Yea or nay: S&W model 617

[Coastie762]

A question for owners of new production 617s- do the barrels use the EDM rifling seen on current centerfire revolvers or conventional style rifling?

I have a 617 "no-dash" 6" that I purchased new in 1993. Still an excellent shooter. If one comes my way I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a 4" version.

 

[rmw]

Feelings? 617 with lock? Since you asked... No. No. No. Find one without. Or buy it and tell S&W that it's ok to have it on there. I've had a couple pre locks and they are exceptional.

 

[TexasRider]

I just purchased a SW 617-6 with 4" barrel. I ordered it through Scheels and it cost me $850.00. Only paid $698.00 for my matching 686P with 4" barrel. I shot about 80 rounds of various brands of ammo, 10 rounds of Federal, 10 rounds of Remington Golden bullets, but the majority was Blazer. I have extreme leading in the first inch of the barrel. It is so bad I can't get a jag through that part of the barrel. It looks like a cave in there with stalactites and stalagmites. What do you fellow 617 owners use to clean the lead from your revolvers?

I called SW Customer Service and it was suggested that I didn't clean the barrel well before shooting. He also cautioned against shooting copper coated ammo after shooting lead. He said it is OK to shoot lead after copper but not copper after lead.

I like that the 617 looks just like my 686. It is just like shooting the .357 686 just not as loud, not so much recoil, and much cheaper to shoot.

When you get your new 617 make sure to clean the barrel very well to get all the preservative lube out of it.

Interesting on the S&W comments.

As for cleaning, there are some lead cleaning products out there.

Montana Extreme makes a lead cleaning liquid solution. I cant say for sure, but I think it is called Cowboy Blend.

The old standby for cleaning lead from barrels is the Lewis Lead Remover Tool. It works.

Another good way is to wrap some copper Chore Boy around a somewhat worn cleaning brush and run it through.

 

[djw]

I did experience some leading at forcing cone when new. Cleaned up easily with Hoppe's and cotton patch. Soon settled down and no more lead. Guess it was a "break in" issue.
Fine piece and never leave home without it. By the way, it is 4 in. current production with the silly lock.........

 

[slickracer]

The only problem I have with my 617 is I can't put it down at the range. I'm always mumbling, one more cylinder, one more cylinder, one more cylinder.

Enjoy!

 

[il Padrino]

The internal lock should not be an issue/concern unless you plan on using it as a carry gun and concerend about the lock locking itself, but with the mild recoil of the .22 it's should not be an issue.

 

[bbqbob51]

The 617 is next on my list to buy. I've been leaning towards new because I generally hate taking on someone's problem. I suppose if I could get a good enough deal I could go with a used one.

 

[avigar]

I'll probably end up buying a new one as well. Older ones, in excellent condition, are going to be just as expensive and a rare find. I don't foresee any issues with the internal lock since it will be strictly for range use anyway.

 

[LL617]

All I wanted for last birthday was a six inch 617. Didn't get it then, but spouse surprised me with one for valentines. I always shoot this revolver first at the range because it is fun, has little recoil, has an easy pull in DA [straight out of the box], and makes my targets look like I'm a marksman. I occasionally let my spouse use it. I introduced my friend to shooting; she thought I was nuts when I brought it out [she is only about 4'10"] but she, too, found the revolver smooth and easy to use. And, oh, yes, she took up target shooting, too.

I'd love to have another, older 6 barrel model just cause I like the 617.

I think you'll be pleased whether you get a 4" or 6".

 

[imashooter2]

I've got a 6 inch. Very pleased with it. It does put a fair amount of lead on the top strap, but that cleans off easily enough. It balances a little muzzle heavy. The 4 inch would probably have been a better choice, but 6 is what was on the shelf when I arrived with money in my pocket.

 

[robvious]

my 617 is a favorite of mine... and my son... it is the 6inch 10 shot and eats everything I feed it... makes the old guys at the range jealous as we pop clay targets at 50 plus yards.... then I give them a turn... not that difficult really.... great gun...

 

[qrachel]

6", 4" . . . Fiddle-de-Dee, Please Buy Both PCs for Me!

I'm committed to a new 6" just as soon as my friendly gun shop gets one in (they currently have a 4" tempting me daily) - I'm next in the queue. I like the 6" sight picture better and the weight and feel is similar to many of the 617's bigger bore siblings. The 4" is super nice, and I'd definitely keep it if I had one while pursuing the the longer barrel version.

In the end, if someone absolutely must have the best 22LR wheel gun today, then all the research and anecdotal evidence I've been through in the past month suggests that there's none better than 617PC.

Happy trails,

 

[Aviator]

I ordered a new 617 4" today. The wait is 2 to 6 weeks.

Based on internet chatter I wonder if I shoud buy a used back up revolver to shoot while my 617 is back at Smith and Wesson for repair.

 

[SAWMAN]

A 617 is a must have for any S&W revolver fan. Never go to the range without it! (Mine loves Federal Automatch Ammo)

 

[qrachel]

Mid-May Update

I'm committed to a new 6" just as soon as my friendly gun shop gets one in (they currently have a 4" tempting me daily) - I'm next in the queue. I like the 6" sight picture better and the weight and feel is similar to many of the 617's bigger bore siblings. The 4" is super nice, and I'd definitely keep it if I had one while pursuing the the longer barrel version.

In the end, if someone absolutely must have the best 22LR wheel gun today, then all the research and anecdotal evidence I've been through in the past month suggests that there's none better than 617PC.

Happy trails,

Wow: I've had my 10 shot 617 6" four months now - In a word: Superb!!! And in every way superb - fit, form, function.

R

 

[jaymoore]

A bit outside the size envelope, but I had the 8 3/8" barreled 617 on the 100 yard range today in anticipation of getting back into IHMSA shooting again. It shoots better now than it did ten years ago. If rams are missed it's NOT the revolver's fault!

Both the new and old 4" 617s have been drama free, but the IL 10 shot model wants to eat too much scarce .22 LR ammo...and quickly!

 

[cbrobertson]

This is my very first post. From what I have leaned from this VERY extensive 617 thread everyone is quite impressed with this revolver.

To reaffirm: Is the 617 10 shot .22 S&W revolver built with a round butt K frame?
I have place a 6" barreled 10 shot on order with expected pick up date 01-July-13. Cash price will be $700.00 + extortion (tax)

Watched a u-tube video where his 617 cylinder would lock up in single and double action. What I did notice was that the shooter was double action dry firing it quite a bit. DUHHHH.

 

[justintyme]

The 617 is a Round butt K Frame.

 

[vito]

The 617 is expensive, but a great gun. I prefer it over any of my semi-auto 22LR target guns. Highly accurate, feels and looks great, no recoil, and easy to clean. I probably would not have bought this expensive a 22 but I had bought a Kimber Ultra Carry II at this shop, and after three trips back to Kimber for constant FTE and FTF problems, the store offered to give me a very good deal on a trade in. The only gun he had in stock that I was interested in was the new 617. It was almost a straight trade and I am really glad I ended up with this accurate great gun instead of a good looking but unreliable semi. Mine has the internal lock, but since it is just a range gun I don't see it as any big deal (and for what it is worth, I have had this gun several years, fired thousands of rounds, and the lock has never engaged by itself.)

 

[one eye joe]

***WARNING*** DON'T REMOVE THE INTERNAL LOCK ON YOUR 617 (OR ANY OTHER S&W) AND SEND IT IN FOR SERVICE. YOU WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY. RE-INSTALL THE LOCK BEFORE YOU SEND IT IN.........