Trigger 617 v 317 v 63

sjs

Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2003
Messages
338
Reaction score
185
Location
SC
I am looking for a new 22LR DA revolver with adjustable sights. I don't want to spend what used K22's cost now and it looks like my choices are Ruger GP, SP and LCRX or SW 63, 317 or 617.

I cannot find any locally and must order online, sight unseen. My experience suggests the Ruger rimfire models will have pretty bad triggers/actions for double action shooting (though I do like their centerfire revolvers). So, I am looking at the Smiths and I am wondering if any of these 3 models is more likely to have a decent double action trigger pull.

If not, is one of them more likely to be made good by a local gunsmith, without compromising the ability to reliably set off rimfire rounds?

I know the respective models have other differences but it is only the double action trigger and action feel that I am concerned with at this point.
 
Register to hide this ad
My 317 trigger is heavier than the 637 but not unusable asstories online would have you believe. I got it used so it may have had a spring change, I don't know... but it has been very reliable.

If'n I were you, I'd haunt gunbroker looking for a pre-lock 3" 317. Very versatile gun.
 
The 617 is a k or l frame and will have a better trigger than the jframe guns

@dhusman is right on this one. The double action trigger on J-frames cannot be tuned nearly as well as the trigger on a K-frame. If your goal is to tune the double action trigger, then the K-frame 617 is the only good choice from the S&W models you listed.

It should also be noted that the double action trigger on a rimfire cannot be as good as the trigger on a centerfire, because rimfire rounds need a harder strike, and therefore a stronger mainspring. However, with that said, a tuned up 617 can still be quite nice.

J-frame rimfires are handy guns that I like a lot, but excellent double action is not one of their strengths.
 
Thank you guys, I appreciate the help.
 
Back
Top