Thoughts on a 617?

[dcmdon]

Hi all. I'm looking to purchase a 617. I'm a big fan of buy once and buy right way of thinking.

I'm a FFL and can get the a new 617 wholesale. So is there any reason to get any older used ones?

I know people get all worked up about MIM parts. I don't care. My biggest concern is accuracy.

I can make the triggers work better, but I can't change a barrel or retime a cylinder myself.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I've only shot one. It was my dad's 6" 10 shot. I have shot 1" 5 shot groups at 20 yards from a rest with open sights. I can't say if that is typical. But that is pretty good IMO.

 

[Tom C]

I have 3 617s. The only problem I see with them is that the stainless barrels tend to be just a bit rough and can require break-in. Once broken in, mine have all shot very nicely.

 

[jkc]

617s are a frequent topic here --- the consensus seems to be that 4" guns are better balanced and favored by most respondents here... I like mine...

 

[WNC Seabee]

I'm a huge fan of my 4" 617 and it has MIM, lock, etc. Drop in a Wolff spring kit for a quick and effective "trigger" job. Very accurate, reliable and a pure joy to shoot.

 

[fyimo]

I'm old school for what it's worth and I have a 6 inch and 4 inch no dash that shoots 6 shots per loading.My 4 inch out shoots the 6 inch in terms of accuracy for what's it worth.

That said I don't think there is anything wrong with the new ones and 10 shots are better than 6. There have been complaints recently up here about fit and finish on the new S&W revolvers and also a lot of canted barrel problems. So you might want to view the posts up here talking about these issues and decide for yourself which version to get.
The only one I would stay away from is the 617 with the aluminum cylinder as that was short lived and I wouldn't buy one because they had problems.

 

[j38]

I just got back from the range where I spent some time with my 4" 617-1. In terms of accuracy, it will shoot up there with any revolver I've ever owned. Used ones are available at a price. I can't claim to be up on recent value but would guess it would be north of $650.

Good luck,

Jerry

 

[Big Cholla]

I am a big Model 617 fan. Mine was purchased as a 6 shot 4" bbl. and I quickly converted it to the 10 shot cylinder. It took a little fitting to get the timing right but is well worth the effort. Also did a quick trigger job and 'smoothed out the rough edges' internally while I had it on the workbench. Wonderful accuracy, wonderful balance, wonderful ergonomics. I wouldn't mind having one in 6" bbl. now. ............. Big Cholla

 

[boatboy]

I sure love mine
although out of the box I had to hire two Hooters girls to help me pull the trigger
I sent it out first try too light lots of misfires second time beautiful, what a fun gun

Hank

 

[Macinaw]

Get it!

I have a 6 inch that I use for Steel Challenge; it is my favorite gun to shoot.

For competition I shoot OSR and RFPI. When I want to go to the range just for fun; the 617 is my first choice.

 

[Macinaw]

With a 10 shot speed loader and a loading block it is possible to put a couple hundred rounds down range with a blink of an eye!

 

[SweetMK]

I got my no dash at a LGS for $300 plus tax plus $2 call in charge. It came with rubber Pachmayr grips.

I paid the hang tag price, no discount. Obviously, from the price, I did not pick it up last week!!

I found the grips at an old gun shop for $10, the owner did not know what they fit, I took a chance they were for a "K" square butt.


It shoots like a natural extension of my hand!!

I also shoot a Ruger MKII with 10 hours of trigger work, that shoots about the same as the 617.

The chrome trigger is bumper shiny on the finger surface, works great for my over reach (XL hands).

 

[PMRet]

Strictly personal preference, but I prefer the older ones. I like the looks of the old style frame, thumb piece, cylinder stop stud, and the flash-chromed hammer & trigger. I like the six shot version because it matches up closely with my centerfire revolvers in timing and weight. And a used 617 no dash like this one will bring quite a bit more money than a brand new current production 617...