S&W 617 Mountain Gun

[mag318]

Just got my 617 Mountain Gun and it's a very interesting 22 revolver. It funny how they put the ball joint lockup in the frame and crane like on the 686 Mountain Gun but I'm wondering why on the 22 MG. This has to be a strong lock up but the 629 MG doesn't have it just the traditional lock up. This is a nice series of revolvers and I'm sure the next one will be in 45 Colt. Looking forward to a range session soon to see if it shoots as well as my 6 shot Model 617 and the competition, the Colt King Cobta Target 22 which I can tell you right off the bat has a much smoother and lighter action. The Tyler Gun Works grips feel great.action.

 

[Bald1]

I didn't realize the 629 did not have ball detent. That 617MG is a beauty. Love the 10 shot.

 

[stansdds]

I didn't realize the 629 did not have ball detent. That 617MG is a beauty. Love the 10 shot.

S&W has yet to move the forward lock to the crane with the N-frame... yet. One can only wonder how long before they do.

 

[SLT223]

It's a neat little piece. A stainless tapered barrel k frame .22 was LONG over due.

I left out the 610 for now. Just can't bring myself to enjoy moon clips. Did get the other three. They are all winners. I actually feel lucky based on some others' experience, but all mine work and shoot great.

 

[The Norseman]

Congratulations on your new 2025 S&W 617
Mountain Gun 10 shot.

You have a nice addition to your collection.
You will enjoy it. I like the Mountain Gun
series, all of them.

I'm looking forward to my 2025 S&W 686
M.G. 357Rem mag 7 shot. I got notified that
it arrived Monday. I'll pick it up in August.

Please give a Range Report when you get a
chance to shoot.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

Here's my 15Oct1997 S&W 617-1 4"bbl 6-
shooter Hills Gun, lol.

 

[glenncal1]

What is going on the side of the barrel rib in picture 5?

 

[AC Man]

What makes a Mountain Gun a Mountain Gun? I always thought it was a defensive gun for large animals that want to kill you that you carry for protection. What am I missing? Don't get me wrong, I actually want one.

 

[cowboy94916]

Congrats on the new 22MG. Let us know how it shoots down the road, My dealer is looking for me now. I hope to join You soon. Likewise have been on the fence on the 610 having experienced a 646 with moon clips.

 

[gdpolk]

What makes a Mountain Gun a Mountain Gun? I always thought it was a defensive gun for large animals that want to kill you that you carry for protection. What am I missing? Don't get me wrong, I actually want one.

Marketing mostly. Something full size but light to carry is the idea.

But in this case: tapered barrel (lighter carry weight), half underlug (lighter carry weight), ball detent lockup on the rimfire and 357 versions (which used to be a custom gunsmith option only, excluding the model 69s), reinforced forcing cone to handle hotter loads, one piece barrel like the older guns vs shrouded barrels, flash chromed trigger/hammer vs case hardened, no locks, upgraded gold bead front sight, and TGW "custom" grips.

 

[mag318]

What is going on the side of the barrel rib in picture 5?

Polishing compound that I just wiped away.

 

[AC Man]

Thanks gdpolk. So it is a nice gun with nice features, but not intended for protection like every other Mountain Gun before it. Still makes a nice target shooter.

 

[mag318]

I find the Bear Hug grips a little thin so I was experimenting with some different ones and think I like the VZ G-10 grips the best so far.

 

[The Norseman]

This is what I have gathered
What defines a Mountain Gun:

Usually a S&W "N" frame revolver.
Lighter weight than standard same caliber.
For self-defense, plinking, target shooting.
1950's style 4in. tapered barrel, nice
sculptured raised sight plane, 3/4 under lug.
Cylinder Front edge is chamfered/beveled.
Non-target Hammer spur.
Non-target trigger.
Firing pin on the hammer or internal frame
mounted firing pin.
May have key side-plate internal lock safety
device.
Adjustable Rear Sight. Pinned Front Sight.
Manufactured from Stainless Steel w/
brushed finish, or maybe Carbon Steel w/
blued finish.
Grip frame is usually a round butt.
Textured Synthetic Rubber grips or wood grips.
Just an authoritative, nice, fit, trim, holstering
revolver suitable for packing around while hunting.

Cabela's Outfitters 44Rem Mag M.G.

 

[mag318]

Made to the range this afternoon and put a 100 rnds thru the new 617 Mountain Gun. It shot fine and I do like the Bear Hug grips after shooting it.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I think all of the K-Frames use the new lock up, the purpose of which is to allow a full diameter barrel shank, thereby eliminating the 6 o'clock flat on the barrel shank. It is easier for them, I suspect, to standardize on one frame. The N-Frame does not need it as there is more distance between the ejector rod and the barrel so the N-Frame never had the 6 o'clock flat on the barrel shank and its associated problems.

 

[shawn mccarver]

What makes a Mountain Gun a Mountain Gun? I always thought it was a defensive gun for large animals that want to kill you that you carry for protection. What am I missing? Don't get me wrong, I actually want one.

The Mountain Gun is so named because it is lighter (like a "mountain rifle") by virtue of the 1950 profile tapered barrel. I don't recall who first coined the term "mountain rifle," but it was meant for sheep hunters who are walking at high altitude and want to carry as little weight as possible.