Smith and wesson model 617 worth the money?

J

Jayph

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I am sending the wife to London, Italy, and Scotland in June. I have always wanted a rimfire revolver, and I figure I'll need something to do when she is gone and what better way then some range time with a new gun. I have had this model saved in my list of want's for many years but just Have a hard time with the cost being it's a rimfire.

So I need to be pushed over the edge. Guys that own the the 617 was it worth the grand? Would you do it again?

Thanks

Jason
 
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If you must have the 10 shots and you must have new then yes, it's worth it. I know I would not part with my blued 6 shot 17 for less than that.

I've tried a bunch of different DA rimfire revolvers and the S&W is head and shoulders above them. I was seriously thinking that the new'ish Ruger SP101 in .22 would give it a run for it's money. But the trigger on the Ruger simply doesn't compare.

It's also something you'll have for the rest of your life. So what's a few more bucks? Just think of it as two guns in one if that makes it easier. So you have one really GOOD gun where you could have two mediocre ones.
 
617 is an excellent revolver, but if i was buying a 22 right now i'd look at the Model 17 Masterpiece in their classic line....blued revolvers just look better.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766189_-1_757903_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
 
The 617 is one great revolver, i shoot it way more than i thought i would, kind of an addictive firearm, it's the 22LR reference in my book, it have pushed my Sig 226R Classic 22lr in the safe... JP.:)
 
I don't own the 617 but have shot one. Best and most accurate 22 revolver I ever fired. It is on my wish list.

Worth it.........I see where you are coming from but at the end of the day I would say so. They hold their value better than many other pistols.
 
Had one , sold it in favor of a semi. That put aside, it is, was, a beautiful gun. If I was inclined to buy a revolver in .22 I wouldn't hesitate. The trigger and fit & finish was unlike other lower priced revolvers. If $$$$ not an issue grab it
 
I sold my 6 shot to a local guy at my club. I was sad to see it go, but he agreed to let me buy it back if he ever goes to sell it. I'll jump at the chance if he does.

Solid and beautiful. The older 6 shot had the rosewood stocks, and it was fantastic.
 
I have one and absolutely love it. Built to last generations and will take all types of ammo. Accuracy is too good to be true. I am blown away at my groupings at 25 yrds. If you get one the speed loading kits are a must.
 
I had the Ruger SP101. I liked the look of it but the grips were just too small for my hands. And the DA trigger was not good at all. I got the 617 after I sold the Ruger. It fits my hands much better. I'm very happy with it.
 
The S&W .22lr revolver has been on my wish list for awhile now.
Shooter's Choice has both a stainless Masterpiece and a Classic listed on their website (GST included).
 
Recently picked a 617 up and am pretty impressed, I had bought a Ruger SP-101 .22 and was not completely happy with the finish on it and despite doing a spring kit, could not get over the trigger. It did shoot well, and liked the size, but wish I had of just gone with the Smith 617 right from the start. I don't think the Ruger is a bad choice, but think the 617 is a better one. You won't regret buying one if you enjoy shooting .22.

What ever you decide on, as long as you enjoy it that's all that matters.
 
My 17-4 has ruined me for other .22lr revolvers. I was all exited when the SP101 was coming to market but when I got the chance to finally handle one I was disappointed. My Smith locks up tight like a bank vault and is ball bearing smooth compared to the Ruger I held.

S&W all the way.
 
I have an old 17-2 that just keeps shooting tiny groups all day. I owned a 617 later on and sold it soon after.
Found the 617 too heavy with a 6" full underlug. Liked it much better with a 4" full underlug that I also owned later.
The weight and balance of the 17 just seems perfect to me and I still own it. In fact, I'll be sending it for a rebluing this summer. It's an old friend that taught me how to shoot pistol in my youth and still keeps going.

Many years have these two guns kept me in practice and still do. An older CZ 452 and S&W 17-2.

CZ452_SW_17.jpg
 
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I have a 617 that I picked up 6 months ago. Wonderful gun. I have several 22 pistols, but this revolver is my favourite. Very accurate. If you get one, DO NOT sell it.

One thing though. You should clean out the cylinders after 300 to 500 rounds as the ejection gets harder due to build up in the cylinders. Fires anything and only misfires when a cartridges is clearly hit on the rim but did not ignite. Happens on cheaper or lousy ammo.

Lately I have been having good luck in reliability with Remington 550 gold washed hollow points in all 22 pistols I shoot.
 
Me to, i have found a cheap source of 22 lr ammo, these 222 WWB at 13.00 at Baron are very reliable and shoot great in my Sig/Beretta/Single 10/617... Did stock them up in big quantitys... JP.
 
We're shooting a bunch of that 222 Winchester with the juniors. It's sticking badly in most of the bolt action rifles. Badly enough that it jumps the extractors and needs to be pried out with a small screwdriver. But it's OK in others. My advice is if you come across any of it buy it but be prepared for it to only be used in some specific guns.

It's been fine in my Ruger 10/22 and Henry lever so I've been letting the kids shoot those to avoid having to pry too many empties out of the chambers of the club's bolt actions.
 
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