617 History
• 617: 1989 introduction.
• 617-1 (1993): Change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, change extractor, synthetic grips introduced.
• 617-2 (1996): Introduction of the 10-shot alloy cylinder version; 10-shot glass-beaded stainless steel frame with alloy cylinder.
• 617-3 (1998): Change in frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud; eliminate serrated tang; change to MIM trigger; change internal lockwork for the 6-shot stainless steel version.
• 617-4 (1998): Change in frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud; eliminate serrated tangs; change to MIM trigger; change internal lockwork for the 10-shot stainless steel cylinder version of 617-3.
• 617-5 (2001): Internal key lock system on 6-shot frame.
• 617-6 (2001): Internal key lock system on 10-shot frame.
• 2002: 8-3/8" barrel discontinued.
• 2003: Introduce new design star extractor system.