Tell me about S&W 617's

skeetgunner

skeetgunner

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
17   0   0
Location
Burlington
I've got the bug for a new .22 revolver and have been looking at used S&W 617's. What should I be looking for? What's the price range? Are 10 shot versions more desirable than 6 shot versions? Any traps to be aware of?

I'm really looking for something to complement my 6 shot 686.
 
I've shot my friend's 10 shot 617. It was a very nice and accurate revolver. I know some of the earlier 617's had aluminum cylinders. I'm not sure if this would be an issue or not. One thing I've heard/read about is that the 10-shot models have a different indexing feel to them so I'd recommend you go to a store and try it out as some people on the internet claimed that this threw their cadence off when attempting to use the 617 as a practice gun in place of their 6-shot centrefire revolvers. I have a 686 as well and while shooting my friend's 617 I noticed the difference (DA) but it didn't bother me. For me, my preference would be a 6-shot 617 with a stainless cylinder. The DA feel would be closer to my 686 and I'd have 4 less holes to clean. FWIW, a store I frequent has told me that he won't order 6-shot models for his inventory as the demand is for 10-shot models. YMMV.......
 
I have a model 17-6, 6 shot with full underlug. Identical to the 617 except blue.

It is very nice to shoot and it feels very close to my 686, the barrel is slightly heavier on the 17 (617) because not as much metal is removed in the bore.

I did have a problem with brass stating to stick in the cylinder after a few hundred rounds. I polished the chambers (Flitz on a .27 bore mop in a cordless drill) but haven't shot it yet but it should do the trick.
 
Last edited:
I have one with the 10 shot cylinder and it isn't for sale. A trigger job smartened that up and my eyes prefer the 2X Weaver that you see mounted. The rings and base are a Jack Wiegand Integra mount (all one unit).

SW617.jpg


They don't show up often in the Exchange forum and don't stay there long when they are there. If you find a used one, I think you'll be glad to get it, its unlikely that one can wear it out. :)
 
I traded three rugers (Mk II, 22/45 & Single Six convertible) to buy my dad a six inch six shot 617. he loves it, I find the barrel two heavy and the trigger not as nice as my old single six.
Last week we had our first problem with it, the lock flag beside the hammer would not go down and the wart would not turn. With a little judicious wiggling of the flag I was able to unlock it.
I can't fault it's accuracy, my dad shoots it better than any of the previous three .22s.

My personal preference would be a six inch model 17 with the old skinny barrel, for me they balance better. . If I find one I'm going to buy it.
 
I have a brand new 617, 10 shots, fired twice.
Nice, accurate gun, but I hate cleaning it. 10 chambers is 10 too many.

I know now that I'm a pistol kinda guy.

It is for sale for the right price.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom