Why Are 617s In Such High Demand

[Bob1943]

The Model 617 is a fairly expensive revolver for a .22LR. I have posted on this model before that they are non-existant in Arizona. I have had that model on my Alert list at Bud's, KY Gun Co, and Davidsons.

Today I got 3 E-Mail Alerts from Davidsons that they were in-stock. The first alert came in at 8:32 AM. I clicked the link within 5 minutes and they were all gone.

The 2nd alert came in at 8:52 AM. Again, I was on there within 5 minutes and they were all gone.

The 3rd alert came at 9:37 AM. Same story, they were all gone within a few minutes.

I assume that Davidsons staggered the Alert notices to give more folks a chance to buy one.

Why are these such a hot item with the price point they command? Plus .22LR ammo is nearly impossible to get in AZ. I would think that most folks would be looking for a little cheaper gun for a .22LR.

 

[Waywatcher]

Yeah, beats me.

I had a .22. A 10-22 was my first gun and I bought it with "my own" money. Sold it a few years after that. Haven't missed it. .22s really don't do anything for me. The whole buying frenzy surrounding them makes no sense to me whatsoever.

 

[Mike McLellan]

I wouldn't hit a dog in the *** with a 617. When you can choose between an outdoorsman, a K22, or an old Model 17, why bother?

 

[robin990]

You`ll never regret buying a K22 , i chose it over the 617..... as both were in front of me when i picked the K22

 

[NZshooter]

Name another quality full size stainless steel DA revolver that currently manufactured.... though I prefer my no-dash

 

[Vistula]

I own a 17 with a 6" full lug with combat grips and no one expects a .22lr to come out the muzzle. I really like it, but I honestly enjoy shooting my Ruger Mark's much more than the heavy 17.
It could be as simple as how rare 22's are. It is without a doubt the classiest 22 out there.

 

[robin990]

Frankly i like my Ruger MKII 6 inch , my K22 6 inch and my Ruger Single Six 6 1/2 inch.....they are all excellent and accurate.....but the K22 , theres something very sweet about it. The fact that it was made in 1951 and shoots tack sharp makes it a favorite.

 

[raylan007]

I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP A 4" FROM A OUTFIT BY THE NAME OF D L HUNTING THAT HAS THEIR OWN SITE BUT MAINLY SELL FROM GUNS INTERNATIONAL. THEY HAD A TOTAL OF 5 AND THEY HAD THEM FOR A WEEK OR SO, THEY WENT FOR $750. A WEEK LATER I RECEIVED A E-MAIL FROM KY GUNS, THEY WERE GOING FOR $690. I WOULD PUT BOTH OF THESE FOLKS ON YOUR SEARCH LIST. WHEN S AND W DOES A RUN YOU WILL GET YOUR M617, NO NEED TO PAY A PREMIUM. GOOD LUCK

 

[TTSH]

Recently, I had to settle for a brand new Ruger SP101 8-shot .22 LR revolver in lieu of a used S&W Model 617 4" pre-lock, which is what I really wanted. The few used 617 pre-locks that come up for sale around here are almost always 6" but I don't like the extra weight or balance. The very few used 4" pre-locks that come up for sale go extremely fast and for the big bucks. And I won't spring for a new or newer IL gun under any circumstances... no thanks Smith & Wesson.

Yes, I would have preferred to buy a pre-lock Model 17 or Model 18 or a pre-17 K-22 but it just wasn't in the cards. I looked all over and couldn't find one that I could afford in reasonable (undamaged, corrosion-free) condition.

 

[robin990]

How do u like the SP-101 ?

 

[TTSH]

Why are these such a hot item with the price point they command? Plus .22LR ammo is nearly impossible to get in AZ. I would think that most folks would be looking for a little cheaper gun for a .22LR.

Sorry, I should have answered your question more directly. There are plenty of inexpensive guns that shoot .22 LR... but there is no direct competitor to the S&W Model 617 if you want a brand new, full-size, stainless steel .22 LR revolver that holds 10 rounds. S&W owns that niche market and the price of the guns reflect that. My wife recently attended a licensing safety class where they had her shoot the Model 617. She was totally impressed with it. She wanted to take it home with her!

.22 LR is available up here in MA but you've got to either work at it or pay a premium to get it. It's still the cheapest ammo to shoot by far... although some reloaders will try to dispute that.

 

[TTSH]

How do u like the SP-101 ?

I haven't gotten it to the range yet, which is temporarily closed down for maintenance.

The SP101 is my compromise "consolation prize" after striking out on the preferred choices I listed above. Two years was enough searching and waiting for an appropriate, affordable S&W to come along.

Never even thought about getting an SP101 until earlier this year when a used one appeared locally for a very good price. Too bad for me that I hesitated and someone else bought it before I could return the next day with the cash. But it did put in my mind the idea that an SP101 could be a reasonable substitute for a Model 617.

Fast forward to last month and the opportunity came up to buy a brand new one, so I did. I am not a big Ruger DA revolver fanboy, but enough was enough waiting for an affordable used pre-lock S&W to come along. It just wasn't happening.

 

[robin990]

You just might love the SP-101.....i shot a range owned GP100 and couldn`t tell the difference in triggers from my Model 19. I thought it was a terrific gun

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

Well it is not only the 10 shot version that is going to for higher prices, the 6 shot is as well. I love my 617 even if it is only a 6 shot. Look at it this way for those who want to practice, you can get the weight and feel of a L frame but in a K frame 22. They weigh the same. Plus being heavier on the nose end does help accuracy, well for me it does. It has to be my favorite revolver.

James

 

[jaymoore]

Buy one and find out what you're missing. I did. About 6-8 times now. From a pre-WWII K22 to a current 10-shot 4" 617. And will probably end up with a 6" 617 as well. That's the one barrel lenght I don't have in a 617. They get shot. A lot. The 8 3/8" 617 is a favorite squirrel getter.

 

[dentkimterry]

I bought a 6" 617 a couple of years ago. I liked it so much that a year later I picked up a 4" model. They are great shooters and cheap to shoot replacements for my 686"s.

 

[at_liberty]

You just might love the SP-101.....i shot a range owned GP100 and couldn`t tell the difference in triggers from my Model 19. I thought it was a terrific gun

But I think we're talking SW617s here.

 

[at_liberty]

I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP A 4" FROM A OUTFIT BY THE NAME OF D L HUNTING THAT HAS THEIR OWN SITE BUT MAINLY SELL FROM GUNS INTERNATIONAL. THEY HAD A TOTAL OF 5 AND THEY HAD THEM FOR A WEEK OR SO, THEY WENT FOR $750. A WEEK LATER I RECEIVED A E-MAIL FROM KY GUNS, THEY WERE GOING FOR $690. I WOULD PUT BOTH OF THESE FOLKS ON YOUR SEARCH LIST. WHEN S AND W DOES A RUN YOU WILL GET YOUR M617, NO NEED TO PAY A PREMIUM. GOOD LUCK

Nix the all-caps, please.

 

[TTSH]

You just might love the SP-101.....i shot a range owned GP100 and couldn't tell the difference in triggers from my Model 19. I thought it was a terrific gun

Oh, I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't think it would suit my needs... ... but I still would have preferred a pre-lock 4" Model 617 all other things being equal.

Well it is not only the 10 shot version that is going to for higher prices, the 6 shot is as well. I love my 617 even if it is only a 6 shot.

I had no intent to "diss" the 6-shot version. I would have snapped one up in a heartbeat if I could have found a pre-lock 6-round in 4" at a decent price. 10-round vs. 6-round wouldn't have made any difference. It's only the 6" full lug barrel that I'm not too keen on.

 

[R*E]

I bought a new 617 4" this spring. Absolutely love it. I can see why they go for so much.