Which one: Smith n Wesson 617 vs Ruger SP101

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This will be my first rimfire revolver. I like the 617 because it has better trigger and is 10-shots. The SP101 is lighter and shorter which is what I prefer.

Which one would you pick? Please help me decide.
 
I haven't shot a 617, but I can tell you that I didn't keep my SP-101 .22LR. My major gripes were I found the grip too small and I didn't care much for the 8-shot capacity. Call me nutty (not that I have much choice in the matter) but I have an almost irrational preference for round counts which are divisible by 5.
 
If you buy a New 617 keep in mind that some people like myself experienced issues with light primer strikes. You might have to send it for warranty
 
Thank you all for the unanimous recommandation. The 617 will be my first rimfire revolver.


If you buy a New 617 keep in mind that some people like myself experienced issues with light primer strikes. You might have to send it for warranty

Is light primer strikes a common issue for the 617? Where did you send it in for warranty and how was the service?
 
Thank you all for the unanimous recommandation. The 617 will be my first rimfire revolver.




Is light primer strikes a common issue for the 617? Where did you send it in for warranty and how was the service?



I haven't sent it in yet but will be to Wolverine supplies.

I have found reviews recently detailing this same problem so it sounds like it is somewhat prevelent in newer production revolvers
 
The Ruger is a good gun, the 617 is a fine gun and you won't find such a trigger on the Ruger. BTW my Model 41 is my very first rimfire. ;)
 
I traded my 1K round GP100 (last model with rosewood inserts) for a mint 17-3.
Pretty much equal value wise, IMO. I wanted to stick with Smiths, he wanted a strong revolver.
Win-win.
Sounds like a win-win to me. I really enjoy my model 17 and use it for speed steel. Being a six shooter, I get only one miss on the steel unless I reload :).
 
There are 4 17's now on the EE. From $600 OBO shipped to 750 plus shipping. I'd go for the $600 shipped OBO.

Offer $550. I got my 17-3 (mint) couple months ago for a trade value of $700 shipped.

If i find the piece I like, $50 up or down doesn't matter.
 
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I have had a 617 6 shot. Really nice gun, but got rid of it for a 41. Still have a SP101 but I got it for my kids. Trigger is so heavy my hand hurts after 60 shots. Be prepared to swap springs.
 
Between a Smith Wesson 617 (current brand new) and an SP101, I'd take a 17-3 or older, anytime.

Me too. I bought a 617 a few years ago and it was defective right out of the box. A backblast of debris with every shot. I got it fixed under warranty. The gunsmith said the forcing cone was out of alignment. Every maker produces a lemon now and again, but still.

Later I got a used 17. Better trigger, better gun in every respect I’d say. YMMV.
 
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