Which S&W 617's have the aluminum cylinder?

[Bigblock]

I'm in the market for a S&W 617 and would like to avoid the aluminum cylinder version. Which years or dash models would be aluminum, or what years or dash models are stainless cylinders?

 

[valkyriekl]

The 617-2 had a 10-shot aluminum alloy cylinder; All of the others have stainless steel cylinders. Some of the last 617-2s apparently had stainless steel cylinders. The finish on the 617-2 is bead-blasted to match the clear anodized cylinder.

617-0: flash-chromed forged parts, non-drilled&tapped frame, 6-shot stainless cylinder
617-1: color case hardened forged parts, drilled&tapped frame, 6-shot stainless cylinder
617-2: CCH forged parts, D&Ted frame, 10-shot aluminum alloy cylinder (transitional, later ones started to have MIM triggers and stainless cylinders)
617-3: MIM hammer/trigger, D&Ted frame, change to integral frame lug, 6-shot stainless cylinder
617-4: 10-shot stainless cylinder
617-5: 6-shot stainless cylinder, internal lock system
617-6: (current production) 10-shot stainless cylinder, ILS

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

My 617-2 with a stainless steel cylinder

Some -2's had a stainless steel cylinder. When I was first looking for a ten shot, they were all aluminum cylinders, when my local gun shot got this all stainless one in I picked it up. Bought new 4/98, changed the rubber grips to Hogue wood.

 

[james56]

New 617 SS 10 Shot

Bought early this year. What an awesome Revolver. Very accurate. What a blast to shot esp. with the DS-10 Speedloader's and block. They have on Badger Stocks on

 

[stevieboy]

My 617-1 has flash chromed hammer and trigger but is drilled and tapped. Does that make it a transitional gun between the no-dash and the -1?

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I don't remember which -# this one is and there's too much snow to go look. I only bought it because it appears to be one of those factory mistakes.
This might be one of the first of the steel cylinder 617's but I don't really know for certain.

Sorry about the poor pic quality, it was an old camera, handheld and I just haven't gotten around to redoing it.

 

[valkyriekl]

My 617-1 has flash chromed hammer and trigger but is drilled and tapped. Does that make it a transitional gun between the no-dash and the -1?

Probably. Never say never with S&W!

 

[5Wire]

Here's another 617-2 with a stainless steel cylinder, CCC7XXX:

 

[Bullet Bob]

Don't hate the aluminum!

I have one, it balances great, and shoots better. Over 3300 rounds so far - not many really, but I love that gun.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Personally, I wouldn't necessarily avoid a alloy cyl on a S&W .22. They still use this material in 317's and it's working fine. Actually, I'd be very interested to "feel" the difference in weight and balance of a alloy cyl version of a 617 in 6". Might not be a bad thing to shed some ounces on this not so balanced gun.

BTW, I believe the 17-8's had alloy cylinders too.

 

[valkyriekl]

I have a 617-6 (ILS, SS cyl), 617-4 (non-ILS, SS cyl), and 17-8 (AA cyl).

The 617-4 balances best to me with its SS cylinder, as the -6 has extra material to accommodate the lock. The 17-8 is a little lighter, but because of the AA cylinder its balance point is a little more forward.