Why Are 617s In Such High Demand

[357-RevolverGuy]

I didn't realize they were in high demand. In the past year I've come across two 10 shot model 617 (both 4") at the same gun shop. I handled one out of curiousity and it was nice but felt they were too pricey for a .22.

A temporary compromise for those really wanting a 10 shot .22 revolver could be found for $150 less with a Ruger Single Ten. It's a single action but in my opinion looks classier and has a nicer set of grips than the 617.

 

[S&W1006]

Because they are the best .22 revolver made. I wouldn't sell mine and I want a second one.

 

[MTKTM]

I have a 617 6" that I bought five or so years ago. Great gun. I'd pick up a 4" if I could find it. The SP101 .22 is nice, I got one of those a year or so back and like it, but it's not the same, is closer to a 63 than a 617, although not as fine as the 63s. I wish S&W would reintroduce the 63 in both 2" and 4" versions.

 

[ca survivor]

I have a 617

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Already got a pre 17 and several other 22s.
The 617 are hard to find and I regret not buying the only one I've seen locally.
The other Smith 22s are all great shooters and I'm sure the 617s are too!

 

[Green Frog]

As with so many other Smiths, the used market can be your friend. If you are willing to search hard enough, a lightly used example may show up for about new retail (without the premium) while you might get lucky and find one with a few cosmetic issues (it is a shooter, after all) for somewhat less.

I disagree with the current street price of 22 still being cheaper than reloads... when even modest quality bulk ammo goes for 10-15¢ each, I can load 32 S&W Longs with my cast bullets for much less (if you don't count my time, since I'm retired) and I have them when I want them. Of course finding good quality 32 S&W revolvers isn't getting any cheaper either!

Good luck,
Froggie

 

[MattJames]

I like the full lug frame and like the 6" barrel. I found this used 617-2 earlier this year. I love it.
It's a great mate with the 686

* Don't mind the Ruger (it's a fun shooter, too)!

 

[Camster]

I'm perplexed why some guys think guns should be priced according to caliber size.


PS: One of the sweetest deals that I ever found was a perfect condition 17-4 that had just come into the shop,and was priced by a young clerk that was all about "tactical",and also had that "it's only a .22" mentality.

 

[Clovishound]

I like the full lug frame and like the 6" barrel. I found this used 617-2 earlier this year. I love it.
It's a great mate with the 686

* Don't mind the Ruger (it's a fun shooter, too)!

I don't mind. My daughter and I have been shooting together for about 6 months. She starts off with my/now her, Mark I. I start off with my model 10. She has gotten better than me with it. At some point she will shoot about half of the reloads I bring with the model 10.

I tend to prefer the model 10 these days. She likes it, but the Mark is her fave.

FWIW, I'm going to rent a 617 when we go today. I just hope it's not such a beat up rental that it leaves me with a bad taste for the larger DA .22 revolvers.

That sort of happened with this range's model 63. I shot a friends, and loved it. I rented an identical model at the range for my daughter to try, and neither one of us could stand it. Bad trigger, and the sights were way off. Just wasn't the same. I know, a beat up rental........

 

[TTSH]

As with so many other Smiths, the used market can be your friend. If you are willing to search hard enough, a lightly used example may show up for about new retail (without the premium) while you might get lucky and find one with a few cosmetic issues (it is a shooter, after all) for somewhat less.

I disagree with the current street price of 22 still being cheaper than reloads... when even modest quality bulk ammo goes for 10-15¢ each, I can load 32 S&W Longs with my cast bullets for much less (if you don't count my time, since I'm retired) and I have them when I want them. Of course finding good quality 32 S&W revolvers isn't getting any cheaper either!

Good luck,
Froggie

Last .32 long S&W I came across for sale in a shop was an antique Iver Johnson. Would have probably bought it for my collection except for the fact that the shop owner warned me never to try to shoot it.

Even as bad as things are, I can still put my hands on .22 LR today in MA without a fight for ~8¢/round... Mini-Mags for 10¢/round. But no need. My "stash" is adequate for now and it was all bought at Walmart-like prices.

I hope prices improve (from a buyer's perspective) in the used S&W .22 LR revolver market. I haven't given up looking. I just couldn't wait any longer... hence the SP101.

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

High demand for 617's

The 17's 18's and 617's have always been great to shoot for target, hunting and for double action practice for your centerfire companion.




But don't underestimate the popularity of the competition shooting sports like SCSA and others. Some are now adding rimfire revolver divisions and the 10 shot 617 is very popular (some blame me for starting that).

 

[TTSH]

I have a 617 6" that I bought five or so years ago. Great gun. I'd pick up a 4" if I could find it. The SP101 .22 is nice, I got one of those a year or so back and like it, but it's not the same, is closer to a 63 than a 617, although not as fine as the 63s.

I already owned a 63... but I wanted a 617 or other, larger/heavier 4" (or 6") S&W pre-lock .22 LR. This was a big issue for the wife and myself when I started pondering the readily available, less costly SP101 as a possible substitute for the elusive affordable, decent condition Model 617 pre-lock (or 17 or 18 or K-22) that I couldn't find. I did a lot of hands-on research, spec comparison and thinking about it before concluding that the SP101 would at least temporarily fulfill our needs.

Yes, I still want a pre-lock 617 someday. I mean, who the heck doesn't?

 

[Macinaw]

The 17's 18's and 617's have always been great to shoot for target, hunting and for double action practice for your centerfire companion.




But don't underestimate the popularity of the competition shooting sports like SCSA and others. Some are now adding rimfire revolver divisions and the 10 shot 617 is very popular (some blame me for starting that).

Yes! I blame you for making me purchase two 617's. I tried not shooting one in Steel Challenge. I shot my M 41 and didn't have nearly as much fun as shooting my 617. Now, I only shoot my 617 in rim fire division.

 

[madmikeb]

I've got a full set of 617's, 4, 6, and 8-3/8, and they are among my favorite handguns. The 10 shot capacity is simply great. I use them for pin and plate competitions.
I haven't shot my 17 in years, and it's been even longer since I've shot my 63.

 

[Lou_NC]

The Model 617 is a fairly expensive revolver for a .22LR...........

When I see comments like this I get really confused.

What makes people think that it takes any LESS engineering, manufacturing skills, attention to tolerances, or premium materials to build a QUALITY revolver in .22LR vs. centerfire calibers?

Is it because the bore is drilled to .22 vs. .357, .44, or .45?

If anything, the fact that the unique nature of a rimfire revolver (firing pin offset as compared to centerfire revolvers) would actually drive costs HIGHER, not lower than comparable centerfire revolvers, which can share the same frame design across a range of calibers.

Have there been much less expensive .22 LR revolvers sold over the years? Sure! H&R, Taurus, Rossi, and others have produced far less expensive revolvers (in .22LR as well as centerfire calibers).

But, show me a significant difference between a J-frame or K-frame revolver in a centerfire caliber and .22LR. There really isn't any, so why would you expect the price to be any different?

Lou

 

[TAROMAN]

In MY hands, this 617-6 is more accurate than my 17-2, 17-4 or 18-4.
Since it arrived, they haven't been out of the safe.
Already won several matches with it.

BTW: 10 shots doesn't hurt, either.

 

[H Richard]

There are quite a few people that wish S&W would make the 617 with the mod 17 barrel profile (no under lug). But with it's current popularity I doubt if that will happen. For those who shoot one handed precision, the full lug barrel in 6' is just too heavy for a long match.

 

[Chukar60]

The price is justified. They are a top tier gun in a market that is dominated by cheap, poorly built and inaccurate guns. I have never seen a Smith 22 revolver shot off a rest that was not accurate. Not to say that there are not some out there, I just have never seen one.
This little J frame has proved very accurate and is a joy to carry on hikes. It was worth every dollar spent on it.

 

[5Wire]

The 617P is a very interesting example of used firearms actually selling for more than new ones. S&W Suggested Retail Price is $829. A well known internet sales last offered the 617P 4-inch for $699 delivered. Below is my track on the 4-inch version. Note that the AVERAGE USED PRICE was at $800 as of last April. This has been going on and off for years.

 

[tomfrey]

I had a 6" 617 6 shot a few years ago because that was all I could find at the time and it was used. Finally found a 4" 10 shot, choked at the over $800 price tag (NOBODY had these in stock that were available to me) but paid the piper and got the gun. Very nice trainer for the 4" 686 & 625 that I also shoot. Years ago I had a few 5 screw K-22's and yes they are fine guns, but this modern 10 shot certainly gets the job done nicely.