Smith&Wesson Model 617 Revolver

You may be surprised, but 2 brands actually took a double strike to ignite about 20% of the rounds......

I ran into this with my new, to me, High Standard Double 9. But in the end it wasn't the ammo but the fact that the rounds were a bit sticky in the cylinder chambers. So what happened was the first strike finished seating them the last few thou and then the second strike ignited the round. On yours it may have been lack of cleaning like with me or it may have been shoddy ammo which was out of round or oversized.
 
I ran into this with my new, to me, High Standard Double 9. But in the end it wasn't the ammo but the fact that the rounds were a bit sticky in the cylinder chambers. So what happened was the first strike finished seating them the last few thou and then the second strike ignited the round. On yours it may have been lack of cleaning like with me or it may have been shoddy ammo which was out of round or oversized.

Thanks, never thought of that.

1 type of ammo shot fine in my 10/22, but had problems in all of my handguns, the other was crappy no matter which gun. I did give the 617 a good scubbing after my problems and it has worked fine since.
 
Have the first model of 617 (no dash after the model number) with the factory wood finger groove grips and 6 shot cylinder, got it around 92-93 IIRC. Great pistol, will never sell it. Very smooth trigger and wickedly accurate.
 
I ahve one to go with my Browning medalist. I shoot bullseye on mondays and you can not beat it ( mine at least for accuracy). if you are planning on aquiring any other S&W revolvers than I suggest this one or a model 17. the close weight and size of the gun go a long way with accuracy between it and the 38's & 357's. There no need trying to blow smoke and say it close to a model 29 or 629 cause they are Entirely different animals. GrI say grab it up, especially if its a 6 shot, they are defibnetly not going down in price.
good luck
 
I have a 617, very well made, fun rimfire. Much more economical to feed than a full size Model 66 or 686. Seems to shoot all the bulk .22 rimfire ammo reasonably well. I have the traditional 6 round version. Not particularly enamoured with the 10 shot versions. My only complaint? Probably an excessively heavy double action trigger pull...one of these days its going to the gunsmith for some trigger work to lighten that up. Still plenty useable, but not as light as I'd prefer.
 
I picked up a 617 (6 shot a couple months ago; I am quite impressed with it and it balances sinilar to my 27. I bought it primarily so I did not have to chase 22 brass in the sand, but it oushoots the Ruger MarkIII Hunter I had before, so that is a bonus.
 
Pics of my Model 617 and 17

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Hey guys i was wondering if anyone owns or at least shot the 617 .22lr revolver. I looking for a review or some feedback. Thanks!

I had it, excellent revolver, I never heard about 617 that wasn't accurate. Be aware that some some early 10-shooter could have aluminum cylinder. The one and only reason I sold mine because it was too heavy for my taste. Some folks like heavy guns claiming that they are more steady and getting better accuracy. I personally found that 617 is muzzle heavy and after few hours my hands were getting tired, and my group getting quite bigger. I strongly suggest go on range and try it. As you could see, they are going for about $600 used one. However, if you are really after accurate 22 LR gun, put on pile additional 150-200 bucks and look for S&W 41 semiauto.
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Another VERY good semiauto was made by Browning. I personally like Challenger II, this one has steel frame and you can get a nice one for $300-400.
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If I am not mistaken Challenger III and Buckmark have aluminum frame. Apparently, they are also very good guns, but I am old school and prefer all steel guns.
 
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I shoot my 686 and 617 twice a week. They pretty well feel the same, and both are great accurate revolvers.

So, these would make an excellent pairing, for practice and ammo cost the 617 mimicks the action/feel/weight of the 686? I am looking at a 686 and 617 (both new) for $1600 for both. Does that seem reasonable?

I also am looking at a K22 and a 28-2 (both with 6" barrels and used), would these two also be pretty similar in action/feel/weight ? I found these for about $1000... again, does that seem reasonable? Thanks.
 
I like it!

Traded for a slightly used one couple of years ago and it's the only 22 cal revolver that I will own. Looks great, nice balance and just feels like a large frame pistol. I like the 10 shot cylinder because the .22's just "evaporate" out the barrel so quickly. Also, the adjustable sights are great for setting up your individual gun to how you hold, shoot, etc. I don't have any finish issues with mine and haven't heard of anyone else having a problem.

I'd definitely recommend it.
 
get it, get it, get it!

I shot my instructors at my club when i took my att saftey course. Never thought i would want a revolver ever. Now that would be the revolver i would buy period. Don't second guess buying one just do it and you won't be sorry.
 
The 17/617 revolvers are probably the best designed and built and most understressed revolvers available used or new, today. Will literally last a lifetime and more.

Shooting my 17-3 makes for a boring day at the range. No excitement at all. I know I will hit what I am shooting at. This is one pistol that will stay in the family long after I am gone.

Occasionally, a round or two may require a second hit to fire, but I just consider the misfire a "flinch" removal training exercise. No problemo.

Cost $250 "used" in average cosmetic shape, but very tight mechanically, in 2002. Had it D & Td for a Leupold scope mount and used it with a Tasco Propoint 2 until I went back to iron sights two months ago.
 
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