helps me with the standard black front partridge. Good luck finding one but if you can , that is step one. My eyes finally gave up the ghost and I do not shoot bullseye but the white outline gives you an edge on the front black without opening up the width of the rear sight opening. Just my .02 cents. BTW, this revolver is sweet, recommend to all. Only my Peacemaker 22 can contend with it , but alas, the single action only aspect with the Colt makes the 617 more fun with the speed loader and speed block. Even though my 617 is a six shot, it matches my 66 better than the 10 rounder . Call me old school, but I'm pretty sure you won't find a .357 K frame with 10 rounds. I heard the 10 rounders go out of time quicker as well.

 

[qrachel]

Bought my 617 in Jan - a 6" 10 shooter. I love it, nary a problem in 1,000 rounds except two no fires in the first 50 rounds. These two rounds finally shot after two tries in a Sig 22 semi-auto. It's also a tack driver.

I'm going to change the sights as my 70 year old eyes need a lot of contrast and brightness to shoot decently @ 7, 10 and 15 yards. Though at 50 yards I'm better than 50:50 with small plates.

Get yourself a 617 and have some terrific shooting . . . it's a sweet package. BUT DO CHECK IT CAREFULLY BEFORE BUYING IT. I'm just sayin . . .

Good luck and great shooting,

R

 

[cbrobertson]

I recently got my hands on a 6" 617. I will be getting the 4" when I find one. I can't understand why smith revolvers are so hard to come by.

Interesting. I am just the reverse. Got the 4 inch 617 right away, been waiting for the 6 inch for a couple months.
SIGHTS: I don't understand why S&W don't put HIVIZ front sights as an included option, that is, included WITH the gun. It will not break the bank.
Also, I really miss the 'diamond wood grips smith's came with back in the 80's. They were beautiful.

 

[howard829]

Some real good replies to my original question. I do appreciate your input. Since posting it I have done more digging and found other posts elsewhere talking about the QC issue. As you might know by my items listed under my name, I am a real S&W fan. The M&P's are terrific and the 15-22 is outstanding. Anyway, the bottom line is I really have to pay attention to detail and if it affects me too much I'll have to pass on one, if one ever comes up. Smith has a longtime reputation with their firearms and that is what attracted me to them. I am only a casual shooter of paper and don't really know how much some of those quality issues will play into it. Most everyone has really good things to say about the 617 and look forward to more responses, especially the newly purchased ones.

One last question, and I should probably know the answer right off but I don't. Can someone enlighten me what the "dash" stands for when describing the 617? Also, the IL (internal lock) which model has that or do they all have it and what is it for?

Howard

 

[Stainz]

Here is my weekly posting of my now nearly five year old 4" 617:

First, lest they get bad press from a previous post, the DS-10 Speedloader and baseplate work great and are a fine buy for faster follow up range reload - just have your wife, etc, stoke that baseplate for you! The same story with the 8X variant and my 3" & 5" 63's. In fact, my only problem with such a speedloader has been with my recent SpeedBeez 351-7, whose ammo/chamber line-up seems to take more time & care. It may just be the nature of the beast, with those longer .22 WMR and the rosewood grip possibly being the problem. In any case, even it beats a small pill bottle with spare rounds! I have no association with Dave at DS-10 - he just makes a nice product.

I had recently turned sixty when I bought my new 4" 617 and reported about that purchase here. My greatest admonition then was to not wait too late in life for such a purchase. I see some were a bit slow to take my counsel... at least you eventually did! My eyes dictated a fun sight, the Patridge sight being great for bullseye paper hole punching. I loved the N-frame Ahrends cocobolo retro target grips, so I ordered an unfinished set, finishing them with a homebrew oil finish. Great hand fit! I chose a green HiViz, #SW617, for the front sight. Not shown are the Wolff springs and an 'adjustable' (Allen headed) strain screw, which, nearing five years later, is still set with blue Loctite. It is a lot of fun at the range, digesting a brick (550 rds) and a half of Fed 36gr pHP bulk ammo once before vanity had me clean the nasty revolver, which still functioned flawlessly. Ammo was plentiful then, too.

Oddly, my 4" 617 may just be the last revolver I'd own... well, along with a .38 of some sort for protection. Availability has always been spotty, although the lgs I bought mine from still recently had one and a 6"-er in their case. I bet they are more than the $609 + s/t I paid for mine nearly five years ago, however. At nearly $800 now, it is still a bargain. Congrats to those who have or are in the process of getting their 617!

Stainz

 

[Rufus]

Some real good replies to my original question. I do appreciate your input. Since posting it I have done more digging and found other posts elsewhere talking about the QC issue. As you might know by my items listed under my name, I am a real S&W fan. The M&P's are terrific and the 15-22 is outstanding. Anyway, the bottom line is I really have to pay attention to detail and if it affects me too much I'll have to pass on one, if one ever comes up. Smith has a longtime reputation with their firearms and that is what attracted me to them. I am only a casual shooter of paper and don't really know how much some of those quality issues will play into it. Most everyone has really good things to say about the 617 and look forward to more responses, especially the newly purchased ones.

One last question, and I should probably know the answer right off but I don't. Can someone enlighten me what the "dash" stands for when describing the 617? Also, the IL (internal lock) which model has that or do they all have it and what is it for?

Howard

The dash refers to engineering upgrades or revision made to a particular model. The higher the number after the dash, the newer the model is. I just bought a NIB Model 617-6.

I believe that all of the newer model of S&W revolvers have the internal lock. On my new gun, I never took the key out of the box it came in. I have no intention of using it (I keep my guns in a gun safe). If you have your gun locked, and trouble arose, you would be in a heap of trouble trying to fumble for the key to get the gun unlocked.

 

[ladder13]

I have a 6 inch no dash but the 4 inch 617's just feel more balanced to me

617-4

 

[angels-zero]

The dash refers to engineering upgrades or revision made to a particular model. The higher the number after the dash, the newer the model is. I just bought a NIB Model 617-6.

I believe that all of the newer model of S&W revolvers have the internal lock. On my new gun, I never took the key out of the box it came in. I have no intention of using it (I keep my guns in a gun safe). If you have your gun locked, and trouble arose, you would be in a heap of trouble trying to fumble for the key to get the gun unlocked.

Yes, and if you look at Stainz picture a few posts up, you will see the lock mechanism just above the cylinder release thumb tab doohickey.